CSRD -1500 Data Points: What Are They Good For?

Across Europe, companies are now deep into their journey of implementing the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). For many, this means tackling the much-discussed 1,500 data points outlined in the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). It might seem overwhelming—but what is it really good for?

From crisis to accountability

Let’s put things into perspective. We are facing a global sustainability crisis, and whether we like it or not, the EU is determined to lead the way out of it. For too long, businesses have operated in a system that has allowed the exploitation of both people and nature. While many companies have pledged commitments to human rights and environmental responsibility, the reality often tells a different story.

That’s why the EU Green Deal was launched—with a bold goal of making Europe climate neutral by 2050 while ensuring that companies take responsibility, not just for their own operations, but for their entire value chain.

Why CSRD is a game-changer

One of the first steps in the Green Deal was SFDR, which forced the financial sector to disclose the sustainability impact of their investments. But with companies reporting in different ways, using various sustainability rating systems, comparability was nearly impossible. The lack of standardization led to confusion and mistrust in sustainability claims.

Enter CSRD, the most ambitious corporate sustainability reporting framework in the world. For the first time ever, companies are reporting on sustainability with a standardized structure. Thanks to ESRS, the 1,500 data points create a level playing field, ensuring that businesses can be fairly compared across sectors.

In 2025, as the first wave of CSRD reports is published, investors and stakeholders will finally have comparable and reliable data. Companies that have invested in sustainability will see tangible benefits, with stronger investor confidence and competitive advantages.

What this means for boards and executives

Yes, the reporting requirements are extensive. But they are not just an administrative burden—they are a strategic opportunity. Companies that embrace CSRD will not only comply with regulation but also position themselves as leaders in the sustainable economy.

As a board member or executive, your role is crucial in ensuring that your company doesn’t just react to CSRD, but leverages it for long-term success.

Join our board training on CSRD to understand how sustainability reporting is shaping the future of business—and how you can turn compliance into a competitive advantage.

👉 Learn more and sign up here

Tove Ahlström

Founder, CEO and Sustainability Expert at Just Sustainable AB and

EU Climate Pact Ambassadour

Bio:

Tove Ahlström is a sustainability expert, speaker, and EU Climate Pact Ambassador for the European Commission. She holds a Master of Science in Engineering from Linköping University and has experience working in both small and large companies as well as in the public sector.

Tove also serves on the board of Kvinna till Kvinna, a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening women's empowerment worldwide. Previously, she has held roles such as Secretary-General of the Network for Sustainable Business, CEO of the think tank Global Utmaning, and Head of Sustainability at Apotea. In 2017, she was a finalist for Sweden’s Best Sustainability Manager and is recognized as one of Sweden’s 101 most influential sustainability leaders by Aktuell Hållbarhet.