The Best ESG Reporting Templates for CSRD Compliance

In today’s business landscape, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a legal requirement for many organizations. The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) represents one of the most significant regulatory shifts in corporate accountability, requiring businesses to disclose their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance in a structured and transparent way.

For companies now facing these obligations, choosing the right reporting template can make all the difference. The right tools simplify compliance, help generate reports aligned with sustainability reporting standards, and ensure transparency with stakeholders. In this article, we’ll explore what CSRD means, the benefits of ESG reporting, and how solutions like Baserow’s ESG software solution can help companies streamline the process.

Comprehending CSRD and its influence on ESG disclosures.

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is a transformative EU regulation designed to elevate sustainability reporting across industries. It expands on the earlier NonSustainalytics is ideal for evaluating ESG risks and performance. Key attributes include ESG risk ratings, portfolio evaluations, and thematic studies, making it perfect for investors and financial organizations.-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), bringing more companies under its scope and mandating higher standards for disclosure.

Under CSRD, companies must report on how their activities impact both society and the environment, as well as how sustainability challenges may affect their financial performance. This “double materiality” perspective ensures a balanced view of risks and opportunities.

Key aspects of CSRD include:

• Broader scope: Applies to large companies, listed firms, and even non-EU organizations with significant EU operations.
• Enhanced reporting requirements: Businesses must disclose data on environmental social and governance (ESG) practices that influence their operations and impact.
• Digital reporting format: Reports must be filed digitally, making them accessible and analyzable for regulators and investors.

From 2025, around 50,000 companies will need to comply, submitting sustainability disclosures alongside their financial reporting. For many, this means adopting structured tools that align with European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). You can learn more about practical tools for compliance in Baserow’s ESG software solution.

Benefits of ESG reporting under the CSRD

While the primary goal of ESG reporting is compliance, the benefits extend far beyond regulatory obligations.

• Transparency and stakeholder trust: Companies that publish a clear sustainability report demonstrate accountability, helping build stronger relationships with customers, employees, and investors.
• Improved risk management: Assessing ESG data helps organizations understand potential challenges such as resource scarcity, labor issues, or climate-related risks.
• Better decision-making: Integrating ESG insights into business strategy can uncover growth opportunities and support long-term resilience.
• Enhanced reputation: Compliance with CSRD positions a company as a sustainability leader, which can attract talent and capital.

For a deeper look at why ESG management matters, see: What is ESG Management.

ESG is also constantly evolving, with some questioning its future direction; however, many industry experts argue it is adapting to meet new global challenges (Is ESG dead or evolving?).

Getting started with ESG reporting

Transitioning to CSRD-compliant reporting may feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps can simplify the process.

1. Understand CSRD requirements

The first step is to study the directive carefully. CSRD requires businesses to align their sustainability disclosures with ESRS, covering areas such as governance, workforce, resource use, and climate impact. Reports must also include Scope 3 data—indirect emissions across the value chain—submitted in ESEF/XHTML digital formats.

2. Assess your company’s impact

Start by mapping your environmental and social footprint. This includes calculating your carbon footprint, evaluating labor policies, and reviewing governance structures. Stakeholder engagement is key to ensuring your reporting reflects material concerns.

3. Gather relevant data

Data collection spans multiple departments. Energy consumption, HR practices, supplier compliance, and board diversity are just a few examples. Transparency is critical; both achievements and shortcomings should be documented.

4. Choose a reporting template

A structured reporting template can significantly simplify compliance. Templates help companies organize data according to sustainability reporting standards and align disclosures with recognized reporting frameworks. For example, a reporting template can centralize all metrics and allow businesses to generate reports that are consistent and comparable year after year.

5. Regularly review and refine

Sustainability reporting is an ongoing process. Regular reviews ensure that your data remains accurate and that your disclosures evolve as your business practices change. Continuous updates also help companies prepare for potential audits and regulatory checks.

Baserow’s ESG reporting template

One of the most practical tools for companies facing CSRD requirements is Baserow’s ESG reporting template. Built on a no-code, user-friendly platform, it allows businesses to structure and manage ESG data efficiently.

Key features include:

• Customizable categories: Organize disclosures under Environmental, Social, and Governance themes.
• Alignment with SDGs: Track contributions to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• SMART target setting: Define clear and measurable goals for ESG initiatives.
• Comprehensive tracking: Link each initiative to actions, responsible staff, and progress milestones.
• Impact measurement: Record estimated and actual outcomes for transparency.
• Digital reporting: Generate reports aligned with CSRD requirements in a structured format.

By centralizing ESG data, Baserow helps companies save time, reduce errors, and stay compliant while ensuring their sustainability report meets the expectations of investors and regulators.

Benefits of using Baserow’s ESG template and database tools

Beyond compliance, Baserow’s template offers a range of advantages:

• Streamlined workflows: Automates repetitive tasks, helping teams focus on insights rather than admin.
• Centralized data: Keeps sustainability data consistent and accessible, reducing reporting errors.
• Flexibility: Tailor fields and reporting frameworks to your company’s specific needs.
• Real-time collaboration: Teams can comment, update, and track progress instantly.
• Integration-ready: API access allows easy connection to other systems.
• Transparency: A clear structure ensures ESG disclosures are easily understandable by stakeholders.
• Open-source and secure: Companies can self-host, ensuring compliance with strict data security requirements.

As businesses adapt to CSRD, Baserow provides a scalable, cost-effective solution to simplify ESG reporting while keeping data management efficient and reliable.

Other ESG reporting software to check out

While Baserow offers a flexible open-source option, there are several other ESG reporting tools on the market. Depending on your company size and industry, you may also want to explore these alternatives:

Enablon ESG Excellence

• Best for: Comprehensive ESG management and reporting
• Key features: Robust data management, sustainability modules, compliance tools, and advanced analytics.
• Best suited for: Large enterprises looking for an all-in-one platform.
• Pricing: Custom pricing based on organization size and requirements.

Sustainalytics

• Ideal for: Evaluating ESG risks and analyzing performance
• Main features: ESG risk ratings, portfolio screening, and thematic research.
• Most suitable for: Investors and financial organizations.
• Pricing: Tailored pricing depending on services and portfolio size.

CSRHub

• Best for: Benchmarking and ESG performance tracking
• Key features: Aggregates ESG data from multiple sources to provide comprehensive ratings.
• Best suited for: Companies and investors seeking performance benchmarks.
• Pricing: Offers a basic free plan and premium subscriptions for advanced data access.

EcoOnline EHS

• Best for: Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) management with ESG integration
• Key features: Tools for incident reporting, risk management, compliance, and sustainability data.
• Best suited for: Companies focused on integrating EHS and ESG goals.
• Pricing: Available on request based on organizational needs.

Intelex ESG Solutions

• Best for: Streamlined ESG data collection and reporting
• Key features: Centralized data management system aligned with global reporting frameworks.
• Best suited for: Mid-sized to large companies aiming for efficient compliance.
• Pricing: Custom packages based on requirements.

Get started with Baserow for ESG reporting and compliance

As CSRD compliance deadlines approach, organizations need a reliable way to manage and report on sustainability data. Tools like Baserow make the process far simpler by combining flexibility, customization, and accessibility in a no-code platform.

Whether you’re preparing your first sustainability report or refining existing reporting frameworks, Baserow can help you stay on track. With its ESG reporting template, businesses can generate reports efficiently, ensure accuracy, and maintain transparency with stakeholders—all while staying aligned with the corporate sustainability reporting directive CSRD.

If you’re ready to simplify ESG reporting and compliance, sign up for a free account today: Start with Baserow.