Key ESG Reporting Deadlines and How to Prepare

ESG reporting isn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s about building trust with stakeholders, enhancing brand reputation, and driving sustainable growth. However, with evolving regulations and multiple frameworks, keeping track of key deadlines can be challenging.

In this article, we’ll outline the most critical ESG reporting deadlines, explain their importance, and provide actionable steps to help SMBs stay compliant without scrambling at the last minute.

1. Key ESG Reporting Deadlines for SMBs

European Union (EU) – Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

• First Reporting Year: 2025
• Applicability: Large companies and listed SMEs initially, with more SMBs phased in later.
• What’s Required: ESG disclosures aligned with the EU’s sustainability standards.

UK – Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)

• First Reporting Year: Already in effect for large companies.
• Applicability: Gradually expanding to include smaller companies.
• What’s Required: Climate-related financial disclosures.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)

• Reporting Cycle: Annually
• Applicability: Voluntary but widely recognized internationally.
• What’s Required: Comprehensive ESG disclosures.

Key Insight: Deadlines vary by region and framework, but annual reporting is becoming the norm globally.

2. Steps to Prepare for ESG Reporting Deadlines

Step 1: Identify Relevant Regulations

Map out which ESG regulations apply to your business based on:

• Industry
• Size
• Operating regions

Step 2: Create an ESG Reporting Calendar

Include key milestones:

• Data collection deadlines
• Internal review periods
• Final submission dates

Step 3: Assign Responsibilities

Clearly define roles for ESG data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Step 4: Leverage ESG Reporting Tools

Use ESG software to automate data collection, track milestones, and generate reports.

Key Insight: Early preparation prevents last-minute scrambling and ensures better data accuracy.

3. Common Challenges in Meeting ESG Deadlines

1. Lack of Resources

• Problem: SMBs often lack dedicated ESG teams.
• Solution: Use ESG tools to streamline workflows.

2. Data Collection Bottlenecks

• Problem: Delays in collecting data from multiple departments.
• Solution: Create a clear data plan with assigned responsibilities.

3. Regulatory Ambiguity

• Problem: Uncertainty about specific reporting requirements.
• Solution: Stay updated on regional guidelines and industry best practices.

Key Insight: Addressing these challenges early reduces compliance risks.

4. How Wardn Simplifies ESG Deadline Management

At Wardn, we’ve designed our platform to help SMBs meet ESG deadlines efficiently:

• Automated Reminders: Never miss a deadline.
• Centralized Data Hub: Streamline ESG data management.
• Pre-built Templates: Align with major ESG frameworks.

Key Insight: With Wardn, compliance becomes easier, faster, and stress-free.

FAQs

1. What happens if I miss an ESG reporting deadline? Non-compliance can lead to penalties, reputational damage, and loss of stakeholder trust.
2. How do I know which ESG deadlines apply to my business? Check regional and industry-specific regulations or consult with an ESG expert.
3. Can ESG software help with reporting deadlines? Yes, ESG tools automate reminders, simplify data collection, and ensure timely submissions.
4. How early should I start preparing for ESG reporting? Ideally, start at least 6 months before the submission deadline.‍
5. Are ESG reporting deadlines the same globally? No, deadlines vary based on region and framework.