A recent PwC Global CSRD Survey 2024 reveals that 79% of Dutch companies feel prepared for the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), significantly higher than the global average of 63%. This readiness highlights the Netherlands’ proactive approach to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance and sustainability reporting. 

Dutch businesses have made considerable progress in CSRD implementation, with 54% completing key preparatory steps and 64% finishing the mandatory double materiality analysis. This progress boosts confidence in meeting reporting obligations and underscores the benefits of increased transparency and sustainability focus. Alexander Spek, head of PwC Netherlands’ Sustainability practice, notes that companies appreciate the rationale behind CSRD, despite its challenges, and value the insights gained from focusing on sustainability topics. 

Companies set to report in 2025 show more optimism than those with a 2026 deadline, as familiarity with reporting standards grows. Karin Meijer, a sustainability reporting specialist at PwC, emphasizes the importance of starting early with the right team to manage CSRD challenges effectively. 

Dutch firms are confident in reporting on well-established sustainability themes like climate change and employee welfare. However, newer themes such as community impact and biodiversity are often excluded from their CSRD reports. 

Despite high confidence, Dutch companies face significant challenges, including data availability and quality, complex value chains, and adequate human resources. About 50-60% of respondents cite these as major obstacles. The CSRD requires comprehensive data collection and verification, often beyond existing ERP systems. Interaction with other laws and regulations and management involvement are less problematic in the Netherlands. 

The CSRD is driving a greater focus on sustainability in business decisions. Two-thirds of Dutch respondents report increased consideration of sustainability due to the CSRD. PwC expert Willem Jan Dubois argues that the responsibility for CSRD compliance should lie with finance, given its role in external reporting, and stresses the importance of collaboration with strategy, sustainability, compliance, and business leaders for accurate and relevant reports. 

Sources: 

https://esgnews.com/dutch-companies-lead-in-csrd-implementation-confidence-with-79-readiness-pwc-survey-reveals/ 

https://www.pwc.nl/en/insights-and-publications/themes/sustainability/businesses-are-confident-and-optimistic-about-csrd.html