In Switzerland, many mid‑market companies already publish sustainability information on their websites or in basic reports, often incurring effort and cost without clear immediate business value. While they are not yet legally required to issue a formal sustainability report, they are not effectively exempt from sustainability reporting. As part of the value chains of companies subject to Swiss CO (Art. 964) or EU CSRD requirements, they face a growing number of structured ESG data requests from clients, business partners and financial institutions. In this context, a basic sustainability report aligned with a recognised standard provides a pragmatic way to respond consistently, efficiently and credibly, while saving costs and boosting market relevance.
In light of this, there is a compelling case for mid-market companies to reassess their approach and produce a concise and credible sustainability report.
What are the Benefits of having a Sustainability Report under a recognized Standard?
Mid-market companies should consider sustainability reporting under a recognized framework as it brings along several key advantages.
Efficiency for data requests: Reporting against a recognised standard creates a clear structure that allows SMEs to respond consistently and efficiently to client, business partner, and stakeholder ESG data requests and reduces ad‑hoc work and internal effort.
Cost‑effective and pragmatic: Established standards provide a proven baseline, helping mid‑market companies focus on the most relevant disclosures without over‑engineering or unnecessary complexity.
Credibility and comparability: A standardised report is more credible and comparable, which supports ESG ratings and strengthens trust with customers, partners, investors, and other stakeholders.
Better access to finance: Financial institutions increasingly rely on standard‑based sustainability information; aligned reporting improves positioning for financing and sustainability‑linked instruments.
Why apply the VSME Standard – and how it works?
The “Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed micro, small and medium businesses” - short “VSME standard” - was specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It was developed by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) to enable practical and consistent sustainability reporting for SMEs that are not subject to mandatory CSRD-compliant reporting and is aligned with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).1
It provides a proportionate, decision‑useful sustainability framework that focuses on the information banks, customers and business partners actually ask for and can be implemented with limited resources and high management relevance.
The VSME Standard consists of two modules: the Basic Module and the Comprehensive Module. The Basic Module offers a minimal set of disclosures, focusing on core sustainability elements. The Comprehensive Module builds upon the Basic Module and includes general information, strategy, and sustainability-related initiatives, along with robust environmental, social and governance metrics.
1 Please find the original VSME Standard via this link. The VSME Delegated Act is expected to be published by 19 July 2026.
How PwC can support you?
We take a pragmatic approach to help you achieve quick and tangible outcomes. The immediate first steps will centre around the following
1. Reporting scope:
- Module selection: We help you identify the most suitable sustainability reporting standard for your needs. If you choose the VSME standard, we assist in selecting the appropriate VSME module, reporting scope, and ambition level.
- Identifying applicable topics: While full Double Materiality Assessment is – in contrast to CSRD – not required, a simplified form is recommended for strategic orientation. We apply a proportionate, business‑driven approach and ensure that the resulting disclosures will satisfy the information request you receive, and support your business strategy.
2. Data collection:
We help you understand which data will be required for your report – depending on your selected topic – and set up a structured data collection template. We can also help you calculate KPIs, and provide you with a tool for easy first calculations, e.g. for our Greenhouse Gases Emissions inventory, which is a key starting point for most first-time reporters.
PwC’s Carbon Footprint Calculator: Our Carbon Footprint Calculator enables your organization to generate a first GHG emissions balance by leveraging existing accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) data, to ensure a transparent environmental impact reporting.
3. Report drafting:
We can provide you with end-to-end support, support with the setup of the report until the final publication.
4. Assurance:
Limited assurance is optional according to the VSME standard, however highly recommended. It supports more efficient processes, improves governance, and helps embed sustainability into the wider organisation. For those already advanced in their reporting journey and looking for voluntary assurance, we can help provide you with assurance, for example on selected KPIs, to gradually mature your reporting and increase credibility and confidence in your reported data.
We’re here to help you in an uncomplicated and efficient way, providing clear guidance and practical support tailored to your needs. Please reach out to us.
Contact us
Erik Steiger
Partner, Sustainable Capital and Sustainability & Strategic Regulatory Leader, PwC Switzerland
+41 79 267 84 89
Petra Schwick
Partner, Leader Sustainability Assurance, PwC Switzerland
Stephanie Hold