The Cost of Non-Compliance: Penalties for Breaching CSRD Across Europe

On the go, or don’t fancy reading? Just press play to listen to a spoken version.

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) represents a significant step towards greater transparency and accountability in corporate sustainability practices across Europe. As companies strive to meet these stringent reporting requirements, understanding the implications of non-compliance is crucial. In this article, we delve into the penalties associated with failing to comply with the CSRD and highlight how adopting technology can help businesses avoid these costly pitfalls.

The Importance of CSRD Compliance

The CSRD mandates that companies provide comprehensive reports on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. These reports are critical for stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and customers, who demand greater transparency and accountability in corporate operations. Failure to comply with CSRD requirements can result in severe financial penalties, which vary across European countries but are universally designed to enforce strict adherence.

The Penalties by Country

Each country in Europe has slightly different financial penalties for failing to adhere to reporting requirements, explore what those are for each country below:

Up to £500,000 (€580,000)
Up to €10 million or 5% of turnover
Up to €100,000
€20,000 to €150,000
€30,000 to €300,000
€10,000 to €900,000 or higher
€5,000 to €1 million

The Broader Impact of Non-Compliance

Beyond financial penalties, failing to comply with CSRD can have broader implications, including:

Reputational Damage: Non-compliance can harm a company’s reputation, leading to loss of trust among investors, customers, and other stakeholders.
Operational Disruptions: Penalties and the associated scrutiny can disrupt business operations, diverting resources away from core activities to address compliance issues.
Competitive Disadvantage: Companies that fail to meet CSRD requirements may fall behind competitors who are seen as more transparent and committed to sustainability.

Verv stands out as a reliable partner for companies aiming to meet CSRD requirements due to its:

Advanced Technology: Verv’s patented PCB board and AI-driven analytics provide unparalleled insights into energy usage.
User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive portal simplifies data management and reporting processes, you can even integrate with your existing systems using our API.
Customisable Solutions: Verv’s technology is adaptable to various industries and operational needs, ensuring tailored support for every business. Almost any appliance can be ‘brought online’ using the different devices in Verv’s suite of products.
Commitment to Sustainability: Verv is dedicated to helping companies achieve their sustainability goals and comply with regulatory standards.

“ The new EU sustainability reporting requirements will apply to all large companies, whether listed on stock markets or not. Non-EU companies with substantial activity in the EU (with a turnover over €150 million euro in the EU) will also have to comply. Listed SMEs will also be covered, but they will have more time to adapt to the new rules.”

— European Parliament