How can businesses ensure accurate environmental reporting in the face of trends? Phil Meyers, CEO of mpro5 suggests using technology
In 2024, the environmental reporting landscape underwent significant evolution with the EU Commission’s introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This landmark update expands the scope of mandatory sustainability disclosure from approximately 12,000 companies to over 50,000. The CSRD also introduced more specific reporting requirements, focusing on company impacts on the environment, human rights, social standards, and sustainability-related risks, signalling a new era of transparency and accountability in corporate governance.
Although the deadline for nations to transpose the CSRD into national law was in July, 17 states have yet to provide an update on their progress. And while the CSRD reporting requirements are rapidly approaching for the first cohort, a report published by PwC Luxembourg found only 4% of companies ready to report on 2024, 5% yet to start their CSRD implementation, and 22% still attempting to understand the requirements.
With regulatory change on the horizon and an increased demand for better nonfinancial reporting by 36% of investors, European businesses must be prepared to provide accurate environmental and sustainability reporting in 2025. With the correct process management platform in place, businesses can achieve efficient and precise environmental reporting by leveraging AI, IoT sensors and automation.
Monitoring, analysing, and optimising resource consumption
Process management platforms enable businesses to monitor, analyse, and optimise resource consumption to allow for easy reporting. By leveraging IoT-enabled sensors and smart building systems, businesses can access real-time insights into energy usage, water consumption, air quality, footfall and other critical environmental factors. This data can be harnessed to formulate trends over time, allowing businesses to identify areas for improvement, track progress towards sustainability goals, and make informed decisions to optimise resource efficiency, which are outlined clearly in reports.
Businesses can also measure the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated by their food waste using process management platforms, leveraging advanced analytics to quantify and report food waste across the whole supply chain. By integrating data from various sources, such as inventory management systems and waste processing equipment, these platforms enable businesses to calculate their carbon emissions by providing a comprehensive overview of their waste output. Real-time IoT sensors and AI-driven forecasting tools also prove particularly effective in enabling businesses to identify inefficiencies and develop waste reduction strategies to better assess the impact of their operations on the environment.
Navigating reporting regulation in 2025
In today’s increasingly eco-conscious world, customers, employees, and stakeholders are prioritising sustainability when choosing partners and providers. The real-time reporting of sustainability metrics made possible by process management platforms benefits the reputation of businesses by showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices with consistent environmental reporting. In doing so, businesses will attract environmentally conscious clientele, improve employee satisfaction, and strengthen their brand image whilst ensuring they remain compliant with CSRD rules.
In 2025, businesses must evolve if they are to comply with CSRD rules. This includes prioritising the implementation of technologies and systems that facilitate accurate and efficient reporting of output for comprehensive sustainability reporting. Process management platforms streamline reporting processes using real-time data through IoT, AI, and dynamic dashboards, offering companies improved accessibility when monitoring performance, identifying issues, and providing accurate reports. Compliance-wise, businesses will benefit from automated permit management and generated real-time reports, reducing the risk of penalties, ensuring smooth operations and reducing downtime year-round.
Author: Phil Meyers, CEO of mpro5
Phil joined Crimson Tide in August 2023 as COO, bringing a wealth of experience in IoT and process management, and was promoted to CEO in April 2024. His previous experience includes Vice President of Capabilities and Innovation at Inmarsat Global, the world leader in global mobile satellite communications, senior positions in smaller satellite businesses, and Channel Sales Manager for BlackBerry.
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