For SMEs answering a bank or customer request
ESG report for your bank or customer
Turn a request for sustainability data into a clear response. We organise your existing records into a VSME-based ESG report you can share with your bank or customer.
- VSME-based reporting
- Your existing business data
- Sample PDF available
Start with the request
What should you send?
For smaller businesses asked for sustainability information during financing, supplier onboarding or a customer review. First confirm the recipient’s questionnaire, reporting period and deadline.
A common starting point: VSME
VSME is a voluntary reporting standard for non-listed SMEs. Its Basic and Comprehensive modules organise sustainability information for business partners; the appropriate scope depends on the request.
- EFRAG’s VSME standard — explains the modules and how they address bank and customer information needs.
- GHG Protocol Corporate Standard — provides the accounting framework for the emissions inventory within the report.
Company and reporting boundary
Identify the legal entity, sites and reporting year. Keep the scope consistent across the figures you share.
Environmental and workforce figures
Gather energy invoices, fuel records, workforce totals and relevant environmental data. Record units and the period each figure covers.
Policies and supporting evidence
Include the policies and practices you actually have, with records that support the disclosures. Identify gaps instead of presenting intentions as completed work.
The recipient’s specific questions
Compare the report with the bank’s or buyer’s request. Confirm whether they also need a questionnaire, additional metrics or supporting documents.
An ESG report supports the conversation. It does not guarantee credit approval, a lower interest rate or a supplier contract; each recipient makes its own assessment.
See the deliverable
Look inside a VSME report
Explore the emissions, ESG metrics and policies pages before requesting the complete sample.
01Carbon footprint 
02ESG KPIs 
03Policies
Illustrative sample only. The company and figures are fictional; your report will reflect your own data and agreed scope.
Download the sample report
Enter your work email and we will send the sample PDF to that address. We may follow up about your request.
How it works
We agree the scope and delivery date after reviewing the request and the availability of your data.
01
Understand the request
Share the questionnaire or email from your bank or customer. We agree the reporting boundary and applicable disclosures.
02
Prepare and review the data
We organise the records, calculate Scope 1 and 2 emissions and flag missing information for your review.
03
Deliver a usable response
Receive the agreed report with its reporting period, assumptions and data sources, ready to share alongside any required questionnaire.
What to send back to your bank
Use the recipient’s request as your checklist. A useful response connects each requested disclosure to the evidence you can provide.
- Attach the final ESG report with the company name, reporting year and VSME modules covered.
- Complete any required questionnaire and point to the relevant report sections. Identify requested information that the report does not cover.
- Explain missing figures, estimates and planned actions separately. Share supporting records through the recipient’s agreed channel.
Example covering message
Attached is the VSME report for [company] for [year], covering [modules]. The accompanying questionnaire references the relevant report sections. [List any outstanding information and the agreed next step.] Please confirm whether you need additional disclosures or evidence.
Adapt this example to your actual report and attachments. It does not imply that the recipient has accepted the report.
Common questions
Is VSME mandatory for my company?
VSME is voluntary for non-listed SMEs. A bank or customer can ask for sustainability information even when you are not subject to mandatory reporting. Confirm what the recipient needs before choosing the report’s scope.
Will VSME replace every customer questionnaire?
It can provide a common set of answers and reduce repeated data collection. It does not automatically replace a buyer’s form or satisfy every lender’s requirements; compare the requested information with the report.
What if we are missing data or policies?
Start with the records you hold and identify the gaps. We distinguish documented facts, estimates and unavailable information. A policy you plan to introduce must not be reported as already implemented.
How long does it take?
Timing depends on the number of sites, the requested disclosures and the completeness of your records. We confirm a delivery date once we have reviewed the scope and data.
What does the report cost?
The published ESG reporting plan is €300/report. We confirm the scope and any additional work before you proceed.
Will the report guarantee financing or a contract?
No. The report helps your bank or customer assess your sustainability information. Lending terms, supplier ratings and contract decisions remain with the recipient.
Related services
ESG Report
VSME-based reporting with GRI-aligned topics.
Carbon footprint report for your customer
Answer your customer’s carbon-data request with a clear Scope 1 and 2 emissions report. We calculate your company footprint using the GHG Protocol and the records you already keep.
Related reading
Have a request waiting in your inbox?
Tell us what your bank or customer has asked for. We will help define the report and the data needed to answer it.
