Sustainability Insights

SRN x NABU Biodiversity Reporting

• ESRS
• Sustainability reporting
• NABU

As part of a SRN x NABU workshop on biodiversity, we participated in a Panel discussion and presented our biodiversity insights, exploring its reporting within the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). Drawing on the concept of "Targeted Transparency", it argues that disclosure not only informs but also influences corporate behavior toward more responsible environmental practices. The review of current research shows that biodiversity reporting remains fragmented, inconsistent, and often lacks depth or performance linkage, although high-risk sectors have started improving transparency.

Using data from more than 9,000 reports across the STOXX Europe 600 (2014-2023), SRN's machine-learning analysis revealed that metrics like land use are commonly disclosed, while others, such as sealed area, are rare. After the CSRD's implementation, reporting became more structured and comparable, though simplified through a 76% reduction in required data points under the ESRS Omnibus changes. The brief concludes that CSRD marks progress, but challenges in data quality and completeness persist. AI-driven tools like the SRN are essential to enhancing transparency and accountability in biodiversity reporting.

To read the brief, click the brief below (German version only):