VS Standard for SMEs
The VS standard: your simple route to a sustainability report for SMEs.
Goodbye complexity. Create your VS-compliant ESG report in record time – with ESG Lift’s AI-assisted software.
Value Chain Module
Basic module & supplementary module – how the VS standard is structured
How it works: Simple ESG reporting
ESG Lift makes reporting easier for SMEs
Lenders and major clients demand transparency about your sustainability data. Excel spreadsheets are no longer enough, and external consultants are expensive. ESG Lift is the fast, affordable and simple do-it-yourself solution – without consulting fees.
- 1
Guided ESG Data Collection
No jargon. Our software asks you understandable questions about your company and calculates key figures (CO2 Scope 1, 2 and 3) automatically. Help texts and a data collection guide are included.
- 2
Environmental metrics (E)
Guided input on greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and biodiversity. The integrated AI assistant helps you complete texts and calculates CO2 equivalents automatically.
- 3
Social & governance data (S & G)
Effortless data entry following the VS structure for social and governance metrics. Help texts support correct entry – even without prior knowledge.
Why ESG Reporting and Sustainability Are Becoming Critical
Why ESG reports are becoming crucial for SMEs
Improved access to sustainable finance
Banks and investors are increasingly evaluating sustainability risks. Robust ESG reporting opens doors to improved credit terms and more favourable financing.
Enterprise Readiness & ESG Supply Chain Compliance
Under the CSRD, large enterprises are requiring sustainability data from their suppliers. ESG-compliant partners are preferred.
Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding for ESG & Sustainability
Younger generations and skilled professionals are increasingly choosing employers that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and ESG responsibility.
ESG Lift guides you step by step through the Voluntary Standard
No prior knowledge needed. Bankable. From €890/year.
Official ESG Definition
What is the voluntary standard? An official answer for SMEs
The voluntary standard for sustainability reporting by small and medium-sized enterprises (VS) was adopted by the European Commission with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1560 and published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 21 September 2026. The regulation creates a uniform and practical framework that companies can use to provide sustainability information voluntarily in a structured and standardised way – especially for banks, investors and business partners, who increasingly ask for such information.
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1560 – English version on EUR-Lex
Developed by EFRAG
The CSRD standard was developed by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) on behalf of the European Commission to standardise ESG reporting.
Simplified ESRS version for streamlined ESG reporting
The VS is a proportionate, simplified version of the ESRS for large corporations – tailored specifically to the resources of SMEs to facilitate ESG reporting.
Clear ESG framework
Provides a clear framework for credible, comparable sustainability reporting – building trust with banks, ESG investors, and business partners.
Specifically Tailored for SMEs' ESG Reporting
Tailored specifically to the capabilities and resources of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), without creating an excessive ESG reporting burden.
ESG Reporting FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the VS standard
Is sustainability reporting under the VS mandatory for my SME?
The VS standard is currently voluntary. However, banks, investors and major clients increasingly require sustainability data from their partners – acting proactively gives you a clear competitive advantage.
How long does it take to create a VS report with ESG Lift?
That depends on the scope and the availability of data. With ESG Lift’s guided data entry and AI support, the report can be created in a few hours – without months of consulting projects.
Do I need an external ESG consultant if I use ESG Lift?
No. ESG Lift acts as your digital adviser: the platform guides you through the entire reporting process – with help texts, automatic calculations and an integrated AI assistant. No prior knowledge required.