Sustainability in focus: Students analyze company reports!

Sustainability in focus: Students analyze company reports!

On October 11, 2025, students from the Master's program in Sustainability & Management at BSP Business & Law School conducted a comprehensive Impact Analysis Project. In collaboration with the open data NGO Wikirate, the students analyzed the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) of 42 companies from different sectors. The aim of this analysis was to contribute to a public body of knowledge and to develop practical recommendations for companies, political decision-makers and civil society. Wikirate provides an open platform to assess ESG (environmental, social and governance) indicators.

The insights gained from the project show that the connection between theory and practice is of central importance for the students. They were able to apply their classroom knowledge directly to real-world company reports, which not only sharpened their analytical skills but also fostered a critical understanding of sustainability communication, transparency and accountability. A detailed summary of the results and student insights is available in the article “What CSRD Reports Reveal About Corporate Sustainability – A Student-Led Impact Analysis” by Prof. Marte Hentschel.

The regulatory landscape of sustainability reporting

In the United States, corporate sustainability has transitioned from a voluntary initiative to a regulatory and reputational imperative. Companies are increasingly required to disclose their ESG metrics in order to meet investor and regulatory requirements. Loud US Business News The introduction of SEC guidelines for climate-related disclosures will impact reporting. Many companies rely on international standards such as the GRI, SASB and TCFD principles to effectively communicate their environmental impact, social responsibility and governance practices.

A structured reporting framework is essential to ensure compliance. Companies that focus on sustainability at an early stage are often characterized by greater resilience and adaptability. At the same time, collaborations within the organization and the use of modern technologies, including data management platforms and reporting software, are crucial for precise and timely sustainability reporting.

Current challenges and ongoing change

Despite progress in this area, many companies continue to face challenges. The current status of CSRD implementation shows that many companies are still in the early stages of sustainability reporting. How KPMG reported, there are uncertainties in the handling of relevant key figures and the allocation of responsibilities. A recently published white paper highlights these challenges and addresses the management relevance of ESG KPIs as well as the status of digitalization in the DACH region.

Current topics in sustainability reporting were recorded in a survey on the “Digitalization in Accounting” study, carried out in collaboration with the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. These insights are important not only for companies, but also for policymakers who can shape the framework for effective reporting.