What is VSME?
The Voluntary SME Sustainability Reporting Standard (VSME) is a tailored framework designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) voluntarily report their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. VSME enables SMEs to communicate their sustainability performance in a structured and transparent way, aligned with internationally recognised principles but adapted to their scale and resources. It supports credibility, market differentiation, and access to sustainable finance or supply chains that prioritise verified sustainability practices.
What Reporting is required under VSME?
The Voluntary SME Sustainability Reporting Standard (VSME) provides a flexible framework for small and medium-sized enterprises to disclose their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. It offers two scalable approaches to meet businesses where they are in their sustainability journey:
Who Should Perform the Independent Assurance of a VSME Report?
An independent, accredited third party should perform the assurance of a VSME report. The verifier issues a limited or reasonable assurance opinion, confirming that the sustainability disclosures are credible and in line with the VSME framework. This strengthens trust with clients, investors, and other stakeholders.
Main Reporting Topics: Basic Approach Vs Comprehensive Approach
- General disclosures (business profile, policies, sustainability commitments)
- GHG emissions – Scope 1 and 2 (basic carbon footprint)
- Energy consumption and efficiency actions
- Workforce practices – employment conditions, health & safety
- Basic environmental policies and actions
- Business conduct – ethics, anti-corruption
- Introductory stakeholder engagement
- This approach helps SMEs take the first step and build trust with clients and partners through credible, focused disclosures.
- Full GHG inventory – Scope 1, 2, and 3
- Climate risks and opportunities – aligned with TCFD-style disclosures
- Pollution – emissions to air, water, and soil
- Water & marine resources – use, risk, and stewardship
- Biodiversity & ecosystems – impacts and restoration actions
- Resource use and circular economy – waste, materials, efficiency
- Social responsibility – workforce diversity, value chain labour, communities
- Consumer & end-user protection – product responsibility, transparency
- Governance practices – risk management, accountability, transparency
- Stakeholder engagement & materiality assessment – including double materiality where relevant
- This level supports more advanced ESG integration and enhances SME readiness for sustainable procurement, green finance, or voluntary assurance.
Step-by-Step Validation/Verification Process
Initial Enquiry & Form Submission: You fill out a short form detailing your project sustainability reports (inventory, reductions, or Net Zero claims).
Application Review & Risk Check: We assess scope, complexity, potential conflicts of interest, and required team competencies.
Planning Phase: We assign your Validation/Verification Team and develop risk assessment, strategic analysis, and validation/verification plan.
Execution (Remote or On-site): Our team reviews your Sustainability & GHG data, evidence, systems, and reduction strategies through structured meetings and review sessions. Findings are shared for discussion.
Non-Conformities (if any): If issues are found, we allow time to correct and re- submit. We support you with clarification and feedback.
Independent Review and Opinion Issuance: A separate expert reviews the process and results for impartiality. Once validated/verified, we issue Validation/Verification Opinion and Certificate of Achievement.
Our Clients
Laura’s patience, encouragement, and genuine appreciation for participants’ inputs truly stood out. Grateful for this valuable learning opportunity and excited to apply these insights in our collective sustainability journey!
Michal Sabik
Senior Procurement / Purchasing Manager
General Paints Group
Embarking on your
Net Zero Journey?
Our extensive expertise in Validation and Verification processes makes us the ideal partner to ensure your success. Let’s discuss how we can support your specific needs.
EcoVerify Services
Keep up to date
Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news from EcoVerify
"*" indicates required fields
