Many companies are currently addressing sustainability reporting for the first time—driven by new EU regulations and the growing importance of sustainable practices for future-proof corporate management. Creating such sustainability reports presents numerous challenges. We outline how Salesforce Net Zero Cloud can help companies stay organized and streamline reporting processes efficiently.
Why Is ESG Reporting Becoming More Important?
Sustainable processes—and their transparent documentation—are increasingly essential for businesses, offering a vital opportunity to remain competitive long-term. The EU Taxonomy provides a clear framework to help businesses measure their sustainability goals. Targeted ESG reporting not only helps meet legal requirements but also builds stakeholder trust and unlocks new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Due to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) of the EU, many companies will be required to document their "sustainability performance" in much greater detail starting in 2024. Estimates suggest that the number of reporting companies in Germany will increase thirtyfold as a result.
What Does the CSRD Mean for German Companies?
Starting January 1, 2025, new requirements will apply to large companies that were previously not subject to the CSR Directive. Beginning January 1, 2026, capital market-oriented SMEs will also be required to design their sustainability reporting based on the CSR Directive Implementation Act (CSR-RUG).
Challenges of Sustainability Reporting
Many companies are confronted with the issue of sustainability reporting for the first time as a result of the new CSR legislation. This results in a number of typical challenges:
It is often not clear how ESG criteria can be effectively integrated into existing business processes. In addition, there is a lack of consolidated data and uniform standards for measuring and reporting sustainability factors throughout the company. However, these are essential in order to fulfil CSRD reporting obligations and reliably implement sustainability goals.
Complexity and Measurability
The biggest challenge in sustainability reporting is the sheer volume of data that needs to be collected and analysed. Companies have to collate information on CO₂ emissions, social standards and governance issues from a wide range of departments and often also from suppliers.
This flood of data quickly leads to excessive demands, especially if the necessary processes or technologies are lacking. The complexity increases further as many reports have to take industry-specific features and international requirements into account.
Requirements for Precise and Transparent Reports
Companies must demonstrate how they are achieving their ESG goals under the CSR legislation. However, this is easier said than done: The data must be accurate, comparable, and verifiable—a significant challenge when dealing with opaque supply chains or insufficient IT infrastructure.
The Salesforce Net Zero Cloud as a Solution
The Salesforce Net Zero Cloud is a powerful tool for meeting the growing demands of sustainability reporting. From CO₂ tracking to the integration of complex datasets, the platform offers comprehensive dashboards and reports, providing a holistic overview of all ESG data—down to the smallest detail. This allows KPIs to be precisely captured and analyzed, as well as transparently and standard-compliantly communicated.
What Is the Net Zero Cloud?
The Salesforce Net Zero Cloud is a cloud-based platform that supports companies in managing their sustainability data. It was developed to centrally capture, analyze, and clearly present CO₂ emissions, energy consumption, and other ESG data. This provides an ideal foundation for data-driven sustainability management based on statutory CSR standards and helps companies meet their ecological responsibilities, make progress visible, and continuously improve. In this way, sustainability becomes an integral part of the corporate strategy.
CO₂ Tracking, Data Integration, and Reporting
The Net Zero Cloud enables precise CO₂ tracking by capturing and analyzing emissions across all business areas. Its integrated tools facilitate the seamless connection of various data sources—from supply chains to energy consumption data.
How Do Companies Benefit from the Net Zero Cloud?
The Net Zero Cloud helps companies align their sustainability strategies with the requirements of the CSR-RUG. The tool provides deep insights into all relevant sustainability factors and enables the targeted planning of measures to reduce CO₂ emissions.
CSRD Compliance with the Net Zero Cloud
The CSRD demands precise and extensive sustainability reports—an undertaking that is not manageable without automation. The Salesforce Net Zero Cloud automates processes such as data collection, analysis, and reporting. With pre-configured tools and templates, the platform simplifies and accelerates the creation of CSRD-compliant reports.
Data Quality as a Key to Success
Good reporting depends on the quality of the underlying data. The Net Zero Cloud ensures consistent, valid, and complete data collection—regardless of the source. Through integrated verification mechanisms and the ability to connect various data sources, it provides a reliable foundation for effective ESG reporting and strategic decision-making.
Predictive Analytics and AI-Driven Decisions
The Salesforce Net Zero Cloud leverages technologies such as predictive analytics and AI. These assist in efficiently planning emission reductions or evaluating the impact of sustainability measures in real-time. Sustainability thus becomes not only measurable but also strategically manageable.
Technological Support from Salesforce Partners
As a Salesforce-Partner , COViS offers the experience and technical expertise required to implement the Net Zero Cloud according to individual company needs. From planning to requirements engineering, identifying relevant data sources, and designing efficient data collection processes—to often highly complex data integration and ongoing system optimization.
Expert Knowledge for Smooth Implementation
As an experienced Salesforce partner, COViS supports the efficient integration of the Net Zero Cloud into existing systems—ensuring the seamless capture of all relevant sustainability data in compliance with the new CSR legislation.
Net Zero Cloud for CSR Compliance and Sustainable Success
The CSR Directive Implementation Act will gradually come into effect for a wide range of companies over the next two years, including those previously unaffected by such legal regulations. This creates the challenge of delivering comprehensive and accurate sustainability reports in the relatively near future.
The Salesforce Net Zero Cloud offers comprehensive capabilities to capture the necessary data quickly, accurately, and transparently. The automated collection and processing of data, along with the associated reporting, help companies achieve the required CSRD compliance—and the long-term, successful implementation of their sustainability strategies.
