ESG Consulting and Integrated Sustainability: Strategy, Reporting and Governance

Leveraging the cross-sector and multidisciplinary expertise of our dedicated ESG and Sustainability team in Italy, we guide large enterprises and SMEs in shaping new business models that bring together ethics and commerce within the current regulatory framework.

Backed by cross-functional, integrated capabilities across the firm and over a decade of experience in various industries, we assemble the ideal team best suited to each client’s specific characteristics and requirements, supporting them in defining and implementing ESG strategies and corporate sustainability pathways oriented towards sustainable value creation, competitiveness and regulatory compliance.

We help organizations strengthen their market positioning and differentiate themselves in the eyes of clients, investors, suppliers and strategic stakeholders, maximizing the value of their tangible commitment to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and transparent, effective governance.

ESG Strategy and Responsible Governance: Beyond Compliance

Sustainability is a cross-cutting issue that requires leadership at the highest level, capable of integrating strategic vision, operational responsibility, and economic and financial analysis. Our team of professionals helps shift the focus on sustainability from mere compliance to strategic decision-making, so that new opportunities can be seized.

Definition of the Corporate ESG Strategy

  • Strategic sustainability plan integrated into the business plan to optimize capital allocation and consolidate the company’s market position
  • Development and formulation of ESG guidelines and policies (Code of Ethics, Employee Policy, Supplier Code of Conduct, etc.)

Due Diligence, ESG Ratings and Certifications

  • ESG due diligence to identify physical and operational vulnerabilities of assets and opportunities
  • Support in obtaining and maintaining ESG ratings (e.g., EcoVadis, OpenES)
  • Adoption of management systems that can be certified according to relevant ISO standards, including ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 37001 (anti-corruption), ISO 20400 (sustainable procurement), ISO 26000/SA 8000 (social responsibility), ISO 30415 (Diversity & Inclusion), ISO 50001 (energy management), ISO 14064–14067 (carbon footprint/emissions), ISO 37101 (sustainable community development) and ISO 9001 (quality)

Materiality Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Materiality Analysis (Impact Materiality and Double Materiality)
  • Stakeholder Mapping and Stakeholder Engagement Strategies

Sustainable Governance and Integration into the 231 Model (MOGC)

  • Conversion to a Benefit Corporation and B-Corp Certification
  • Support with governance and organizational structures designed to integrate ESG targets into a company’s decision-making and operational processes, including in relation to the Organizational and Management Model 231/01 (MOGC) and appropriate organizational structures pursuant to Civil Code Article 2086, para. II, for business continuity purposes

Sustainability Reporting: CSRD, Financial Statements and Reporting

Sustainability reporting today serves as a tool for transparency, accountability and value creation, as well as an increasingly important requirement for investors, financial institutions, customers and regulatory authorities. Our team of professionals supports businesses with their ESG reporting, ensuring compliance with key international frameworks and standards, including the European CSRD directive, with the ESRS and VSME, as well as GRI Standards and the United Nations SDGs.

From Sustainability Report to Non-Financial Statement (NFS)

We draft Sustainability Reports and Impact Reports, encompassing the preparation of Non-Financial Statements (NFS) in compliance with Legislative Decree 254/2016, and Integrated Reports.

GRI Standards and New CSRD Requirements: ESRS and VSME

Our expertise spans both voluntary and mandatory sustainability assurance reporting, conducting

tailored gap analyses to verify your alignment with the major international reporting frameworks.

ESG KPIs and Data Collection (Data, KPIs and Reporting Tools)

We deliver structured collection, analysis and management of enterprise ESG data, while supporting you in establishing ESG KPIs and sustainable reporting processes and identifying the best ESG-compliant digital platforms for your operations.

ESG Training and Programs for Top Management (C-Suite ESG)

A sustainable transition demands widespread expertise and visionary leadership. We offer custom ESG training programs to prepare your teams for the changes ahead and the new corporate sustainability challenges.

Specifically:

  • Training on ESG, reporting standards and technical frameworks driving environmental and social transitions.
  • Understanding of the ESG regulatory framework and providing updates on recent developments.
  • Training for top management and corporate executives aimed at integrating the sustainability strategy with industrial decisions (“C-Suite ESG”).

People and Social Impact

People are an integral part of an inclusive, growth-oriented business strategy. Andersen’s Sustainable Innovation team helps companies develop policies and organizational models that enhance human capital, promote inclusion and equality within the organization and boost the company’s reputation.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Gender Equality Certification

We support the drafting of HR policies such as employee policies and guidelines, supplier policies, Code of Ethics, Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) policies, as well as assisting companies in obtaining and upholding their Gender Equality Certification (UNI/PdR 125:2022).

Supply Chain Due Diligence and Social Impact

Pressure is mounting on companies to build sustainable and transparent supply chains. Large companies are today expected to take responsibility for how their suppliers affect people and the environment. We conduct Value Chain Due Diligence in order to anticipate potential risks, improve processes and meet regulatory requirements, with a particular focus on protecting human rights and workers’ rights.

We support social impact strategies that benefit the community and the local area.

Environment and Energy Transition: Management and Risk

Knowing one’s carbon footprint, monitoring risks and implementing mitigation and resilience measures have become essential for doing business in the current landscape. Andersen helps businesses develop strategies for decarbonization, energy efficiency and climate risk management.

Carbon Footprint

We provide bespoke services for estimating and monitoring corporate carbon footprints, that is, the calculation of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain (Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3)

Circular Economy and Transition Strategies

We define strategies to drive emissions reductions and achieve Net-Zero targets for 2030–2050 horizon, in compliance with international standards and frameworks, e.g. CDP and SBTi.

Greenwashing Risk, Due Diligence and Sustainable Supply Chains

Our team meticulously monitors regulatory and reputational risks associated with environmental sustainability, with particular focus on supply chain integrity, specializing in:

  • Monitoring risks of Green Claims, Greenwashing and Green Hushing in light of European Directive 2024/825, which reinforces the Italian framework on unfair commercial practices and introduces more stringent safeguards on environmental communications for consumers.
  • Compliance with environmental regulations (in accordance with European and national directives: EUDR; CBAM, CS3D, DPP, Greenwashing, etc.) both for the corporate entity itself and through the mapping of the entire upstream and downstream supply chain.

Integrated Expertise and a Multidisciplinary Approach: ESG Synergies at Andersen

Andersen’s Sustainable Innovation team also guides and supports the firm’s other business areas on cross-functional issues. Specifically:

Why Choose Andersen for Integrated ESG Consulting

Sustainability demands integrated expertise, the capacity to navigate complex scenarios, and a highly qualified, multidisciplinary approach. Through an integrated and pragmatic approach, Andersen’s Sustainable Innovation team delivers bespoke advice tailored to each client’s specific objectives, driving long-term value creation and sustainable growth. The team brings together professionals with extensive legal, tax, financial, environmental and organizational expertise, backed by a decade of experience across diverse industries.

The department is led by Francesca Capoferri, Partner at Andersen in Italy.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About ESG and Sustainability

What is the Non-Financial Statement (NFS), and who is required to prepare it?

The NFS is a document required by Legislative Decree 254/2016, which supplements the Sustainability Report with information on environmental, social, human rights and governance issues. The non-financial statement, or report, is mandatory for large corporations and public-interest entities—including banks and insurance companies—that exceed certain size thresholds.

What is the difference between a Sustainability Report and an Integrated Report?

The Sustainability Report details the entity’s ESG performance in accordance with standards such as GRI, ESRS and VSME. The Integrated Report goes a step further by explicitly linking sustainability results to the entity’s overall economic and financial performance, providing a comprehensive view of its ability to generate value over time.

What is the difference between single materiality and double materiality?

Single materiality (or impact materiality) measures the impact of ESG factors on a company’s financial results. Double materiality adds the opposite perspective: the company’s impact on the environment and society, regardless of their immediate financial implications.

Who is required to comply with the CSRD, and what are the ESRS and VSME?

The CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) extends ESG reporting requirements to a growing number of European companies. ESRS are the detailed reporting standards developed by EFRAG as required by the directive; while VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard) is the simplified version designed for micro-enterprises and SMEs that are not subject to the directive.

What is the difference between a Benefit Corporation and B-Corp certification?

A Benefit Corporation is an Italian legal entity (Law 208/2015) whose articles of incorporation include objectives of public benefit alongside profit. B-Corp certification, on the other hand, is a private certification issued by the international nonprofit organization B Lab, which evaluates a company’s overall ESG performance. B-Corps are companies that are committed to measuring and taking into account their environmental and social performance, in the belief that business is a force for good.

What is Model 231, and how does it relate to ESG sustainability?

The Organizational and Management Model 231/01 (MOGC) is a system designed to prevent corporate criminal liability. Integrating it with ESG objectives reinforces responsible governance and supports the adequacy of organizational structures required by Art. 2086 of the Italian Civil Code