ESG Institute » Artykuł ESG as a Service - ESG w Twojej firmie bez komplikacji-en

More and more companies are turning their attention to ESG – and not only because of changing regulations or increasing demands from customers and business partners. Sustainable development is becoming a recognized part of modern business management. Yet for many businesses, ESG remains a new and rather complex area.

That’s why getting the basics right is so important. In practice, this means gathering data, understanding the requirements, and preparing a report that aligns with regulations and market expectations. And this is precisely where ESG as a Service comes in.

This service was designed for companies that want to meet new obligations but lack the time or internal resources to analyze regulations or build their own ESG reporting structures. With external support, they can organize the process, gain clarity, and avoid common pitfalls.

To explain how ESG as a Service works and who it can help, we spoke with Daniel Wocial, co-founder and managing partner at Helprise.

What exactly is ESG as a Service, and why are so many companies interested in this type of solution today?

DW: ESG as a Service is a solution for companies that need support with the full ESG reporting process – from data collection to preparing the final report. Many businesses don’t have the necessary resources or expertise to handle the evolving regulations, particularly those related to the CSRD directive and ESRS standards. That’s why they seek efficient, secure solutions tailored to their size and operations. Increasingly, the simplified VSME Standard (Voluntary Standard for non-listed SMEs) is gaining relevance, helping smaller companies report ESG in a way that's aligned with their capabilities.

What types of companies benefit most from ESG as a Service?

DW: It’s especially useful for companies without in-house ESG teams or experience in non-financial reporting, but that still want to approach the topic strategically and meet market demands. This is particularly true for SMEs not directly covered by CSRD but increasingly required to provide ESG data to larger contractors. In this context, the VSME standard offers a practical, proportionate, and accessible path to compliance. With ESG as a Service, small and medium-sized enterprises can gather the necessary data with minimal time and effort, while reducing the risk of errors and non-compliance.

What does the typical ESG implementation process look like – what happens on the company side and what on the consultant side?

DW: We start with a meeting or workshop to define the scope of work and company needs. Then we request specific data – such as organizational structure, internal policies, emissions data, or supply chain details. The company’s role is mainly to provide this information; our role is to structure it, analyze it according to relevant standards, and prepare the final report. The process is clear, well-organized, and supported every step of the way.

What challenges or concerns do companies face when starting their ESG journey?

DW: The most common concerns include: not knowing what to report or how, uncertainty about whether their actions are sufficient, and fear that ESG is too formal or complicated. Some worry they don’t have anything worth reporting. Our job is to bring clarity, highlight what’s already in place, and show that ESG is a process – you don’t have to be perfect from the start. What matters is your approach and willingness to improve. For SMEs, regulatory language and expectations can feel overwhelming, but that’s exactly why simplified standards like VSME exist – to make ESG more accessible and achievable while still meeting market expectations.

What is the biggest business value of this service?

DW: It saves time, reduces the risk of mistakes, and ensures compliance. A well-prepared ESG report can be a passport to tenders, partnerships with large companies, or even funding. ESG as a Service helps companies handle this professionally without overburdening their teams. It’s also an opportunity to streamline internal processes and gain a better understanding of their environmental and social impacts. For SMEs, even a basic ESG report can significantly increase their chances of winning contracts, as more organizations expect partners to demonstrate their sustainability efforts.

How does ESG as a Service help companies that want to get started with ESG but don’t know where to begin?

DW: First, we take the burden of regulation analysis off their shoulders. We structure the topic from the ground up and guide them through each step. The client doesn’t need to be an ESG expert – just open to collaboration and willing to provide the necessary data. We handle the rest. This allows the company to take confident, structured action in line with current standards, while staying focused on its core business.

Summary

ESG as a Service is the answer to the growing need for structured, efficient, and regulation-compliant ESG reporting. It helps businesses save time, reduce errors, and understand what ESG really means in the context of their organization. With external experts by their side, companies can approach ESG with confidence – and without unnecessary stress.

Autor: Dariusz Postument (Junior ESG Specialist at ESG Institute)

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