Exploring the impact of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive

12/12/2024 - 10:40

On 11 December, the master Supply Chain Management hosted an engaging and informative event centred around the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Held on the BUas campus, the event brought together about 70 students, alumni, and industry professionals to delve into one of today’s challenges in the corporate world - how to align with CSRD requirements while leveraging the directive as a tool for sustainable innovation.

Expertise

Why CSRD Matters

The CSRD represents a shift in how companies track and report on sustainability metrics. It requires organisations to examine their entire supply chain - from sourcing and manufacturing to logistics and final distribution - to ensure alignment with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. For supply chain professionals, the directive is not just a compliance obligation; it is an opportunity to innovate and embed sustainable practices into core business operations.

Keynote Presentations and Panel Discussion

Dr Jan Willem Proper opened the event by emphasising the importance of CSRD compliance in achieving the EU Green Deal’s goals of climate neutrality by 2050. He highlighted the opportunities and challenges that come with embedding sustainability into corporate strategy.

Three keynote speakers shared their expertise on different aspects of CSRD:

Hans Keetman (Programme Manager at Topsector Logistiek and CSRD Specialist) provided an overview of the legislative framework underpinning the EU Green Deal. Keetman explained the concept of "double materiality," where organisations assess not only their financial impact on stakeholders but also the environmental and social impact of their activities. He underscored the need for comprehensive information management to meet reporting standards.
Peter Jasperse (Sustainability Consultant, UC Group) walked the audience through actionable steps companies can take to comply with CSRD. He shared real examples of organisations like Mars, Heineken and DHL that have begun integrating sustainability into their supply chains, ranging from sustainable procurement to CO2 reduction strategies.
Alex Boers (Owner of ESG, Coolblue) shared insights into Coolblue’s sustainability journey. Boers discussed their initiatives, such as bike deliveries for city logistics, energy-efficient warehouses powered by solar energy, and their innovative use of data to track emissions across the supply chain.

The keynote session concluded with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Dr Proper and Dr Alinda Kokkinou.

Parallel Sessions: Showcases and Speed Dates

After the main session, the master students presented their research posters and gave short pitches on how CSRD intersects with emerging topics in supply chain management. Themes included last-mile logistics, digital transformation, and supply chain resilience. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and explore the practical relevance of the showcased research.

In a structured networking activity, students and industry representatives rotated between tables to discuss potential thesis topics and placement opportunities.

Key takeaways

Key takeaways from the event emphasised that compliance with CSRD, while complex, can drive meaningful benefits. Companies can improve efficiency through sustainable procurement, strengthen partnerships with eco-conscious suppliers, and build stronger reputations as leaders in sustainability.