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Rita FaroStill here: the time to take ownership of sustainability reporting
A single, nostalgic chair stands empty: a call to take ownership and stay for the long run. We hope, like this chair, you're still here. Because we are, ready to move forward together. Photography source: Ramsés Cervantes on Unsplash
Sustainability reporting is entering a new phase. Pressure to comply may soften, but stakeholder expectations continue to rise. This is a chance for companies to take ownership of their narrative and report with intention. Those who keep showing up clearly, consistently and voluntarily, will stand out, raising the bar for everyone else.
The moment to step forward
Over the last few years, sustainability reporting in Europe has been gaining momentum. Companies are adapting to new frameworks, setting up processes, and preparing for deeper transparency. A sense of direction has been guiding business leaders.
Now, based on social and mainstream media footprints, it seems that the tone is shifting.
The European Commission is calling for simplification and signaling flexibility. The so-called omnibus package suggests lighter requirements for some companies, extended phase-in periods, and reduced granularity in certain disclosures.
Some companies are relieved. Others are unsure whether to pause or proceed.
If you are leading a business, small or large, here’s what we believe: this is the moment to step forward - not out of obligation, but out of conviction - signaling to your stakeholders that you stand for transparency and accountability. This is exactly the right moment to take ownership of sustainability.
Regulations may slow down. Relevance doesn’t.
The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) are not just compliance tools. They are unfinished and ever evolving scripts. A chance to declare what you stand for, what you struggle with, and how you intend to meet the social and environmental challenges of our time.
When used intentionally, the ESRS offer companies a chance to say:
We are still here, and this is what we stand for.
Sustainability reporting forces companies to ask themselves a simple question: what truly matters to our business and stakeholders? This process helps strip away the distractions and bring focus. It is not about doing everything. It is about choosing what matters most, and making that resonate clearly in strategy and reporting alike.
We are still here, and we are willing to show our work.
Trust is built when you show up consistently and honestly, even when answers are not as good and clear as you wished they were. With regulatory pressure easing, companies that continue to show up will stand out. Being transparent about both achievements and challenges sends a powerful message: a commitment to sustainability is not driven by obligation, but by genuine intent. It is this authenticity that will retain stakeholder confidence and attract those who seek to partner with organizations that tackle difficult questions and take ownership of their journey.
We are still here, not just to comply, but to grow.
Stakeholders place greater value on authenticity, reinforcing the value of telling an honest narrative. One that reflects where we have been, but also where we are heading. Reports that connects ambition with measurable impact position sustainability not as a side effort, but as a driver of long-term business growth. In this context, a voluntarily crafted report becomes a strategic asset that builds trust, unlocks value, and reinforces your leadership. The most authentic stories don’t need to have clean endings: they need direction and purpose.
We are still here, and we are listening.
Good reporting echoes the voices that surround it. By integrating feedback and insights, the report becomes a living document, reflecting the ongoing dialogue between the company and its stakeholders. Sustainability reporting empowers organizations and individuals to assess their alignment with the company’s priorities and take informed decisions about whether and how to relate with it. Let your report be an open space for dialogue, challenge, and transformation.
Stakeholders are watching more closely than ever
Stakeholders - from investors to consumers, and from employees to communities - are evolving in their understanding of sustainability. It is no longer seen as a nice-to-have, but a matter of credibility and authenticity. As this understanding deepens, so does the scrutiny. Greenwashing is a serious reputational and regulatory risk. Companies that fail to back up their claims with actions and reporting risk losing trust.
In fact, the recent ESG backlash may be reinforcing the importance of quality over noise. As public discourse becomes more polarized, serious investors are doubling down on what they have always cared about: reliable, comparable, decision-useful information. Superficial claims are dismissed. Companies that report with rigour, clarity, and substance, signal long-term thinking.
Consumers are growing more selective and values-driven. They show clear preference for brands that don’t just talk about environmental or social commitment but demonstrate it through actions. From packaging to supply chains, they expect brands to back their claims with facts and penalize those who fall short.
A company's commitment to sustainability can determine who joins and who stays. Employees seek companies that walk the talk. Clear, honest reporting helps signal that a company is serious about its mission, which in turn strengthens talent retention, boosts engagement, and attracts professionals who want to make a difference.
That is the reason why continuing to report voluntarily, even in a softer regulatory environment, is a strategic move. Companies that stay transparent, consistent, and proactive will be better positioned to earn and maintain trust in a market that rewards authenticity over appearance.
What happens next?
The regulatory landscape will keep transforming, but market expectations are only moving in one direction. Investors, customers and talent are becoming more discerning, and transparency is quickly turning from a differentiator into baseline. Companies that use this moment to invest in quality reporting, despite less regulatory pressure, will be the ones that stay ahead.
This is not about staying compliant. It is about staying relevant.
We are still here. Still committed. Still evolving.
If you are still here and ready to step forward with your sustainability reporting, reach out to me at rita.faro@maze-impact.com.