Good Growth in Hilversum: CSRD Experience Day
At Good Growth Collective, we believe that real progress happens when we step out of the office and into the conversation. On May 9th, our team traveled to Hilversum for the CSRD Experience Day, an event organized by our software partner Ecocharting. The day brought together professionals from a wide range of sectors to discuss the practical realities of sustainability reporting. It was particularly special to see Harry Wanningen from de Jong & Laan on stage. Harry plays a key role in our integration with de Jong & Laan and is a vital member of our extended team, so hearing his perspective on the current reporting landscape was a highlight of the plenary session.
Beyond the main stage, our colleagues Stef van Kleef and Hugo Smits hosted a breakout session regarding the impact of the CSRD and Omnibus Directive on online retail, wholesale, and logistics. Instead of a standard lecture, they facilitated a debate with sector representatives about how to interpret the current regulations. The group focused specifically on how to move forward post-Omnibus and discussed whether a sector-specific standard is necessary for these interconnected industries.
The discussions revealed that despite regulatory shifts, the ambition to report remains high. Companies in retail, logistics, and warehousing are actively looking for ways to report rather than looking for an excuse to stop. They are seeking a tailored framework that makes sense for their specific challenges. However, the diversity within this sector makes a universal "one-size-fits-all" reporting standard difficult to apply, as the needs of a transporter differ significantly from those of a wholesaler.
A major takeaway from the group was that the current VSME standard leaves specific gaps. Critical topics like "Workers in the value chain" and "Consumers and end-users" are seen as vital for this sector but are insufficiently addressed in the current voluntary standards. The feedback suggests a strong need for a "VSME+" or a "CSRD-Light" framework to capture the full picture without the full administrative burden.
Events like the CSRD Experience Day confirm that while the regulations are complex, the willingness to adapt is there. We are proud to contribute to these conversations and to collaborate with partners like Ecocharting and de Jong & Laan who share our commitment. Together, we are defining what practical, transparent reporting looks like to promote Good Growth for companies, people, and society.
