CSR Audit: How we verify your ESG and VS indicators (former VSME)

A methodology compliant with ISO 17029, allowing the reliability, consistency and traceability of the ESG information published to be assessed, in line with the VS (former VSME) frameworks and market practices.

Pre-engagement and defining the perimeter

Before any intervention, we validate the feasibility of the mission and our independence.
We analyze the selected module (Basic or Comprehensive), the consolidation perimeter (entity or group), as well as the nature of the activities in accordance with the applicable reference frameworks.
This step allows defining an intervention framework that is proportionate to the size and maturity of the organization.

Risk analysis and proportionate materiality

We evaluate the processes for collecting and producing ESG data.
The risk analysis focuses on the applicability and reliability of the selected indicators.
It allows identifying the areas at risk of significant anomalies, notably in environmental (energy, emissions) and social (staff, accidents) data, in order to structure an appropriate verification plan.

Review of consistency with the reference frameworks

We analyze the structure of the reporting to assess its alignment with the principles of the Voluntary Standard VS (former VSME).
We verify the relevance, consistency and comprehensibility of the published information, as well as their suitability with sectoral reference frameworks and, where appropriate, with the expectations of financial partners.

Audit of indicators and calculation methods

We conduct detailed tests on the published ESG indicators.
The work includes, among other things:

  • the reliability of environmental data (energy, Scope 1 and 2 emissions)
  • the consistency of the calculation methods and the factors used
  • the accuracy of the social indicators (staff numbers, accidents, ratios)

These checks are carried out using traceable evidence.

Independent review and reliability of the evidence

An independent review is conducted to ensure the quality and adequacy of the evidence collected.
We verify the consistency of the data with the source documents (invoices, registers, internal systems), as well as their relationship with the other information published by the company.

Issuance of the verification statement

At the end of the work, a verification statement is issued, expressing a conclusion regarding the reliability and consistency of the reporting in relation to the chosen framework.
This statement is based exclusively on the evidence available at the time of issuance.

Points to note

  • The selection of the module and the applicability of the data
  • The rigor of environmental calculations
  • Traceability of social data
  • Documentation of practices and policies (B2)
  • Consistency with the financial statements
  • The connectivity of the value chain (Comprehensive Module)

Verification of ESG indicators for your EcoVadis assessment

Are you preparing or renewing your EcoVadis assessment?

The quality and traceability of the ESG data used to document your commitments is an essential issue.
POWNESS independently verifies the environmental, social and governance indicators that your company wishes to present as part of its EcoVadis assessment.
Our work may include, among other things, the reliability of the published data, the consistency of the calculation methods, the traceability of the evidence, and the consistency between the indicators reported and the company’s source documents.

Independent verification thus helps to strengthen the reliability of the ESG information presented in your EcoVadis approach.

  • GHG emissions, energy and other environmental indicators;
  • Staffing, health and safety and social indicators;
  • Ethical and governance practices;
  • Indicators related to responsible purchasing and the value chain.

To note

POWNESS-OTI can carry out an independent verification of the ESG indicators and the evidence mobilized by the company as part of its EcoVadis approach. The mission focuses on the reliability, consistency, and traceability of the information examined. POWNESS does not assign the EcoVadis rating.

Your ESG Voluntary Standard VS (formerly VSME): the essentials about the CSR audit

The VS (formerly VSME) standard allows non-listed SMEs to structure their sustainability communication in order to meet the growing expectations of their financial partners, investors, and clients. Your reporting is based on these structuring principles:

Modular and proportionate reporting

The VS (formerly VSME) device adapts to the size and maturity of the company through two levels:

  • Basic Module : cornerstone of essential indicators
  • Comprehensive Module Additional information, notably expected by the financial partners

The information covers environmental, social and governance issues.

Indicators based on applicability

Reporting is based on the publication of relevant indicators in relation to your activity.
The information presented must be consistent with your business model, sector (NACE), and specific issues, and can be supplemented by indicators specific to your strategy.

A voluntary independent verification

The use of verification by an independent third-party body, in accordance with ISO 17029, allows the reliability and consistency of the published information to be assessed.
This approach meets the expectations of transparency and credibility expressed by the economic partners.

To note

The reporting can be presented independently or integrated into the management report.
It is generally prepared on an annual basis, in line with the financial statements, and includes comparative information from the second year onwards.

The growing use of artificial intelligence in data collection and analysis also raises new traceability issues. See our analysis on AI and CSR issues

Do you have a question about the voluntary verification of ESG indicators?
POWNESS-OTI answers your questions about the CSR audit

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Your most frequently asked questions about voluntary verification:

CSR Audit: question about VSME, POWNESS-OTI

Does the VSME standard meet the expectations of banks and large clients?

CSR Audit: question about the voluntary verification of indicators, POWNESS-OTI

What is the point of an independent verification in a voluntary framework?

CSR Audit: question about multi-site audits, Younes JAOUI from POWNESS-OTI

How to process multi-site data in ESG reporting?

Resources

Regulatory framework and criteria for voluntary verification

The voluntary verification work is carried out based on a structured technical framework, allowing the reliability and consistency of SMEs’ sustainability reporting to be assessed in relation to applicable benchmarks and the expectations of stakeholders.

Applicable reference framework

The publication of voluntary ESG information is part of a structured European framework, in line with the expectations of financial and commercial partners.

Benchmarks and reporting standards

The work is based on the VSME standard and its associated frameworks in order to assess the relevance and consistency of the published information.

Reference points for verification and professional doctrine

The mission is carried out in accordance with the requirements applicable to independent third-party organizations.

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