CSRD Reporting for Event Companies and Venues

The entertainment and media sector faces growing pressure to operate sustainably — not just from audiences and sponsors, but also from EU regulation. For event organisers, festivals, and venues, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) brings a new level of transparency about environmental and social performance.

This guide explains how small and medium-sized event companies can meet CSRD or Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME) expectations using straightforward, affordable methods. For related topics, see energy and travel emissions for film production and waste management reporting for entertainment SMEs.

1. Who Needs to Report?

Under Directive (EU) 2022/2464, large companies (and some listed SMEs) must publish annual sustainability reports. However, smaller event firms that supply or partner with larger companies — such as concert promoters, venue operators, or production service providers — will increasingly be asked for sustainability data.

If your company is not listed but works with clients subject to the CSRD, you can use the VSME Standard to share consistent, credible sustainability information.

Applicability thresholds (CSRD)

A company falls under mandatory CSRD reporting if it exceeds two of these three thresholds:

For non-listed SMEs, the VSME Standard applies voluntarily and helps meet client or investor requests.

2. Event Industry Sustainability Impacts

Events combine logistics, energy use, travel, catering, and temporary construction — all of which have sustainability implications.

3. Getting Started with the VSME Basic Module

The Basic Module (B1–B11) provides an achievable framework for SMEs in events and entertainment. Here’s how an event company can apply each disclosure.

B1 – Basis for Preparation

• State that you apply the VSME Basic Module.
• Include your legal form, NACE code (e.g. R93.29 – Other amusement and recreation activities), turnover, employees, and operating countries.
• Mention any sustainability certifications, such as ISO 20121 (Event Sustainability Management).

B2 – Practices, Policies, and Initiatives

Describe your sustainability practices — for example:

• Using LED lighting or renewable energy sources.
• Local supplier sourcing for catering and stage materials.
• Public transport incentives for audiences.
• Policies for waste separation, diversity, and inclusion.

Include any targets, such as reducing diesel generator use by 30% by 2026.

B3 – Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Estimate:

• Total energy use (kWh) from bills or generator logs.
• Scope 1 (fuel use) and Scope 2 (purchased electricity) emissions in tCO₂e.
• GHG intensity = total emissions / turnover.

B4 – Pollution of Air, Water, and Soil

If your venue files environmental data (e.g. local air or noise permits), include pollutant details or link to reports.

B5 – Biodiversity

List any venues near protected areas or urban green zones and actions to minimise disturbance — for example, noise limits or light control for wildlife.

B6 – Water

Report annual water use (m³) from bills, and note conservation efforts (e.g. low-flow taps, refill stations).

B7 – Resource Use and Waste Management

• Measure waste by weight from disposal invoices.
• Disclose recycling rates.
• Highlight circular practices, such as reusable cups or modular stage designs.

B8–B10 – Workforce

Report workforce details by gender, contract type, and training hours. Examples:

• 40% female staff.
• 100% paid above local minimum wage.
• 12 training hours per employee, including safety and diversity.

B11 – Anti-Corruption and Business Conduct

Disclose any fines or convictions related to anti-corruption or bribery — or state if none occurred.

4. Going Further: The Comprehensive Module (Optional)

Larger event organisers or those with international clients can use the Comprehensive Module to add:

• Scope 3 emissions (e.g. audience travel or artist flights)
• Climate risk assessments (e.g. extreme weather plans)
• Human rights policies for suppliers
• Gender diversity ratios in management

These align your reporting with ESRS standards under the CSRD while remaining proportionate for SMEs.

5. How to Collect Data Affordably

Tip: For multi-day events, report per-event and annual totals for clarity.

6. Presenting and Publishing Your Report

You can publish your sustainability report:

• As a standalone PDF or webpage.
• Or as part of your annual management report.

Make it available to clients, sponsors, and local authorities. Use clear tables, visuals, and short explanations for each metric.

If your event company is part of a group, report consolidated data across venues and subsidiaries.

7. Quick Wins for Event SMEs

8. Why This Matters

High-quality sustainability reporting:

• Enhances your appeal to sponsors and investors.
• Improves access to green financing.
• Builds trust with local communities.
• Aligns your operations with EU sustainability goals under the Green Deal.

By starting with the VSME Basic Module, event companies can meet data requests from CSRD-reporting clients without the burden of a full ESRS report.

Key Terms

• CSRD – Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (EU 2022/2464)
• VSME – Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (EFRAG, 2024)
• Basic Module – Core reporting option in VSME for small businesses
• Comprehensive Module – Optional, more detailed module for larger SMEs
• ESRS – European Sustainability Reporting Standards under the CSRD
• SME – Small or medium-sized enterprise
• Scope 1 and 2 emissions – Direct and purchased energy-related emissions
• Turnover – Total revenue during a financial year
• Scope 3 emissions – Indirect emissions from activities such as travel or suppliers