• High Readiness: 79% of Dutch companies feel prepared for CSRD, compared to 63% globally.
• Progress & Optimism: Significant steps in CSRD implementation boost confidence.
• Challenges: Data quality, value chain complexity, and human resources are main obstacles.

Dutch companies show strong confidence in CSRD readiness.

According to PwC’s Global CSRD Survey 2024, 79% of Dutch businesses expect to comply with the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) on time, significantly higher than the global average of 63%.

Optimism grows with progress.

Many Dutch companies have made substantial strides in CSRD implementation, with 54% completing key preparatory steps and 64% finishing the mandatory double materiality analysis. This progress fuels optimism about meeting reporting obligations and realizing benefits from increased transparency and sustainability focus.

“Most companies that start working with the CSRD come to appreciate the rationale behind it more,” said Alexander Spek, head of PwC Netherlands’ Sustainability practice. “They find it challenging but value the new insights and focus on sustainability topics.“

Understanding reduces the CSRD’s daunting nature.

Companies set to report in 2025 are more optimistic than those with a 2026 deadline, as familiarity with the reporting standards grows.

“It is good to see that the majority of Dutch companies are really taking up the CSRD challenge,” noted Karin Meijer, sustainability reporting specialist at PwC. “Starting early with the right team is crucial for managing this challenge.“

Common themes versus underexposed areas.

Dutch firms are confident about reporting on well-established sustainability themes like climate change and employee welfare. However, they often exclude newer themes such as community impact and biodiversity from their CSRD reports.

Obstacles remain.

Despite high confidence, Dutch companies face significant challenges in data availability and quality, complex value chains, and sufficient human resources. About 50-60% of respondents cite these as major obstacles.

“The CSRD requires comprehensive data collection and verification, often beyond existing ERP systems,” the survey notes. “Yet, the interaction with other laws and regulations and management involvement are less problematic in the Netherlands.“

CSRD’s role in decision-making.

The directive is driving a greater focus on sustainability in business decisions. Two-thirds of Dutch respondents report increased consideration of sustainability due to the CSRD.

“This responsibility should lie with finance, given its role in external reporting,” argues PwC expert Willem Jan Dubois. “Interaction with strategy, sustainability, compliance, and business leaders is crucial for accurate and relevant reports.“

Related Article: PwC Survey: 63% of Companies Confident in CSRD Readiness, But Face Data and Resource Challenges

Expected benefits.

Optimism about CSRD benefits rises with implementation progress. Dutch companies, however, are more reserved about the economic advantages compared to their international peers. They expect improvements mainly in sustainability-related areas rather than competitiveness or financial metrics.

Success factors for CSRD implementation:

• Multidisciplinary teams: Engage finance, sustainability, compliance, and business departments.
• Clear expectations: Define timelines and conduct double materiality analysis.
• Strategic alignment: Clarify the broader sustainability narrative.
• Data management: Focus on efficient data collection, verification, and consolidation.
• System exploration: Utilize tools to streamline reporting processes.