VSME: A simplified way to report on sustainability

What is VSME?

VSME is a voluntary simplified EU framework for sustainability reporting developed by EFRAG. It stands for Voluntary Standard for non-listed Micro-, Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises. The standard helps smaller businesses meet sustainability data requirements from larger customers, banks and investors, without the complexity of CSRD.

Who is it for?

Maritime suppliers, smaller shipowners, service providers, yards and design firms that are not listed on EU and EEA regulated markets.

If your business:

• Fewer than 250 employees
• Less than €50M in annual turnover or €25M in assets

then VSME is relevant to you.

Why it matters now

VSME is still voluntary, but the pressure to report is already here:

• Large customers must report Scope 3 emissions and ESG data from their value chain
• Banks are increasingly considering ESG factors in credit assessments
• Public and private tenders increasingly require ESG documentation
  
  
  

The benefits of early adoption

• Speak the same language as your customers
• Avoid multiple custom data requests
• Can help improve access to sustainability finance
• Track and show progress on your ESG goals
• Be ready if reporting becomes mandatory
  
  
  

VSME structure

• Basic module: Minimum required for most use cases. Covers key environmental, social and governance metrics.
• Comprehensive module: Optional expansion with additional datapoints often requested by banks and large customers.
  
  
  

VSME vs. CSRD

Reporting support built for maritime

• Maritime-specific ESG software aligned with EU rules
• Easy onboarding and data collection
• Built-in templates and indicators for VSME
• Advisory services from maritime ESG experts
• Reporting that grows with your business
  
  
  

Get started with VSME

Metizoft helps you get started, deliver what your customers need, and scale up when required.