When the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) comes into force at the beginning of 2024, thousands of companies in the EU will be required to address their sustainability reporting for the first time - or in much greater depth. The associated European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) mark the new legal framework, while many companies have already been voluntarily reporting in accordance with the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for years. The key question is therefore: where are there overlaps - and where are there not?

GRI and ESRS - two systems, one goal?

The good news first: GRI and ESRS are fundamentally compatible with each other. Both are based on a comprehensive understanding of sustainability that includes environmental, social and governance-related impacts. A cooperation agreement between GRI and EFRAG (the responsible body for ESRS) was already signed in November 2023. Building on this, a first interoperability index was published in November 2024 - an important tool for better aligning the reporting processes of both systems.

However, interoperability does not mean identity. Companies that already use GRI must specifically review their existing data structures and disclosures - especially with regard to the double materiality and the more granular disclosure requirements of the ESRS.

Concrete points of comparison: Where GRI and ESRS overlap - and where they don't

To make the transition easier, it is worth taking a look at key data points and disclosure topics. Here are some illustrative examples:

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it shows by way of example that existing GRI reports represent a good starting pointbut that specific additions are necessary in order to fully meet the ESRS requirements.

Where GRI can fill the gaps in the ESRS

One interesting aspect: the ESRS do not yet cover some topics or only cover them in a rudimentary way - e.g. tax transparency, anti-corruption measures or selected sectoral risks. The GRI logic can be continued here in order to maintain consistent and credible reporting.

In concrete terms, this means that companies that already report via GRI should not discard their existing structure, but rather use it specifically as a foundation for hybrid reporting - supplemented by ESRS mandatory disclosures and entity-specific disclosures where necessary.

Interoperability requires structural data mapping

The transition from GRI to ESRS requires a targeted mapping of data points and disclosure elements. The tools available for this - in particular the GRI-ESRS Interoperability Index and the Standards Data Point Mapping - provide a good basis for this.

Companies should go through the following steps:

1.analysis of existing GRI data points for compliance with ESRS requirements

2.identification of missing information, especially in the area of financial impact and governance

3.addition of narrative elements and structured key figures in accordance with ESRS specifications

4.review of the materiality analysis taking into account both perspectives

What will remain of the GRI standard when ESRS becomes mandatory?

The EU Commission's current change of course as part of the omnibus simplification proposal (February 2025) is causing new uncertainty. Fewer companies with reporting obligations, reduced requirements - many are asking themselves: is the effort still worth it?

The GRI Standards are becoming more important again as a result of this political development. Even if the CSRD does not (initially) apply to some companies, voluntary reporting remains a strategic instrument for maintaining transparency towards stakeholders and building trust - especially towards investors, lenders, partners and customers.

As GRI CEO Robin Hodess emphasized in February 2025:

"Double materiality, which has been retained as a key feature of the CSRD, recognizes the strategic importance of transparency for the impacts of companies on the economy, environment and people. [...] Promoting sustainable business is a strategic imperative and an area in which Europe has long shown global leadership."

In this sense, the voluntary application of the GRI standards remains an important signal - especially in times of regulatory uncertainty.

Conclusion: From "either/or" to "both/and"

The GRI Standards are not an anachronism - on the contrary: they provide a resilient framework for companies that need to orient themselves in a dynamic regulatory environment. Those who already use GRI have a solid starting point for effectively fulfilling the ESRS requirements. At the same time, GRI content remains relevant in areas without ESRS requirements - especially for companies with international operations.

Whether as a mandatory or voluntary standard, sustainability reporting remains a central element of corporate responsibility and future viability.

Would you like to convert your existing GRI reporting to ESRS?

We would be happy to assist you with data mapping, materiality analysis and the strategic anchoring of your ESG disclosures. Get in touch with us!