The double materiality assessment (also known as double materiality analysis) is at the heart of the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and sustainability reporting. However, materiality assessment is much more than just a reporting process, that helps companies to recognize which sustainability issues are most important to them and their stakeholders. It is also a tool for strategic corporate management. But this process can be complex. This is where our materiality assessment Excel template into play.
How can an Excel template improve the materiality assessment process?
The template guides users step-by-step through the entire materiality assessment process, from stakeholder analysis to the identification and evaluation of IROs and the automatic creation of a materiality matrix.
Our Microsoft Excel template is designed to make the process of data aggregation, evaluation and visualization efficient. With predefined formulas and charts, it allows you to seamlessly transform your data into an interactive materiality matrix.
The advantages of the materiality assessment template
Users of the Excel template report the following advantages, among others:
- Time saving: The template automates many of the data analysis steps and includes EFRAG recommended logic for assessing IROs, saving you valuable time.
- Ease of use: Easy to use even for Excel newcomers, with clear instructions and an intuitive structure.
- Visualization: It offers tools to prepare the data in a visually appealing way, e.g. in a stakeholder matrix and a materiality matrix, which facilitates communication and presentation.
- Stakeholder engagement: Promotes a transparent dialog with stakeholders by identifying the relevant interest groups and deriving specific recommendations for interaction.
- Compliance: Supports compliance with ESRS requirements for the implementation of materiality assessment and legal requirements. The template provides a convincing structure for submission to the auditor.
Who is the materiality analysis template suitable for?
The Excel template for conducting a double materiality assessment is ideal for companies of any size that want to carry out a materiality analysis. Whether you are an SME, a consulting firm or an international company, this template provides a structured framework for conducting a comprehensive materiality assessment.
It is particularly useful for sustainability officers, CSR managers and business consultants who want to save themselves a lot of time getting to grips with the details of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) or the EFRAG Materiality Assessment Guidelines and get started straight away. It can also be used by financial services companies and non-profit organizations to identify and prioritize important sustainability issues.
With its adaptability and user-friendliness, the template supports users in managing the complex challenges and opportunities of CSRD strategically and effectively.
FAQs: Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is a separate article with numerous concrete examples of how the materiality assessment template can be filled.
Ultimately, it is personal preference whether impact and financial materiality are considered together or separately. Our template takes the approach of looking at both perspectives side by side and together, as they are often interdependent and mutually dependent.
Consulting companies can use the template with the standard license for their customers, but are not allowed to hand over or send the template to the customer. We therefore offer an attractive sub-licensing model to management consultancies and freelancers who support their clients in implementing the double materiality assessment. Please contact us for more information.
Yes, our Excel template is universally designed and can be adapted for a wide range of industries. It contains the list of general sustainability topics (ESRS AR16) that are relevant across different business areas. Simply customize it according to the specific needs of your industry or company in the areas provided.
The materiality assessment template is currently available in German. Would you like a different language? Please feel free to contact us.
A common mistake is to overwrite formula cells without first saving the original formula. Also avoid deleting cell ranges that are linked to other functions. Use the documentation and read the descriptions and notes carefully to ensure that any customization does not affect the functionality of the template.
The Excel template was developed on the basis of input from several auditing companies. It offers many possibilities to document the decisions made in order to make them comprehensible for the auditor. The logic is also based on the ESRS specifications. We are not yet aware of any auditor rejecting the template, but we cannot give any guarantees. It is important that you document your process well.
In principle, the materiality assessment AI prompts should work with all providers. However, the prompts for materiality assessment are optimized for ChatGPT.
The template was developed in Microsoft Excel and contains VBA code / macros. We recommend for the opening of the ‘xlsm’- documents to also use Microsoft Excel. Apart from the Microsoft Excel application, no other software is required. Please activate the macros when opening the file.
The Double Materiality template can also be opened with other programs, but this may result in functional limitations.
Yes, if you have problems purchasing the template via the website or prefer to purchase on account, you can send a message to info@csr-tools.com.
In summary, our Excel template for materiality assessment provides an essential resource for companies on the path to greater sustainability and transparency. It is a powerful tool that not only helps you save time and resources, but also improves the quality of your sustainability report. With its user-friendly design and flexible customization options, the template is suitable for a wide range of organizations looking to effectively implement the identification of their material topics and IROs.
Now it’s up to you to take the next step. Download the template, personalize it for your company and start the exciting journey towards a comprehensive analysis of your sustainability performance. With this practical CSR tool, you can ensure that your company is not only compliant with current standards, but also ready for the future of CSRD reporting.