Sustainability report template under the VS (formerly VSME)
While the requirements for the sustainability report of companies reporting voluntarily under the VS (Voluntary Standard) are somewhat streamlined compared to the comprehensive CSRD reporting obligation, the EFRAG VSME standard on which the VS builds already spans 56 pages with numerous data points.
We have condensed the VS specifications for you and developed a practical template for your VS report. It shows you step-by-step exactly which information is expected from your company.
- VS-compliant
- Ready to use
- Aligned with the final VS
- Word template of a VS sustainability report
- Step-by-step filling aid
- VS data point list
- Helpful tools & links
Ordering by invoice is our preferred payment method – alternatively, pay directly & securely via LemonSqueezy.
The voluntary reporting standard was previously called VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs). On 3 July 2026, the EU Commission adopted it as the VS (Voluntary Standard). It has been in force as Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1560 since 24 September 2026 and is open to all companies not subject to mandatory CSRD reporting, no longer just SMEs. In terms of content, the VS builds on the VSME with only minor changes. That's why we use the new name VS on this page. Learn more in our article Final ESRS and VS Standard 2026.
This is what you get
- An editable Word template for a VS-compliant sustainability report that you can fill in independently with your company's details.
- Step-by-step instructions (PDF) to guide you safely through filling out the template.
- An overview of all VS data points (basic and comprehensive module) – as a practical tool for data collection and guidance for report preparation.
- Additional questions that help with the EcoVadis assessment – so you can use the same data base for your VS report and the EcoVadis rating.
- The German translation of EFRAG's official Excel template.
- Further helpful attachments, which we make available to you in a bundle (also publicly available on the internet):
- The official VS reporting standard
- A complete list of VS data points
Your added value when purchasing this sustainability report template
- You save around 40 hours of work, as the structure and content are already prepared in compliance with VS.
- Complex VS requirements are presented in an understandable way – translated from English into German and converted into clear, actionable information requirements.
- The intuitive Word template makes it quick and easy to get started – without any prior knowledge.
- The structured data point list provides you with targeted support for data collection in the company and ensures an overview and security.
Note & suitability
Note: This is a template for a sustainability report that reflects the VS requirements and guides you step-by-step. The required information must be filled in by the company itself. The template has been aligned with the VS (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1560). It was originally based on the VSME version of 17 December 2024.
Although conducting a double materiality assessment is not mandatory under the VS standard, it is a core element of the CSRD – and a good basis for voluntarily reporting companies to determine their relevant topics. CSR Tools offers a materiality assessment Excel template and a practice-oriented 4-hour workshop for this purpose.
Who is the VS report template suitable for?
This template is intended for:
- SMEs and mid-sized companies that wish to voluntarily prepare a sustainability report – e.g. at the request of customers, banks or business partners
- Companies that, as suppliers to companies subject to the CSRD, are asked to provide sustainability data: from financial year 2027, companies subject to the CSRD may not request information beyond the VS from companies with up to 1,000 employees
- Consultants and auditors who want to support their clients in creating a VS-compliant report
- Organizations without their own CSRD tool who are looking for a low-threshold, practical introduction to reporting
Send us a short message at info@csr-tools.com – we will send you an invoice with all payment information.
If you are not satisfied with the template, you will receive your money back within 30 days without any hassle.
Who is behind the VS report?
The template was developed by Alexander Spahn, founder of CSR Tools. He began his career at the international auditing and consulting firm Deloitte. Since 2023, he has been working intensively on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and assists companies with their entry into sustainable reporting.
In 2024, he successfully completed further training to become a certified Sustainability Reporting Advisor at the EBS University of Business and Law.
Find out more about Alex and CSR Tools here.
Customer selection of the VS report template
Your VS template options
- Word template of a VS sustainability report
- Step-by-step filling aid
- VS data point list
- Helpful tools & links
Ordering by invoice is our preferred payment method – alternatively, pay directly & securely via LemonSqueezy.
- Interactive 3h workshop
- Word template of a VS sustainability report
- Helpful tools & links
Ordering by invoice is our preferred payment method – alternatively, pay directly & securely via LemonSqueezy.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is included in the VS template?
You receive an editable Word template for a VS-compliant sustainability report, step-by-step instructions (PDF), an overview of all VS data points (basic and comprehensive module), the German translation of EFRAG's official Excel template, plus further helpful attachments bundled for you – including the official VS reporting standard and a complete list of VS data points.
Who is the template suitable for?
It is designed for SMEs that wish to voluntarily prepare a sustainability report – e.g. at the request of customers, banks or business partners – as well as for suppliers who want to answer data requests from customers subject to the CSRD in a structured way, consultants and auditors supporting their clients, and organizations looking for a low-threshold, practical introduction to reporting.
Is the template up to date with the latest VS standard?
Yes. The template has been aligned with the VS, which the EU Commission adopted on 3 July 2026 and which has been in force as Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1560 since 24 September 2026. It was originally based on the VSME version released by EFRAG on 17 December 2024; the VS builds on it in terms of content, and the changes are minor.
Do I still need to conduct a materiality assessment?
Conducting a double materiality assessment is not mandatory under the VS standard, but it is a core element of the CSRD and also helps voluntarily reporting companies determine their relevant topics. For this purpose CSR Tools offers a materiality assessment Excel template and a practice-oriented 4-hour workshop.
Can I pay by invoice?
Yes. If you prefer to pay by invoice, send us a short message at info@csr-tools.com – we will send you an invoice with all payment information.
What if I am not satisfied?
We offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the template, you will receive your money back within 30 days without any hassle.
Does the template also help with the EcoVadis assessment?
Yes. We have extended our VS report template with relevant questions that help with the EcoVadis assessment. This lets you collect VS- and EcoVadis-relevant data points in a single step and use the same data base for both your report and the rating. How the VS report and EcoVadis work together is shown in our article EcoVadis and the VS Standard: The Smart Connection Counts.
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Get started today with a practical, VS-compliant report template. To purchase on account, simply send us an email to info@csr-tools.com.