{"id":1660,"date":"2024-08-28T14:54:40","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T12:54:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/?p=1660"},"modified":"2025-05-16T16:06:49","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T14:06:49","slug":"against-fear-marketing-in-csrd-implementation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/en\/insights\/against-fear-marketing-in-csrd-implementation\/","title":{"rendered":"Against &#8220;fear marketing&#8221; in CSRD implementation"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738771869536{margin-top: 0px !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/weichert-mehner-einblick-background-header-1.jpg?id=500) !important;}&#8221; el_id=&#8221;header-saechsische-landtagswahl&#8221;][vc_column]    <div class=\"image-text image-text--align-left image-text--position-top image-text--size-50vw-p image-text--column-t-center-i-center\">\n      <div class=\"image-text__image\">\n        <div class=\"image-text__image__inner\">\n          <div class=\"image-text__image__inner__wrap\">                                          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"564\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/weichert-mehner-einblicke-csrd-umsetzung.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Symbolbild der Kommunikationsberatung WeichertMehner zur CSRD-Umsetzung: Eine Luftaufnahme eines dichten gr\u00fcnen Waldes, in den ein Labyrinth in Form einer Zielscheibe mit einem Pfeil geschnitten ist. Die Grafik thematisiert die Herausforderungen der Nachhaltigkeitsberichterstattung und warnt vor Angstmarketing bei der strategischen Klimakommunikation.\" 0=\"img-fluid\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/weichert-mehner-einblicke-csrd-umsetzung.png 564w, https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/weichert-mehner-einblicke-csrd-umsetzung-260x300.png 260w, https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/weichert-mehner-einblicke-csrd-umsetzung-65x75.png 65w, https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/weichert-mehner-einblicke-csrd-umsetzung-480x553.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width:767px) 480px, 564px\" \/>                                                <\/div>        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"image-text__content\">\n        <div class=\"image-text__content__inner\">\n          <div class=\"spacer spacer--medium\" style=\"height:90px\"><\/div>\n[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1><span class=\"text--white\">Against &#8220;fear marketing&#8221; in CSRD implementation<\/span><\/h1>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<span class=\"text-bold-tuerkis\">Fear marketing in ESG consulting reinforces the perception of excessive complexity, paralyzes companies and prevents proactive action instead of clearly demonstrating the opportunities and added value of CSRD.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--large\" style=\"height:60px\"><\/div>\n  <a class=\"btn-custom4\" href=\"\/en\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_self\" title=\"Let&#039;s talk now\">Let\u2018s talk<\/a>  <a class=\"btn-default\" href=\"\/en\/services\/\" target=\"_self\" title=\"To the services\">Services<\/a>\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--large\" style=\"height:60px\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--medium\" style=\"height:90px\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--small\" style=\"height:48px\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738244088143{margin-bottom: -115px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;]\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--large\" style=\"height:40px\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--medium\" style=\"height:30px\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--small\" style=\"height:16px\"><\/div>\n[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #06d291;\">Is ESG really that complex?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Unfortunately, in the field of ESG consulting and software, inappropriate &#8220;fear marketing&#8221; is emerging. The following messages are being sent:[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Almost 1,200 data points had to be taken into account.<\/li>\n<li>The materiality analysis is extremely complex and requires numerous parameters.<\/li>\n<li>Without specialized software or AI, the challenges can hardly be overcome.<\/li>\n<li>Advice is indispensable for successfully mastering the process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Such messages suggest that CSRD is an overpowering challenge, a kind of indomitable hydra created by bureaucrats. Companies see complexity and hurdles instead of recognizing potential benefits. The consequence: instead of taking action, they fall into a state of shock.<\/p>\n<p>There are certainly requirements and standards that need to be taken into account, and data collection can also be time-consuming. Nevertheless, ESG reporting is not an end in itself. It serves to exploit strategic opportunities, minimize risks and create clear added value for the company. Fear marketing, however, narrows the perspective and obscures the view of the actual core: the sustainable and strategic handling of ESG issues.[\/vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--large\" style=\"height:40px\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--medium\" style=\"height:30px\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--small\" style=\"height:16px\"><\/div>\n[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #1d285a;\">Three theses for CSRD implementation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Pragmatism instead of overwhelming<\/strong><br \/>\nESG reporting should be introduced step by step. Concrete and comprehensible approaches are needed to help companies make a pragmatic start with ESG.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Software as a supporter, not a threat<\/strong><br \/>\nSoftware solutions can play an important role in helping companies to simplify processes and analyze data effectively. However, they should be seen as an aid &#8211; not as a mandatory requirement or panacea.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Self-help consulting<\/strong><br \/>\nConsulting must aim to enable companies to become independent. Instead of creating dependencies, advisors must impart knowledge and demonstrate strategies for action.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--large\" style=\"height:40px\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--medium\" style=\"height:30px\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--small\" style=\"height:16px\"><\/div>\n[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #1d285a;\">Counting and measuring are not the essentials<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]ESG reporting is not an end in itself. Conceptual clarity is crucial: What does ESG mean for the company? What strategic opportunities can arise? How can ESG be integrated in such a way that it supports the company&#8217;s objectives? The CSRD in particular offers companies considerable and under-discussed scope to implement reporting in a gradual and appropriate manner. Instead, exaggerated warnings and claims of complexity create unnecessary barriers to entry that undermine the potential of ESG.[\/vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--large\" style=\"height:40px\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--medium\" style=\"height:30px\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--small\" style=\"height:16px\"><\/div>\n[vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #1d285a;\">A call for clarity and support<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Communication around ESG should aim to encourage companies to take the first step. Counting and measuring are tools, not goals. Understanding ESG as an integral part of the corporate strategy and thus creating added value &#8211; that should be the goal: for the organization, the stakeholders and the environment. An approach that focuses on clarity, pragmatism and genuine support will not only be more successful in the long term, but will also strengthen the acceptance and benefits of ESG, CSRD and the EU.[\/vc_column_text]\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--large\" style=\"height:35px\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--medium\" style=\"height:10px\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"spacer spacer--small\" style=\"height:1px\"><\/div>\n[vc_single_image image=&#8221;1200&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738771869536{margin-top: 0px !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/weichert-mehner-einblick-background-header-1.jpg?id=500) !important;}&#8221; el_id=&#8221;header-saechsische-landtagswahl&#8221;][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1738244088143{margin-bottom: -115px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;] Is ESG really that complex? [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Unfortunately, in the field of ESG<span class=\"excerpt-hellip\"> [\u2026]<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":1153,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[48,25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1660","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-esg-en","category-insights"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1660","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1660"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1660\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2105,"href":"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1660\/revisions\/2105"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1660"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1660"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.weichertmehner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1660"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}