You have received an ESG questionnaire — what now?
A customer or your bank sends a list of questions about sustainability. This is what is expected of you, and especially: what is not.
Why you receive that list
For the past few years, large companies have had to report on sustainability. They need data from the companies they buy from — including you. Your bank does the same, because it must report on the companies it finances.
You almost certainly do not fall under that reporting obligation yourself. Since the simplification of February 2026, it applies only to companies with more than one thousand employees and more than 450 million euros in turnover. But you will feel its effects, through the supply chain.
What you must provide — and where the line is
There is something in the law that almost nobody knows about, and it works in your favour. A company that is subject to reporting obligations may not ask a supplier with one thousand employees or fewer for more information than what is in the voluntary standard for SMEs. That standard is called VSME.
If your customer asks for more anyway, he must state which questions fall outside that limit and that you have the right not to answer them. If he does not do so, you may still refer to it.
What you should do best
Answer everything that falls within the standard, completely and properly. That is your business card and it will cost you almost nothing next time, because the data will already be set.
What falls outside: you do not have to answer that. Say so in a friendly way and give the reason. Our free capcheck identifies for each question where it falls.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to fill in this questionnaire?
You are not legally obliged to. Commercially, it is different: your customer needs the data for their own reporting, and not answering can cost you a contract. The good news is that you need to do less than is usually asked.
What happens if I do not respond?
That varies by customer. Some will accept part of an answer, others make it a condition. A proper and complete answer to what falls within the standard is almost always enough.
Can I just fill in "not applicable"?
For a question that really does not apply to you, yes. But for data you do have, that stands out — and it costs more credibility than it saves in work.
This is explanation, not advice about your own situation. esgia.eu does not assess your company and provides no assurance.