B1: Basis for Preparation
Essential disclosure requirements for setting up your sustainability report according to the VSME standard.
In brief
VSME disclosure requirement B1 defines the basis for reporting: the company must state whether it selects only the Basic Module (Option A) or the Basic Module together with the Comprehensive Module (Option B). B1 also covers basic information such as legal form, NACE sector codes, balance sheet size, turnover, headcount, and country of operation. It further includes disclosure of any sustainability certifications and labels held.
VSME Standard Reference
The following content is extracted from the official EFRAG Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs (VSME), December 2024.
View original VSME Standard (PDF)Selko Insights
Basic vs. Comprehensive Module
The VSME standard suggests that micro companies report using the Basic Module only, while larger companies are recommended to use both the Basic and Comprehensive modules. In Selko Report, we default to Option B (Basic + Comprehensive) as this is our recommended approach for most SMEs seeking comprehensive sustainability disclosure.
Employee Count Method
In Selko Report, we use the number of employees in headcount at fiscal year end as our default value. This is a straightforward, obtainable data point that aligns with standard financial reporting practices.
Geolocation of Sites
Currently, Selko Report does not include the exact coordinates as stipulated in the VSME standard for geolocation of sites. We collect site address information which satisfies the practical intent of this disclosure requirement.
Certifications and Labels
Since the VSME standard provides guidance rather than a definitive list of which certifications and labels should be disclosed, we have opted to instruct our users to include all certifications and labels they see connected to sustainability in some way. Our rationale: we would rather see users include than exclude potentially relevant certifications and labels.
Related content
VSME and materiality in reporting
How the VSME standard approaches materiality and which disclosure requirements apply to each reporting category.
Read moreB2: Practices and policies
VSME disclosure B2: practices, policies and future initiatives for transitioning towards a more sustainable economy.
Read moreC1: Business model and strategy
VSME disclosure C1: key elements of the business model and sustainability-related initiatives.
Read moreSolutions
Selko Insights services for sustainability reporting, emissions calculation and property analytics.
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