In with 2025, in with new ESG directives. As the 2025 deadline for the EU’s new ESG directive looms, sustainability reporting is no longer a trend – it’s a business imperative. Under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), companies are now required to provide more detailed and standardised environmental, social and governance (ESG) information. This shift looks to make sustainability reports clearer, more consistent and ultimately more impactful for stakeholders.

But here’s the catch: getting it right isn’t always easy. A poorly translated or incomplete sustainability report can lead to non-compliance, confusion and eroded trust – not what you want when building global credibility. Enter Sandberg, your trusted language partner. We understand that clear, concise and consistent communication across multiple languages is key to keeping your brand’s reputation intact.

In this article, we’ll explore why ESG reporting matters, the challenges of translating it, and how partnering with an expert like Sandberg can make all the difference. Ready to take your sustainability reporting to the next level? Let’s dive in!

The evolution of sustainability reporting

Sustainability reporting has come a long way since the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) was established in 1997, laying the foundations for a global standard in corporate transparency. Fast forward to 2014, and the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) was introduced, focusing on sustainability and social responsibility. Now, with the CSRD coming in 2025, more businesses than ever will be required to produce sustainability reports, shining a brighter spotlight on data quality and amping up scrutiny on sustainable practices.

What makes sustainability reporting so important? It isn’t just about adhering to regulations – it’s your opportunity to highlight your company’s eco-friendly initiatives, earn trust, and attract like-minded customers and investors who care about the planet.

However, ESG reporting isn’t without its challenges. “Greenwashing”, which can have significant consequences, including consumer distrust, regulatory scrutiny, and a delay in genuine sustainability progress, is a major potential consequence for those who lack transparency in their sustainability reporting.

For example, in 2015, German car manufacturer Volkswagen was involved in a massive greenwashing scandal known as “Dieselgate”. The company falsely marketed its diesel vehicles as low-emission and environmentally friendly, even though they were equipped with software designed to cheat emissions tests. This deception not only damaged Volkswagen’s reputation but also led to costly lawsuits, fines and a loss of consumer trust.

Greenwashing can mislead consumers into making eco-friendly choices based on false information, ultimately undermining efforts to combat climate change. Additionally, meeting only the bare minimum standards, and the lack of consistent measurement metrics can also make sustainability reporting a tough task to get right.

Translation plays a crucial role here, ensuring your sustainability message reaches international audiences with precision and clarity by reducing the risk of miscommunications, or worse still, legal complications that could put your entire organisation at risk.

Balancing consistency, culture and compliance in sustainability reporting

For successful ESG translation, consistency is the name of the game. The world of sustainability is rich with terms like “net zero”, “greenwashing” and “carbon footprint” that can vary in meaning and nuance across languages and cultures. Maintaining terminology consistency ensures your message stays comprehensible and credible, no matter where it’s read.

But it’s not just about the words themselves; cultural accuracy plays a major role too. A term that works in one market could be confusing or even misleading in another. For example, the often interchangeably used terms “carbon neutral”, “carbon zero”, “carbon negative” and “net zero” all carry different definitions yet can be used in similar or identical contexts to demonstrate commitment to the climate.

Then there’s the issue of compliance – a critical piece of the ESG puzzle. Different regions have different rules and regulations, and failing to navigate them properly could expose your company to legal risks – see “Dieselgate”. Whether you’re dealing with the EU’s CSRD or other local mandates, thoroughly understanding these regional differences is paramount to remaining compliant.

There are numerous potential cases where differences in terminology and local regulations may obscure meaning in certain markets:

“Sustainable”

  • English-speaking markets: In many English-speaking countries, sustainable may refer to practices that are ecologically sound, but it can often be used in vague or broad terms without strict criteria.
  • French-speaking markets: The French term “durable” is similarly used, but there’s often more focus on long-term environmental and social impacts, including labour practices, which could cause misunderstandings if not clearly explained.

“Eco-friendly”

  • English-speaking markets: In many English-speaking countries, eco-friendly is commonly used to describe products that have a reduced environmental impact, though it can sometimes be vague or unverified.
  • German-speaking markets: The term “umweltfreundlich” is understood in Germany, but without clear certifications or metrics it could be seen as a marketing buzzword. Consumers in Germany may expect detailed evidence or certifications, such as Blauer Engel or EU Ecolabel, to back up such claims.

“Organic”

  • English-speaking markets: In countries like the US or the UK, organic typically refers to products grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, often backed by certification labels like USDA Organic or EU Organic.
  • Chinese-speaking markets: In China, the term “有机 (yǒujī)” also refers to organic products, but due to limited regulation and certification enforcement, products might be marketed as organic without meeting stringent standards, potentially misleading consumers.

Sandberg’s approach to sustainability reporting translation

With ESG and the nuances of sustainability always evolving, new terms and concepts are constantly emerging. That’s why it’s vital to partner with linguistic experts who ensure your reports are accurate, culturally aligned and legally compliant, helping you communicate your sustainability efforts effectively to a wider audience.

Here at Sandberg, we’re no strangers to translating complex content across industries. With a proven track record working with clients in consulting, logistics, energy, technology and healthcare, we’ve got the expertise to handle it all. But sustainability? It’s woven into our Nordic DNA.

From energy usage data and renewable data sourcing reports, policies for human rights and labour practices, to codes of ethics and business conduct and risk management and internal audit reports, our qualified experts are at your disposal.

We know that sustainability isn’t just about compliance, though – it’s about building trust and showing the world your commitment to positive change. That’s why our team of subject-matter experts and specialised translators ensures your sustainability reporting resonates with global audiences, while staying true to both the technical details and cultural nuances that really matter, and with data safeguarding always at the forefront. Our seamless tech integration methods – TMs, termbases and so on – ensure consistency, accuracy, and ultimately save you time and money whilst maximising efficiency and productivity.

Best practices for successful sustainability reporting

Building your stakeholders’ trust starts with coherent, multilingual content that aligns with your brand’s commitment to transparency and responsibility. Here’s how to get it right:

  • Involve professional translators with ESG reporting expertise early in the process to avoid missteps or oversights.
  • Partner with a reputable language services provider that combines human expertise with tools like TMs and termbases for efficiency and compliance.
  • Collaborate with in-country experts for cultural validation, ensuring your message lands just right.
  • Keep your content up to date – a frequent, ongoing partnership with Sandberg ensures you stay at the forefront of change and we build a deep understanding of your content.

From seed to success: Let’s cultivate your sustainability message

The CSRD is here, and it’s shaking up the world of sustainability reporting. As companies face more intricate and standardised requirements, one thing is clear: sustainability reporting is no longer just a trend – it’s the new business norm. Businesses that rise to the occasion will bolster their stakeholder relationships and stand out in the marketplace, leaving competitors green with envy.

Of course, the hurdles we mentioned – like greenwashing, inconsistent metrics and ever-evolving terminology – aren’t going anywhere. But with the right strategy, your reports can rise above the noise and truly make an impact. That’s where we come in. We’ve got the Nordic precision and expertise to ensure your sustainability message isn’t just compliant, but compelling.

Ready for your sustainability reporting to flourish and stand out? Get in touch with us today or browse our services to see how we can help you nurture your success and stay ahead of the curve and competition.

 

Corporate social responsibility, Going global, Sustainability