🔍 Gap Analysis in an ESG Context: A First Step Toward Compliance
Gap Analysis is a key step for companies seeking to assess their readiness for the new sustainability reporting requirements.
But what exactly is it?
Gap Analysis involves evaluating the difference between what the company is already doing in terms of sustainability (available data, existing processes, current disclosures…) and what is required by the different ESG reportings.
👉 Goal: Identify what’s missing, prioritize actions, and define a realistic roadmap toward compliance.
🛠 How is a Gap Analysis Structured?
It is typically built around several key areas:
Governance and reporting structure – Are the right processes in place to manage sustainability?
Available data – Does the company already have reliable, auditable ESG data that covers the appropriate scope?
Double materiality – Has a proper assessment of both impact and financial risk been carried out?
ESRS compliance – Which indicators, policies, and targets are missing compared to the standards?
Each element is assessed to determine whether it is:
Already in place ✔️
Partially in place ⚠️
Not in place ❌
✅ Why It Matters
Gap Analysis not only helps companies understand where they stand but also allows them to build a clear and actionable plan for the months ahead. It’s especially valuable for organizations that need to start reporting in 2025 but don’t yet have a structured ESG framework.
It provides a snapshot of the current state and helps guide strategic decisions around ESG priorities.