Navigating through the Double Materiality assessment can sometimes be challenging, especially when you encounter questions that are not based on physical or scientific evidence. Our double materiality system, designed to comply with CSRD regulation, consists of a set of forms that ask high-level, qualitative, closed-choice questions covering all ESG topics. Here’s how you can effectively answer these questions even if you are not an ESG expert.
Strategies for Answering Difficult Questions
When faced with a challenging question on a Double Materiality form, consider the following strategies to guide your response:
1. Leverage Existing Information
Start by reviewing any existing information within your company. This could include internal reports, previous assessments, or data collected for other purposes. Using available resources can provide a solid foundation for your answer.
2. Apply Common Sense
Use your judgement and common sense to interpret the question and provide a reasonable response. Think about how the question relates to your company’s activities, impacts, and operations.
3. Emphasize Sincerity and Transparency
Be honest and transparent in your responses. If there are uncertainties or gaps in information, acknowledge them. Sincerity in your answers helps build credibility and trust in your ESG reporting.
4. Seek Internal Consensus
Engage with colleagues or relevant departments to gather diverse perspectives and reach a consensus on the answer. Collaborative discussions can offer valuable insights and lead to more comprehensive responses.
5. Utilize Sectoral Information and Benchmarks
Refer to sector-specific information and benchmarks. Understanding industry standards and practices can help you frame your response in the context of common sectoral trends and expectations.
6. Research Articles and Documentation
Look for relevant articles, research papers, and documentation in the media. External sources can provide additional context and support for your answers, especially for complex ESG issues.
7. Trust Your Intuition
When specific data or evidence is lacking, trust your intuition. While it is essential to base answers on solid information when possible, sometimes intuition guided by professional experience and understanding of your company’s values can be valuable.
Step-by-Step Guide
Identify the Question: Clearly understand the question being asked on the form.
Gather Information: Collect any existing data, reports, or information within your company related to the question.
Consult Colleagues: Discuss the question with relevant team members to gather different viewpoints.
Research Externally: Look for external sources such as industry reports, articles, and benchmarks.
Answer Transparently: Provide a sincere and transparent response based on the information and insights gathered.
Review and Finalize: Review your answer to ensure it is comprehensive and reflects a balanced perspective.
If you are still lost after following this process, ask for help through our chatbot, so one of our ESG experts supports you in your CSRD journey!