Case Study

According to VSME: CSRD compliance for the Caritas Association Bruchsal

About

Caritas Bruchsal is a charitable organization of the Catholic Church and is committed to helping people in need and the weak in our society.

500-1.000

Employees

Healthcare

Branch

2024

Start year

Solution

Double materiality analysis
CO₂ balance
VSME & CSRD report

Professional

+ Enterprise

Package

The challenge

Meeting the requirements of sustainability reporting

Caritas Bruchsal was already actively implementing sustainability measures such as replacing LED lighting and installing PV systems. However, with the introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the associated reporting obligations, the company faced new challenges.

"The CSRD proved to be extremely complex. The more we looked into it, the clearer it became that we needed external support. We found the right partner in Planted," explains Simon Horst, Sustainability Officer at Caritas Bruchsal.

‍

The cooperation with Planted is characterized by a close partnership that enables worry-free guidance through the VSME process and the complex CSRD sustainability reporting. You receive competent support from the Planted team of experts at all times.

Simon Horst

Sustainability Officer

Caritas Association Bruchsal

To the video interview

Solution

Software solution meets expert support

The decision to go with Planted was based on several factors. "Above all, it was important for us to have someone on hand who not only simply offers software, but also provides tips and holistic support," says Simon Horst. "Thanks to their in-depth expertise, Planted's team of experts is a kind of protective shield for us against the risk of sanctions." Added to this were the flexible pricing and the intuitive software solution.

Step-by-step implementation: double materiality analysis and_{carbon footprint}

The implementation of the double materiality analysis began with the analysis of the value chain and the identification of relevant activities and interest groups. In three interactive workshops, the Caritas Association worked with the Planted team to develop all the basics for the dual materiality analysis, which are fed into the ESG platform in parallel. AI supports the identification of impacts, risks and opportunities (IROs). The results are clearly presented in a materiality matrix at the end of the analysis. This provides a simple tool for communicating the results.

At the same time, the_{carbon footprint} is prepared in all three scopes in accordance with the GHG Protocol. The Caritas Association collects all the necessary data for this and enters it into the ESG platform. The Planted team of experts is on hand to answer any questions.

VSME in response to the Omnibus Regulation

Due to the postponement of the CSRD obligation by two years, the Bruchsal Caritas Association has decided to first implement a VSME report with Planted. The first full CSRD report will then follow next year, as the association could soon exceed 1,000 employees.

"For us, sustainability is a strategic issue - not just a legal obligation. We are now focusing on the VSME standard and are preparing specifically for our first CSRD report. We want to lead by example - and are convinced that a clear ESG strategy will also lead to cost savings in the future," says Simon Horst.

Outlook

Next milestone: CSRD reporting 2026

With the VSME report as a foundation, Caritas Bruchsal is planning to publish its first full CSRD report next year. The preliminary work, such as the materiality analysis and_{carbon footprint}, provides a reliable basis for this.

Concrete goals: SDGs in focus

The focus is also on decarbonization. To this end, the 17 sustainability goals (SDGs) were evaluated internally and 20 specific sub-goals were defined, including

Expansion of further education and training programs
Improvement of occupational health management
Complete electrification of the vehicle fleet
Installation of PV systems and heat pumps in all facilities

With Planted as a partner, Caritas Bruchsal can safely navigate the complexity of sustainability reporting and at the same time drive forward the implementation of its long-term sustainability goals .

For us, sustainability is a strategic issue - not just a legal obligation. We are now focusing on the VSME standard and are preparing specifically for our first CSRD report. We want to lead by example - and are convinced that a clear ESG strategy will also lead to cost savings in the future.

Simon Horst

Sustainability Officer

Caritas Association Bruchsal