New EU Standard for SMEs

VSME: Voluntary Sustainability Reporting for Your Business

99% of Irish businesses are SMEs. The new EU VSME standard was built for you. A simple, structured way to report your energy, carbon and social performance to unlock green finance, contracts and competitive advantage.

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99%
of Irish businesses are SMEs
15-30%
typical energy savings identified
81%
of ESG leaders say it drives innovation
5
step TEA support programme

New EU Standard

What Is VSME?

Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard (VSME) is a simple, EU-designed framework helping small and medium businesses report their environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.

Developed by EFRAG (the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group), VSME gives SMEs a proportionate and practical tool to document and communicate their sustainability credentials without the complexity of the full CSRD standard that applies to large companies.

99%
of Irish businesses are SMEs
VSME was built for YOU
📋

What it covers

Energy use, carbon emissions, waste, water, employees and social impacts. All in one structured report.

🏦

Who asks for it

Banks, large corporate clients and investors in your supply chain increasingly require ESG data from SME partners.

⚖️

Is it mandatory?

No. It is voluntary. But early adopters gain competitive advantage and avoid rushed compliance later as regulatory pressure grows.

Six Real Advantages

Why VSME Matters to Your Business

SMEs that build and report VSME today are already gaining concrete advantages over competitors who are waiting.

💰

Access to Green Finance

Banks and lenders give preferential rates to businesses with documented sustainability credentials. VSME is the recognised evidence.

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Win More Contracts

Large companies must gather ESG data from their suppliers. SMEs with VSME reports are preferred partners giving you a clear edge.

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Cut Energy Costs

Tracking your energy use through VSME highlights waste and inefficiencies. Our audits show typical SMEs can save 15-30% on energy bills.

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Strengthen Your Reputation

Customers, staff and communities want to work with responsible businesses. A credible sustainability report builds lasting trust.

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Drive Innovation

81% of European sustainability leaders say ESG reporting is a driver of innovation. Structured data reveals opportunities you would otherwise miss.

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Future-Proof Your Business

Regulatory pressure is growing. Starting with VSME now means less effort, fewer surprises and no rushed compliance later.

Our Approach

How TEA Supports Your VSME Journey

Our 5-step VSME support programme is tailored for Irish SMEs. From baseline data to a fully compliant report with grant support built in.

1
Energy Audit
We assess your current energy use, carbon footprint and resource flows to create your baseline data.
2
Gap Analysis
We map your data against VSME requirements and identify exactly what is missing or needs improvement.
3
Action Plan
We develop a practical, costed roadmap covering solar, heat pumps, LED, insulation and behaviour change.
4
Build the Report
We support you in preparing a fully compliant VSME report including grant applications and finance introductions.
5
Ongoing Support
Annual review, updated reporting and access to EU funding opportunities as the standard evolves.
Irish companies already using VSME

WEISS Group (Machinery Manufacturing), KORE Insulation (Co. Cavan) and Pat O'Donnell & Co. (Dublin / National)

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does VSME stand for and who created it?

VSME stands for Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs. It was developed by EFRAG (European Financial Reporting Advisory Group) as a proportionate and SME-friendly alternative to the full Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) that applies to large companies.

Is VSME reporting mandatory for Irish SMEs?

No. VSME is voluntary for SMEs. However, many SMEs find they are being asked for ESG data by their large corporate customers, banks and supply chain partners who are themselves required to report under CSRD. Having a VSME report in place means you can respond to these requests quickly and professionally.

How long does it take to produce a VSME report?

With TEA's support, most SMEs can complete their first VSME report within 8-12 weeks. This includes the initial energy audit, gap analysis, data collection and report preparation. Subsequent annual reports are significantly faster once baseline data is established.

What data do I need to gather for VSME?

The core VSME data points include: energy consumption (electricity, gas and fuel), carbon emissions (Scope 1 and 2), water use, waste generated and recycled, employee numbers and key social data. TEA's energy audit process collects much of this data as part of the baseline assessment.

Can VSME help us access green finance or SEAI grants?

Yes. A completed VSME report is increasingly recognised by banks offering green loans and sustainability-linked finance. It also supports applications for SEAI SME energy efficiency grants as it demonstrates a structured approach to energy and sustainability management.

Why work with TEA rather than a general consultant?

TEA combines SEAI-registered energy audit expertise with sustainability reporting experience. This means the energy audit that forms the backbone of your VSME report is carried out to the highest standard. We are also a not-for-profit so our focus is entirely on delivering value to your business.

Ready to Give Your Strategy a Form and a Formal Approach?

Whether you are responding to a customer request for ESG data, applying for green finance or want to understand your sustainability baseline, TEA's VSME programme gives your business a clear and practical path forward.

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