The VSME Standard

The Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME) is a sustainability reporting framework designed to assist non-listed Micro-, Small-, and Medium-Sized Enterprises in reporting on their sustainability performance.

It provides SMEs with a clear, proportionate, and streamlined method for incorporating ESG considerations into their business operations.

It also helps SMEs to fulfil the growing number of sustainability information requests from large companies and financial institutions.

VSME Courses

Introduction to the VSME Standard

The Introduction to the VSME Standard course is an excellent starting point for individuals and SMEs aiming to grasp the critical aspects of the VSME Standard.

Reporting with the VSME Standard

Gain a comprehensive understanding of how to prepare a sustainability report with the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME).

Benefits of VSME Standard Courses

Our VSME Standard training courses are designed to help you understand and gain confidence in The Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME) with a curriculum that covers all aspects of the reporting framework.

Accessibility

All VSME Standard courses are designed for busy professionals of all levels and job roles, in easy-to-follow formats.

Flexibility

Self-paced and delivered entirely online. Learn at a time and place that suits you. 

Essential knowledge

Gain a solid foundation of the VSME Standard and its critical components.

Meet data requests

Meet data requests from larger businesses that must request sustainability information from their suppliers.

Strategic advantage

Leverage sustainability reporting to drive business growth, transparency, and reputation.

Certificate

Learners who successfully complete a course will earn a printable Certificate of Completion.

VSME CERTIFICATION

What's included?

Video Lessons

Short, bite-sized videos improve learning and offer a dynamic, interactive way to gain knowledge.

Comprehensive Course Resources

Additional study resources provide extra support for your learning journey.

Knowledge Checks

Regular knowledge check quizzes improve progress and boost knowledge retention.

Certificate of Completion

Earn a printable formal certificate upon successful completion of a course.

What VSME Standard learners say

     
Structured information, focused delivery. 

Yuliya M
     
Excellent presentation of the VSME Standard.

Michail P
     
Very clear design and delivery.

Simon B
     
Very easy to understand and pedagogic course, thank you!
Tatjana K
     
Great introduction to VSME standards

Jonathan R
     
Clear and concise. It was broken down into easily digestible segments.
Heather K
     
Super well explained.


Chris N
     
The course is concise and very informative.

Babayo A
     
Very clear and well structured for ease of understanding.
Vincent H
     
Logical flow giving essential information.

Nina S
     
Gives complete details about VSME Standard.

Qarina M
     
Very clear and easy to follow.

Paul W
TESTIMONIALS

What our learners say

Join sustainability professionals from across the world who are empowering themselves with the latest learning in the CSRD. 

Get started on your CSRD learning journey today!
CSRD PROFESSIONAL (Level 3)
"It is one of the best online courses I have done, I love that it is constantly evolving and reactive to participant needs. Even though I have already completed the course I go back in and use additional resources and continue to grow my knowledge."

Dr Maria Fitzpatrick

Director, Consulting with Nature
CSRD aDVANCED (LEVEL 2)
"What I appreciated most about the CSRD Advanced Course was how it went beyond theory to provide practical, real-world applications. The course didn’t just explain the CSRD framework- it showcased how companies are integrating it into their reports, offering concrete examples and providing files with the specific data points required for compliance. This hands-on approach helped shift CSRD from an abstract concept to a tangible, actionable reporting standard."

Annika Prinz

Sustainability Consultant
Tango Analytics
CSRD PROFESSIONAL (LEVEL 3)
"Overall very good coverage of ESRS content and CSRD generally. Good to see the background at start too and how we got to CSRD. Great to see ongoing references to the standards themselves e.g. AR 16 etc. This is constant throughout the course and very useful for those approaching CSRD reporting from a hands on perspective. From someone who has spent a lot of time on the topical standards with clients, I found the other chapters and sections of ESRS very insightful."

Paddy Molony

Sustainable Finance Consultant 
SustainabilityWorks
CSRD aDVANCED (LEVEL 2)
"I very much enjoyed the way you have broken down a complex matter into manageable bits - whilst not "simplifying" anything.
Excellent support material and proper guidance."

Vincent Gallego

EMAS and Sustainability Manager
mci group Belgium
CSRD PROFESSIONAL (LEVEL 3)
"Excellent course! It is comprehensive and complete, offering the most up-to-date information along with a wealth of supportive materials and resources. The user-friendly and well-structured design makes it easy to navigate and absorb the content. The course provided me with all the information and knowledge I was looking for, and I greatly appreciate the ongoing updates and inclusion of recent studies. Thank you!"

Lívia Magdošková

EU Project Designer & Manager
Mine Vaganti NGO
CSRD aDVANCED (LEVEL 2)
"I particularly appreciated the engaging nature of the course and the practical activities. The content was well-structured and easy to follow, and Kristine did a great job of explaining complex concepts clearly through those small videos. I found the real-world examples particularly helpful in understanding how the CSRD requirements apply in practice. Overall, I highly recommend the CSRD Advanced course to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of sustainability reporting."

Adi Boșneaga

EHS Manager
Molson Coors GBS Romania

Friend of EFRAG

We are proud to be an official Friend of EFRAG, demonstrating our commitment to the development of sustainability reporting and supporting EFRAG in their important mission.

The CSRD Institute is dedicated to collaborating in the development of sustainability reporting standards and contributing to their successful implementation.

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