The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) represents one of the most significant shifts in how organisations disclose their sustainability performance. While it originates in the EU, its ripple effects are already influencing supply chains, client expectations and event delivery across the UK and beyond. For event professionals, staying informed and ready is no longer optional, it’s a competitive necessity.
This blog unpacks what CSRD is, the changes and challenges as of 2025, and how event professionals can prepare and measure their compliance effectively.
What is CSRD?
The CSRD is an initiative by the European Union aimed at increasing transparency around the sustainability practices of large companies. Expanding on the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), the CSRD mandates more extensive disclosures about how companies affect people and the planet. This means businesses must report on their environmental impact, social responsibility and practices with much greater detail than before. Although currently, this only affects businesses operating in the EU, it’s pivotal to get ahead of what is to come for the UK and begin measuring our practices in sustainability, particularly in events.
What is Changing in 2025?
Streamlined Standards
In July 2025, the EU published a revised draft ESRS, cutting around two-thirds of required data points to ease the reporting burden. The consultation is open until 29 September 2025, with finalised standards expected by 2026–27.
Smaller Scope Ahead
A proposed Omnibus package would raise company size thresholds, limiting CSRD’s scope to firms with 1,000+ employees and higher turnover levels. If passed, many SMEs—including event suppliers—may no longer be directly in scope (EY, ISS Corporate).
Transitional Relief for Early Reporters
Companies already reporting for 2024 (Wave 1) can continue simplified disclosures until 2026, reducing short-term compliance pressure (Hogan Lovells).
UK Alignment
The UK is consulting on its own UK SRS (open until 17 September 2025), likely to mirror international sustainability frameworks (UK Gov). While separate from CSRD, these rules will shape expectations for UK-based event businesses.
Implications and Challenges
Complexity in Compliance
Even with simplifications, CSRD still demands transparent, data-backed reporting. For event professionals, this means quantifying waste, energy use, travel emissions and social impact, not just at the headline level but across supply chains.
Client Expectations
Sustainability is now a baseline expectation. Large corporate clients subject to CSRD (or UK SRS in future) will expect suppliers, venues and agencies to provide credible data to support their own reports.
Supply Chain Scrutiny
Venues, caterers and production partners will face increased questioning about their sustainability credentials. Suppliers that can prove compliance and share data will stand out.
Financial & Operational Pressure
Upfront costs may rise from sourcing sustainable materials to investing in data-tracking tools. But over time, being ahead on sustainability reporting can safeguard reputation and secure high-value clients.
How Event Professionals Can Prepare
Educate and Upskill
Train your team on CSRD basics and emerging UK standards. Awareness is the first step to embedding sustainability into planning. Training sessions and workshops can be invaluable in bringing teams up to speed on the best practices in sustainable event management.
Leverage Technology
Adopt tools that measure carbon, waste, energy and social outcomes. Many event management platforms now integrate sustainability dashboards and calculators. Check out our latest blog on How New Technology Can Make Events a Greener Industry.
Set Clear Metrics
Define KPIs such as % waste diverted from landfill, per-delegate carbon footprint or energy use reductions year-on-year. Consistent metrics will make reporting easier and more credible.
Choose Partners Strategically
Work with venues and suppliers who already track their sustainability data. Shared responsibility makes compliance smoother and boosts your credibility.
Stay Agile
With CSRD rules evolving (and UK standards on the way), flexibility is key. Regularly review requirements and update processes rather than treating compliance as a one-off project.
The CSRD requires a significant shift in how event professionals plan and execute events. While it introduces new challenges, particularly in terms of costs and operational complexity, it also provides an opportunity to innovate and lead in sustainable event management. By effectively preparing for and measuring their compliance efforts, event professionals can not only adhere to these new regulations but also drive the industry towards a more sustainable future.
Resources
- European Commission – Corporate Sustainability Reporting
- EY – Omnibus proposal: key CSRD changes
- Hogan Lovells – EU Omnibus updates
- ISS Corporate – July 2025 CSRD updates
- UK Gov – UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (consultation)
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Author
Gemma Baker
Gemma loves all things social media and keeps busy by creating lots of Hire Space content. When she’s not creating content, you'll find her shopping, exploring or at the gym!
