Impact Metrics s.r.o. introduced the attendees to new steps in ESG and related European standards, focusing on corporate carbon footprint compliance. The discussion covered the two main segments of companies they target: small and medium-sized companies, with medium-sized companies being those that employ up to 250 people and have a turnover of up to CZK 1.2 billion being just below the notional threshold for ESG reporting obligations under the CSRD. The second target segment is smaller companies with 10 to 100 employees, referred to as the "small business" segment.

Smaller companies do not primarily target Impact Metrics as they will not be required to report, but on the other hand they are often in the supply chains of large "mandatory" companies. In the Czech Republic, the new ESG rules will potentially affect about 1,500 companies that will have to report regularly on ESG from 2026 (the first reporting will be in 2025!). They estimate that tens of thousands of small businesses may be affected as they work with larger companies in supply chains or with financial institutions.

They also discuss the possibility of mutual support between companies within the ESG reporting segment. They agreed that there is an opportunity to disseminate information through newsletters and maintain regular communication with individual members. The importance of supporting smaller firms that need access to information on how to adapt to new requirements is mentioned.

The meeting included a discussion on upcoming funding calls, with participants reflecting on how to participate in the next calls for European project funding, especially at SME level. As part of these preparations, a meeting at the Prague Technology Centre was mentioned, where an exchange of views with the new management took place, especially on topics related to future funding opportunities and the needs of company methodologies within ESG. Companies should be able to work with European institutions to develop standards that reflect the specificities of the region. The need to involve firms from key sectors in the process was also highlighted to promote consistency of standards across the EU. Emphasis was also placed on funding opportunities for smaller projects that would allow a flexible approach to ESG implementation in smaller firms.

Several participants expressed an interest in continued communication and support for ESG implementation, which would particularly cover areas such as key metrics, specific requirements of banking institutions and investment firms.

Interesting links related to ESG issues:

• https://www.arws.cz/novinky-v-arrows/co-je-to-esg-co-meni-smernice-csrd?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvIWzBhAlEiwAHHWgved0OtC6s6QYqs46_A-15CLH92NI8AB65SO9fTCBLwxhm4Fq9EXbFhoCJMAQAvD_BwE
• https://impactmetrics.cz/akademie
• https://esgchecklist.cz/
• https://impactmetrics.cz/co2-check/dotaznik

Martin Klofanda
Impact Metrics s.r.o.