Sustainability and ESG servies

RSM ESG Services in Hungary – ESG and Sustainability Advisory and Audit

1. ESG Assessment and Strategy

A successful ESG journey starts with a clear understanding of your current state and the relevant regulatory expectations — this is where our ESG experts provide key support.

• Sustainability baseline assessment: RSM’s ESG specialists evaluate the company’s current ESG performance, identify compliance levels based on legal and voluntary standards, and highlight areas for improvement.
• ESG strategy development: Based on the assessment, we jointly define short-, medium-, and long-term objectives, along with measurable performance indicators.
• Materiality assessment: We identify and prioritize the most relevant environmental, social, and governance topics.

2. ESG Reporting Support

The accurate and transparent presentation of sustainability data is essential for both ESG compliance and trust-building. RSM’s ESG team supports partners across industries in this process.

• GRI-based sustainability reporting: We prepare or assist in drafting GRI-compliant voluntary reports to ensure international comparability.
• ESG report for public procurement: We assist in preparing ESG reports as required by Hungarian ESG legislation and in the related verification and certification processes.
• Mandatory ESG reporting (CSRD, EU Taxonomy): We provide advisory services for preparing mandatory ESG reports and navigating audit and assurance procedures.

Request assistance from our experienced ESG consultants.

3. ESG Rating Preparation

International ESG ratings (such as EcoVadis or CDP) are increasingly required by clients and can represent a strong competitive advantage. We help companies:

• Understand rating criteria,
• Compile required documentation,
• Address gaps and improve scores.

4. Supplier ESG Compliance

A company’s ESG standing is directly influenced by the sustainability of its supply chain. We help build a robust system that ensures effective support in this area.

• Supplier ESG compliance: We assist in developing supplier evaluation systems and communicating compliance expectations.
• Transparency and risk monitoring: We design supply chain risk tracking processes that contribute to sustainability goals and regulatory compliance.

5. ESG Training and Workshops

ESG principles are only effective when both leaders and employees understand and support sustainability goals. We offer interactive training tailored to each company’s specific needs:

• For executives: Strategy and decision-support modules.
• For employees: Practical ESG knowledge to support daily operations.

6. Audit of Sustainability Reports

RSM’s team of auditors, certified in sustainability assurance, performs audits of sustainability reports prepared under Directive 2022/2464/EU in compliance with the ISAE 3000 standard and applicable laws. Our expert auditors have comprehensive knowledge of sustainability regulations and non-financial reporting practices.

7. Other ESG Assurance Services

RSM’s sustainability-certified auditors conduct assurance engagements for company-prepared sustainability-related reports—such as Carbon Footprint Calculations or Lucid Completeness Statements—in accordance with ISAE 3000 and ISAE 3410 standards.

We also focus on companies that voluntarily disclose ESG data to strengthen their market position or prepare for future ESG regulatory requirements. These assurance services ensure ESG data is reliable, comparable, and auditable—regardless of whether reporting and auditing are currently mandatory.

Request assistance from our experienced ESG consultants.

ESG – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ESG?

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) is a framework that measures and presents a company’s sustainability performance.

The purpose of ESG reporting is to provide transparency on companies’ environmental, social, and governance risks and opportunities, as well as to communicate their sustainability commitments to stakeholders—such as investors, partners, clients, and regulators.

2. The History of ESG

The concept of sustainability first appeared in the 1987 Brundtland Report, emphasizing the need to preserve resources for future generations. It was later reinforced by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015, which serve as a global compass for sustainable economic, social, and environmental progress.

The EU Green Deal set a target for a climate-neutral Europe by 2050 and requires a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The ESG framework enables companies to track and achieve these objectives in practice.

3. The ESG Regulatory Environment in Hungary and the EU

ESG-related regulations are complex and multilayered:

• At the EU level: Key directives include the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), CSDDD, the earlier NFRD, and the EU Taxonomy. Reporting under CSRD follows the ESRS standards, while smaller enterprises may use ESRS VSME as guidance.
• In Hungary: CSRD provisions have been integrated into the Accounting Act, although the final scope of obligated companies is still being defined at the EU level. The Hungarian ESG Act has also entered into force, requiring large companies to prepare mandatory ESG reports. From 2027, smaller companies will also need certified ESG reports to participate in public procurement.
• The Central Bank of Hungary (MNB) has issued guidance emphasizing that ESG readiness will increasingly play a key role in future credit assessments.

4. Achieving ESG Goals in Hungary – Corporate Opportunities

Mandatory ESG Compliance

ESG reporting is not always voluntary. The EU CSRD, EU Taxonomy, and Hungarian ESG Act define specific legal requirements. Compliance is mandatory for large companies, while SMEs should also prepare as ESG reporting becomes a frequent requirement in tenders and banking processes.

• Bank ESG questionnaires: Increasingly, Hungarian financial institutions request ESG-related data as part of credit assessments. ESG preparedness may directly influence creditworthiness.
• Public procurement ESG reports: From 2027, contracting authorities may require certified ESG reports for participation (based on 2026 data). SMEs should therefore implement ESG systems to remain competitive.

Voluntary ESG Initiatives and Competitive Advantage

Beyond mandatory compliance, many companies adopt voluntary ESG measures to enhance transparency and competitiveness.

• GRI-based sustainability reports: GRI is one of the most recognized sustainability reporting standards worldwide, allowing companies to present detailed, comparable ESG performance and build credibility with partners and investors.
• Reports based on other standards: Other international frameworks, such as ISO, IFRS, or CDP, offer structured approaches to measuring and communicating sustainability performance.
• ESG strategy development: Defining long-term sustainability goals and action plans is crucial. The ESG strategy, approved by top management, provides a measurable foundation for sustainability performance.
• Communication and branding: ESG is not only about compliance—it is a powerful business tool. Transparent ESG performance strengthens brand reputation and builds trust among customers, investors, and business partners.

5. Why RSM is the Right Partner for ESG?

For over a decade, RSM has supported companies in achieving compliance in taxation, accounting, and legal matters, and now plays a leading role in ESG advisory in Hungary.

• We offer end-to-end services from assessment and strategy development to reporting and assurance.
• We not only ensure compliance but also create business value through transparent ESG communication.
• Our experts understand both the regulatory and financial dimensions of ESG, providing integrated, one-stop advisory for full ESG readiness.
• We help companies achieve ESG objectives comprehensively—from carbon neutrality strategies and energy transition planning to green financing, employee rights, and e-mobility initiatives.

Request assistance from our experienced ESG consultants.