CLIENT BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM
Preparing sustainability reporting – with double materiality analysis according to CSRD
Sustainability is increasingly becoming a reporting requirement for companies. With the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the EU is tightening the requirements: more companies are affected, the content is becoming more comprehensive, and external auditing is becoming mandatory.
The focus is on double materiality – companies must disclose both their impacts on the environment and society as well as the financial risks associated with sustainability issues.
Together with Boehringer Ingelheim, we have laid the foundation for CSRD-compliant reporting – from analysis to implementation.
CHALLENGE
Preparing for CSRD reporting requirements
As a family-owned, research-based pharmaceutical company, Boehringer Ingelheim has a responsibility to comprehensively analyze and transparently communicate the economic, social, and environmental impacts of its business activities. With the introduction of the CSRD, the company was required to publish a sustainability report in accordance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) starting in the 2025 financial year.
This included conducting a double materiality analysis to identify relevant sustainability topics and derive the corresponding reporting requirements. The goal was to create early transparency regarding sustainability-related opportunities, risks, and impacts and to prepare the reporting in a way that is audit-proof.
During the project, the "stop-the-clock" rule came into force through the EU Omnibus proposal package, which postponed the mandatory reporting date to the 2027 financial year. Nevertheless, Boehringer Ingelheim consciously decided to continue the project as planned.
SOLUTION
Systematic test run for audit-proof implementation of CSRD requirements
fors.earth supported Boehringer Ingelheim in the systematic implementation of the CSRD requirements – with the goal of establishing verifiable, robust, and future-proof sustainability reporting.
The core objective of the project was to conduct a double materiality analysis, based on which company-relevant topics were prioritized and internal structures were specifically aligned to future requirements. The subsequent test report served as an internal test run for compliant reporting according to ESRS and as a basis for the strategic development of sustainability and data management within the company.
The implementation took place in seven successive steps:
Step 1: Context Analysis
Definition of the scope of consolidation, mapping of the value chain, identification of relevant stakeholders, and integration of existing due diligence and risk management processes.
Step 2: Determination of Relevant Impacts, Opportunities, and Risks (IROs)
Creation of a company-specific catalog of potentially relevant environmental and social impacts, as well as financial opportunities and risks, along the ESRS (sub-)topics – taking all business areas into account.
Step 3: Materiality Assessment
Cross-departmental assessment of IROs by internal experts according to the CSRD double materiality methodology.
Step 4: Documentation for the Audit
Systematic preparation of all methodological steps to ensure traceability and auditability in accordance with the CSRD.
Step 5: Derivation of Report-Relevant Data Points
Translation of the topics material to Boehringer Ingelheim into concrete disclosure requirements (materiality of information) – as a basis for subsequent report preparation.
Step 6: Internal Gap Analysis and Data Collection
Evaluation of the existing database, identification of existing gaps, and collection of the required ESG data by the Boehringer Ingelheim team.
Step 7: Creation of an Internal Test Report
Creation of a complete, internal report prototype – as a practical test run for the first report subject to auditing and to embed internal processes.
IMPACT
Strategic foundation for sustainability reporting and management
The project laid the foundation for structured, strategic sustainability reporting at Boehringer Ingelheim early on – long before the actual reporting year. The internal test report serves as a blueprint for future reporting and supports the company-wide integration of sustainability.
The identification of material sustainability topics not only strengthens future reporting but also provides valuable input for the further development of sustainability management within the company. Furthermore, the dual materiality analysis provides a solid foundation for refining the sustainability strategy.
By proactively implementing the CSRD guidelines, Boehringer Ingelheim can prepare for regulatory requirements at an early stage.
"We are very proud of our first draft CSRD report and now look forward to our first reporting year with more clarity and less anxiety. The collaboration with fors.earth helped us structure the double materiality analysis and secure its content. We feel we are in a strong starting position to meet future CSRD requirements."
Dr. Ina Witte, Associate Director Sustainability and Project Lead Sustainability and Culture