ESG technology & AI – optimal management of sustainability data with smart tools

The ESG software market is extremely diverse and dynamic: there are currently over 500 different solutions, with widely varying focuses – while some track and analyse CO₂ emissions, others focus on compliance issues such as CSRD fulfilment or supply chain management. Since no single system covers all requirements with consistent quality, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the various options.

Thanks to our comprehensive market knowledge and our proprietary ESG tool database, we actively support companies in choosing the right tool for their needs. Among other things, we compile a shortlist of suitable solutions, moderate vendor presentations, consult with your IT department and evaluate the data architecture and interfaces with existing systems, such as financial reporting. Our focus is on data quality, interface capability, and integration into existing structures. We are also happy to consider integrating artificial intelligence.

Various manufacturers have now integrated AI functions into their solutions. In this area, modular approaches are also being pursued, ranging from the automated creation of IROs for double materiality assessments, automated industry comparisons and trend reports for strategic management to text generation. We integrate these components into both our advisory services and our implementations, as well as supplementing and training the respective AI models (agents). We empower employees to optimise their use of these solutions and create targeted prompts. Along the way, we are happy to consider and discuss the responsible use of the new technologies (AI ethics) and their potential impact on audits.

Effective ESG data management is the foundation for sustainable transformation. Our experts support companies in building robust ESG data structures – from defining the relevant KPIs and implementing efficient data collection processes to developing effective governance structures and strategically anchoring ESG targets. We take regulatory requirements such as the CSRD and EU taxonomy into account, in addition to voluntary sustainability standards such as VSME, GRI and SASB, and individual company objectives. We also integrate KPI requirements from the financial market – from banks, investors, and ESG ratings providers – as well as customers.

With the help of intelligent data management solutions and AI-powered analytics, you can create end-to-end transparency along the entire value chain. Internal control systems, automated compliance checks and collaborative platforms ensure proactive management of ESG data and informed decision-making.

The purpose of any ESG software is to solve existing problems. That is why we analyse the established data structures and processes, assess their utility for auditable reporting, and identify current gaps. The next step is to decide whether to develop a suitable tool in-house (‘make’), or to procure one from an external source (‘buy’).

Developing your own tool offers advantages such as using existing systems, complete flexibility when designing KPIs and reports, and creating a solution tailored to your individual needs. However, it also involves considerable cost. Standard software tools now offer easily customisable, module-based approaches that can cover a complete end-to-end process. Whether you choose to make or buy, we work with you to develop the optimal strategy for your resources, IT landscape and ESG targets.

Selecting the right ESG software is only the first step – the next is to successfully implement it and enable users to work with it. We always tailor our approach to the individual needs of our clients, providing support for the technical setup, structured data import, and integration into existing systems.

At the same time, we provide targeted training to ensure that your employees can use the respective tools effectively and efficiently. Even after going live, we are at your side: We continuously develop the chosen solutions further, adapting them to new regulations and objectives.