🧭 VSME Basic vs. VSME Comprehensive — which path do you choose?

So.. the EU has released a new standard called the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME). Within it there are two different standards - Basic and Comprehensive. But what is the difference, really?

 

When the EU launched the VSME standard (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs) the idea was simple: help small and medium-sized enterprises report on sustainability without getting stuck in the Excel swamp.

But the next question soon cropped up: how much should you actually report?

This is where the difference between VSME Basic and VSME Comprehensive comes in. Two paths towards the same goal – but with different levels of ambition.

💥 VSME Basic – sustainability reporting made simple

VSME Basic is designed to make it easy to get started.
Fewer data points, less administration, more focus on building structure and insight.

It is about creating a clear starting point: showing that the company takes responsibility – even if it is not yet covered by CSRD requirements.

VSME Basic suits you if you:

• Want to start reporting on sustainability without spending weeks on data collection.

• Need to communicate responsibility to customers and suppliers in a simple way.

• Want to build an understanding of your climate impact and governance for the future.

👉 Think of it as a “sustainability starter pack” – enough to show direction, without drowning in detail.

⚙️ VSME Comprehensive – when sustainability becomes strategy

If Basic is “getting started with your training” – then Comprehensive is hiring a PT, measuring your heart rate and starting to compete.

VSME Comprehensive builds on the same structure as Basic, but goes considerably deeper.
Here, your sustainability work becomes measurable, comparable and verifiable – with actual data on, for example, emissions, energy and social indicators.

VSME Comprehensive suits you if you:

• Are a supplier to larger CSRD companies (spoiler: they will demand data).

• Need to be able to demonstrate measurable results in tenders or financing discussions.

• See sustainability as part of your business strategy, not just a communications project.

🚀 From Basic to Comprehensive – without starting over

At Wellfish we have built in both levels – within the same platform. You can start simply with VSME Basic, and when you are ready for the next step, step up to Comprehensive – without starting over or moving data. Or you can jump straight into Comprehensive

For us it is not about choosing the “right” level from the start. It is about being able to grow in your sustainability reporting – in step with your company's growth.

🌱 Next step

Want to know which level suits your company? With us you can see how both VSME Basic and Comprehensive work – directly in the platform. Book a demo today!