A plain-language guide for Greek business owners starting their sustainability journey. No jargon, no assumptions.
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It is a framework that helps businesses measure and report their impact on the world beyond financial results.
Energy use, emissions, waste, water
Employees, community, supply chain
Ethics, transparency, management
In practice: ESG is not just reporting — it is about making your business more resilient, attractive to investors and banks, and ready for upcoming regulations.
Greek SMEs are primarily affected by two frameworks — one that may already apply to your customers, and one designed specifically for businesses like yours.
| Regulation | Who it affects | When | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSRD | Companies with 250+ employees | 2025 | Yes |
| VSME | SMEs — all sizes | Now | Voluntary |
VSME is your best starting point. Created by EFRAG specifically for SMEs, it is proportionate, practical, and widely accepted by banks and large companies across Europe.
It consists of two modules:
11 data points across 5 sustainability topics. Takes 1–2 days. Accepted by most banks and clients.
Adds water, biodiversity, supply chain, and governance topics. For SMEs with more complex reporting needs.
Recommendation: Start with the Basic Module. Most Greek SMEs will not need the Comprehensive Module until their banks or clients specifically request it.
There is no single right starting point. Choose the path that matches where you are now:
Which standard fits your business? Our navigator gives you a clear answer.
Explore →Match with a verified Greek ESG consultant who understands your sector.
Find One →Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page for answers to the most common questions from Greek SME owners.