VSME & ESG Tools: Detailed Short Profiles

The VSME Digital Template was developed by EFRAG (European Financial Reporting Advisory Group) – the organization commissioned by the EU to develop the ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards), including the SME standards LSME and VSME. EFRAG is thus the "architect" of European sustainability standards. The template offers structured input forms for all VSME data points and enables the creation of XBRL files (XML, JSON, CSV, Inline XBRL) for electronic filing via a separate XBRL converter. The Excel template is suitable for companies that first want to familiarize themselves with VSME without investing in software. The main disadvantage is the lack of user guidance and high manual effort.

SUSTAIN REPUBLIC positions itself as a simplified alternative to complex ESG frameworks and expensive consultants. The platform uses AI to guide users step-by-step through the VSME reporting process, adapting questions based on business type to avoid overwhelming users with irrelevant data points. The multilingual interface (supporting 6+ languages) makes it particularly attractive for international SMEs or those operating in multilingual regions. The platform offers two pricing tiers: Basic (€149/year) with guided reports and export functions, and Pro (€249/year) adding AI assistance and priority support. A key differentiator is the comprehensive export capability including official XBRL format, stakeholder-friendly PDF, and the official VSME Excel template. The real-time validation and visual feedback help users identify and correct errors during data entry rather than after completion. Year-over-year comparison features support continuous improvement. While focused exclusively on VSME (no CSRD), this specialization keeps the tool simple and affordable for companies that only need VSME compliance.

The VSME-Tool from excelvsme.eu is a specialized Excel 365 application that reduces the complexity of the EFRAG template and offers additional comfort features. It performs automatic calculations, validates inputs, and creates a PDF report. The tool is aimed at users who are familiar with Excel and are looking for an "intermediate solution" between the free EFRAG template and full-fledged SaaS solutions. Especially for consultancies that manage multiple VSME projects in parallel, it offers good value for money. The lack of XBRL support can become a problem when electronic filings are required.

VSME guide from etabits is a specialized SaaS solution that focuses exclusively on VSME. The tool guides users step-by-step through the reporting process, validates inputs in real-time, and automatically generates text modules for the sustainability report. A special feature is the integrated CO₂ and energy analysis modules, which provide additional insights for climate strategies. Consultancies benefit from the partner model (from €792/year), which offers client management and white-label options. SMEs pay €990/year. The lack of XBRL support is currently a weakness but could be added later.

Eevery positions itself as an "accompanying" VSME solution that offers not only software but also consulting services. The tool guides users through all VSME requirements, offers contextual explanations, and automatically creates analyses of the entered data. The focus is on user-friendliness and comprehensibility – ideal for teams without deep ESG prior knowledge. The combination of software and consulting options justifies the higher price, but makes Eevery less attractive for pure "self-service" users. The platform is particularly established in the Netherlands.

groeneotter is not a classic software tool, but a service model: Companies fill out a structured form with their ESG data, and the groeneotter team creates a finished, VSME-compliant sustainability report as PDF. This model is suitable for companies that see VSME as a "compliance task" and have no internal capacities or don't want to build them. The disadvantage is the lack of control and learning effect – the company remains dependent on the service provider. For recurring reports or group subsidiaries, this model is less suitable.

Performity is a comprehensive quality management system (QMS) that integrates VSME as one of over 30 supported standards. The tool is aimed at companies that already use QMS or manage multiple compliance requirements (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, CO₂ Performance Ladder, etc.) in parallel. VSME is not treated as a standalone reporting tool here, but as part of a holistic management system. The platform is particularly established in the Netherlands and is suitable for organizations that want to integrate VSME into their existing processes instead of introducing a separate ESG tool.

Planted positions itself as an accessible, modern ESG platform for SMEs. The free plan enables a risk-free entry, paid plans start from €169/month (Starter). The platform combines CO₂ accounting, double materiality analysis, VSME and CSRD reporting in an intuitive interface. The AI co-pilot "Kaia" supports data entry and report creation. Planted is particularly suitable for teams building ESG reporting "from scratch" and without complex enterprise requirements. The transparent pricing and free plan significantly lower the entry barrier.

The DNK platform is a unique offering: A government-funded, free online platform for creating sustainability reports according to the German Sustainability Code (DNK) and prospectively also VSME. The platform guides users step-by-step through reporting, offers contextual help, checklists, and enables exports to Word, PDF, and XBRL. The big advantage is being free – ideal for organizations with limited budget. The disadvantage is the functional (not modern) user interface and the focus on DNK instead of pure VSME. Nevertheless, the platform is a valuable option for non-profit organizations and public institutions.

goodbalancer is a specialized platform for companies that want to combine sustainability and common good reporting. The tool supports the Common Good Economy Balance Sheet (GWÖ), VSME, and ESRS/CSRD in an integrated environment. The platform promotes collaborative work and action tracking – ideal for teams that see sustainability as a holistic process. The very affordable price (from €15/month, tiered by company size) makes goodbalancer particularly attractive for social businesses and smaller NPOs. The lack of XBRL support can become a problem when digital filings are required.

Tanso is a sustainability software specifically developed for the requirements of industrial companies. The platform combines Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) with Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), which is essential for manufacturing companies. The AI-based data management automates the collection of emission data from various sources (ERP, suppliers, databases). Tanso supports VSME, CSRD/ESRS, and EU Taxonomy and offers complete XBRL export. The platform is aimed at data-intensive companies with complex supply chains and is less suitable for simple service SMEs.

VERSO ESG Hub is a modular all-in-one platform that stands out for its flexibility. Companies can start with VSME or CSRD reporting and gradually add modules for supply chain management (HRDD), EU Taxonomy, or climate strategy. The AI-supported double materiality analysis assists with IRO identification (Impact, Risk, Opportunity). VERSO supports multiple reporting standards in parallel (ESRS, GRI, DNK, SDGs), which is important for companies with international stakeholders. The platform is particularly suitable for SMEs that "think big" and want to invest in their ESG infrastructure.

Position Green is one of the more established ESG platforms in the DACH region and is aimed at larger companies with comprehensive ESG requirements. The platform covers ESRS, VSME, EU Taxonomy, and HRDD (Human Rights Due Diligence). Through integration with Greenomy – a specialized XBRL provider – Position Green is particularly strong in digital CSRD reporting. The dedicated VSME module means that VSME is not treated as "stripped-down CSRD" but as a full-fledged standard. The platform is suitable for companies that want to invest in ESG infrastructure long-term and manage multiple subsidiaries or complex reporting structures.

EQS is an established provider in the compliance and ESG space, known for its whistleblowing and governance solutions. The VSME module is part of the EQS Sustainability Platform and integrates seamlessly with other compliance functions. Companies can choose between VSME basic and comprehensive reporting and later switch to ESRS/CSRD. The platform offers XBRL export, AI-supported text creation, and comprehensive dashboards. EQS is particularly suitable for listed or heavily regulated companies that want to embed ESG reporting into a larger compliance architecture.

Karomia is an ESG technology provider that develops the "Kube ESG" platform and provides it as a white-label solution for consultancies and companies. Unlike standardized SaaS tools, Karomia offers a more flexible technology base that can be customized individually. The platform supports VSME and CSRD reporting, offers API interfaces for integration into existing systems, and enables exports to PDF and Excel. Karomia is particularly suitable for consultancies that want to offer ESG software under their own brand, or for companies with specific technical requirements.

Greenly is an established carbon accounting platform specializing in automated data collection and precise emissions calculations. The platform integrates with accounting, ERP, and travel management systems to automatically calculate Scope 1–3 emissions. Greenly offers auditable reports that can be validated by auditors and supports CSRD reporting with XBRL tagging. The platform is particularly strong in product carbon footprints (LCA/EPD). VSME is not promoted as a separate module but can be covered via the general ESG reporting track.

Plan A positions itself as a decarbonization partner for companies pursuing net-zero goals. The platform offers not only carbon accounting but also scenario analyses, reduction plans, and progress tracking. Plan A supports CSRD reporting with strong focus on digital XBRL tagging and EU Taxonomy. The platform is aimed at companies that see climate strategy as a strategic topic and are willing to invest in comprehensive ESG infrastructure. VSME is not explicitly part of the offering but could be covered via "CSRD light" or custom setup.

Code Gaia advertises fast implementation and pragmatic approach for CSRD reporting. The platform guides companies through double materiality analysis, CO₂ accounting, and CSRD report creation. A special feature is the explicit XBRL export – important for digital filings. Code Gaia also offers consulting services to support companies in their first CSRD reporting. VSME is not promoted as a standalone module but could be implemented as a "simplified CSRD variant". The platform is suitable for companies that are primarily CSRD-obligated.

Normative specializes in precise carbon accounting and uses AI algorithms and an extensive emission factor database to perform highly accurate Scope 1–3 calculations. The platform automates data import from ERP, accounting, and supplier systems. Normative is particularly valuable for companies with complex, international supply chains that need auditable carbon reports. The platform supports regulatory requirements such as CSRD, SECR (UK), and CBAM (EU border adjustment). VSME is not a focus, as Normative primarily specializes in carbon accounting and climate reporting.

Multiplye is not a classic ESG tool but an AI-powered "reporting assistant". The platform analyzes existing ESG data (from other tools, Excel, databases) and automatically generates structured CSRD reports including text passages. Multiplye is suitable for companies that already have data collection systems but seek efficiency gains in report creation. The AI supports compliance with ESRS structures and creates "stakeholder-ready" reports. VSME is not explicitly mentioned but could be covered via the general reporting function.

WeShyft is a specialized ESG finance platform that follows a different approach than classic reporting tools. Instead of capturing data and creating reports, WeShyft analyzes the financial return-on-investment (ROI) of ESG measures. The platform quantifies both tangible effects (e.g., energy cost savings through efficiency measures) and intangible effects (e.g., employee retention, brand value). WeShyft is aimed at companies that need to justify ESG to the CFO or management. The platform is not a replacement for VSME/CSRD tools but a valuable complement to strategic ESG management.