What we do
Oakdene Hollins is a boutique Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) consultancy using science to deliver pragmatic recommendations for our clients. Our strategic advice is always backed by robust data analysis. Since 1994 we have been working with our clients to deliver value from sustainability.
What is the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)?
The new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) brings significant changes to how companies report their environmental and social impact. Partnering with the right CSRD consultancy is crucial to navigating this complex landscape and achieving seamless compliance.
The CSRD will apply to all large companies and companies listed on regulated markets in the EU, regardless of their location.
This includes:
Companies with more than 250 employees and a turnover of more than €40 million or a total balance sheet of more than €20 million.
SMEs listed on regulated markets.
More Than Just Compliance: Unlocking the Benefits of CSRD
Enhance transparency and stakeholder engagement: Demonstrating your commitment to sustainability fosters trust and attracts responsible investors.
Identify and mitigate sustainability risks: Proactive risk management helps you build resilience and address potential challenges.
Optimize your sustainability performance: Our guidance helps you implement effective strategies to improve your environmental and social impact.
Embrace new business opportunities: Aligning with the CSRD positions your company as a leader in sustainable practices, opening doors to new markets and partnerships.
Our work covers four broad areas:
Circular Economy
Empowering research enabling the circular economy by designing thoughtfully, optimising resources, reducing wast and, using secondary materials.
Net-Zero
Forming ambitious Net-Zero strategies through scope 3 analysis and life cycle assessments whilst building leadership engagement and supporting implementation.
Value Retention
Engaging value retention processes across both products and materials including remanufacturing, reuse, refurbishment, repair and innovative recycling technologies.
Innovation
Identifying novel commercial opportunities through circular business models, scenario development, feasibility studies, transition management and landscape reviews.
Why Choose Our CSRD Consultancy Services?
Decades of Expertise: We have over 25 years of experience in environmental consulting, helping businesses of all sizes achieve their sustainability goals.
Science-Led Approach: Our recommendations are grounded in robust data analysis and scientific principles, ensuring long-lasting impact.
CSRD expertise: We possess in-depth knowledge of the CSRD requirements and can translate them into actionable steps for your organization.
Strategic guidance: We collaborate with you to develop a tailored CSRD compliance strategy aligned with your unique business context and sustainability goals.
Data collection and analysis: We help you gather and analyze relevant data to ensure your report accurately reflects your sustainability performance.
Report preparation: We assist you in crafting a comprehensive and compliant CSRD report according to the latest regulations and best practices.
Policy and regulations
The role of policy is to direct appropriate action from individuals and organisations to help meet key governmental priorities and objectives. Regulations define the legal boundaries within which individuals and organisations can operate, to “protect and benefit people, businesses and the environment and to support economic growth”. Both policy and regulations are rapidly evolving in response to the climate emergency and aim to encourage a just transition towards a society operating sustainably within planetary boundaries. At Oakdene Hollins, we contribute towards the development of policy and regulations in the UK and other regions, in different ways.
Government Departments
We work directly with government departments to collate and analyse evidence around the potential impacts of policy and regulatory interventions. This involves collecting and reviewing academic and industrial reports, interviewing stakeholders, developing models, and drawing out key insights. An example of this was the Socio-Economic and Environmental Study of the Canadian Remanufacturing Sector and Other Value Retention Processes in the Context of a Circular Economy for Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Public Bodies
We work with public bodies to conduct research on policy and regulatory barriers and enablers that impact the feasibility and success of sustainable and circular business activities. This involves unpicking the current and potential impacts that policy and regulations could have on different value chains. An example of this is the project Circular Steel in Scotland: Landscape and Opportunities for Zero Waste Scotland; A study of the potential of value retention processes (VRPs) for Resource Efficiency for Innovate UK.
Businesses & Trade Associations
We work with businesses and trade associations to collate data and stakeholder views on the current and potential impacts of policy and regulations in their sectors. This analysis can be used to support their ongoing engagement with government, for example, through consultation responses or position papers. An example of this is the Appraisal of policy options for British Glass.
Appraisal of Policy Options for British Glass
This study involved an appraisal of three policy options that are currently being assessed for packaging and that are collectively known by Defra as ‘the collection and packaging reforms’, namely:
The introduction of consistent collections for municipal solid waste in England;
The reform of the UK packaging producer responsibility scheme; and;
The introduction of a deposit return scheme (DRS) for beverage packaging for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The study included a detailed appraisal of the consultation and impact assessment documents and ‘The Collection and Packaging Reforms – a summary of the impacts’ report Defra has produced for the three alternative policies. Figure 1 provides a summary of the costs, benefits and Net Present Value (NPV) for each reform, presented in the Defra summary of impacts report [1]. This shows that the All-in DRS is projected to realise £6,091 million of the total £9,132 million NPV from the three reforms, consistent collections £2,766 million and EPR £275 million.
[1] All figures are discounted to a 2020 Present Value and are in 2019 prices.
Assessing the impact of increased energy and fuel costs across the waste sector
Conducted by Oakdene Hollins for Defra, the overarching aim of this project was to qualitatively and, where possible, quantitatively assess the impact of increased energy and fuel costs on the waste sector in England. The data and insight generated from the research aimed to provide Defra with:
A better perception of the waste sector’s resilience to price shocks
An understanding of the sector’s key hotspots and risks in relation to fuel and energy costs.
Insight on policy options which could mitigate these risks
Policy considerations:
Upcoming DRS (Deposit Return Scheme) and EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) policies may disrupt the sector.
Uncertainties in legislation, commodity prices, and fuel costs discourage investment.
Decoupling renewable energy and gas prices (as per the Energy Bill) could offer long-term stability.
Recommendations:
Defra and Civil Service can facilitate knowledge sharing among stakeholders.
Defra can compile and disseminate best practices on managing energy/fuel cost increases.
Repair or Replace Investigating the relative GHG emissions of repairing or replacing damaged vehicle parts
Report on the current status, impacts and potential of the European automotive component remanufacturing industry
Managing Chemicals of Concern within a Circular Economy: The Impacts and Solutions for Chemical Flame Retardant Use in UK Mattresses
Our Comprehensive Range of Environmental Services
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Define your environmental goals, identify key areas of focus, and create a clear roadmap for achieving them.
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Optimize resource use, minimize waste, and implement circular practices for a more sustainable future.
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Develop ambitious plans to reduce your carbon footprint and achieve net-zero emissions.
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Analyze the environmental impact of your products, services, and operations throughout their entire lifecycle.
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Assess potential environmental risks and liabilities associated with mergers, acquisitions, or investments.
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Develop clear and concise reports to track progress, demonstrate commitment, and engage stakeholders.
What our clients say
“Oakdene Hollins are true experts in their field. The team made a real effort to learn about our business and were able to assimilate their knowledge quickly to give us invaluable insight and guidance to our CSRD journey.”
“We have greatly valued the collaborative and creative approach Oakdene Hollins has brought to our projects on remanufacturing over the last three years. Their extensive network, insight, and hard work have helped us develop our knowledge and priorities in this area and enabled us to share this with our members.”
“The team at Oakdene Hollins have supported us on a number of ESG initiatives that have helped us drive our sustainability agenda and understanding of our carbon footprint. They have developed a deep knowledge of our business and processes and ask the right questions to help us find the answers we are looking for. I highly recommend the experts at Oakdene Hollins CSRD consultancy.”
Frequently Asked Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) consultancy quesitons:
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The timeframe depends on various factors, including your company's size, existing sustainability practices, and data availability. However, we recommend starting early to ensure a smooth transition and avoid last-minute challenges.
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Our fees are tailored to your specific needs and the scope of services required. We offer flexible pricing options to fit your budget, including hourly rates, project-based fees, and retainers.
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Yes, we understand the importance of continuous improvement. We offer ongoing support services to help you maintain compliance, update your reporting as needed, and refine your sustainability practices over time.
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-Companies unfamiliar with sustainability reporting: We can provide a clear roadmap and guide you through the entire process.
-Companies with limited internal sustainability expertise: We can bridge the knowledge gap and ensure your reports meet the highest standards.
-Companies with complex operations or diverse stakeholders: We can help you navigate the complexities of data gathering and stakeholder engagement.
-Companies seeking to go beyond basic compliance: We can help you leverage the CSRD as an opportunity to strengthen your sustainability performance and create a positive impact.
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We take data security and confidentiality very seriously. We have robust data security protocols in place and adhere to strict non-disclosure agreements to safeguard your sensitive information.
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Our team comprises experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds in:
-Sustainability consulting: Deep understanding of sustainability best practices and frameworks.
-Environmental and social impact assessment: Expertise in analyzing and reporting on environmental and social impacts.
-Corporate governance and risk management: Knowledge of corporate governance principles and risk management strategies related to sustainability.
-Financial reporting: Familiarity with financial reporting standards and their alignment with sustainability reporting requirements.
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Contact us today for a free consultation. We will discuss your specific needs, answer any further questions you may have, and provide a customized proposal outlining the services and costs involved.
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