Ecobio Manager CSRD and EU Taxonomy Software – Interview with Antti Heinilä

Ecobio Manager CSRD and EU Taxonomy Software – Interview with Antti Heinilä

Antti Heinilä, Ecobio Manager’s Chief Growth Officer, introduces the Ecobio Manager CSRD and EU Taxonomy software and discusses its thoughts and goals.

Antti, please tell us a bit about Ecobio and Ecobio Manager

“Of course! Ecobio is the oldest consulting firm in its field in the Nordics, with 35 years of experience. Ecobio Manager, on the other hand, is an all-in-one corporate responsibility software, which has recently been updated with a CSRD and EU taxonomy reporting tool.”

Ecobio Manager’s SaaS solution for sustainability reporting streamlines the process of double materiality assessment, taxonomy classification, gathering of reporting data, compiling the sustainability report, verification, and publication. Furthermore, Ecobio Manager provides additional services, including regulatory monitoring, chemical management, and climate risk assessment.

Ecobio and Ecobio Manager offer advanced experience in sustainability reporting. The other services of Ecobio Manager and Ecobio Consultancy support the CSRD reporting process and ensure high quality.

“For example, we monitor legislation on a daily basis as we also offer regulatory monitoring services to companies. Therefore, we can be sure that the software is always up to date, the customer is aware of new changes, and the legal requirements are met.”

What is the typical starting point for a sustainability reporting client?

Typically, companies are in two different situations. Some companies report in later waves and have not yet assessed double materiality. Ecobio can support them in starting the process. Other companies are already further along in the double materiality assessment and data collection for reporting.

“In these cases, we can help with the EU taxonomy classification. The Manager can be integrated into the process by modelling the previous work and mapping the necessary data, guiding us forward.”

How does the reporting process flow?

“The reporting process starts with the double materiality assessment, which creates the framework for collecting reporting data. The client will compile and prepare the data. We will provide tools that help ensure the data meets legal requirements.”

The software guides the preparation of the data into the correct format. Once the data is collected, the Ecobio Manager assists in analysing it and compiling the report. Finally, the report can be verified and published.

We can prepare the data collaboratively with the client in the background, or the client can handle it independently or opt to use a different software. Ecobio Manager guarantees that all requirements are fulfilled, ensuring that the report is compliant with the directive.

The collaboration between companies and Ecobio can take many forms

Sustainability reporting requires teamwork, and there is no single correct way to do it.

Our consulting services always provide support for the reporting process. When it comes to the sustainability reporting process, we often focus on issues like carbon footprint calculation and various calculations related to the supply chain.

“Ecobio has extensive experience in environmental calculations, so we can also implement and advise clients according to industry-specific practices. The software ensures compliance, and consultants support clients in adhering to best practices.”

How do you see the future of Ecobio Manager?

Sustainability reporting will continue to be the core of Ecobio Manager’s operations. All the expertise Ecobio has accumulated over the years culminates around sustainability reporting.

“We have focused on meeting the requirements of the EU directive because, as an expert organisation, we know what it takes. However, we are already focusing on providing better services for handling imperfect reporting data.”

Soon, Ecobio Manager will include AI-assisted reporting and focus on improving user experience and offering enhanced team collaboration opportunities in addition to data preparation processes, Heinilä reveals.

“Our goal is for the user to constantly understand where we are with the reporting and what is coming next.”

What would you like to say to companies considering adopting Ecobio Manager?

“If you have started CSRD or ESG reporting and are concerned about compliance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are an organisation that you can approach on a low threshold. We genuinely want to help companies become greener.

Sustainability reporting is primarily a data-centered project, and time is of the essence. The earlier you start, the more likely things will go smoothly. You’re welcome to spar with us.”