A blueprint for double materiality assessment

Abstract

This thesis presents a comprehensive framework for implementing Double Materiality Assessment (DMA) in corporate sustainability reporting, in alignment with the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The concept of double materiality, which requires companies to evaluate and report both the financial impacts of sustainability issues and their broader societal and environmental impacts, is gaining traction across various sectors. However, its practical application remains inconsistent due to the absence of standardized methodologies and the challenges of integrating financial and impact materiality assessments.

This study addresses these challenges by analyzing the current practices of large companies in implementing DMA and identifying key obstacles documented in the literature. The research proposes a versatile blueprint for DMA that can be adapted to different business contexts and sectors, aiming to enhance the consistency and transparency of sustainability reporting. The blueprint is designed to facilitate better decision-making, improve accountability, and ensure compliance with evolving regulatory standards. Through a detailed examination of existing practices and the development of a practical implementation framework, this thesis contributes to the advancement of sustainable business practices and corporate transparency.