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VSME module available as early access version!

Our free DNK Platform saves you time and effort in creating your digital sustainability report. Now also available for companies reporting voluntarily.

DNK – The free platform for your sustainability reporting

To support companies with sustainability reporting, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) is funding the further development of the German Sustainability Code (DNK). Since 2025, we have been offering a free digital tool that makes it easier to create sustainability reports, replacing the original reporting standard. The offering is tailored specifically to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited resources. At its heart is the web-based DNK Platform, which guides users step by step through the entire reporting process. This saves companies time, money and stress. 

The DNK platform at a glance:

  • DNK Checklists: Make reporting requirements easier to understand
  • DNK Assistant: Support through comprehensive application help Progress indicator: Keep an eye on the status of your report at all times
  • Comment function: Efficient editing of the report in a team
  • Export function: Output of finished reports as Word, PDF or XBRL files
  • DNK plausibility check: VSME reports that pass this check can bear our seal of approval

How you benefit at a glance

Convenient free tool from the German government. The DNK Platform makes creating reports straightforward. DNK Checklists simplify ESRS Set 1 & VSME for you. You save time and effort.

Who are the Sustainability Code services aimed at?

For companies subject to mandatory reporting

Our services are structured in modules. The first module is designed for all companies that are obliged to report under the CSRD, either directly or indirectly. Launched in early 2025, it helps you fulfil the legal requirements (ESRS Set 1) efficiently and straightforwardly.

For companies reporting voluntarily

A second module is aimed at companies that wish to report voluntarily based on the VSME Standard, in order to proactively meet the growing disclosure demands around the issue of sustainability. It is specially tailored to the needs of SMEs and will be available from September 2025.

How does the Sustainability Code support sustainability reporting?

Anna has to prepare a sustainability report. Without her own sustainability department, she faces a major challenge when preparing the report. The Sustainability Codex supports her with guidelines, definitions, videos and best-practice examples in the preparation of her sustainability report. The Sustainability Code platform guides you step by step to the finished report.

Jens Müller ZDF

From the point of view of ZDF, the Sustainability Code is extremely user-friendly, easy to understand, well laid-out, systematic and transparent. A really good tool for us to navigate through the jungle that is sustainability reporting.

Prof Dr Jens Müller
ZDF | Public Broadcaster