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For trade and craft businesses: “Zukunfts-Kompass Handwerk”

What is the "Zukunfts-Kompass Handwerk"?

The Zukunfts-Kompass Handwerk is a project of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) within the scope of the German Sustainability Code (DNK). It is designed to support SMEs in the trades and craft sector with their sustainability reporting. The initiative is run by the German development agency GIZ and the Centre for further training in trades (ZWH) in collaboration with the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH).

In a wood workshop, a craftsman leans smiling over his plans.
Trade and craft businesses can use the Zukunfts-Kompass Handwerk to efficiently create their sustainability reports – with no external costs, and even with a smile.

Who is the "Zukunfts-Kompass Handwerk" aimed at?

The Zukunfts-Kompass Handwerk is aimed at all trade and craft businesses that opt to report voluntarily on their sustainability performance in line with the Voluntary Sustainability Standards for SMEs (VSME).

The DNK’s Sustainability Code services comprise several free modules for sustainability reporting, tailored to different target groups:

  • The ESRS Set 1 module is designed for companies subject to mandatory reporting – either directly or indirectly.
  • The VSME module is designed for companies reporting voluntarily.

Because trades and crafts are an integral part of the German corporate landscape, an additional, dedicated module has been developed for these businesses: the Zukunfts-Kompass Handwerk. It has grown out of the former “Nachhaltigkeits-Navigator Handwerk” and is specially geared to the needs of trade and craft businesses. All other companies should use the VSME module of the DNK.

How is it different from the classic VSME module?

Although the Zukunfts-Kompass Handwerk is based on the VSME module, is has been specially produced for trade and craft businesses and differs especially in the following points:

  • Clear, sector-specific language
  • Intuitive help with input – assisted by a dedicated AI and multiple-choice questions
  • Practical examples from the trades sector

We translate the language of the VSME into the language of the trades.

Juliane Kriese | Centre for further training in trades (ZWH) |

When will the tool be available?

A beta version of the Zukunfts-Kompass Handwerk is expected to be available from 9 September 2025.

Check out the "Zukunfts-Kompass Handwerk"