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ESRS vs IFRS: interoperability without duplication

Updated on
March 27, 2025

Understanding interoperability between ESRS and IFRS is essential for anyone working in ESG reporting.

Because it’s not just about complying with standards, but about how financial data is calculated and presented versus ESG data. And that detail changes everything.

Both frameworks are designed to bring transparency, but they don’t speak the same language.

While financial data benefits from years of maturity, stable methodologies and clear rules, ESG data is still under construction: more variables, more uncertainty, and often less consistency.

The important thing now is to connect these two worlds.

To see where they fit, where they clash, and what this means for companies reporting under both standards.

Because what used to be an “extra” can now determine how your business is perceived, how you access funding, or how you enter certain markets.

This is particularly relevant when aligning with evolving sustainable finance frameworks that are shaping capital allocation.

Why Talk About Interoperability Between ESRS and IFRS Now?

Because it’s no longer optional. Companies are starting to report under ESRS, while at the same time global financial markets are pushing for alignment with IFRS.

If we don’t understand how they connect, we’re going to duplicate efforts and waste time (and money).

More and more regulations demand ESG data with the same level of rigor as financial data.

Which brings us to a key question: how do we integrate two different ways of measuring, reporting, and presenting information?

What Is Interoperability Between ESRS and IFRS?

Definition and Global Context

When we talk about interoperability, we’re referring to the ability to connect two reporting frameworks without redoing everything from scratch.

In this case, ESRS, driven by Europe, and IFRS, with a global focus, are looking for common ground so data can be comparable and reusable.

This doesn’t mean they are the same, but they are becoming aligned in structure, concepts, and key categories.

What used to be a maze of metrics, is now starting to take on a shared logic.

Why Are These Standards Beginning to Align?

Because the pressure is real. Investors, regulators, and major business groups demand clarity, traceability, and comparability.

If every company reports in its own way, no one can make decisions based on reliable data.

Aligning ESRS and IFRS helps simplify information gathering and reduces the workload for companies. Fewer duplications, more efficiency.

And this is also about competitiveness.

If we want to access financing or enter demanding markets, having ESG data that reads the same in Brussels and New York is increasingly necessary.

3 Key Differences Between ESRS and IFRS You Need to Know

Although they aim to align, there are important differences in how data is calculated and reported.

1. Materiality

ESRS is based on double materiality (inside-out and outside-in impact), while IFRS focuses only on financial materiality.

2. Level of Detail

ESRS requires more granularity, even across the value chain. IFRS prioritizes what is relevant for investors.

3. Time Orientation

ESRS includes projections, action plans, and targets. IFRS focuses more on the present and current financial state.

Knowing this allows us to adjust our data collection strategy and decide what to show, how, and when.

Because reporting isn’t just about compliance, it’s about positioning your company in front of decision-makers.

How Can Dcycle Help You Integrate Your ESG Data?

All-in-One: We Collect, Process, and Distribute Your ESG Data

We’re not auditors or consultants. We’re a solution that gathers all your ESG information, turns it into usable data, and adapts it to the formats you need.

All from a single platform, without duplicating efforts.

Total Adaptability: CSRD, Taxonomy, ISOs, SBTi, EINF, and More

It doesn’t matter which regulation is on your desk. We adapt to any ESG use case.

We connect your data with the frameworks the market requires, today and in the future.

Intuitive Platform That Reduces Effort and Human Error

Forget endless spreadsheets and back-and-forth emails. Our solution is designed so your entire team can work from the same place, with consistent, real-time data.

Less operational burden, fewer mistakes, and everything ready for reporting without complications.

Our Vision as ESG and Corporate Reporting Experts

Measuring Well Is the Foundation of Managing Well

If we don’t measure properly, we won’t improve anything.

Having ESG data that is reliable, traceable, and aligned with financials is no longer a bonus, it’s a minimum requirement to remain competitive.

And if we set things up right from the beginning, we avoid a lot of problems later on.

Interoperability Is Not the Future: It’s the Present

We’re not talking about what’s coming, but about what’s already happening. Companies that don’t properly integrate ESG and financial data will be left behind.

Can we afford to relax? Not really. Interoperability between frameworks like ESRS and IFRS is already a market expectation.

A Single ESG Data Point, Infinite Use Cases

Collect a data point once and use it for CSRD, SBTi, Taxonomy, ISOs, or whatever comes next. That’s real interoperability.

That’s where we need to be if we want to do ESG intelligently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the Link Between CSRD and ESRS & IFRS Interoperability?

CSRD requires reporting under ESRS, but we can’t ignore that many investors rely on IFRS.

Interoperability is what lets you use the same data for both frameworks, without duplicating work.

Can the Same Platform Be Used to Report Under Both Standards?

Yes, as long as the solution can align metrics, formats, and regulatory demands.

In our case, Dcycle gathers all your ESG data and adapts it for any use case: CSRD, SBTi, ISOs, Taxonomy, NFI, whatever you need.

What Are the Benefits of Interoperability for SMEs?

Avoiding duplication, saving time, and reducing costs.

If you’re already collecting ESG data, the smart thing is to reuse it across all reports, without starting from scratch each time.

How Can I Know if My ESG Data Is Well Aligned With Financials?

Start by checking if they have the same reporting periods, scope, and level of detail. Then, verify if they can be linked to the metrics required by each framework.

The easiest way? Use a solution that automates and clearly shows it.

What Happens if I Don’t Align My ESRS & IFRS Reporting?

You’ll lose efficiency, credibility, and your ability to compete. Plus, you risk failing to meet what regulators or investors expect.

Interoperability isn’t optional. It’s the fastest, smartest way to stay aligned with what’s next.

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Cristina Alcalá-Zamora
CSRD Specialist | Content Creator

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can You Calculate a Product’s Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.

The most recognized methodologies are:

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
  • ISO 14067
  • PAS 2050

Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.

What Are the Most Recognized Certifications?
  • ISO 14067 – Defines carbon footprint measurement for products.
  • EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) – Environmental impact based on LCA.
  • Cradle to Cradle (C2C) – Evaluates sustainability and circularity.
  • LEED & BREEAM – Certifications for sustainable buildings.
Which Industries Have the Highest Carbon Footprint?
  • Construction – High emissions from cement and steel.
  • Textile – Intense water usage and fiber production emissions.
  • Food Industry – Large-scale agriculture and transportation impact.
  • Transportation – Fossil fuel dependency in vehicles and aviation.
How Can Companies Reduce Product Carbon Footprints?
  • Use recycled or low-emission materials.
  • Optimize production processes to cut energy use.
  • Shift to renewable energy sources.
  • Improve transportation and logistics to reduce emissions.
Is Carbon Reduction Expensive?

Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.

  • Energy efficiency lowers operational expenses.
  • Material reuse and recycling reduces procurement costs.
  • Sustainability certifications open new business opportunities.

Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.