What SMEs need to know about VSME and Kube ESG
Banks, customers and governments increasingly ask SMEs for structured sustainability information even those without a legal obligation find it hard to avoid.
The VSME provides a workable framework for structuring those answers.
Kube ESG centralises the process: collecting information, preparing a report and sharing it with banks or partners all happens from one platform, with AI support.
Sustenuto is organising a series of webinars and workshops for Belgian SMEs, in collaboration with Isabel, the Chambers of Commerce, AKT, BECI and sector federations.
Participants discover Kube ESG and how AI significantly speeds up the reporting process, helping them complete their (first) sustainability report.
VSME reporting for SMEs: voluntary, but not optional
Large companies in Europe are today required to report under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the accompanying ESRS standards. For SMEs, that obligation does not formally apply, but the pressure to be transparent about ESG is growing. Customers and suppliers increasingly ask for structured sustainability information that is comparable and shareable across the value chain. Governments are also linking subsidies and public tenders more often to demonstrable efforts. What remains "voluntary" on paper feels less and less optional in practice.
The VSME standard offers a workable and proportionate framework in this context, though for many SMEs it remains a challenge to integrate sustainability reporting without disrupting day-to-day operations. The information is often available, but scattered across departments and existing documents.
Sustainability also plays a growing role in financial institutions. It increasingly shapes credit decisions, risk management and long-term client relationships. Banks want to support their SME clients in their sustainability transition, but need information that is clear, comparable and reliable.
It is from this dual need, simplicity for SMEs and usable ESG data for banks, that Isabel, backed by the Belgian banks, developed Kube ESG. The platform allows SMEs to prepare a sustainability report in line with the VSME standard and share their data with banks, customers and other partners. An integrated AI function automatically completes the questionnaire within minutes, based on documents the user uploads, such as an HR policy, pitch deck or energy invoices.
Sustainability reporting in plain language
Sustenuto developed over 50 pages of practical guidance for Kube ESG in clear, accessible language, integrated directly into the platform and available in Dutch, French and English. The focus is not on legal completeness but on usability: SMEs with limited time and no ESG expertise need to understand what is being asked, why it matters and where to find the relevant information.
Read more: Human-to-human guidance for Kube ESG
Kube ESG in practice: webinars and workshops for SMEs in Belgium
The launch of Kube ESG in November 2025 did not end with the platform itself. Many organisations need guidance to bridge the gap between the tool and day-to-day practice. Sustenuto is therefore organising a series of webinars and workshops that take SMEs through Kube ESG and the VSME standard step by step. The series is set up together with Isabel, banks, the Chambers of Commerce and sector federations, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective and alignment with sector-specific realities.
What you will learn during the sessions
What the VSME standard means in practice for their organisation
How to prepare a quality ESG report quickly using Kube ESG
How the AI function supports and accelerates the reporting process
A live demo of the platform, with guidance on each datapoint
Upcoming webinars
| Datum | Partner | Timing | Type | Taal | Registratie |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mei 2026 | |||||
| 12 mei | Fedustria | 11:15–12:00 | Webinar | NL | Inschrijven |
| 26 mei | VOKA | 10:00 | Webinar | NL | Inschrijven |
| Juni 2026 | |||||
| Begin juni | Agoria | 12:30–13:15 | Webinar | NL | Binnenkort |
| Begin juni | Agoria | 12:30–13:15 | Webinar | FR | Binnenkort |
| 5 juni | AKT | Workshop | Binnenkort | ||
| 16 juni | Kube ESG | 12:30–13:15 | Webinar | FR | Binnenkort |
| 18 juni | Kube ESG | 12:30–13:15 | Webinar | NL | Binnenkort |
| 23 juni | BECI | 09:30–12:00 | Workshop | FR | Binnenkort |
| TBC | |||||
| TBC | Fedustria | Webinar | FR | Binnenkort | |
Sustenuto: more than 20 years as a partner in sustainable business
Sustenuto draws on more than 20 years of experience in sustainable business in Belgium, with an approach rooted in practice rather than theory. That track record of policy expertise, tool development and hands-on guidance translates complex ESG requirements into workable steps, with a consistent focus on the context and capabilities of SMEs. Five milestone projects illustrate that breadth:
Long-standing collaboration with sector federations and organisations, with a strong focus on knowledge sharing through workshops and learning networks, including the Quadrant programme in partnership with VOKA for more than 450 SMEs
Lead role in preparatory research projects on ESG reporting, commissioned by the Flemish government and developed in consultation with a broad stakeholder field, laying the groundwork for Kube ESG
Development of public sector tools such as the CSR scan, with extensive experience working with both private companies and public institutions
Active involvement in the development of the VSME standard, including direct collaboration with EFRAG as a "Friend of EFRAG"
Author of the user guidance within Kube ESG, sector-specific, trilingual and tailored to SMEs without prior ESG expertise
Start sustainability reporting via Kube ESG today
Sustainability reporting is shifting from an optional exercise to a structural part of running a business. Those who wait for a legal obligation are waiting too long. With Kube ESG and the accompanying webinars and workshops, an SME can take concrete steps in sustainability reporting today, without major investments in time or expertise.
Register for one of the sessions and follow our channels for further insights.
Frequently asked questions about Kube ESG and VSME reporting
Is sustainability reporting mandatory for SMEs?
Formally, no — the CSRD obligation currently applies only to large companies. But customers, suppliers and banks increasingly ask SMEs for structured ESG data. Those who cannot provide it today will notice the gap in tender processes, credit conversations and public procurement. In practice, voluntary means less and less optional.
What is Kube ESG and who is it for?
Kube ESG is a digital platform that helps SMEs prepare a sustainability report in line with the VSME standard and share it with banks, customers and other partners. The platform was developed by Isabel, backed by the Belgian banks.
How does the AI function in Kube ESG work and what does it cost?
By uploading existing documents such as an HR policy, energy invoices or a pitch deck, the AI automatically completes up to 80% of the VSME questionnaire. This reduces the time investment to a matter of minutes. The AI function is part of the Smart plan, which is available free of charge in 2026 for SMEs with fewer than 250 employees. The basic version without AI (Essential) remains always free. SMEs looking for personal guidance can opt for the Expert plan, starting from €1,000.
What will I learn during the Kube ESG webinars and workshops?
The sessions take SMEs through Kube ESG and the VSME standard step by step, with a live platform demo and practical guidance on each datapoint. The series is organised together with Isabel, AKT, BECI, the Chambers of Commerce and sector federations.
