Beyond compliance: how CSB Energy Technology EMEA chose sustainability leadership

In the bustling warehouse of CSB Energy Technology's Ridderkerk facility, thousands of batteries await distribution across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The welcoming atmosphere in the office, where colleagues greet visitors with genuine warmth, reflects a company culture built on openness and collaboration.  

For General Manager Eduardo Pina, this spirit of continuous improvement extends beyond daily operations. When regulatory changes meant CSB was no longer required to produce sustainability reports, many companies might have quietly abandoned their ESG efforts. Instead, Eduardo and his team made a choice that would define their company's future approach to responsible business. 

The tools, the guidance, and all the support that we received during the process was really important.

When European sustainability reporting changes meant they were no longer obligated to report under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), they saw an opportunity to make their own choice about the company's sustainability journey. The motivation came from multiple directions: their Taiwanese parent company encouraged the initiative, customers were asking sustainability questions, and Eduardo and his team saw it as a way to stay ahead of future market demands. 

The ESG learning journey

But having the motivation was just the beginning. CSB's team of 25 employees had little experience with ESG concepts. "There was a lot we did not know," Eduardo admits. “During the first introductions, the Baker Tilly team explained the process and took the time for detailed explanations of the different reporting topics.” This is where their expertise proved invaluable. Working with a specialised ESG team, CSB embarked on what Eduardo describes as an interesting journey of learning and implementation. 

Rapid transformation 

In just three months, CSB went from ESG novices to producing their first comprehensive sustainability report using the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (VSME) as a basis. Rather than forcing CSB into a standard template, Baker Tilly adapted the VSME framework to fit the company's specific situation as a distribution operation rather than a manufacturer. 

"We used the templates from Baker Tilly to collect the data for the report", Eduardo explains. "Together, we fine-tuned the wording in the report and the positioning of our ambition. This process made things quite simple for us." 

Beyond compliance 

The impact extended far beyond reporting. CSB's proactive approach impressed their customers, some major names in the UPS and power backup industry, who began seeking the company's expertise on sustainability topics, like the battery directive. This has strengthened their working relationships. "When they realised we had some knowledge on these topics, some of them came to us for assistance on interpretation of the data," Eduardo notes. "That was a pleasant surprise."  

Internally, the ESG process sparked important conversations about priorities and improvements. The transformation was noticeable throughout the organisation. “Eventually everything was related to ‘What changes could we make?’ It went as granular as: we need to use this kind of plastic bag for the trash instead of that kind of plastic bag.” he recalls. "And that’s great, of course. But we need to look at the big picture and hit the most important ones first."  

Looking forward 

As CSB prepares for their second year of voluntary ESG reporting, Eduardo's advice for other companies considering the journey is clear: "Start collecting data on topics that are related to sustainability, even if you are not going to do your report. Keep the data well-organised." 

His second recommendation? "Empower the team that is leading this project. Sustainability could be seen as a stone in the shoe from a business perspective, but the results and what you can find out of it are important and can actually help further develop the business." 

For Eduardo, the choice to continue ESG reporting represents something larger than compliance. It's about being ready for the future. "If you want to further develop your business, you need to be ready for this world. We're in the middle of so many changes. If you don't do it, if you don't think it's important, then you will just stay behind and eventually, you will be out of business." 

The verdict 

Would Eduardo recommend Baker Tilly to other companies embarking on their sustainability journey? "If anybody wants to implement this, even if they have tight schedules, this team can support them. The tools, the guidance, and all the support that we received during the process was really important." 

Back at CSB's facility in Ridderkerk, with rows of batteries ready for shipment around the world, Eduardo's approach becomes clear. For him, it's always been about getting better at what they do, the drive for continuous improvement that has shaped his entire career. 

What CSB achieved by sticking with sustainability reporting goes well beyond ticking boxes or producing a nice-looking document. By choosing to go beyond compliance, CSB Energy Technology has not just created a sustainability report, they've built a foundation for long-term business resilience and stakeholder trust. 

Also ready for ESG?

Do you have any questions about Baker Tilly’s services? Or are you curious about what we can do for your business? Please feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.