At this year’s Arendalsuka, Compera hosted a meaningful discussion on the Sustainability Stage titled:

“Sustainability Reporting in the Value Chain – Possible or Impossible?”

The session brought together experts from University of Stavanger, Equinor, SpareBank 1 Sør-Norge, Stamas, Brønnøysundregistrene, and Compera to explore how sustainability reporting can be made more practical, valuable, and accessible across businesses of all sizes.

📺 If you’d like to access the full discussion, you can watch it here

What We Learned

Simpler Frameworks Are Essential

SMEs often struggle with sustainability reporting not because they lack motivation, but because the process is complex and time-consuming. The panel emphasized the need for:

• Streamlined frameworks
• Better digital tools
• Shared standards like VSME that reduce duplication and make reporting more efficient

Large companies, while typically having more resources, face their own challenges. Managing reporting across extensive and global supply chains requires scalable systems that can integrate data from multiple sources and ensure consistency across business units and geographies.

Importantly, although individual SMEs may have limited emissions, they collectively account for up to 60% of total emissions in the value chain. This makes their data crucial for larger companies aiming to make informed, sustainable decisions.

Data Should Drive Decisions

Reporting should serve a purpose beyond compliance. High-quality, relevant data enables:

• Smarter decision-making
• More effective governance
• Genuine progress in sustainable development

For large enterprises, data is also critical for aligning with international ESG frameworks, responding to investor expectations, and maintaining transparency across operations. The ability to collect, verify, and act on sustainability data is increasingly seen as a core business capability.

Reporting as a Strategic Advantage

Sustainability reporting isn’t just about meeting regulations. It’s a tool for:

• Improving business operations
• Enhancing competitiveness
• Supporting long-term growth

SMEs can use sustainability reporting not just as a duty, but as a competitive advantage, especially when their data contributes to the sustainability goals of larger customers. For large companies, reporting strengthens brand reputation, manages risks, and demonstrates leadership in environmental and social responsibility.

Insights from the GrønnPuls Research Project

The discussion was enriched by findings from the GrønnPuls research project, which surveyed 640 companies across 29 countries. Key insights included:

• The importance of common standards to support SMEs
• The need for reliable data sources to reduce the burden on individual companies
• The value of comparable metrics that turn reporting into a competitive edge

A Week of Inspiration and Collaboration

While the panel discussion was a highlight, much of the magic of Arendalsuka lies in the informal conversations, the spontaneous meetings, the networking, and the exchange of ideas that spark new collaborations. Compera was proud to be part of this vibrant ecosystem, contributing to the dialogue on how we can make sustainability reporting both feasible and meaningful.

We extend our thanks to the fantastic panel and everyone who joined us, both on-site and online. Let’s continue working together to simplify sustainability, empower businesses, and drive meaningful change.

Want to Learn More?

Are you curious about how your organization can simplify sustainability reporting or leverage it for strategic growth?

👉 Contact us to to see how Compera’s tools can support your journey

Let’s make sustainability reporting work—for your business and for the future.