ESG Beginner's Guide for SMEs: Three Steps to Get Started from Scratch
SMEs don't need to tackle ESG all at once. This guide outlines a three-step phased path — from a free carbon inventory trial to reporting and verification — helping you start your sustainability transformation at the lowest possible cost.
Three-Step Phased Path
Free Carbon Inventory Trial
Use a free DCarbon trial account to experience the carbon inventory process firsthand. Understand your emission sources and data collection needs, with no commitment required.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Cost: Free
Reporting Needs Assessment
Use Syber to assess the applicable sustainability reporting frameworks (GRI, TCFD, ISSB), and identify the disclosure scope and data gaps.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Cost: System subscription
Choose Consulting as Needed
System automation reduces reliance on consultants. Choose verification support, report writing, and other consulting services based on your actual needs, with no bundled packages.
Timeline: As needed
Cost: As needed
Comparison: System + Consultant vs. Consultant Only
| Comparison Dimension | Sustaihub (System + Consultant) | Consultant Only |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Beginners to advanced | Large enterprises |
| Own System | Syber + DCarbon (data stays in client's account) | None |
| Year-over-Year Cost | Low (data already in system) | High (annual reinvestment) |
| Verification Pass Rate | 100% (100+ cases) | Depends on consultant |
| AI Assistance | SustainAI | None |
| Free Trial | Yes | None |
SME ESG Frequently Asked Questions
Do SMEs really need to do ESG? +
Listed companies in Taiwan with capital exceeding NT$2 billion are already required to publish sustainability reports, and the FSC continues to expand coverage. Even if not yet mandated, many brands and large enterprises have begun requiring carbon emission and ESG data from their supply chains. We recommend SMEs take a phased approach: start with a carbon inventory, then expand to sustainability reporting as needed, lowering the barrier to entry.
How much does ESG cost for SMEs? +
Costs range from zero to hundreds of thousands of NT$, depending on the scope and approach. Sustaihub recommends a three-step phased plan: Step 1 — try DCarbon for free to conduct a carbon inventory (zero cost); Step 2 — subscribe to Syber to assess your reporting framework; Step 3 — engage consulting services as needed. This systematic approach keeps data in the client's account, significantly reducing costs for subsequent years.
How can SMEs get started with ESG? +
We recommend starting with a three-step path: Step 1 — try DCarbon's carbon inventory system for free to test the waters (about 1-2 weeks); Step 2 — use Syber to assess your sustainability reporting needs (GRI, TCFD, ISSB, and other frameworks); Step 3 — choose consulting services based on your actual needs. All data stays in your own system account, with no lock-in to any specific consultant.
Can we pass verification without hiring a large consulting firm? +
Yes. Sustaihub has accumulated over 100 consulting engagements with a 100% verification pass rate. The key is the integrated system-plus-consultant approach: the system ensures data structures and calculation methods comply with ISO 14064-1, while consultants assist with verification preparation and response. Compared to consultant-only approaches, this systematic method keeps data in the client's account, eliminating the need to start from scratch the following year and significantly reducing costs.
Start Your ESG Journey with a Free Carbon Inventory
No contract or payment required. Sign up for a free DCarbon trial account, experience the complete carbon inventory process within 1-2 weeks, and then decide your next step.
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