Assessing Sustainability Reporting Obligations and Regulatory Compliance for LINEG: An Analysis of EMAS Alignment with Emerging EU Directives.

Abstract

This thesis assesses the preparedness of LINEG, a German public water utility, for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). It evaluates the extent to which LINEG’s EMAS-based environmental disclosures align with CSRD/ESRS and where extensions are required to meet comprehensive ESG obligations. The analysis is grounded in Stakeholder Theory and Valente’s Stage Model to connect accountability expectations with organizational sustainability maturity. Methodologically, a qualitative case study and qualitative content analysis are applied to LINEG’s EMAS statements and relevant regulatory texts, using deductive categories derived from CSRD/ESRS and SASB, complemented by inductive coding to capture LINEG-specific themes. Peer utilities are referenced to contextualise findings. Findings show a strong environmental foundation— externally validated data on energy, emissions, water, and biodiversity—indicating partial readiness for ESRS E-standards. However, material gaps remain in social and governance areas (e.g., workforce metrics, affordability and service quality indicators, stakeholder engagement processes, and board-level oversight of sustainability). Applying Valente’s model positions LINEG between Defensive and Isolated stages: largely compliancedriven, with initiatives not yet embedded across strategy and governance. The thesis proposes a roadmap to consolidate environmental disclosures into ESRS structures, conduct a double-materiality assessment, expand S and G indicators, formalise stakeholder engagement, and assign clear governance responsibilities. Limitations arise from a single-case, document-based approach and the evolving German transposition of CSRD, which may adjust timelines and specific requirements once fully enacted