ESG Transparency Award 2025: Taking responsibility when regulation falls short
Bonn, June 18, 2025
In times of regulatory uncertainty surrounding ESG reporting, it becomes clear which companies take sustainability seriously as a strategic issue – and are not merely striving to meet minimum legal requirements. With the start of the application phase for the ESG Transparency Award 2025, the EUPD Group sends a strong signal in support of credible, comprehensible, and audience-appropriate sustainability communication. Companies from across Europe are now invited to submit their ESG reports. The application deadline is July 31, 2025.
A Standard for Transparency, Not a Competition for Formalities
The ESG Transparency Award is based on the ESG Transparency Evaluation Standard developed by the EUPD Group. The internationally established market research institute for sustainability, with over 25 years of experience, has created this framework to enable a comprehensive, practical, and stakeholder-oriented analysis of published ESG reports. Recognized frameworks are incorporated into the evaluation, including the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), the UN Sustainability Development Performance Indicators (UNSDPI), the Voluntary Standard for Micro Enterprises (VSME), the EU Taxonomy, and various other national and international initiatives. In addition, the standard includes supplementary criteria that particularly emphasize the communicative impact, structural clarity, and strategic integration of ESG content.
To ensure the ongoing development of the standard, the EUPD Group annually convenes an ESG Transparency Committee, composed of experienced ESG experts – including past award recipients. This committee contributes current insights and perspectives from business and academia to maintain the relevance and practical applicability of the standard. Importantly, the committee does not participate in the evaluation of submissions – a key component of the award’s design to ensure independence and transparency in the selection process.
“Those who take ESG seriously don’t rely on formalities – they demonstrate commitment through transparent and coherent communication”, explains Markus A.W. Hoehner, CEO of the EUPD Group. “Especially now – in an environment where regulatory requirements are partly unclear or postponed – companies that provide orientation and visibly assume responsibility are gaining importance. The ESG Transparency Award shines a spotlight on exactly these trailblazers.”
The Leading Companies 2025 will be honored on November 26 during the European Sustainability Week in Bonn. The award ceremony will take place at the Steigenberger Icon Grandhotel & Spa, which will also host a high-level ESG industry gathering featuring representatives from business and politics.
Previous award recipients have demonstrated that excellence in ESG transparency is possible regardless of industry, company size, or country of origin. Honorees have included large publicly listed companies such as Deutsche Telekom, medium-sized companys like Zwilling, and sustainability pioneers like fritz-kola. Other recognized organizations include international players such as Swiss Post, Bundesliga football club Borussia Dortmund, and luxury watchmaker Breitling. Their commitment is reflected not only in implementation, but also in their mindset: “At Breitling, sustainability is anchored in transparency”, states Aurelia Figueroa, Chief Sustainability Officer at Breitling. “We are honored to receive the ESG Transparency Award, which recognizes our progress and drives us to advance transparency in the industry.“
Melanie Borsos, Head of Non-financial Reporting & Human Rights at Telefónica Germany, underlines the role of the award in fostering corporate integrity: “Transparency is a core part of our identity when it comes to responsible corporate governance. This award affirms our commitment to combining openness with substance in ESG reporting – and to engaging in credible dialogue with our stakeholders.”
For more information about the ESG Transparency Award 2025, the evaluation standard, and the application process, please visit: https://esg-transparency-award.de/en
About the EUPD Group
Since its founding in 2000, the EUPD Group has developed innovative, integrated solutions for sustainability-driven companies. It guides organizations in the fields of Energy, Social, and ESG toward long-term success. In the “Energy” sector, the Group specializes in technology areas such as photovoltaics, energy storage, heat pumps, and e-mobility. The “Social” division offers services in corporate health management and gender equality, while the “ESG” division focuses on corporate sustainability and responsibility topics, including transparency in reporting. Its goal is to support companies in becoming truly future-ready.
Media Contact
For further information, please contact our ESG team at:
esg@eupd-research.com
Photo Credit
Pauline Braun Cobigo, Sustainability Specialist at Breitling, receiving the ESG Transparency Award 2024 during the ESG Summit on December 11 at the Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg in Königswinter. The award was presented by Leo Ganz, Partner at EUPD Group.
Photographer: Mike Wenski