ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) data is the soul, strategy, and signal of your sustainability story and without quality ESG data, reporting is just storytelling. But let’s be honest: ESG data collection can be expensive.
Between emissions calculators, consultants, stakeholder surveys, and ESG reporting software, it’s easy to feel meaningful sustainability reporting is a luxury only large enterprises can afford.
Mid-sized companies are under increasing pressure to disclose how they manage their environmental and social impact. They often sit in an awkward spot as they are big enough for investors, regulators, and customers to ask hard questions about sustainability, but don’t have that many resources.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need a six-figure ESG budget to get started, or to do it well.
“ESG data is crucial for staying competitive, achieving long-term cost efficiency, and minimizing risks.”
– Veridion
Credible ESG data collection doesn’t have to drain you financially. Whether it is customers asking about your supply chain, investors checking your carbon footprint, or regulators expecting alignment with global ESG reporting frameworks, the demand is real. The good news? There are practical, cost-conscious ways to respond without compromising credibility.
“ESG-focused institutional investments are projected to reach $33.9 trillion by 2026, demonstrating the scale of financial decision-making influenced by ESG data.”
Source: KeyESG
This guide lays out exactly how to collect ESG data without blowing your budget, using existing systems, smart tools, and focused reporting strategies to build credible ESG disclosures.
1) ESG Reporting Starts with Focus, Not Funding
The most expensive mistake companies make? Trying to track everything! Before you start collecting data, define your scope. ESG reporting is not about collecting every possible metric; it’s about collecting the right ones.
Instead, begin by identifying what the actual ESG issues are that impact your business and stakeholders. Use materiality as your filter. That means identifying the sustainability issues that:
- Impact your business financially or operationally
- Matter to your customers, investors, or regulators
- Can realistically be measured with the resources you already have
This type of focus reduces wasted effort and makes your disclosures more precise and relevant. Tools like the GRI’s Materiality Principle or SASB’s industry-specific guidelines can help you narrow your focus.
2) Piggyback on Established ESG Reporting Frameworks
You don’t need to invent your own scorecard. Adhere to globally accepted frameworks, such as GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board), TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures), and the new ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board) standards that provide:
- Standardized definitions. Sector-specific metrics that trim irrelevant data.
- Benchmarking power when you compare progress year over year.
Download the framework disclosures, mark the metrics you flagged as material, and ignore the rest, at least for now. This selective approach trims unnecessary effort and makes your ESG data collection more manageable and more useful.
3) Use the Tools You Already Pay For
Chances are you probably already possess valuable sustainability information, just not in a single location. You might be surprised how much ESG data your company already has hidden in plain sight.
| Department | Data You Might Already Have |
| Finance | Energy bills, travel expenses, procurement spend |
| HR | Workforce diversity, training hours, safety incidents |
| Operations | Waste volumes, water usage, fuel consumption |
Instead of starting from scratch, use what you already have. By pulling from systems you already pay for, you cut both cost and disruption.
4) Use Free & Low-Cost ESG Reporting Tools
You don’t need to drop thousands on a reporting platform right away. Use low-cost or free ESG data management tools that allow bulk uploads, manual entry, and basic automation to reduce manual work and errors.
Some powerful ESG reporting tools are available at no or low cost, especially for first-time reporters or smaller firms:
- EPA’s Simplified GHG Calculator: Great for estimating emissions from fuel and electricity use
- Google Sheets + emission factor plugins: Create live dashboards with basic automation
- CDP or GRI disclosure checklists: Use them as a blueprint for organizing your data
“Without reliable data, we cannot manage our progress toward a more sustainable future.”
– Mary Schapiro, Head of the TCFD Secretariat and former Chair of the U.S. SEC
5) Borrow Talent Before You Hire
Specialist consultants can be pricey, but you still have options:
- Industry trade groups frequently run collective training or data-sharing programs at member rates.
- Local universities may pair MBA or sustainability students with businesses for projects, free labor in exchange for real-world experience.
- Vendor partnerships: major suppliers often share lifecycle data or assist with audits because your ESG win reflects on them, too.
These stop-gaps help you build internal skills before adding permanent headcount.
6) Report Simply, But Transparently
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that “real” sustainability reports have to be glossy, 80-page documents. What stakeholders actually want is clarity and consistency.
Here’s what a credible, low-budget ESG report can include:
- A short list of 5–10 priority KPIs
- Year-over-year comparison
- Clear explanation of where your data came from
- Reference to ESG reporting frameworks you aligned with
Reporting fewer, better-selected metrics actually improves your ESG performance over time, because you’re tracking what counts and not getting lost in noise.
7) Treat ESG as Part of How You Do Business
The most affordable way to maintain consistent ESG data collection is to integrate it into day-to-day operations. That means:
- Assigning ownership for ESG metrics to existing roles (e.g., HR owns DEI data)
- Automating monthly data pulls where possible
- Reviewing ESG data during quarterly business reviews or board meetings
This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about embedding sustainable business practices into your culture, not just your reports.
Final Thought: You Don’t Need a Big Budget to Make a Big Impact
Gathering ESG data does not necessarily need costly consultants or business software. It needs simplicity, priority, and a commitment to begin with what you can do. And if you’re a mid-sized company, that is an advantage for you as you’re agile, close to your business, and can make decisions quickly.
See how you can simplify reporting, track what matters, and move toward more sustainable business practices on your terms.
