DOUBLE MATERIALITY AS A KEY CONCEPT IN SUSTAINABILITY REPORTS

Abstract

Double materiality was implemented by Directive 2022/2464, and the Sustainability Reporting Standards became the basis for disclosing sustainability information. Companies must present double materiality (impact materiality and financial materiality) in their annual report, starting in 2024. As double materiality is a key concept, this study explores (i) the literature review and (ii) the perception of entrepreneurs of ESG aspects in a balanced business model in Croatia. 210 Croatian entrepreneurs responded to an online survey. The hypothesis: A balanced business model contributes to satisfactory financial performance when incorporating
environmental measures in line with double materiality, significantly influencing the implementation of ESG aspects in business operations, according to the Croatian entrepreneurs’ opinion, is confirmed. The business model must incorporate ESG aspects
that balance environmental consideration with business financial performance. The balanced business model must meet the needs of all stakeholders. The main limitation is the small sample size of respondents and country limited research. The paper contributes to understanding the concept of double materiality through a literature review and empirical research on how double materiality is applied in the Croatian business context.