Am 3. April 2025 von Barbara Dubach auf LinkedIn gepostet (im Original auf Englisch):
This week at the Annual ESG4Boards Assembly, we discussed how Switzerland’s new regulations affect boards. Here’s what companies must know:
Under the OR 964, every board member is now directly responsible for:
- Approving the company’s sustainability report
- Conducting due diligence on child labor and conflict minerals
Exceptions only apply for: 1. SMEs (< 250 employees), 2. companies with a low risk of child labor in their supply chain, and 3. companies not importing or processing conflict minerals.
And if boards don’t comply? They will face personal fines of:
- Up to CHF 100,000 for false statements or missing reports
- Up to CHF 50,000 for negligence
Additionally, as of fiscal year 2023, non-financial reporting is required for:
- With more than 500 employees
- Listed companies and financial institutions
- And total assets over CHF 20 million or annual sales over CHF 40 million
The takeaway is clear: This is no longer a compliance matter delegated to a department. It is a boardroom responsibility.
We’re already seeing the real-world consequences of unmanaged ESG risks.
One example is Stadler. Severe weather events have materially impacted their financial performance—reduced both sales and profits.
And during a panel discussion, “Innovation Meets Sustainability: The Board as a Trailblazer,” we discussed what Swiss boards can do now.
Key questions we explored:
- How can innovation support sustainability at the board level?
- How do boards keep ESG from being sidelined over time?
- How do we turn ESG reporting into a strategic advantage?
- Will the EU Omnibus Regulation push companies toward real transformation?
The conclusion was clear:
Innovation is central to long-term success and boards must guide their companies toward future resilience.
At ESG4Boards, we help connect board leaders with the right expertise to manage ESG risks, navigate governance challenges, strengthen reporting, and build business models aligned with environmental and social priorities.
If your board is navigating these changes and would benefit from support, feel free to contact me directly or reach out to ESG4Boards.
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