Digital solutions for a greener future

Climate protection and the focus on sustainable resources are becoming more relevant than ever. Due to the decline of the availability of various resources, ESG (environment, social, and governance) is becoming increasingly more important.

From 2027, corporations that meet two of the following three criteria will be subjected to ESG reporting requirements:

• Balance sheet total of over €25 million
• Net sales of over €50 million
• More than 250 employees

From 2027, this requirement will also be extended to listed SMEs. Large companies of public interest (banks, insurance companies, listed companies) with more than 500 employees report in accordance with the current NFRD (Non-Financial Reporting Directive). This EU directive requires a large capital market-oriented companies to publish non-financial information on environmental, social, human rights, and corruption issues and will gradually be replaced by the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive). (As of November 10, 2025)

Greater sustainability through digital signature solutions

There are various options and possibilities for contributing to sustainability in companies and the reducing of their carbon footprint. Digital signature solutions are a key driver of sustainability, promoting the use of new technologies and solutions that improve resource efficiency and encourage more environmentally friendly practices in various industries. A look at ESG reporting reveals very specific ways in which digital signatures contribute to sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical corporate governance.

Environment (E)

The digitization of document and signature processes contributes to saving valuable resources closely linked to paper production, such as wood, water, and energy. This reduces CO2 emissions as well as contributes to a significant reduction in environmental impact.

The qualified electronic signature (QES) makes it possible to carry out signature processes digitally, since it is the legal equivalent to a handwritten signature in Europe. This means that documents no longer need to be printed, signed, and scanned or sent by mail. Instead, they can simply be created, signed, and transmitted digitally.

In 2024, for example, A-Trust saved 987 tons of wood using QES, which corresponds to approximately 1,200 trees, if every tree provides an average of 0.8 tons of wood. In addition, the use of digital signatures saved around 23 million litres of drinking water. This amount of water could supply 484 people in Austria for a year. You can find more impressive figures on this topic on A-Trust's Ökostats page.

Zudem lässt sich der CO2-Fußabdruck durch den Wegfall von Anfahrtswegen, Arbeitswegen, Post- und Reisewegen verringern, da qualifizierte Signaturlösungen eine ortsunabhängige digitale Signatur ermöglichen. Dies spart nicht nur wertvolle Ressourcen, sondern fördert auch schnellere und flexiblere Arbeitsprozesse.

Society (S)

Digital signature processes promote flexible working and a functioning home office culture, as qualified electronic signatures (QES) enable legally valid and secure signature processes to be carried out across Europe, even from home, without being tied to the company location.

Another advantage of digital signatures is the reduction of monotonous tasks, which has a positive effect on the well-being and mental health of employees. Instead of signing numerous documents manually, they can be processed efficiently as part of a process using a “batch signature.”

Governance (G)

Digital signature processes can also optimize corporate management, as qualified signature solutions offer companies greater security and transparency:

QES not only protects against subsequent manipulation but also ensures maximum legal certainty. Digital solutions also facilitate compliance with legal requirements, such as the qualified company seal, which confirms the authenticity and integrity of documents while also meeting the legal requirements for electronic invoicing in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

In addition, they enable greater transparency and traceability, which is an important basis for compliance and legal requirements. A qualified time stamp, which shows the exact time of an electronic signature on a document. This helps sensitive areas such as tenders; to view and prove when a document existed and was signed.

Long-term validation (LTV) also guarantees that signatures continue to be recognized as valid even after the certificate has expired or been revoked, offering a high level of legal security.

Digital signature processes are also unbeatable in terms of efficiency and user-friendliness. With over 4 million users of A-Trust QES (e.g., ID Austria), qualified signature solutions can also be easily integrated into your own everyday business.

Conclusion

Digital signature solutions are much more than just a technical innovation—they are a crucial component for companies that want to seriously pursue their ESG goals. By reducing paper consumption, increasing efficiency, enhancing security, and promoting transparency, they make a significant contribution to a positive ESG report and this helps us work towards a more sustainable planet and a greener future for all.