Meet Meital Yanay: Supporting Companies' ESG Compliance Journey with CSRD Software

Meet Meital Yanay Fisher, our Senior CSRD Project Manager, whose journey from the restaurant industry to ESG technology is as dynamic as it is inspiring. We sat down with Meital to learn about her career path, her role at ECO-OS, and what excites her most about sustainability and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) implementation.

How did you become interested in ESG and CSRD Software?

My career path has been anything but conventional! I started out in the restaurant industry, managing restaurants and later opening my own deli. After we decided to close, I found myself at a crossroads, and decided to pursue an MBA in Finance. During my degree, I interned at a research and consulting firm that initially focused on Governance (the G of ESG). When they eventually expanded into ESG, I became part of the team that built its environmental and social division from the ground up.

After six years there, I joined a startup called ESG Go that developed ESG software for collecting, managing and reporting ESG-related data. This experience gave me deep insights into both the consulting and product sides of ESG, knowledge I now bring to my role at ECO-OS.

Can you describe your role at ECO-OS?

At ECO-OS we put the emphasis on combining technology and advanced AI solutions with our deep industry expertise. I lead the implementation of the CSRD reporting requirements within ECO-OS's ESG platform. CSRD is a new and strict EU regulation that is already relevant to many companies and will eventually affect around 50,000 in total. My job is to ensure that ECO-OS’s CSRD software, powered by AI (The CSRD Starter Kit), can intelligently map reporting requirements, conduct a thorough gap analysis, assist companies in answering complex sustainability questions and ultimately streamline their compliance process.

What do you love most about your work?

I’m still learning every day! But what excites me most is the rapid evolution of the ESG landscape. Individuals, companies and entire nations can no longer ignore the importance of sustainability. I love that our ESG software helps businesses collect, quantify and report critical data, turning sustainability from a compliance obligation into business opportunities. I’m also passionate about product development and shaping tools that genuinely add value to users.

What is your initial impression of ECO-OS’s company culture?

Collaborative and dynamic. I appreciate the close-knit environment, where everyone works together and supports one another. The projects are fascinating, even those I’m not directly involved in, and I love hearing about them in our company meetings.

How do you see companies benefiting from CSRD beyond compliance?

While many businesses start measuring ESG data for the purpose of meeting regulatory requirements, the true value and potential lies beyond compliance. Measurement is the first step in identifying risks and opportunities. Once companies start gathering data, they often uncover insights that lead to strategic shifts, whether it’s operational efficiencies, market differentiation or new product innovation.

Can you share a fun fact about yourself?

I’m a certified yoga instructor! While I don’t teach daily, I practice regularly. I also enjoy cooking—especially Asian cuisine, though it requires a lot of attention to details and specialized ingredients. And when I’m not doing yoga or experimenting in the kitchen, you’ll probably find me out with friends or staying active with sports.

Glossary

Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG): A comprehensive framework used to evaluate a company's commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. ESG encompasses three key areas: Environmental factors, such as a company's carbon footprint, resource usage, and environmental stewardship; Social factors, including employee relations, community involvement, and human rights; and Governance factors, which assess corporate leadership, transparency, ethical behavior, and stakeholder engagement. ESG criteria help stakeholders understand and evaluate a company's long-term sustainability and ethical impact on the world, guiding investment and operational decisions.

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD): An obligatory reporting framework enacted by the European Parliament that applies to certain companies with operations taking place in the European Union. The mandate requires companies to report on specific ESG metrics, conduct a double materiality assessment (considering both the impact of the company on the environment and the impact of environmental issues on the company), and undergo third party assurance to verify the accuracy and reliability of their ESG disclosures.

Double Materiality Assessment: Evaluates not just how the company’s operations affect the broader environment and society, but how external environmental and social issues may impact the company's financial performance and reputation. The CSRD mandate requires companies to report only on ESG issues deemed material, supported by their double materiality assessments. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of risks and opportunities essential for navigating today's business landscape.