ESG reporting software

An ESG Reporting MVP Built for Real-World Use

Some products are challenging not because of flashy features, but because of the responsibility they carry. This was exactly the case with one ESG reporting platform we worked on — designed for the UK and European markets and built to operate in a highly regulated environment.

Due to NDA restrictions, we can’t disclose the product’s name (classic IT, right?), but we’re happy to share how the system was built and what kind of challenges stood behind it.

The context

ESG reporting is where data sensitivity, regulation, and collaboration intersect. From the very beginning, it was clear that this product needed more than a polished interface. It required a solid technical foundation that could support real users, real data, and real accountability.

The platform had to handle complex user hierarchies, strict access permissions, collaborative work on documents, and integrations with selected UK government systems — all while remaining scalable beyond the MVP stage.

What we focused on

Zapal’s frontend team joined the project to build the MVP and establish a foundation strong enough to grow on.

One of the core challenges was designing a multi-level access control system. Different users needed different permissions, and those boundaries had to be crystal clear and reliable. In a product like this, access control isn’t just a feature — it’s part of the product’s integrity.

We also implemented real-time file editing, allowing teams to work together smoothly without losing data or stepping on each other’s changes. On top of that, we integrated external services, including connections to specific UK government systems, to ensure reporting workflows aligned with regulatory requirements.

The role of AI

The platform includes a custom-trained AI model, but its role is intentionally supportive rather than central. Instead of making decisions on behalf of users, the AI acts as a guide — helping navigate data and offering contextual assistance. This approach keeps the system transparent and user-controlled, which is especially important in compliance-driven products.

The result

Our work resulted in the first public MVP delivered to CSR Connect Ltd. From there, the client’s internal development team continued evolving the product — scaling it further and preparing it for investment as an independent solution.

For us, this case is a good example of what thoughtful MVP development looks like in complex domains: clear structure, reliable foundations, and technology that’s ready to face real-world use from day one.

Stay tuned, as Zapal is developing a new, powerful, and proprietary AI-based ESG-related project. We'll be glad to tell you about it in a few years))) Yeah, that's how much it will take to be fully done. Classic!