Before you start reading
At Mon Entreprise Durable, we support CSR managers in their critical moments: awareness and commitment, audit and action plan, the implementation of 5 actions and certifications.
Key points of the article
Everything you need to know about corporate sustainability
Committing your company to sustainable development offers numerous economic, social and ecological benefits. So it’s vital to know how to implement a CSR strategy, and what’s at stake.
What is sustainable development?
First of all, we need to define what sustainable development is, in order to better understand its practical applications. Switzerland refers to the definition of sustainable development as formulated in 1987 by the World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Commission), in its report “Our Common Future”: “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Indeed, sustainable development is a long-term approach, taking into account the well-being of future generations in every decision we make.
Sustainable development is thus made up of three pillars, all of equal importance: economic, ecological and social. The interaction of these three concepts is aimed at achieving fairer, more stable societies, in which environmental issues are at the forefront and natural resources are preserved.
Over 30 organizations have already placed their trust in us as they make the transition to sustainability. What if it were your turn? Take action and start your CSR process with us!
Why commit your company to sustainable development?
It’s important to note that sustainable development is not just a governmental issue. Companies also have a role to play in implementing such a system. This is known as CSR, or Corporate Social Responsibility.
The Confederation considers CSR to be a corporate contribution to sustainable development, addressing the effects of business activities on society and the environment.
CSR can be implemented by any company, whatever its size or legal status. It can have a number of positive impacts on the company concerned, including improving its image, differentiating it from the competition, and increasing the commitment of employees and customers.
By taking a long-term view, the company’s business becomes more sustainable, changes and risks can be better anticipated and savings made.
Finally, with the help of a CSR strategy, the company’s environmental impact can be better controlled.
ISO 26000 for a sustainable company
The implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility requires the application of sustainability standards. Over 90 countries have jointly developed the ISO 26000 sustainable development standard. Published in 2010, this international standard provides guidelines for a high-quality CSR approach. It covers seven themes:
- organizational governance,
- human rights,
- working relations and conditions,
- the environment,
- fair practices,
- consumer issues,
- communities and local development.
How to become a sustainable company?
To become a company committed to sustainable development, and better understand the challenges of CSR, the most effective way is to get support to assess all the issues, draw up an action plan, and implement new practices. Different options are available, depending on the company’s maturity and organization:
- individual support from a consultant or strategy consultancy specializing in sustainable development.
- support via a digital tool
- hybrid support, which combines a digital platform with human support. This approach combines the best of the first 2 options, to optimize the time invested and the budget.
Don’t hesitate to take a look at the different possibilities before you take the plunge!
Examples of sustainable development actions that can be implemented quickly in the workplace
There are many sustainable actions you can take within your company, based on the three pillars of sustainable development: economic, ecological and social.
Here are some examples of quick actions to get you started on the road to responsible corporate citizenship:
- Ensure that the company’s suppliers are also committed to sustainable development;
- Carry out an energy audit of the company to better manage consumption linked to air conditioning, heating and switching on lights;
- Reduce and recycle waste as much as possible, for example by using cups instead of plastic cups in the coffee machine, and by using crockery instead of plastic cutlery in the cafeteria;
- Print only essential documents to avoid wasting paper;
- Offer an electric shuttle to optimize employee travel and reduce carbon emissions;
- Combating discrimination and pay inequality ;
- Getting involved with local associations to help them with their needs…
To involve employees as fully as possible in the CSR approach, a questionnaire on sustainable development in the company can be proposed to them so that they can contribute to the action plan by putting forward their ideas. Indeed, to facilitate the ecological transition while improving economic performance, it is essential that all members of the company are involved.
Once these first actions are in place, and all employees are involved, you can begin a structured approach, thanks to the various support approaches available.
Your goal is to obtain the EcoEntreprise certification ? Put your trust in a company that has gone through the same process. We can also assist you with B-corp, CSRD or Ecovadis.
