8 key actions to become an eco-responsible company

🌞 Action 3: Reduce energy consumption and switch to renewable energies

 

Energy is often a major contributor to our carbon footprint

for companies, although this depends very much on the type of product or sector of activity.

Whatever the case, reducing energy consumption - and fossil fuel consumption in particular - is a key factor in the decarbonization of companies. This involves modernizing equipment, insulating buildings, switching off systems when not in use, etc., as well as choosingrenewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydraulic power. This energy transition makes it possible to reconcile economic performance with environmental commitment.

Example: La Camif and its positive-energy headquarters 

Camif, a specialist in sustainable furnishings, has made responsibility a pillar of its business model. Its head office is a positive-energy building: it produces moreenergy than it consumes, thanks to bioclimatic architecture and solar panels. This sends out a strong signal to employees and customers alike: a responsible and ethical company is possible, even in a sector as energy-intensive as furniture.

🗑️ Action 4: Optimize waste management throughout the value chain

 

Every company produces waste. But not all manage it responsibly. It's no longer just a question of sorting, but of reducing waste at source, organizing its recovery (composting, recycling, reuse), and raising awareness among all stakeholders.

Good waste management means less pollution, savings on treatment costs, and a considerably reduced environmental impact. It's also a lever for internal mobilization around concrete, visible ecological practices.

Example: Danone and the goal of zero plastic waste

Danone has set itself the ambitious target of making 100% of its packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. In several of its plants, thecompany has already set up advanced sorting systems and partnerships with recycling players. The aim of these initiatives is to make thecircular economy a reality in the food industry, while playing its part in the fight against plastic pollution.

📊 Action 5: Integrate CSR into the company's global strategy

 

For an eco-responsible approach to work, it needs to be taken to the highest level. This means integrating environmental, social and governance issues at the heart of thecompany 's strategy: in investment decisions, in the choice of suppliers, in management.

CSR can no longer be a separate department; it must permeate all internal practices. This not only strengthens the organization's sense of responsibility, but also structures a sustainable, long-termaction plan.

Example: La Poste Group and its integrated CSR strategy 

La Poste Group is one of the pioneers of responsible transformation in France. As early as 2012, it made CSR part of its global strategy. As a result, thecompany is now carbon-neutral for all its delivery activities, thanks to an electric fleet, the pooling of routes and eco-designed buildings. The approach is structured, managed and assessed each year viaimpact indicators.

👥 Action 6: Train employees and involve them in the ecological transition

 

An eco-responsible company is more than just committed management. It's also about teams that are aware, trained and involved. Setting upenvironmental awareness programs, providing training in the right gestures, creating green committees or encouraging individual initiatives are all ways of changing behavior internally.

More than just an operational lever, employee involvement nurtures aresponsible corporate culture and strengthens cohesion around a shared vision.

Example: MAIF and the commitment of its employees 

MAIF places ecological responsibility at the heart of itscorporate culture. It has set up environmental training courses for its employees, participative workshops, and even days dedicated to solidarity or ecological missions ( waste collection, reforestation, etc.). This collective commitment gives meaning to work, attracts new talent and strengthens pride in belonging.

🌱 Action 7: Choose responsible suppliers and partners

 

You can't become an eco-responsible company without taking a close look at your supply chain. By working with partners and suppliers who share the same ethical values, you can reinforce the coherence of your approach, and reduce the environmental impact of your activities.

This requires clear criteria in calls for tender: origin of materials, respect for human rights, carbon footprint, waste management, use of renewable energy, and so on.

Example: Veja and the total traceability of its production chain 

The Veja clothing brand is known for its ethical and ecological footwear. It works exclusively with suppliers chosen for their respect for the environment and working conditions: organic cotton from Brazil, fair-trade rubber, vegetable tanning... By controlling its entire value chain, Veja practises total responsibility, from raw material to finished product. The materials used in the manufacture of their shoes reflect their commitment to responsible branding.

💡 Action 8: Innovate towards sustainable business models

 

Being eco-responsible isn't just about "doing better with what you've got". It also means reinventing our business model to take account of our planet's limits. This can be achieved by renting rather than selling, by subscription, by pooling, or by usingeco-design as a development standard.

This is known as the "economy of functionality", and involves offering services (such as rentals or subscriptions) rather than simply selling a product. This model encourages more responsible use of resources and promotes sustainability.

Example: Enercoop and the cooperative model for green energy

Enercoop is a cooperative offering100% renewable, locally-producedelectricity. Unlike traditional players, its model is based on a short circuit between producers and consumers, shared governance and the reinjection of profits into the development of ecological practices. A powerful example of innovation serving a positive economic, social and environmental impact.

Becoming a an eco-responsible companyis not about ticking a few boxes in a report CSR. It's a profound transformation, affecting products, processes, habits and business models. It's a long-term commitment, a vision that places theenvironmentthe durabilityand the responsibility at the heart of the action.

Companies that take this route are already reaping the benefits: improved brand image, customer loyalty, HR attractiveness, resilience in the face of crises... In other words, they are better equipped to face a changing world.

What if the time had come for you to take action too?