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Everything you need to know about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

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Organizational Social Responsibility (OSR) refers to the voluntary commitment of organizations to integrate social, environmental and economic dimensions in their activities. This applies to all structures: companies, associations and public authorities.

In concrete terms, an organization committed to a CSR approach seeks to reduce the negative effects of its activity on the environment, guarantee decent working conditions and engage in dialogue with its stakeholders. CSR is based on the principles of sustainable development and is in line with the major objectives of the United Nations. Some organizations include specific training in their skills development agenda.

Often associated with CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), CSR goes further: it applies to all types of organization. A dedicated group can oversee the analysis and question the meaning of decisions for society.

At a time of climate change, rising greenhouse gas emissions and growing inequality, corporate social responsibility is becoming a strategic lever. Reducing carbon footprints, taking social and environmental issues into account, transparency of practices: CSR invites us to rethink the role of organizations in society.

3 Contents

What is RSO?

 

CSR refers to the voluntary actions taken by an organization to make a positive contribution to society. It is based on three main pillars: theenvironment, social responsibility and governance. These commitments go beyond legal obligations.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) applies equally to private companies, public bodies and associations. It is part of a sustainable development approach, in line with the sustainable development objectives set by the United Nations. It is also referred to as CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) when applied specifically to the private sector.

🌱 Environmental responsibility

 

Reducing our impact on theenvironment is a central pillar of CSR. This means measuring greenhouse gas emissions, carrying out a GHG assessment, and reviewing our activities to limit our overallcarbon footprint.

Some CSR organizations are taking concrete action. Danone, for example, has done away with plastic labels on its Actimel bottles, reducing its annual plastic consumption by 107 tonnes. This type of decision reflects a desire to transform production in depth. 

Others, like Écomégot, have made the environment the core of their business model. This SME recycles cigarette butts without water or solvents, and transforms this waste into insulating material. In this way, it combines environmental responsibility with social commitment, working with social integration structures.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social responsibility

 

The CSR approach also includes a human aspect. It concerns working conditions, safety and solidarity, as well as relations with internal and external stakeholders. A responsible organization must ensure quality of life at work and guarantee equal opportunities. Some organizations offer training in these ethical principles.

Some companies choose to act locally. Pierre & Vacances supports the LÉAassociation, through solidarity projects and holidays offered to families in difficulty. A group of volunteer employees regularly takes part in these solidarity projects. Others, such as Urssaf, deploy initiatives aimed at their employees and partners, integrating social responsibility into their day-to-day operations. 

The link with solidarity income or social security policies can also be part of this logic, particularly in the public or para-public sector, where social issues are closely linked to the organization's mission. For more detailed information on these subjects, you can download practical guides from specialized websites.

📊 A responsibility in governance

 

CSR also implies a rethinking of internal organization and management methods. Decisions taken must integrate human and environmental dimensions, and no longer be limited to financial profitability.

This means integrating ESG(Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria into overall strategy, consulting stakeholders regularly, and making decision-making processes more transparent.

Some organizations are leading by example. The French Red Cross has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, which implies a complete overhaul of its operating methods. Decathlon, for its part, has integratedeco-design, rental and second-life products into the heart of its business model, in line with its social responsibility.

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Why has CSR become essential?

 

Corporate social responsibility is no longer an option. It has become a strategic lever, a differentiation tool and a decision-making framework in the face of social, environmental and economic challenges. Expectations have changed: citizens, employees, investors, customers... Everyone is demanding more meaning, more transparency, more commitment.

🌍 Because environmental issues can no longer be ignored

 

The ecological crisis is forcing organizations to rethink their activities. Greenhouse gas emissions, resource management, pollution and biodiversity loss are measurable realities. To ignore them is to jeopardize one's image, one's sustainability, and sometimes even one's legality.

Today, many companies carry out carbon audits to better understand their carbon footprint and adapt their strategy. This is the case of La Poste, which has invested in a fleet of electric vehicles to limit its emissions, while optimizing its routes to reduce their impact. This environmental approach is an integral part of the company's CSR strategy.

💼 Because companies can no longer ignore their stakeholders

 

Corporate social responsibility implies a new way of dialoguing with all stakeholders: employees, customers, suppliers, local authorities, NGOs, etc. Their expectations are no longer just economic, but also social and societal. Their expectations are no longer just economic, but also social and societal.

More and more decisions are being taken with theinterests of stakeholders in mind. This is the case with Décathlon, which co-constructs certain products with its customers to meet real needs, while guaranteeing responsible production. It's also true in fashion, with Veja, which works with Brazilian cooperatives to produce sneakers with low environmental impact and high social value. 

📈 Because investors integrate ESG criteria

 

ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria have become an essential part of financial analysis. Many investment funds and banks no longer accept to finance projects that do not respect a certain ethic. ESG assessment tools enable us to analyze each type of activity according to international standards such as ISO.

Structures committed to a CSR approach take these criteria into account to gain credibility, secure financing and reassure markets. This is particularly true of Schneider Electric, regularly ranked among the world's most responsible companies, thanks to its strategy based on energy efficiency, social inclusion and transparent management. You can download their CSR reports to study their best practices. 

🏛 Because the regulatory framework is changing

 

Laws and standards are gradually reinforcing the obligation to act. The European Union is imposing new standards for extra-financial reporting, transparency and emissions measurement. France's "Duty of Vigilance" law requires major corporations to assess human and environmental risks throughout their value chain, including impacts on public health.

Initially voluntary, CSR is now becoming commonplace. Even public organizations are being held to account. Local authorities, for example, are now integrating the CSR approach into their public procurement and climate plans.

How do you set up a CSR approach?

 

Implementing a CSR approach is more than just publishing a report or putting a label on a brochure. It' s a gradual transformation that must be part of the organization's strategy, in line with its activities, its social and environmental challenges, and its stakeholders.

🧭 Initial diagnosis

 

Before taking action, we need to understand. A CSR organization starts by taking stock: what are its greenhouse gas emissions? What is its social responsibility towards its employees? What are the expectations of its stakeholders?

Many companies carry out a GHG assessment to measure their carbon footprint. This is what Enedis has done, identifying its main areas of emissions: vehicles, purchases, electricity consumption, etc. Based on this diagnosis, it was able to establish a clear trajectory.

🗣 Involve all stakeholders

 

A CSR approach cannot be managed in silos. It must involve management, employees, suppliers, and even customers and local players. Listening to stakeholders is essential to guide decisions and guarantee their legitimacy.

The Bel company (La Vache qui rit, Babybel brands, etc.) has set up multi-stakeholder dialogue groups to co-construct its commitments to sustainable development, particularly with regard to milk, packaging and nutrition. This co-construction reinforces the relevance and acceptance of our actions.

🗣 Involve all stakeholders

 

A CSR approach cannot be managed in silos. It must involve management, employees, suppliers, and even customers and local players. Listening to stakeholders is essential to guide decisions and guarantee their legitimacy.

The Bel company (La Vache qui rit, Babybel brands, etc.) has set up multi-stakeholder dialogue groups to co-construct its commitments to sustainable development, particularly with regard to milk, packaging and nutrition. This co-construction reinforces the relevance and acceptance of our actions. 

📝 Set clear priorities

 

Not every organization can do everything at once. It's essential to target the most relevant topics according to your sector, size and territory. This is what we call materiality: identifying the most strategic themes for the organization and its stakeholders.

For example, Michelin, as an industrial group, focuses on eco-design, waste reduction and supply chain optimization. The company is committed to using 100% sustainable materials in its tires by 2050, and works with partners to develop innovative recycling solutions. 

In contrast, a health mutual like La Mutuelle Verte focuses onaccess to care, solidarity and strengthening the link with social security. It offers tailored insurance solutions based on solidarity, and carries out preventive actions to improve health for all. 

These examples illustrate how CSR priorities vary from one business sector to another, underlining the importance of an approach tailored to each organization.

🎯 Set goals and monitor results

 

An RSO approach is based on concrete commitments. It's not just a matter of affirming values, but of translating these values into measurable sustainable development objectives, with indicators and deadlines.

For example, MAIF has committed to becoming a Net Positive Impact company by 2030, by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and offsetting the incompressible residual emissions in a demanding manner. The company monitors its progress every year and communicates its results transparently. 

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Faced with the challenges of sustainable development, corporate social responsibility is no longer a choice, but an imperative. Whether to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve quality of life at work, strengthen solidarity, or meet stakeholder expectations, every organization has a role to play. Some include these actions in their operational agenda and form a dedicated group to oversee the implementation work.

CSR makes it possible to take concrete action on social and environmental issues, while reinforcing the coherence of decisions and activities. Training in iso standards is often necessary for teams. To be effective, however, this CSR approach must be based on reliable data, robust tools and a shared vision, particularly in relations with local associations and other local players.

👉 This is where Global Climate Initiatives (GCI) comes in. Thanks to its platform, companies candraw up their regulatory greenhouse gas balance sheet, monitor their carbon footprint, and structure their CSR approach in line with sustainable development objectives. GCI's practical support is designed to turn corporate social responsibility into a genuine lever for transformation.