With social and environmental issues becoming increasingly present, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming an essential strategic lever for companies. But where to start, and how to reconcile sustainable commitments with return on investment (ROI)?
Meet our experts in CSR strategy and transformation consulting, Kim-Yen and Anne-Claude, both independent consultants and members of the FocusTribes community.
Kim-Yen Nguyen is an expert in project management and change management. She specializes in ecological transition, CSR strategy and implementation, encompassing CSRD and sustainable transformation in the broadest sense.
Anne-Claude Tichauer specializes in the implementation of CSR strategies, Responsible Digital and topics related to decarbonization and CSRD.
In the December 10 webinar, they reviewed the fundamentals of initiating a CSR approach and shared feedback on concrete strategies for successful sustainable transformation.
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After a quick reminder of the 7 pillars of ISO 26000 (international standard on corporate social responsibility) and the PDCA (Plan-Do-Chack_Act) methodology, find out more about the following points:
I - Constraints and opportunities: reconciling ROI and sustainability
Identifying the challenges and difficulties encountered by companies in implementing CSR
Many companies face major challenges when embarking on a CSR initiative. Lack of resources, difficulties in identifying priorities, operational constraints: the obstacles may seem numerous. And yet, integrating CSR is an asset for strengthening a company's resilience, improving its brand image and meeting the expectations of customers and employees alike.
Regulatory constraints and pressure from stakeholders: duty of care, transparency
Pressure from stakeholders and new regulations, such as the duty of care and transparency obligations, are forcing companies to adapt. To meet these demands, a structured CSR approach is becoming essential. Stakeholders - investors, customers, employees - are now demanding greater responsibility in terms of environmental and social impact, and this regulatory pressure accentuates the importance of implementing responsible practices.
II - Solutions and strategies : Labeling and mission-driven companies
Focus on the B Corp label: advantages and disadvantages of certification
B Corp certification is becoming increasingly popular with companies wishing to demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability. Recognized for its rigor, it can enhance a company's credibility while differentiating its services. However, this demanding label can also generate costs and require significant internal adaptations. Anne-Claude will share her experience on the subject, with examples from the agri-food and ESN sectors.
Focus on mission-based companies: benefits and constraints
Opting for the status of mission-driven company enables you to formalize your social and environmental commitments. This status helps attract talent and partners in search of meaning, while strengthening internal cohesion. However, this approach requires a clear vision and a strong commitment on the part of management, which can be demanding for some companies. Kim-Yen will share her experience on the subject, including examples from the agri-food sector.
III - Financing the CSR approach
Overview of available forms of funding and assistance
Implementing a CSR approach often requires financial resources. Fortunately, a number of solutions are available: grants, soft loans, or even participatory financing for positive-impact projects. We will explore the financing options available, to help each company structure its approach without compromising its finances.
beta.gouv's CSR and financing portal and other useful resources
The beta.gouv CSR Portal and other platforms offer valuable resources to guide companies through the labelling and financing process. These tools facilitate access to available grants, training courses and practical advice on how to improve internal practices. We'll introduce you to these resources and guide you on how to use them effectively.