Gold 
Silver 
Economy 
Euporos
Why the issue of sustainability is becoming increasingly important and how companies account for it
With the transition to a new year, sustainability is emerging as a major concern for companies, going beyond mere economic success. Sustainability reporting is becoming commonplace, not only to meet society's expectations, but also to reinforce the perceived responsibility of the company itself.
Environmental issues, social responsibility, business ethics and inclusion are increasingly present in society, influencing public discourse and supporting global citizens' movements such as Fridays-For-Future, Black-Lives-Matter or Me-Too. In Switzerland, popular initiatives are highlighting social and environmental concerns, underlining the growing importance of these issues.
This social evolution has a direct impact on the business world, with many large companies committing themselves more than ever to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). CSR is defined as a company's responsibility for the effects of its activities on society and the environment, thereby contributing to sustainable development. The emphasis placed by the Swiss Economy on responsible corporate management underlines this development.
However, opinions differ on how corporate responsibility should be structured, particularly between the private sector and NGOs. Despite these differences, the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), made up of 17 objectives, represent a widely accepted point of convergence. These goals guide sustainability efforts and include aspects such as reducing poverty and inequality and promoting decent work and economic growth.
From a business perspective, understanding the effects of their activities on stakeholders is becoming crucial. The concept of 'shared value', introduced by economists Porter and Kramer, suggests that companies should generate both profits and social benefits. This approach goes beyond the elimination of negative externalities to create positive value for society.
Yet putting these ideas into practice raises challenges. The question of strategic feasibility for companies and the effective measurement of CSR remain question marks. Sustainability reports, although voluntary, are increasingly used to report on companies' efforts. Initiatives such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards provide a framework for improving the understanding, standardisation and comparability of reporting.
The raw materials sector, often criticised in terms of sustainability, is changing. Companies like Argor-Heraeus, a Swiss precious metals processor, are showing that CSR can be measured and communicated transparently. Sustainability reports detail commitments to stakeholders, environmental responsibility and contribution to local development.
In conclusion, sustainability is more crucial than ever in 2023. Companies' efforts to integrate CSR into their operations are on the rise, supported by sustainability reporting initiatives. These changes signal a new era of commitment to the environment, society and future generations.
(1) https://www.seco.admin.ch/seco/de/home/Aussenwirtschaftspolitik_Wirtschaftliche_
Zusammenarbeit/Wirtschaftsbeziehungen/GesellschaftlicheVerantwortung_der_Unternehmen.html
(2) https://www.economiesuisse.ch/de/schwerpunkte/corporate-social-responsibility
(3) https://www.eda.admin.ch/agenda2030/de/home/agenda-2030/die-17-ziele-fuer-eine-nachhaltige-entwicklung.html
(4) https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/?menu=1300
(5) https://www.sharedvalue.org/about/what-is-shared-value/
(6) https://www.globalreporting.org/Information/about-gri/Pages/default.aspx
(7) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/media/2458/gri_standards_brochure.pdf
(8) https://www.argor.com/de/verantwortung/nachhaltigkeitsbericht
Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80747791
& storage
Author : S.M.
Comments
No current comments
