In the CSR news for the week of September 16 to 20, French companies stand out on CSR topics, by making this approach a strategic lever.
According to several recent studies, citizens express a growing expectation of business commitment, while initiatives such as Nef and the rise of artificial intelligence are opening up new perspectives.
However, challenges remain, such as taking biodiversity into account and maintaining the interest of leaders in sustainability in an uncertain economic context.
Find all the CSR news in this article.
French companies are ahead in terms of CSR
French companies are good students when it comes to the maturity of their CSR approaches. The study ofAccenture conducted on the sidelines of the Giverny Forum, entitled “ESG: transforming compliance into strategic advantage”, consulted 730 financial directors, including 72 French.
More specifically, this survey questions the level of maturity of companies to take into account CSR regulations as strategic advantages in their sustainability policies.
Thus, 97% of the financial directors of the French companies questioned say that CSR will be included “at the heart of their concerns” in the next 5 years (compared to 90% in the world).
Finally, the study states that 97% of French businesses have a “moderate level” of preparation for “go beyond simple compliance and create a competitive advantage”, compared to 73% worldwide, or 24% less.
Citizens expect a strong CSR commitment from businesses
The Giverny Forum commissioned an Ifop study that looks at the expectations of French people in terms of CSR. Conducted on a sample of 1000 people, it emerged primarily that 77% of respondents said they were in favor of companies being encouraged to finance sustainable projects outside of their sole field of activity.
In addition, nearly 90% consider it “decisive or important” that CSE elected officials be trained in environmental issues. This figure provides information on the importance of corporate governance and democracy issues in relation to CSR.
Finally, the study reveals that, in addition to businesses, respondents recognize the essential role that politics should play in developing and implementing realistic sustainability trajectories.
La Nef, an ethical bank to transform finance?
La Nef is a solidarity finance cooperative that has existed for 36 years. However, in just a few days, it has succeeded in extricating itself from the fold of Crédit Copératif by a joint decision of the ECB and the ACPR (Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution). It thus becomes a full-fledged bank, in the same way as the major national banking institutions.
Throughout its history, La Nef's balance sheet exceeds one billion euros and now has more than 87,000 customers. This establishment has always claimed the values of transparency, as well as the financing of ecological and sustainable projects.
Now, this bank will be able to expand its range of services and provide the traditional services of the largest European banking institutions.
AI and CSR: risk or opportunity?
The advent of generative AIs and the promise of the progress they will make rapidly over time raise real questions about potential productivity gains in business.
For example, climate modeling or innovation in renewable energies take full advantage of the technical opportunities offered by AIs. But also in the health sectors. In short, they seem to be able to be put at the service of sustainable development.
However, while the stock market value of the AI sector could reach 1.3 trillion dollars in 2032, the massive use of AI solutions poses serious ethical questions. “In particular in terms of data security, respect for privacy, or even transparency.” Not to mention the risks associated with the malicious use of AI, which could harm the dignity of the people who could be the target.
CSR portal: a public service to facilitate reporting
Two years ago, the French government launched the programming of a digital service to support companies in carrying out their CSR initiatives. Moreover, it is presented as a real work assistant for this purpose.
In a few seconds, it allows you to:
- Identify all the regulations that concern your business
- Access an interface for managing and monitoring your compliance procedures
- Consult sheets and memos on CSR and the issues surrounding it, especially in terms of regulations (CSRD, CSDDD...)
Ultimately, this online platform aims to offer businesses a “a unique free space to fill in their ESG indicators and manage their extra-financial obligations.”
SBF120 governance models: the rise of CSR
The recent IFA-Ethics & Boards Barometer 2024 reveals a simple figure: 86% of SBF120 companies have a committee dedicated to CSR issues. In comparison, in the eurozone this figure is on average 63%. France therefore enjoys a good lead over its European neighbours here.
Boards of directors are therefore renewing their governance models in order to better take into account sustainability issues. Moreover, between 2021 and 2023, one out of two CAC40 councils organized training on RSE/ESG issues.
Finally, the issue of value sharing is also experiencing a huge gain in interest, since 82.5% of CAC40 companies communicate on this subject. In 2019, only 55% did so.
Biodiversity is still under-considered in business
A study conducted between 2022 and 2024 by the World Benchmarking Alliance is interested in the ways in which companies take biodiversity-related issues into account in their business models. More specifically, it shows that businesses do not understand the extent of their dependence on biodiversity.
“Thus, only 5% of the companies analyzed assess their impact and less than 1% assessed their dependence on nature.”
For example, the scarcity of water requires real awareness on their part and the implementation of internal policies to preserve this resource.
The study concludes that large companies take nature for granted, an element at their disposal, without considering “that a healthy planet is the basis for a healthy economy”.
Indonesia: ecological disaster announced by a deforestation project
The Indonesian island of Papua is about to undergo colossal deforestation, on an area of 112 times the city of Washington! Even though many preserved tropical forests are still there, this project could make a very rich fauna and flora disappear.
The danger that this deforestation poses to Papuan biodiversity is due to the ambition of the government and manufacturers to set up rice and sugar cane plantations. They justify their approach by claiming that it will serve the production of bioethanol to get away from fossil fuels.
More than 2,000 diggers are currently deployed on the island and ready to use. A threat that also weighs on the indigenous populations, who live in this 3rd green lung in the world, which has lost “25% of its forests rich in biodiversity since 1990".
Managers are less and less interested in CSR...
A recent barometer put online by the firm Bain & Company reports a real decline in interest in CSR and sustainability issues among business leaders. They observe a 30% decrease in ecological and social concerns among managers.
The study explains that this trend is the result of growing concerns about other issues: inflation, geopolitical instabilities or the advent of AI. They are talking about a moment of “trough of disillusionment” that CSR is going through, where leaders realize that the transition will require a lot of time, investment, and effort.
While the validity of European CSR regulations has been questioned recently, we may fear the emergence of dynamics of relegation to the background of sustainability issues in companies.
How to ensure responsible communication?
Conducting communication and marketing campaigns in accordance with CSR principles can sometimes be difficult. Indeed, the economic health of a company sometimes depends on the promotion of entrepreneurial practices that have a negative impact on the environment.
Responsible communication is based on 4 pillars, designed by Ademe:
- “Responsibility for the message”: do not let yourself be carried away by greenwashing and misleading advertising
- Quality of support: measuring the ratio between effectiveness and environmental impact of the dissemination of a message
- Dialogue and listening: integrating and listening to stakeholders
- Business ethics:” Seeking maximum efficiency to optimize resources”
The sources
Carenews “The maturity of companies in terms of ESG is relatively strong”
RSE Magazine “CSR: the French expect strong commitments from companies”
L'Humanité “What is La Nef, the ethical bank that is coming to revolutionize finance?”
Sustainable news “Artificial intelligence: between opportunities and ESG risks”
Novethic “CSRD: the CSR Portal is refining its tools to support businesses”
RSE Magazine “CSR: 8 out of 10 SBF120 companies have a dedicated committee”
Youmatter “Less than 1% of businesses understand their dependence on biodiversity”
Novethic “In Indonesia, a deforestation project as big as 112 times the city of Washington”
Novethic “Faced with the economic and political crisis, CSR is taking a back seat for managers”
Carenews “Responsible communication: why do you have to start”
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