Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become an important aspect of a company's identity. A well-designed CSR report not only highlights a company's commitment to sustainable development and ethical practices, but also builds trust among stakeholders. Knowing key information about a company's CSR strategy is increasingly important for consumers and the industry in general. This trend is demonstrated by data published in the KPMG 2022 Survey of Sustainability Reporting: In 2012, 64% of N100 companies made a CSR report. In 2022, this figure rose to 79%.
In this article, we will guide you through five essential steps for writing a compelling CSR report that reflects your organization's values, progress and measurable goals. Because your CSR report is not just a communications document: it is a powerful tool to engage stakeholders, build trust, and contribute to a more responsible and sustainable future. It also enhances transparency regarding actions taken to fulfill your social and environmental goals, ensuring you effectively address stakeholders' needs.
Step 1: define your objectives
Before embarking on your CSR report journey, try to establish clear objectives. Ask yourself: What message do you want to convey? What impact do you want to highlight? Identifying your goals in terms of communication will help you structure your report effectively.
Whether you aim to emphasize environmental initiatives, employee well-being or community engagement, a defined focus will provide clarity and purpose to your CSR report.
Step 2: structure and format
Organizing your CSR report in a logical and engaging manner can help you showcase the efforts made to uphold your commitments. For instance, you can highlight the key messages with a concise summary, followed by sections that delve into your company's CSR initiatives, progress, and future plans.
To capture readers' attention, include visuals such as charts, graphs and infographics to present data and make it more accessible. Break the content into subsections, making it easier for readers to navigate through the report and find specific information.
Step 3: collect relevant data
Accurate and comprehensive data is the core of any CSR report. Collect information from across your organization, in all its departments. Ensure that your data is measurable, reliable, and that it supports your report's claims.
Consider both quantitative and qualitative data, such as CO2 balance, employee satisfaction, participation in initiatives that contribute to the company's reputation. Do not forget that thorough data collection will strengthen the credibility and transparency of your report.
Step 4: tell your story
Your CSR report is an opportunity to share your organization's story and the positive impact it has made. Use compelling narratives, case studies and testimonials to illustrate how your initiatives have made a difference.
To make your story relatable and memorable, highlight challenges faced and the innovative approaches your company has taken to address societal and environmental concerns.
Step 5: set meaningful goals and commitments
A good CSR report not only highlights past achievements but also outlines the vision and future commitments of your organization. Establish ambitious yet realistic goals that align with your company's mission and values. Include specific targets and timelines for initiatives like carbon footprint reduction or diversity and inclusion. Communicating measurable objectives demonstrates continuous improvement and long-term dedication to CSR.
And now that you have the instructions, you need to think about the tools to be used to make your project last over time. To generate accurate and reliable information, brands need a robust foundation that encompasses the collection, management, and analysis of data. This necessitates the selection of suitable tools and systems that can effectively centralize and organize data over time.
A must-have tool for your CSR strategy
This is where Fairly Made®️ helps fashion brands seeking to obtain a comprehensive overview of their sustainability efforts. Our SaaS platform offers features such as data aggregation, visualization and analysis, empowering brands to monitor their performance, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions.
And who better than our partner brands to testify about the role of Fairly Made®️ in their CSR strategy?
In 2023, Fairly Made®️ has been mentioned in the CSR reports of LVMH, Chloé and Balzac Paris. It is a significant recognition of our dedication and efforts to accompany brands towards compliance while fostering sustainability and responsible practices within the fashion industry. Being acknowledged in their reports demonstrates the impact and value of our collaboration on their CSR strategy. It serves as a testament to our shared commitment to creating a more sustainable and transparent fashion ecosystem!
" LVMH is collaborating with Fairly Made, a spin-off from our House of Startups, to deploy eco-design approaches for fashion and leather goods products, and share information with our customers, particularly that linked to the AGEC law. "
From the LVMH 2022 CSR Report, by Alexandre Capelli, Executive Vice President, Environmental Development, LVMH
