European project publishes Corporate Social Responsibility guidelines for the construction sector

Brussels, 18 June 2010 – A European project on Building Responsible Competitiveness, co-funded by the European Commission, has published corporate social responsibility (CSR) guidelines for companies in the construction sector. The guidelines offer practical advice and best practice examples in four thematic areas as well as an in-depth analysis of the benefits of integrating CSR principles in day-to-day business.

The construction sector is the biggest sectoral employer and a major contributor to gross capital formation in Europe. Focusing on both the internal and external aspects of business performance, the CSR guidelines demonstrate how a strategic approach to corporate social responsibility can enhance the competitiveness of individual construction companies as well as the societies they operate in. 

Based on an analysis of 44 best practice case studies and a series of stakeholder workshops, the guidelines offer a starting point for integrating CSR into management systems, supplier relations and operational business. They focus on four thematic areas of key importance to the construction sector:

* Health and safety – Improving operational efficiency and employee wellbeing through better management of health and safety challenges
*  Eco-compatibility – Developing environmentally sustainable products and processes and driving innovation in eco-compatible construction
* Supply chain management – Increasing transparency and enhancing the management of environmental and social issues throughout the supply chain
* Equal opportunities – Harnessing the business benefits of a diverse workforce

The guidelines were developed as part of an 18-month European project involving both large companies and SMEs from the construction sector as well as relevant stakeholders such as business organisations, trade unions and universities. The project was implemented by a consortium of partners from five European countries, namely Italy, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Portugal, and supported at the European level by CSR Europe. The project was co-funded by the European Commission (DG Enterprise and Industry).

The guidelines are available for download on CSR Europe’s website at www.csreurope.org/pages/en/brc.html.