To close 2016, we want to share with you a review of what happened this year from a CSR standpoint.
Following the Paris Agreement
This year, the Paris Agreement entered into force. This agreement of the 21st Conference of Parties of the UNFCC, signed by 195 countries, aims at reducing GHG emissions. The Paris Agreement launched a target: global warming should be curbed well below 2°C, and ideally below 1.5°C compared to the pre-industrial era. Companies are trying to align their own targets on such scenario. Read more about the science-based targets and how you can reach them. Such topic is likely to gain more momentum.
Reinforcing norms and standards
Some new norms related to CSR have been published, whereas others have been updated.
- The norm ISO 20400 on Sustainable Procurement- Guidance has reached a second draft version and will be published in 2017
- The norm ISO 37001 on anti-bribery is now available
- GRI G4 have transitioned to GRI standards. Companies have until 1st of July 2018 to adapt their reporting accordingly. We can support you also with this.
- The 2014/95/EU Directive on non-financial reporting will be transformed into national law which then applies to fiscal years beginning in January 2017 and thereafter.
Launching Sustainable Development Goals
The Millennium Development Goals have reached an end in 2015 and were replaced by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This 2030 worldwide agenda for Sustainable Development fosters 17 goals aiming at driving countries policies regarding environmental, social and ethical topics. Such framework can be used by companies for their CSR strategy and CSR reporting. More here. A new impetus has been given in 2016 to sustainability and CSR topics.
What about 2017?
We believe that the norms linked to CSR or sustainability topics in general will keep being reinforced, and that the topic of science-based targets will gain importance.
In 2017, we will be happy to keep supporting companies in achieving sustainable goals and reporting more transparently on their CSR/sustainability actions.
All the DFGE team wishes you very nice winter holidays and a successful and green 2017 year!
