Corporate Social Responsibility
As a business within the construction industry, Epic Projects and Consulting acknowledges the degree to which our works and processes impact the community. It is both a privilege and a responsibility that we take on with great consideration for each of our projects. To ensure our impact is a positive one, we have increased our Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. What is Corporate Social Responsibility and why is it important?
To us, maintaining Corporate Social Responsibility is important as we are socially accountable to our company, clients, stakeholders, and the public. We define Corporate Social Responsibility as an approach that considers the economic, social, and environmental aspects of corporative activity. Particularly in these uncertain times, CSR is a valuable tool that is increasingly beneficial to both the company and wider community.
Sustainability, Ethics and Values
There is increasing awareness around environmental and economic aspects of doing business. Today’s market are drawn to a company that prioritises ethics across their entire operations. From internal stakeholders through to resources and the impact on the wider community. Not only is it uplifting for the company and its employees to know they are contributing positively to society, but it is also profitable. Having a strong sense of social responsibility can set your company aside from the competition, and help build trust and loyalty amongst your client base.
The sustainability imperative, a 2015 survey conducted by NielsenIQ, revealed that over 50% of global respondents are willing to pay more for a product or service from a company that prioritises sustainability factors and social value. This indicates that consumers are setting aside personal benefit, such as cost or convenience, to choose a company that aligns with their personal values. This statistic is easily observed in the construction industry. Firstly, the client is choosing materials that are ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. As a result, we are seeing a considerable rise in the development of more eco-friendly material such as this sustainable concrete. Secondly, the client is choosing companies who are protecting their staff both on and off-site, through constitutional safety policies and procedures. From the design through to the specifications, they’re choosing innovative options to improve long term energy efficiency and reduce pollution.
Keeping CSR at the core of your company’s policies is a great opportunity to showcase strong sustainability consideration, and ethics and values that are highly regarded by the emerging market.
Commitment to Employees
Moreover, aside from being able to attract and engage your target market, adopting CSR within your company is also a direct benefit to your employees and workplace environment. Fostering a positive and ethical workplace in which employees feel respected and valued will produce higher quality work, and greater employee retention. Without motivated and empowered employees, your CSR efforts in other areas will fall short, particularly if they don’t feel connected to the company’s impact on society.
Commitment to Reconciliation and Cross-cultural Connection
For Australian businesses, a significant part of Corporate Social Responsibility lies within reconciliation and acknowledging the traditional owners of the land in which we work on. As a South Australian company, our projects are carried out on the land of the Kaurna People. At Epic Projects, we pay our deepest respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their cultural heritage, spiritual beliefs, and connections to the land. We are committed to supporting and promoting initiatives in Indigenous economic development, education, social and heritage rights, and working toward the achievement of beneficial outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples. Recently, we procured a Reconciliation Action Plan that formalises these commitments and provides a framework to help us bring it to life across our business operations. By formalising these commitments, it allows for mutual understanding and commitment across our projects, stakeholders, and employees. All Australian businesses should prioritse a Reconcilation Action Plan as a part of their Corporate Social Activities.
CSR Activities
There are a variety of activities in which a company within the construction industry can increase their sense of CSR, even as a small business.
- Construct green buildings
- Installing renewable energy resources
- Promoting community service
- Prioritising diversity in the hiring process
- Engaging employees in environmental leadership
- Reducing the environmental impact of the products
- Promoting volunteerism among company employees
- Donating to charity or sponsoring local event
Today CSR is certainly under the microscope. It is important, not only from a moral perspective, but also as a business model. To avoid falling behind competitors, losing potential clients and having a high turnover of staff, incorperating Corporate Social Responsibility across all facets of your business and utilising it in decision-making is key.