Testimonials on this CSR approach
For many entrepreneurs, the launch of a CSR strategy may be synonymous with certain requirements. In reality, it is quite different. Implementing such an initiative has immediate effects on the relationship with and for your customers, your suppliers, your employees and … our planet!
In the real estate and building services sector, the company Everest Isolation, talking about a CSR strategy is a philosophy of life. This approach was initiated by its director, Philippe Million, and aims to enhance the well-being of employees and find solutions to environmental damage caused by human activity. Among the actions undertaken, we can mention that insulation is bought locally and recycled, that a plot of land to plant trees to compensate for CO2 emissions has been acquired, that employees drive electric cars, that a partnership has been concluded with an association facilitating the schooling of children in the Himalayas, that a recycling system has been set up and that a sports area has been installed.
From the employees point of view, there is practically no turnover in the company, because they feel good there. As far as their stakeholders are concerned, this CSR approach projects an image of a responsible company with an honest and authentic project. Saadia Mattoni, administrative manager, explains: “thanks to this strategy, it is easier to respond to calls for tender, and our clients are very sensitive to this.”
For the company’s management, the results are positive: employees are fulfilled, local suppliers and customers are 100% on board, creating a relationship of trust.
Finally, the planet is also one of the great winners of this approach, “we are in a rural region and it is very important to plan today for the environment that we will leave to future generations“.
In the energy sector, Pezant, a company involved in electrical installations and maintenance, states: “we have noticed that we have gained credibility with our customers and suppliers since we embarked on a transparent CSR approach! Indeed, this is a strong signal given to its stakeholders, proof that the company puts people and the environment at the heart of its concerns.”
Currently, a community is being created between responsible companies. One of them recently confided that: “it is thanks to this approach that today a very small structure like mine can work with major clients!“
Obviously, within a company, all departments must be involved. At Pezant, “everyone sorts their waste. The purchasing and HR departments are aware of the issue ; we offer in-house training. For all employees, it is therefore motivating to embark on this adventure and to be part of an entity for which well-being and quality of life at work are essential.”
And the planet also benefits. Environmental protection is becoming a constant concern for everyone. If you have not yet taken this step, don’t lose sight of the fact that it is within everyone’s reach!
Zoom on the RGE label : how and why obtain it ?
Starting a CSR approach with the RGE (Reconnu Garant de l’environnement) label is the key for professionals specialising in energy renovation work or the installation of equipment using renewable energy. This label enables financial aid and/or tax deductions to be obtained.
Who can obtain the RGE label?
Any company carrying out specific installation or fitting work in one of the following specialities can apply:
- High energy performance boilers or gas micro-cogeneration boilers;
- Heating or domestic hot water equipment using wood or other biomass or solar thermal energy if equipped with solar collectors;
- Heat pumps (other than air/air) for the production of heat or domestic hot water;
- A package of works to limit the conventional annual primary energy consumption of the dwelling, in relation to the living area of the dwelling, for heating, domestic hot water and cooling, to 150 kwh per m²;
- Ground heat exchanger for geothermal heat pumps;
- Thermal insulation materials for glazed walls, insulating shutters and external doors…
- Thermal insulation materials for opaque walls (front or gable walls, low floors, flat roofs, lost attic floors, roof slopes and attic ceilings);
- This work of supplying and installing insulation equipment, materials and appliances must comply with high energy performance standards specified by government laws.
Who issues the RGE label?
The RGE label is issued by organisations that have signed an agreement with the State, such as Qualibat, Certibat, RGE: professionals of the energy performance, CERQUAL Qualitel Certification. It is awarded for a renewable period of 4 years.
How to obtain it?
Before issuing the RGE label, the organisation will check your administrative, social and fiscal compliance and will ask you about the work you have carried out over the last 4 years. You may be asked to provide quotes, invoices, energy assessment reports and customer satisfaction certificates.
