CSRD as a catalyst for future sustainable living environments

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is an EU directive aimed at increasing transparency around corporate sustainability performance. The directive provides companies and local communities with a unique opportunity to collaborate on sustainability challenges. By integrating social aspects into sustainability reporting, companies and communities can address shared challenges, such as skills supply and social sustainability.

The project aims to maximize the value of the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), at the local level, while strengthening connections between industry and society. It aims to develop methods for integrating the social aspects of CSRD to promote collaboration on shared challenges such as skills development and conflict resolution during expansions. Enhanced social reporting can improve understanding and cooperation among stakeholders, aiding in talent attraction and retention, and promoting gender equality and diversity—crucial for the growth of companies and local communities.

Additionally, CSRD can offer a competitive edge in investment and recruitment, particularly for younger individuals who prioritize sustainability. The reporting process can identify social issues and help businesses comply with national standards. A proactive approach to sustainability reporting allows companies to incorporate these insights into their strategies. Growing investor interest in social responsibility positions CSRD as a strategic platform for building sustainable living environments focused on social sustainability.

There is a pressing need to develop methods for measuring and improving the impact of sustainability reporting, particularly regarding its social aspects. The project aims to explore new approaches to increase interaction between industry, civil society, and local communities. These methods, aligned with the social dimensions of the CSRD directive – S3 (affected communities), S4 (consumers), and G1 (governance) – will emphasize promoting gender equality and fostering collaboration between local communities and industries. The goal is to enhance social inclusion and equity, contributing to a more sustainable society.

The key concept of "Social License to Operate" (SLO) highlights the importance of relationships and community approval for corporate legitimacy.

Project Objectives:

• Develop methods to integrate collaboration between industry and society in accordance with CSRD
• Promote sustainable solutions for local communities and businesses through social reporting.
  

Supporting the Goals of Agenda 2030

The project is designed to directly support the goals of Agenda 2030, particularly:

• Goal 5: Achieve gender equality.
• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
• Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
• Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development, fostering effective partnerships among public, private, and nonprofit actors.

The project strives to bridge decision-making gaps to enable fair and sustainable societal development.