Environmental audits

Environmental audits are useful tools for reporting on the environmental impact of business activity. An environmental audit provides accurate information to management about the environmental impact of its policies and how responsible business decisions can be made to reflect these in line with its wider CSR vision. Environmental audits through internal CSR managers or interim CSR consultants can assess and improve efficiency in waste management, carbon emission reduction, reducing water and energy costs, thus reducing liability and potential environmental fines, ensuring compliance with legislation and reducing costs. Positive communication of environmental audits and how CSR policies are dealing with issues raised can provide positive public relations for a business, but also fundamentally improve its contribution to sustainable development and wider corporate responsibility.

Ethical reports

Similarly a company’s ethical standards, for example in protecting human rights in the supply chain or ensuring that policies do not stoke conflict or encourage corruption and bribery, can be maintained and improved by thorough ethical reports and rigorous standards of corporate governance. Environmental and ethical reports can both highlight areas of concern, and ensure that best CSR practice is used to make changes where possible, or prompt further investigation and innovation if necessary.