CSR policy: where is the implementation of sustainable development in construction companies?

The term Corporate Social Responsibility is still not very widespread among the smallest companies, which make up the vast majority of construction companies. However, although a certain number of actions are not directly linked or valued within the framework of a CSR approach, many of them are implemented by companies in these two sectors.

“Corporate Social Responsibility is defined as the voluntary integration by companies of social and environmental concerns into their business activities and their relations with stakeholders. In other words, CSR is the contribution of companies to the challenges of sustainable development" [1], which can be articulated around major themes: governance, human rights, working relations and conditions, environment, fair practices, customer issues, community and local development [2]. It translates concretely into the implementation of commitments and an action plan to progress (e.g. waste sorting, health and safety policy at work, promotion of diversity among employees, transparency of practices …).

If CSR was first of all intended for large companies, concerned by a regulatory framework, "all companies can implement a CSR approach, regardless of their size, their status, their sector of activity. activity” [3].

Major CSR issues and themes in construction and public works companies

On the basis of an online survey carried out with a representative panel of 716 construction and public works companies, three major positions in relation to "CSR" themes were analysed:

• In a logic of continuous improvement, some companies declare that they consider it important or carry out actions on themes relating to health and safety, living conditions at work, waste management and the circular economy.
• Certain themes are integrated into company practices, such as employee training, improving the energy performance of buildings, and the use of local materials, as evidenced by certain survey results.
• Finally, other themes are dealt with as needed. They have been identified according to the specific characteristics of the companies, and mainly concern:
  • Items that are generally less accessible or relevant, for VSEs in particular, such as the definition of management indicators;
  • Items that do not come under formalized action but are integrated into human resources approaches (diversity, mixity, integration of vulnerable groups, etc.);
  • More specific items such as intervention on construction sites relating to heritage, accessibility, which do not concern all companies.

Different levels of practices and formalization of a social responsibility approach

Through the interviews and the quantitative survey, 3 levels of practices were identified:

• Actions implemented without formalization (84% of respondents to the quantitative survey).
• Formalization and proactivity (15,7% of respondents to the quantitative survey). Companies formalize a structured approach and are distinguished by a high level of commitment
• Absence of a Social Responsibility approach (0,3% of respondents to the quantitative survey). This category of companies is a very small minority and is tending to disappear due to growing pressure from regulations and various stakeholders (customers, communities, etc.) and societal awareness of social and environmental issues.

Evolution of business skills and sustainable development in construction training

The ecological transition leads to changes in skills in Building and Public Works:

• For example, upstream of the construction site, the design profiles require a better knowledge of the materials, their interactions, and control of the building's life cycle.
• Also on professional gestures including, in particular, those related to construction and insulation techniques that require the integration of new know-how and knowledge.
• Finally, on the organization of work on the site, calling for a transversality and a decompartmentalization between the reinforced trades, in order to ensure a maximum level of energy performance.

The training offer has adapted to these new requirements and now offers training modules related to “energy transition” or “eco-construction”.

In continuing education, we note in particular the FEEBAT system (Training in Building Energy Savings), and various training courses concerning renewable energies, the “built” envelope, or even eco-materials.

Regarding initial training, the renovations and creation of diplomas take into account a multiplicity of concepts linked to the energy transition: diagnosis and measurement of energy efficiency, active management of the building; renewable sources and energy mix, etc. In addition, practically all major engineering schools in Building and Public Works integrate options or offer diplomas related to the specificities of the energy transition.

How to support the deployment of CSR within the construction sectors?

While the majority of Building and Public Works companies consider CSR and sustainable development beneficial (79% of respondents to the survey), the lack of time and the complexity of the subject in particular can constitute obstacles to the implementation of a relevant long-term approach.

5 main axes have been identified in support of the results of the study, in order to promote the deployment or enhancement of actions already implemented:

1. A corporate social responsibility approach adapted to VSEs and SMEs
2. Assistance in taking a step back and finding meaning in CSR issues and approaches
3. Understand and value the benefits of a CSR approach
4. Encourage employee engagement in CSR initiatives
5. Promoting progress related to the implementation of regulations

[1] https://www.economie.gouv.fr/entreprises/responsabilite-societale-entreprises-rse
[2] Themes defined by the ISO 26000 standard
[3] Ministry of the Economy, Bercy Infos, What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)