-New BS ISO 26000 answers call for standardization of corporate social responsibility-
TORONTO – (November 2010) – Within the last few decades, social responsibility has become an organizational imperative. As global awareness heightens, businesses around the world are becoming increasingly mindful of the need for, and benefits of, socially responsible behaviour. This month, the first ever international standard to address this subject has been published to respond to such challenges.
Although several codes and proposals detailing specific ideas within the social responsibility scheme exist, BS ISO 26000 is a seminal-standard, offering detailed, user-friendly guidance on a widespread, international scale. For the first time, businesses across the globe can share the universal criteria of social responsibility and ethical business transactions. “This standard will enable businesses to bring together best practice in terms of workforce, customers, neighbours fair trade and the all important demands on our natural resources and our climate,” said Mike Low, BSI Director of Standards.
“Through the BSI standards process we have made an excellent input from stakeholders to ensure this is a practical and effective approach”.
The benefits of BS ISO 26000 include:
- Improved reputation management for the business
- Increased security of long-term customer, client and employee loyalty
- Increased efficiency
- Lower amounts of wasted energy and waste removal fees
- Capacity to adapt to new laws or restrictions
- Improved overall competitiveness of the business
Wide-scale implementation of BS ISO 26000 could have enormous global repercussions. The universal comprehension of ethical business values, as provided by this standard, will enable organizations to communicate and operate effectively - internally and externally - via these mutually-shared values. Because many of the environmental and societal effects created by major corporations are realised overseas, a global awareness of social responsibility could drastically impact the way organizations work to reduce these effects.
About BSI Group
BSI Group is a global independent business services organization which enables businesses, governments and other organizations to increase profits and market access, and to enhance reputation with its standards-based solutions and assurance services. From its origins as the world’s first National Standards Body, BSI Group draws upon over 100 years’ experience to partner with 66,000 organizations in 147 countries from its 50 offices. Today, through its independence, innovation and integrity, BSI continues to improve the lives of millions by raising standards worldwide. To learn more about BSI Group, please visit www.bsigroup.com
