Interesting discussion yesterday with forward thinking construction professionals at Stobbarts (on the British Energy Coast in Cumbria) who really understood the importance of wrapping management systems, procedures and processes under a Corporate Social Responsibility umbrella.

The exercise in question was part of the PAS 2030 preparation, bringing together existing standards that meet an impressive range of standards (9001, 14001, 18001, 50001, 27001, Carbon Action Standard and more)

Construction organisations do not operate in a vacuum. Our relationships to society and environment in which we operate is increasingly an important element of construction activities. It is also increasingly being used as a measure of overall construction performance.

Clients and customers of the construction industry not only want a good product and good service in delivering that product, but a good social product as well.  Increasingly a key PQQ issue from clients, but, CSR cannot remain in the marketing or bidding departments but has to be reflected through the organisation.

No surprise then as more and more organisations are looking to integrate their systems which have grown independent to meet the requirements of ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 standards, it makes sense to consider the social aspect of each, and frame within an organisations CSR statement.

(And to keep within the ISO thinking ISO 26000 provides good guidance to Social Responsibility)