Empowering SMEs: the path to effective CSR implementation

The Green Summit, organized on November 19, 2024, by the Green & Sustainable Hub of Natixis CIB, dedicated three sessions to CSR themes specific to small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The aim was to identify the specific challenges these companies face and the keys to a successful CSR approach, particularly in light of the new regulatory framework, notably with the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and the growing expectations of stakeholders: clients, employees, financial partners, etc.

Discussions highlighted three main takeaways. First, the CSRD serves as a structuring exercise for initiatives that are often already well underway within the company: it thus represents a significant strategic development opportunity. It is also a prioritization exercise, both of the truly material issues for the company and its ecosystem, as well as the corresponding action plans. Finally, implementing a CSR strategy requires a firm commitment from management, must be an integral part of the business model, and should engage all employees and stakeholders of the company.

The conference also explored the territorial anchoring of small and mid-caps and of their CSR strategies, with a focus on the maritime and mountain sectors, both significantly affected by climate change. Three main action areas were presented: the importance of raising awareness for the protection of natural ecosystems, the cooperative model, and the integration of transition and long-term projections for steering the company’s overall strategy.