Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - Results of IMPACT, an european study about the social effects of CSR

For approx. ten years (voluntary) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities have become increasingly important throughout the EU. It is often assumed that the CSR activities of companies have positive effects on the economy, society and the environment. Up to now the empirical evidence, tools and methods have been lacking to enable assessment of the impact of voluntary CSR activities. That is, the measures which companies undertake to be more sustainable that go beyond the legal requirements. This was a key goal of the IMPACT project funded by the European Commission. The project examined what contribution the voluntary CSR measures of companies makes to a more sustainable society.