Greening the practice of CSR

League of Corporate Foundations promotes practice of ‘green’ corporate social responsibility

(Manila, Philippines, May 11, 2012) – Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is central to how businesses operate and stay competitive. However, organizations need to carefully reassess the way they develop or plan their CSR interventions or activities so they become more resource efficient. Whether it’s a team of talented people, funds, energy, or supplies, resources need to be put to good use, says Augusto Carpio, chairman of the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF).

“One of the ways we can ensure the relevance and impact of our projects is to make sure that it does not harm the environment in any way,” said Carpio. Urban gardening projects, for example, can make use of plastic bottles either as pots or watering containers. Eco-bags made of tarpaulin materials or reusable boxes may be used to transport materials or equipment during medical missions, community build-outs or education drives. Businesses may also partner with suppliers who are willing to or are already engaging in socially responsible practices.

On July 5 and 6 (Thursday and Friday), LCF will hold its 11th CSR Expo themed, “Transforming the Business of Giving Back” at the SMX Convention Center. “The CSR Expo is an excellent platform for stakeholders to discuss issues and challenges in the practice of CSR, and to share inspiring success stories,” said Carpio.

Since 2010, the CSR Expo has been organized as a green conference. “This year, we aim to make the CSR Expo another successful ‘green’ event. We will continue to keep all waste to a minimum, starting with the use of recycled materials, not only during the two-day conference and exhibit but even in the many preparatory meetings,” Carpio said.

LCF encourages delegates to register online, organize a carpool, and reduce food and beverage wastage. Daily tips on green ideas are posted on the conference website, and the Expo’s carbon footprint will be reported at the end of the two-day event. During the Expo, visitors and conference delegates can also drop by the exhibit area to learn how to calculate and reduce their carbon footprint. Those who pledge to reduce their carbon footprint will have a tree seedling planted in their name at the Marikina Watershed, according to LCF.

“Every lifestyle choice we make somehow impacts the world we live in. As CSR advocates and practitioners, one of our goals is to make more people aware of the practical things all of us can do to help the planet or vulnerable members of society.”  Carpio notes that LCF is also organizing a series of CSR 101 lectures as part of its commitment to promote CSR across industries and sectors.

The two-day CSR Expo features discussions on social entrepreneurship, Filipino cultural values, public-private partnerships, volunteerism and philanthropy, the Millennium Development Goals, and global CSR trends, among others.  The exhibition will focus on the development work of corporations, corporate foundations and partners from civil society, academe, and government.

For more information, visit the CSR Expo’s official event website,www.lcf.org.ph/csrexpo2012.  To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, send an email to lcfcsrexpo@teamasia.com.

About the League of Corporate Foundations
The League of Corporate Foundations is a network of over 70 operating and grant-making corporate foundations and corporations that promotes and enhances the strategic practice of Corporate Social Responsibility among its members and the larger business community, towards sustained national development.