New body launched to champion quality CSR research

Corporate Sustainability Research (CSR) organisations from across Europe –including all relevant SiRi Company Network Partners - have come together to form the Association of Independent Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility Research (AI CSRR).

The corporate sustainable and responsible research sector continues to expand due to increasing popular interest throughout Europe. At the same time pressure on CSR research groups to raise quality and be transparent and professional has grown. AI CSRR, therefore, has been created to develop and promote high professional standards for organisations in the field.

Matt Christensen, Executive Director at Eurosif, Europe’s Social Investment Forum said "Both the Voluntary Quality Standard and the launch of a trade association of the Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility Research Groups are milestones for the sector in Europe and beyond. The work of AI CSRR is a splendid and welcome supplement to the Eurosif Transparency Guidelines for investment funds".

Herwig Peeters from Ethibel, the Association’s Chairman said, “In the fast changing world of CSR research co-operation on a sector level and engagement with companies and asset managers is essential. Together, we will develop better tools and understanding and improve the social impact of SRI.”

Transparency, openness and accountability have always been central to the CSR agenda; the formation of AI CSRR continued this tradition. AI CSRR will provide the independent verification needs the sector requires in order to maintain and enhance its quality and credibility through the management of the Voluntary Quality Standard scheme (CSRR-QS 1.0, or “The Standard”).

The Standard has had the financial and strategic support of the European Commission. Dominique Bé, deputy head of The Employment and Social Affairs DG of the Commission, said “CSRR-QS 1.0 will contribute in furthering the CSR debate in Europe. It will help address the issue of accountability of CSR analysis and enhance the leverage effect of SRI. It is also a significant step towards more convergence and transparency in the field of SRI. The European Commission is pleased to have provided support to the development of this standard.”

For more information:
Herwig Peeters, Chairman.
AI CSRR asbl,
Rue du Progrès 333/7,
B-1030 Brussels, Belgium,
herwig.peeters@csrr-qs.org
www.csrr-qs.org