CSR means Corporate Social Responsibility in 20th century jargon. Most companies regard CSR as a philanthropic solution to developmental social problems.

WWF and other forward-thinking institutions see the dire limits of this perspective. Firstly, we look at social, environmental and economic issues as integrated and interdependent developmental problems. It’s not just a social issue. Secondly, taking the current CSR approach can sometimes mean that it's all right for companies to wreak environmental havoc as long as they donate to philanthropic causes. We do not agree. Because responsibility to society must include social and environmental impacts of doing business.

WWF’s Corporate Sustainability Roundtable (CSR) raises the bar of 20th Century thinking to 21st Century CSR that integrates social, environmental and economic issues in core business products, processes and policies. Thus, the term CSR version 2.1

Which sectors will initially sit at WWF’s Corporate Sustainability Roundtable?

Initially WWF will focus on Land Development, Financial Institutions and Manufacturing industries.

These sectors have major social and environmental impacts. Land is a critical resource in the Philippines, which is a land-poor country. Sustainable land use is critical to sustainable development. Furthermore, residential and commercial developments contribute major carbon emissions to global warming. WWF seeks to ensure these projects engender more sustainable and energy efficient lifestyles. Land use also plays a role in dislocating communities and controlling access to community resources such as land, water and livelihood.

Financial Institutions control significant resources. These resources can determine whether unsustainable projects are funded or not.

Asia is a large keg in the supply chain for industrialized countries. Supply chain and material lifecycle management are key in carbon emissions reduction and natural resource use such as water, fiber, marine and forest products as well as potential damage from the use of toxics and pollution in manufacturing processes.

WWF’s CSR 2.1 will invite other sectors to sit with us upon demand and need.

Will WWF give us advice on what to do with our business?

WWF’s role in the CSR 2.1 is purely informative, rather than advisory. We welcome deeper engagements with corporations to play an advisory role. You can contact us directly if you wish to partner with WWF on a more comprehensive solution for your business.

Where will WWF get the information for my business sector?

Information will be taken from various sources:

1.WWF’s global experience working with various corporate sectors and industries provides a wealth of information, solutions and best practices. WWF has over 100 offices worldwide sharing information over a proprietary website called WWF Connect, accessible only by WWF staff internationally.

2.There is a host of expertise accessible over the internet, some of which require significant subscription costs. WWF-Philippines subscribes to these websites and will act as a clearinghouse for pertinent and useful information for our focus sectors.

3.WWF-Philippines has knowledge, experience and access to expertise that many corporations will need in making informed decisions in a market increasingly driven by sustainability and climate change issues.

Will we have the same access to the information as our competitors? If so, where is our competitive edge?

Yes, you may have the same access as competitors. WWF encourages all companies within the focus sectors to be involved. What counts is what your company does with the information.

For comments or questions that you don’t want to pose in a plenary blogsite, do get in touch with us directly.