Corporate Social Responsibility is the concept that companies should take responsibility for the effect they have on the environment, from an economic, environmental and social perspective. The concept of sustainability is also being used more to show social responsibility and to add value to a brand. The economic responsibility, which is a part of sustainable work, but not CSR, is necessary for the corporate social responsibility to be long term and integrated in the business model.
Historically, corporate social responsibility has been seen as a way to both take responsibility and to minimise the risk of companies flaunting the law (which is reflected in the EU Commission’s definition of CSR). Today, CSR and sustainability are used seen as areas that can add value and profit, as it decreases unnecessary use of human, physical and economic resources, and optimises the use of available resources.
