CSR and ESG Disability Access

Understanding the Distinction between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social and Governance

Exploring the nuances between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reveals the varied approaches companies take toward sustainable practices. CSR is a self-regulated business model where companies adopt practices that are environmentally responsible and positive for society, reflecting a dedication to ethical operations. In essence, CSR acts as a guiding principle for businesses to contribute positively to the world.

On the other hand, ESG represents a set of measurable criteria that gauge a company’s tangible impact on environmental sustainability, its social contributions, and the strength of its governance. It provides a quantifiable measure of a company’s ethical and sustainable conduct and operational effectiveness, which are of prime interest to investors and key decision-makers.

To put it simply, if CSR showcases a company’s commitment to ‘do good,’ ESG offers the lens through which the depth and effectiveness of these efforts can be evaluated. Today’s Businesses are keenly aware that CSR initiatives and ESG performance are vital to their reputation and are instrumental in attracting informed consumers and insightful investors in today’s conscientious marketplace and especially applies to access for people with disability, including clients and employwwes.

How Equal Access can help

Equal Access recognises that organisations have a social responsibility to minimise their impact on the environment and to maximise the effective use of resources. They also have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure their workplaces provide diversity, equity and inclusion; ensuring that workplaces are accessible is part of that responsibility. Additionally, in today’s tight job market, such initiatives can attract potential employees!

Equal Access takes its environmental responsibility seriously and so behaves in as environmentally friendly a way as possible. Our Access Audits are undertaken electronically using software that allows our consultants to review, scale and check dimensions without the need to print large-scale drawings.   Equal Access has developed a proprietary cloud-based auditing tool, AccessCheck^®, that is used on a tablet/iPad that is, which ensures our access audit process is truly paperless, respecting the environment and helping our client meet their Corporate Social Responsibility and environmental sustainability.

Key Services

Our key services that assist organisations in meeting their Corporate Social Responsibilities include:

• Disability access compliance audits of workplaces
• Built environment training and disability awareness training
• Public and corporate event accessibility compliance
• Consultant support for workplace modifications
• Emergency evacuation consulting for staff and visitors with disability, including training

Our Commitment

Equal Access is committed to sustainability:

• We strive to reduce our carbon footprint and ensure our organisation’s responsible use of energy. We have installed Solar Panels for electricity supply and LED lighting throughout. All equipment, lights and climate controls are turned off at the end of the day. All recyclable material is recycled, and batteries are disposed of responsibly. Water use is minimised.
• Our staff work on a hybrid office/home model to minimise driving time, and we conduct meetings electronically whenever possible.
• We strive to improve our environmental performance continually.
• We aim to enhance awareness among our employees and stakeholders – educating and motivating them to act environmentally responsibly.