Everything You Need to Know About the ESR Label
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming increasingly important in Luxembourg’s economic landscape. More and more companies are committing to integrating social, environmental and ethical issues into their core strategy in order to combine performance with positive impact.
This is the context in which the National Institute for Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility (INDR) operates. Founded in 2007, this leading Luxembourg organisation promotes CSR among national companies by providing them with a label and practical tools that enable them to contribute to sustainable development while strengthening both their competitiveness and reputation.
Through its initiatives and support programmes, INDR helps companies structure their CSR approach and promote their commitments, in particular through the ESR (Socially Responsible Company) label, an official recognition of social responsibility in the Grand Duchy.
What is the ESR label?
The ESR label, awarded by the National Institute for Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility (INDR), is official recognition of Luxembourg companies’ commitment to social responsibility. A true mark of distinction, it highlights organisations’ contribution to sustainable development and confirms their desire to create shared economic, social and environmental value.
Beyond recognition, the label helps companies structure, formalise, and promote their CSR initiatives in a credible way. Today, more than 300 certified companies, representing around 65,000 employees in Luxembourg, form one of the largest networks of responsible businesses in Europe.
Benefits of the label
Obtaining the ESR label enables companies to structure and promote their commitment to social responsibility in a concrete manner. This process supports managers in implementing a clear and credible CSR approach.
Beyond official recognition, certification is a collaborative process that brings teams together around a shared goal. It strengthens corporate culture, fosters a sense of belonging and purpose at work, and employee motivation.
The ESR label also offers a guarantee of credibility and transparency, thanks to a rigorous assessment process and external verification carried out by independent experts approved by the INDR. This validation strengthens the confidence of customers, partners, and stakeholders.
Finally, certification is a genuine competitive advantage. It helps companies meet the ESG requirements that are increasingly present in public and private tenders. In addition, obtaining the ESR label automatically grants the European Responsibility Europe label, which extends recognition of the company’s commitments beyond Luxembourg’s borders.
To whom is it addressed?
The ESR label is open to all companies operating in Luxembourg, regardless of their size, sector, or structure. It recognises and promotes their commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
How does certification work?
The process of obtaining ESR certification involves several steps. First, it is recommended that you consult the ESR Guide and create an account at www.esr.lu to familiarise yourself with the main themes of corporate social responsibility. Next, the company conducts a free ESR self-assessment by completing an online questionnaire, which measures its CSR performance. Several assessments can be carried out if necessary.
After the self-assessment, a detailed ESR report can be ordered. An INDR advisor will then present the objectives achieved and areas for improvement.
The next phase is the ESR verification, carried out by an INDR-approved expert, such as Cintia Procaci, Managing Director of A Beautiful Green. The expert visits the company to check the supporting documents corresponding to a sample of questions. This verification can take up to two full days, during which the company answers questions from a spreadsheet structured into four main categories: CSR strategy, governance, social and environmental.
The duration and cost of the verification depend on the size of the company’s workforce. If all requirements are met, the INDR officially awards the ESR label, which is valid for a period of three years.
Conclusion
The ESR label is a genuine recognition of a company’s good CSR practices and demonstrates its commitment to social, environmental and governance responsibility.
If you too would like to improve your performance and prepare to obtain this label, A Beautiful Green can assist you in implementing a structured CSR strategy tailored to your organisation. Together, let’s turn your commitments into concrete, measurable results. Contact us!
References:
[2] https://www.responsibility-europe.org/en/
Edwige Filot