CSR
CSR - what does it mean?
In a nutshell, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is about using the power of business to create a better world. Successful CSR should become part of any company’s business strategy, as it combines its core competencies with activities which are of benefit to society and the environment. Properly executed CSR will also make a contribution to a company’s bottom line. CSR is the buzz-word in the corporate world and it is an ethical, feel good philosophy which emphasizes the power and positive influence which businesses can have in the community.
Successful businesses are an incredible force and through CSR can transform whole communities, sparking social, economic and environmental progress, which results in a legacy of success, dignity and hope. The above is particularly relevant in our modern world with its many challenges, such as:
- global warming
- poverty
- disease
- lack of education
- wars
Environmental consciousness
Our goals are to have zero wasted resources – our aim is to recycle everything from paper to plastic. We promote sound environmental practices and have training programs in place that promote environmentally conscience behavior within the company.
We have set energy reduction goals that range from turning off lights in the office when not needed to purchasing energy saving equipment such as monitors and servers. For example, conversion from CRT monitors to flat panel monitors saves power, reduces disposal expenses and reduces heat radiation.
We promote recycling and have initiated a paperless office program.
Betterment of the community
As a part of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the year program our director, Mr. Darryl Ismail was involved in the case study project on the island called Ile a Vache (Island of the Cows).
Ile-a-Vache is an unspoiled and beautiful island located off the southern coast of Haiti, close to the town of Les Cayes. It owes its name to the large numbers of cattle that used to roam there. Ile-a-Vache also bears a history of pirates including the infamous Captain Morgan, a British pirate who led several buccaneering expeditions across the Caribbean to attack Britain's enemies in order to protect their future prosperity. Today the island is a peaceful Caribbean retreat, and was also the setting for the Ernst and Young project 2007.
Through cooperation with the local community and a local business on Haiti we developed a website free of charge for the local hotel, Abaka bay, on Isle a Vache island. The website includes our state-of-the-art technology and booking engine which enables the hotel to market their services worldwide as well as receive bookings 24/7.
Our aim is to help local community to purchase water pumps and other necessities through the development of the local business. By bringing guests to the island, the entire island economy will be boosted and everyone will benefit.