Literature and links on CSR implementation plan

Image via Wikipedia

The following is a summary of recommended sources on implementation plans for companies that want to launch a CSR program:

• "Greening your business. A guide to getting started" from the RBC Royal Bank.
• "Planning for sustainability" a starter guide from Natural Step.
• "Making sustainability work" by Marc Epstein: includes lots of practical information on how to implement CSR programs.
• "Just Good Business" by Kellie McElhaney, particularly the chapters "Building Your CSR Business Strategy" and "Make a Plan".
• "Sustainable Value" by Chris Laszlo
• "Buried Treasure" by SustainAbility is also a really good resource for helping build a business case and it's free.
• "Corporate Karma" by Peggie Pelosi.
• Industry Canada has posted a CSR implementation guide for Canadian businesses that could help you in order to develop and customize your CSR plan
• Acumen Fellows Reading List
• ISO 26000
• Foretica: SGE21 Ethical and CSR Management System
• The Sustainability Champion's Handbook: "How to Transform your Company" by Bob Willard
• Better decisions, real value - Toolkit from Forum for the Future, UK.
• "The Sustainability 101: a toolkit for your business" by Anca Novacovici and Jennifer K. Woofter
• Bibliografia en materia de RSE en A. Latina - Foro Iberoamericano de RSE
• Guia de los Mejores Web en materia de Sustentabilidad
• Centro de Recursos de GEstrategica
• Negocios Inclusivos: creando valor en América Latina
• Responsabilité d' entreprises (Canada en francais).

Word of caution: getting tailored, professional assistance to help guide the implementation plan for a corporate social responsibility program is a much more effective approach than studying books and methodologies. For a sustainability program to work, it must be aligned with company values, strategic planning and business objectives and should be developed from within as much as possible. These will be different elements for every company.