Construction body to encourage construction companies to adopt strong social and environmentally responsible practices; and ensure responsible behaviour becomes an integral part of an organisation’s thinking.

Constructing Excellence has today called for the construction industry to lead the way and actively participate in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

At a two-day Constructing Excellence conference at Le Meridien, London, the industry comes together to mark a shift in the construction agenda towards the consideration of CSR as a core business imperative.

Constructing Excellence is to encourage construction companies to adopt strong social and environmentally responsible practices; and ensure responsible behaviour becomes an integral part of an organisation’s thinking.

Constructing Excellence deputy chief executive Dr Rodger Evans said: “CSR must not merely be seen as an “add on”. Sector players must not only adopt CSR values and principles, but take the next step in embedding and integrating CSR into their organisation and that of their partners.

“Constructing Excellence aims to encourage those who have made great strides in the area to share their best practice knowledge, so as we can see a prosperous and responsible construction industry now and in the future.

The construction industry makes an enormous impact not just for its clients, providing homes and businesses, but on the community within which the buildings are located. CSR is all about recognising the positive impact that construction can have in these communities, and optimising the benefits for all stakeholders.“

The conference, which has been organised during National Construction Week, highlights that those companies who take CSR seriously are reaping business rewards, such as higher economic performance, better innovations and are more in touch with the communities in which they work.