What is a CSR label and what are its benefits for your company?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is now an essential element of any company strategy aimed at sustainable development. A CSR label is an official certification, issued by a third-party organization, that validates the CSR approach implemented by an organization, generally according to the principles of the ISO 26000 standard.
CSR labels offer many concrete advantages for companies that commit to this path:
- Strengthening credibility with stakeholders (customers, suppliers, investors)
- Methodical structuring of your sustainable development approach
- Enhancing your social and environmental commitments
- Acquiring a significant competitive advantage
- Improving economic performance (according to a study by Goodwill Management, certified companies show an average growth rate of 7.6% compared to 1.6% for others)
- Preparing for regulatory compliance, particularly with the European CSRD directive
Overview of the main CSR labels in France
The landscape of CSR labels in France is diverse. Here is a comparative analysis of the most recognized general CSR labels and their specificities in 2025:
General CSR labels
Label LUCIE 26000
Created in 2007, the LUCIE label is considered the first reference CSR label in France, perfectly aligned with the ISO standard.
Main characteristics:
- More than 1000 certified organizations in 2025
- Requirement of a minimum score of 500/1000 points
- Alignment with the requirements of the CSRD directive
- Accessible to companies, associations, and local authorities
Certification process:
- External audit by an independent organization
- Evaluation and scoring (minimum 500/1000 points)
- Development of an action plan over 4 years
- Granting of the label by a certification committee composed of independent experts
A control audit is carried out midway (2 years) to verify the progress of commitments and the implementation of the action plan.
To learn more about the Lucie label.
Engaged RSE Label (AFNOR)
The Engaged RSE label offered by AFNOR Certification is also based on the ISO 26000 standard.
Main characteristics:
- Evaluation on 55 criteria divided into 8 chapters
- 3-year certification cycle
- Compatible with reporting standards (GRI, DPEF, CSRD)
- Adaptable to any size and sector of activity
Certification process:
- In-depth initial audit with analysis of evidence and interviews with stakeholders
- Evaluation and scoring
- Granting of a level of RSE maturity
- Intermediate audit midway
This label offers a global vision of RSE performance and facilitates alignment with sustainable development objectives.
To learn more about the AFNOR's Engaged RSE label.
B Corp Certification
B Corp is an international certification that has significantly strengthened its requirements in 2025.
Main characteristics:
- Evaluation structure around 7 pillars: governance, climate, human rights, equity, environment, inclusion, and collective action
- Validity of 3 years with improvement objectives set at 3 and 5 years
- Perfectly aligned with the criteria of the CSRD
- Strong international recognition
Certification process:
- Self-assessment via the B Impact Assessment
- Verification and audit of responses
- Modification of statutes to integrate positive societal impact
- Commitment to continuous improvement objectives
This certification is particularly relevant for companies with an international dimension or those looking to enhance their status as a mission-driven company.
To learn more about the B Corp requirements.
Positive Company® Certification
Launched in 2019, Positive Company is a Made in France CSR label based on a progressive approach.
Main features:
- Rating system with attribution of 1 to 3 stars
- Based on ISO 26000, the SDGs and the CSRD requirements
- Validity of 3 years with a follow-up audit at 18 months
- Comprehensive assessment of social, environmental, and governance dimensions
Obtaining process:
- In-depth documentary analysis
- Interviews with leaders and teams
- Evaluation involving stakeholders
- Attribution of a score and a level of recognition (stars)
This label is particularly suitable for companies seeking progressive recognition of their CSR efforts.
To learn more about the Positive Company® label.
Impact Score (Mouvement Impact France)
The Impact Score is a free self-assessment tool developed by Mouvement Impact France.
Main features:
- Evaluation on three key dimensions: reducing externalities, sharing value, and impact strategy
- Compatible with international frameworks (GRI, B Corp, ISO)
- Aligned with the expectations of the CSRD
- Recognized by some local authorities for granting subsidies or in the context of responsible procurement
Obtaining process:
- Quick and free online self-assessment
- Immediate obtainment of a score and recommendations
- Possibility to highlight the results with stakeholders
This tool is ideal for companies starting their CSR journey or seeking an initial level of assessment before committing to more in-depth certification.
To learn more about the impact score.
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Sectoral and thematic CSR labels
BioEntrepriseDurable (BioED) Label
The BioED (Bio Sustainable Business) label is specifically designed for companies in the organic sector (agri-food, cosmetics).
Main features:
- Based on the ISO 26000 standard
- Annual audit including carbon aspects
- Promotion of continuous improvement of the CSR strategy
- Explicit link with sustainability criteria and the European regulatory framework
Obtaining process:
- Initial evaluation
- On-site audit
- Validation by a labeling committee
- Annual performance follow-up
This label is particularly relevant for companies generating at least 10% of their turnover in the organic sector.
To learn more about the BioEnterpriseDurable label.
Great Place To Work® Certification
The Great Place To Work® certification focuses on the social dimension of CSR.
Main features:
- Enhancement of employee well-being and trust
- Based on an internal survey and an evaluation of the company culture
- Annual renewal
- Complementary to the sustainability reports required by the CSRD
Obtaining process:
- Conducting a survey among employees
- Analysis of culture and HR practices
- Evaluation and rating
- Awarding of certification if the criteria are met
This certification is ideal for companies wishing to highlight their social policy and commitment to their employees.
To learn more about the Great Place To Work® certification.
Carbon Strategy Rating (Institut Orygeen)
The Carbon Strategy Rating is a specific rating system for the climate strategy of companies.
Main characteristics:
- Evaluation of the maturity of climate strategies according to 5 levels
- Analysis on 4 axes: commitment, governance, decarbonization and transparency
- Complementarity with the ESRS E1 (climate) indicators of the CSRD
- Targeted approach to the climate issue in the sustainable development approach
Obtaining process:
- Evaluation of the carbon strategy
- Rating and positioning on the maturity scale
- Recommendations for improvement
- Recognition of the level of CSR maturity achieved
This rating is particularly relevant for companies primarily committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
To learn more about this label.
How to choose the RSE label adapted to your company?
To select the most relevant RSE label in 2025, ask yourself these essential questions:
- What are your regulatory obligations? The CSRD now imposes reporting requirements on an increasing number of companies. Favor a label aligned with these requirements.
- What is your area of activity? Some sectors have specific labels that take into account their particular issues.
- What is the scope of your activity? For an international company, B Corp can offer more global recognition.
- What is your level of CSR maturity? Some labels like Positive Company or Impact Score adapt to different levels of CSR maturity.
- What are your strategic objectives? Identify whether you want to highlight a particular dimension (environment, social, governance) or a global approach.
- What budget and what resources can you mobilize? Costs and time investment vary considerably depending on the labels.
The steps to obtain an RSE label
Whatever the certification aimed at, here are the main steps to follow to succeed in your RSE labeling:
1. Carry out an initial diagnosis
Start by assessing your current level of CSR maturity. Several tools are available:
- The Impact Score self-assessment
- The preliminary diagnosis proposed by AFNOR Certification
- The self-assessment questionnaires of the different labels
This first step will allow you to identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
2. Train your teams
The success of an RSE approach depends on collective commitment. Train your employees in the issues of sustainable development and your CSR strategy.
In 2025, most labels now include training modules, such as the LUCIE training center, in their labeling process.
3. Structure your CSR approach
To obtain a label, you will have to:
- Formalize your CSR policy
- Define precise and measurable objectives
- Set up monitoring indicators aligned with the CSRD
- Actively involve your stakeholders
4. Prepare the evaluation
Gather evidence of your CSR actions:
- Strategic documents (CSR policy, code of ethics)
- Reports and balances (carbon balance, CSR report)
- Stakeholder testimonials
- Performance indicators
5. Conduct the audit and obtain the label
The certifying body will proceed with:
- The documentary analysis of your evidence
- Interviews with stakeholders
- An on-site evaluation
- The submission of a detailed report
In case of a positive result, the label will be awarded to you for a period of 1 to 4 years according to the framework, with generally an intermediate audit.
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The central role of CSRD in the landscape of RSE labels in 2025
The European CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) has profoundly transformed the landscape of RSE labels. This regulation now requires an increasing number of companies to publish detailed reports on their environmental, social, and governance impacts.
The main RSE labels have all adapted their frameworks to align with the requirements of the CSRD, thus offering companies a double advantage:
- Meet their regulatory obligations
- Enhance their voluntary approach through a recognized label
This convergence between legal obligation and voluntary approach strengthens the credibility of the labels and facilitates their integration into the overall strategy of companies.
Carbon footprint: first essential building block of your RSE approach
For companies starting their RSE journey, the carbon footprint often makes an excellent first step. Indeed, measuring your carbon footprint will allow you:
- To identify your main sources of greenhouse gas emissions
- To build a concrete action plan to reduce them
- To have objective indicators to track your progress
- To meet the climate requirements of the CSRD (ESRS E1 indicators)
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Future trends for RSE labels
The landscape of RSE labels continues to evolve rapidly under the influence of several factors:
- The deepening of CSRD requirements with increasingly precise standards
- The harmonization of frameworks to facilitate comparability between organizations
- The systematic integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- The growing importance of double materiality (impacts of the company on its environment and impacts of the environment on the company)
- The development of the notion of positive impact beyond the mere reduction of negative externalities
The RSE labels of tomorrow should also integrate more biodiversity and circularity issues, beyond just climate aspects.
Conclusion: the RSE label, a strategic investment for your company
Choosing the right RSE label represents a strategic investment for your organization. Beyond obtaining a logo to display, it is above all an opportunity to structure your sustainable development approach, involve your employees and enhance your commitments with your stakeholders.
RSE labels have considerably matured in recent years, offering today rigorous frameworks and aligned with European regulatory requirements. Whether you opt for LUCIE, Engagé RSE, B Corp or a more specific label, the essential thing is to commit to a continuous improvement approach, authentic and aligned with your company strategy.
In a context where transparency has become the norm, RSE labels play more than ever a key role to distinguish truly committed organizations and avoid the risk of greenwashing. They constitute a powerful lever for transformation towards more sustainable and responsible business models.
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