The aim of CSR Compass is to help achieve CSR management that members changes in the times and contributes to competitive advantages by offering information about best practice examples both within and without Japan and major stakeholder trends.

CSR Compass uses an internet database to offer information that leads to:
　　1. Systematic understanding of strategic CSR, which targets improving corporate value
　　2. Identification of social trends in CSR and the environmental field
　　3. Research on best practice examples of corporate CSR actions

By understanding and analyzing these three areas of information, CSR Compass is useful for planning and executing CSR management that produces competitive leadership when combined with the current situation and existing strategies at one’s own organization.

As of April 2008, there are over 100 cases of corporate benchmark examples listed, and over 60 companies utilize the database.

■　Trend Watch (monthly news updates)

Trend Watch features carefully selected news items about stakeholders that have an impact on business, such as international NGOs, think tanks, and CSR industry leaders. These articles are presented at the end of every month along with a concise summary of the past month’s major news stories (from April 2008 the news will also be printed in English). Each news item is categorized, making it possible to search for or view articles by user interest.

■　Insight (updated 8 times yearly)

Write-ups concerning themes such as expectations toward businesses, and major NGOs, think tanks, and opinion leaders that have a strong influence on society are accepted and published as contributing articles (4 times yearly; published in both English and Japanese). In addition, analysis written by authorities with expert knowledge on NGOs and investors are published on how to interpret and respond to trends and demands from NGOs and other organizations (4 times yearly).

■　Consumer voices (updated 4 times yearly)

Questionnaires concerning ideas and actions regarding environmental consciousness, health consciousness, corporate CSR programs, and other issues are conducted over the internet, and an analysis of the results are published. Information such as findings that take a look at the LOHAS demographic, which has a high awareness of health and the environment, and information useful to corporate practice and marketing planning are provided.

※ A full report of the 2008 LOHAS Consumer Trends will be published.

■　Stakeholder Database of leading stakeholders organizations worldwide NGO/CSOs, SRI Org./Think Tanks/International Organizations, Corporate Networks

■　Global Benchmark
■　Member's Benchmark

Both benchmark services organize and analyze best practice examples from leading companies globally and in Japan under the following eight categories (all relating to corporate social responsibility/sustainable development):

- Vision, strategy and commitment
- Governance and management systems
- CSR literacy, education and knowledge sharing
- Business innovation and branding
- Business Process (Manufacturing processes, office operations)
- Workplace
- Stakeholder Communication
- Social Involvement


■　Corporate examples according to theme

Important future themes in the CSR field (6 different themes yearly) are presented, and the initiatives of several corporations are examined. Readers can understand the forward-thinking approach taken under each theme and its accompanying trend.

■　CSR Leadership Meeting

Annual assembly of CSR Compass members

E-Square Inc. is one of Japan’s leading sustainability/CSR/environmental think tanks & consultancies. The key focus in our work is "sustainable value creation" - how to build sustainability into the business value creation process. We work in two main areas - management innovation and business innovation - with five different service lines: Strategy, Communications, Education, Marketing and Business Development.

Apart from the CSR Compass, E-Square operates THE FRONTIER NETWORK with major Japanese corporations in automobiles, food, banking, electronics, housing, real estate, retail, etc.

Contact details:
E-mail compass@e-squareinc.com
Tel +81-3-5777-6730
URL http://www.e-squareinc.com/english.html