Archive for the ‘News’ Category
1. Ethisphere Announces 2011 World’s Most Ethical Companies
110 companies recognized for demonstrated leadership in ethical business practices. Companies prove correlation between business ethics and improved financial performance by consistently outperforming S&P 500 Index every year since award inception. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
2. Major Economies Focus on Finance at Climate Meeting
Representatives from the world’s biggest polluters sought to make progress on short-term financing to help developing countries adapt to global warming at a meeting hosted by the United States, U.S. President Barack Obama’s top climate negotiator said. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
3. EU ‘Ignoring Safety Risks’ in Financing of Nuclear Expansion in Ukraine
As Japan’s Fukushima disaster unfolds, the EU is financing a controversial nuclear expansion programme in Ukraine to increase exports to energy-hungry consumers in western Europe. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
4. Launch of Climate Practitioner Network in Latin America
Low-emissions development strategies and climate mitigation action are the core strategies of the new network that will bring together national expert teams from six initial countries: Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Panama, Peru. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
5. Walmart Waste Program Diverts over 80%, Expanding Nationwide
Walmart’s California operations have diverted more than 80 percent of their waste from landfills, and the program that produced these results is being implemented across all of the company’s 4,400 stores. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
6. China Shift to Low-Carbon Model Vital for Future – UN
China should step up its drive to a low-carbon growth model to maintain economic development and preserve achievements that have made it the world’s third largest economy, a United Nations report says. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
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1. Kimberly-Clark Recognized Again as Top Corporate Citizen
Corporate Responsibility Magazine cites environment, human rights and philanthropy among company’s strengths. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
2. Green Investment Bank ‘Must Operate Commercially’
Green economy is at risk if the bank cannot attract private sector investors, a cross-party committee of MPs have warned. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
3. Coke, Colgate, DuPont and Others Form Environmental Packaging Lobby Group
Colgate-Palmolive, Coca-Cola, DuPont, Dow Chemical and Kellogg’s are among the major U.S. corporations that have created a trade organization to represent the packaging industry and coordinate the sector’s environmental efforts. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
4. Shell to Scrap Bonus Link to Sustainability Index
Royal Dutch Shell said it would not tie executives’ bonuses in 2011 to a benchmark index after its expulsion from that index over its Nigerian operations scuppered its 2010 sustainability-linked bonuses. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
5. Eco-Farming Can Double Food Output by Poor
Many farmers in developing nations can double food production within a decade by shifting to ecological agriculture from use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, a United Nations report showed on Tuesday. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
6. Australian Carbon Price to Hit just 1,000 Firms
The Australian government’s plans to launch an emissions trading scheme with a fixed carbon price will initially affect fewer than 1,000 companies, said climate change minister Greg Combet. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
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1. UN Human Rights Framework: What Executives Need to Know about Human Rights
Recognition of companies’ human rights responsibilities is growing thanks to the work of John Ruggie. But what are the specific issues that business must address? Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
2. Walmart, Nike, Gap Create Apparel Index
Nike, Target, JC Penney and Levi’s are among the nearly 30 manufacturers and retailers that have created an industry-wide index to evaluate apparel products’ environmental impact. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
3. Maplecroft Publishes Atlas of Principal Global Risks
The Atlas evaluates the impact of 32 risk factors in seven key ‘global risk’ areas: macroeconomic risk; security risk; governance risk and illicit economies; resource security; climate change; pandemics; and societal resilience, including human rights. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
4. Johnson Controls Tops CR’s Best Corporate Citizen List
Johnson Controls, Campbell Soup, IBM, Bristol-Meyers Squibb and Mattel are the top five companies in Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s 2011 “100 Best Corporate Citizens List.” Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
5. Water, Carbon the Priorities for China’s Five-Year Plan
Tackling environmental problems from carbon emissions to water pollution will be a key focus of a new five-year plan that China will launch during its annual parliament session. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
6. UK Government and Gates Foundation Partner to Support Agricultural Research, Boost Productivity of Poor Farmers
The Department for International Development (DFID) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a coordinated effort to reduce hunger and poverty in developing countries by supporting agricultural research projects to help small farmers increase their yields and incomes. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
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1. Businesspeople Need to Think Harder about Political Risk
A month ago Ahmed Ezz was one of the most powerful businesspeople in Egypt. He controlled about 40% of the country’s steel production, played a leading role in the ruling party and, most important of all, was a bosom buddy of Hosni Mubarak’s son and heir apparent, Gamal. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
2. US Green Chamber Empowers Businesses to Be Sustainable and Successful
San Diego nonprofit expands to bring best practices in environmental and social responsibility to a national audience. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
3. The Carbon List: Who? What? Where?
The Carbon List is now live, founded in late 2009 on the idea of delivering a simple easy to follow framework to help people understand a companies carbon foot print. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
4. For Pepsi, a Business Decision with Social Benefit
In the past, farmers would make the dangerous trek north from this tiny town hidden in the rugged folds of the Jalisco mountain range to the United States, hoping to earn enough money doing odd jobs to cover debts incurred while cultivating the small plots of land that have been in their families for generations. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
5. Beyond Business
Perhaps accelerated by the financial crisis, a number of businesses operating in Africa are taking a greater interest in the social and economic impact of their operations, engaging in activities usually associated with development agencies. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
6. Silver Lake and George Soros Partner in New Clean Energy Fund
Private equity firm Silver Lake is teaming up with George Soros’ Soros Fund Management to form Lake Kraftwerk, a fund that will provide capital for growth stage companies in the energy and resource sectors. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
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1. WBCSD: Ecosystems Key to Future Corporate Competitiveness
Companies that understand and value their ecosystem Impacts, dependence and holdings will have a major advantage over their competition, according to a key presentation by The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) at an international symposium on biodiversity. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
2. Carbon Trust End Free Energy Audits
The Carbon Trust, a non-profit funded by the U.K. government, will end free energy audits for businesses after having its funding cut by 40 percent. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
3. Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment Launched
In response to the growing need among scholars, policy-makers and investment practitioners, Earthscan has launched the Journal of Sustainable Finance and Investment. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
4. ‘Most Radical Sustainability Plan’ Launched by Supermarket Group
The “toughest operational carbon reduction targets of any major business” are among 47 goals in an ethical operating plan released today by the Co-Operative Group, the owner of the U.K.’s fifth-largest supermarket chain. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
5. Intensive Lobbying Could Enable Unapproved GM Crops to Enter European Food Chain
Agribusiness accused of ‘scaremongering’ lobbying tactics as it pushes for the import of animal feed containing traces of unapproved genetically modified (GM) crops – using the guise of combating feed shortages. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
6. BASF Launches Eco-Label Comparison Site
Chemical company BASF has launched a website to help customers sort out the crowded world of eco-labels and certifications. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
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1. Connie Hedegaard Insists Tougher Carbon Targets Will Boost European Economy
EU climate commissioner says there is ‘debate’ – but no row – over raising the carbon targets to a 30% cut by 2020. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
2. IBM, Intel, Pepsi Top Ethics Rankings
IBM, Intel and PepsiCo have topped rankings of companies with the most ethical reputations. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
3. BP, Other Oil Companies Update Transparency Guidelines
Oil and gas companies including BP, Chevron and ExxonMobil have contributed to updated guidance on improving transparency in environmental reporting. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
4. China Vice Premier Urges Reforms to Tackle Energy Worries
China must speed up resource tax reforms to fight heavy pollution and also make a priority of energy-saving to stave off “risky” dependence on foreign supplies, the nation’s Vice Premier Li Keqiang said in remarks published on Friday. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
5. Carbon Professionals’ Salaries Keep on Rising
Carbon and climate change professionals are earning around four per cent more than last year, and the vast majority feel secure in their jobs, despite the gloomy economic outlook and sluggish jobs market. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
6. World’s First Fairtrade Gold Goes on Sale in the UK
The Fair Trade Foundation and the Alliance For Responsible Mining join forces to challenge unsustainable gold mining industry in Colombia and Peru. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
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1. GRI Launches its Focal Point USA
GRI’s latest global expansion, Focal Point USA, was officially launched at the New York Stock Exchange on Monday 31 January 2011. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
2. New ‘Say on Pay’ Scorecard for the S&P 500
Leading independent governance expert launches new service to evaluate executive pay plans. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
3. The New Rules of Green Marketing Represent a Win-Win-Win for Consumers, Company, and Environment
Marketing guru and pioneer Jacquelyn Ottman offers proven strategies and tools to effectively market “green” to today’s mainstream consumer. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
4. Obama Launches ‘Better Buildings Initiative’
Tax breaks, grants and loan guarantees will be among the initiatives in a plan President Obama will outline today, to increase energy efficiency in commercial buildings by 20 percent in the next ten years. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
5. Site Lets Companies Sell Waste
A service has been launched to help companies disposing of their refuse to make money in the process. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
6. UK Launches Anti-Greenwashing Guide
The U.K. government has launched a toolkit to help companies avoid greenwashing. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
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1. CEOs Advocate Employee Health in Davos
At the World Economic Forum, taking place in Davos, a group of leading CEO’s have introduced the so-called Workplace Wellness Alliance. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
2. Joining Together to Create a Sustainable World: The Stewardship Action Council is Launched
The Stewardship Action Council brings together industry, academia, the investment community, and governmental and non-governmental organizations to collaborate on sustainability. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
3. Obama Energy Czar Quits; Policies in Doubt
Carol Browner, President Obama’s top adviser on energy and climate change, is leaving her post. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
4. Shell, Nestle Among 54 Firms Launching UN Sustainability Program
The United Nations launched a program encouraging corporations to share knowledge on sustainability, and signed up the first 54 participating companies. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
5. Extra UN Climate Talks Set for April in Bangkok
Climate negotiators from almost 200 nations will hold an extra session in Bangkok in April to try to unblock work on a successor to the United Nations’ Kyoto Protocol for slowing global warming. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
6. UN Forest Protection Plans Failing Because of Land Scarcity and Demand for Food
REDD-type forest agreements ignore indigenous populations and are seeing a scramble for forest ‘carbon credits’ by governments and individuals. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
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1. Walmart Launches Major Initiative to Make Food Healthier and Healthier Food More Affordable
Walmart, the nation’s largest grocer, unveiled a comprehensive effort to provide its customers with healthier and more affordable food choices. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
2. Deloitte Celebrates 12th Year on Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work for” List
For the 12th year, Deloitte has earned a place on Fortune magazine’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work For.” The annual survey, which appears in the Feb. 7th issue of Fortune and on www.fortune.com, is the national benchmark that rates employers who consistently raise the bar on talent initiatives and corporate culture improvement for all employees. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
3. Tesco Installs Energy Monitors to Motivate Employees
Retail giant Tesco is getting its employees involved in carbon cutting with touch screen energy monitors. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
4. USDA Biobased Labels Debut
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched a voluntary product certification for biobased commercial and industrial products. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
5. EU Says Carbon Markets to Reopen when Security Proved
The European Commission said on Thursday the suspension of trading in its Emissions Trading Scheme will end in phases once registries prove their security after a series of breaches around the European Union. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
6. Corporate Leaders Meet UN Member States to Address Role of Business in Advancing Sustainability
Meeting at UN Headquarters in New York, business leaders in Business Action for Sustainable Development 2012 (BASD 2012) and representatives of UN Member States discussed the crucial role business must play in the upcoming UN Conference on Sustainable Development 2012, commonly known as the Rio+20 Earth Summit. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
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1. New Scheme Allows Projects to Continue Carbon Trade after Kyoto
Existing projects in wind power, waste management, lighting and transport in developing countries can now continue selling their carbon credits well beyond the 2012 Kyoto Protocol deadline through a funding scheme from the World Bank. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
2. Asean Network to Boost Social Responsibility in Business
Five members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) hope to spread the message that it is time for businesses in its 10 member nations to make commercial decisions with community and society in mind. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
3. CO2 to Fall this Year, Rise in 2021
U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels are likely to decline in 2011 but increase in 2012, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
4. IBM, Deloitte, Logica Praised for Sustainable IT
Deloitte, IBM and Logica stand out as the most capable companies in sustainable technology services, according to a report by analyst firm Verdantix. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
5. Germany and France likely to Block Plans to End GM Crop Delays
Renewed efforts to end the political deadlock over approving GM crops in Europe likely to fail as member states fear legal backlash and trade disputes. Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
6. IKEA Says It’s the First Retailer to Eliminate Incandescent Light Bulbs
A few months ago, IKEA began phasing out incandescent light bulbs in all of their stores across the U.S. That alone makes a great statement for their millions of customers, and their website encourages the same: “If every IKEA customer replaced one ordinary 60-watt bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb, the energy savings would be as much as the greenhouse gas emissions from 750,000 cars.” Read the article summary in the Digest (see download/purchase links below) …
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