Page 40 – Sustainability Academy

There is a great need for dialogue between businesses and civil society, in order to restore the destroying effects of the economic and social crisis, and the wounded consumer trust towards businesses. This was the most important finding of the CSR 2012 survey on “Corporate Social Responsibility and responsible consumption”. It was indicated that the percentage of consumers choosing to reward socially and environmentally responsible business this year has declined to 27.1%, a decrease of 11.9% compared with last years’ results, and returning to 2008 levels. On the other hand, the percentage of consumers choosing to punish socially and environmentally irresponsible business remains to the high levels of 37.6%, with only a slight tendency to decline compared to the last measurement (-5.6%).

But how can businesses restore this lost trust? Can Corporate Social Responsibility offer the tools needed towards this end?

CSE can help you answers these questions and offer you the tools needed to form a solid business case for your organization and regain consumer trust. Join our next Certified Sustainability (CSR)Practitioner training in Brussels 11&12 October to find out how!

Although up until now people have been forced into a behavioral change, time has proven this method inefficient. And though progress has been made in the field of sustainability, there is still a long path to walk upon. How innovative can one be in order to accelerate sustainability?

To answer this question, a second one is posed: Would you rather pay a carbon tax or play a carbon game that incentivizes you to reduce your emissions? Yes, sustainability is moving towards its “gamification”, a game-motive which calls upon people to promote sustainability in their everyday life. In the world of games, people tend to create a “perfect world”, one they feel proud of. By bringing the game into life, people are asked to change their lifestyle, socialize and promote the idea of sustainability; lead the world to a change.

Sustainability Brands mentions: “Developed in conjunction with Guerillapps, the game features Farmville-esque slick graphics and addictive gameplay. Most importantly, it bridges the gap between the digital and physical world by connecting with TerraCycle’s real-life recycling and charitable programs. The results are impressive.”

The trend has also entered the world of enterprises, with enterprise gamification which is focused on organizations and employees. Susan Hunt Stevens, CEO and Founder of Practically Green, has already developed “a gamification platform for helping companies optimize their sustainability programs. Practically Green’s engaging web and mobile interface employs game mechanics such as leaderboards and badges to challenge people to form groups, take green actions and measure their environmental impact at work.”

The concept of sustainable development in terms of the lean and prudent use of energy resources of the Earth is initially embedded in daily business practice as a cost reduction strategy. The likelihood of an unexpected climate destabilization, has mobilized citizens who step up their efforts to direct formation of ecological consciousness and compliance. Companies on the other hand, as associations of economic power tend to endorse political power and to adopt environmental criteria to bring the idea of sustainable development into practice.

The idea of corporate policy of sustainable development through sound energy management can be incorporated at corporate-level, product-level and store-level infrastructure of the organization itself. In terms of main infrastructure, green stores aim to continuously reduce the environmental impacts of operation of these interventions by saving energy and natural resources as well as by adopting efficient waste and energy management systems.

Specifically, at a first level an energy-responsible store identifies its carbon footprint, ie the rate of carbon dioxide emitted during its operation, and lists in detail its intensive sources of energy. On a second level, based on this mapping, the organization in interest has the opportunity to develop a plan to reduce emissions by replacing them with efficient energy sources to create a more energy-responsible infrastructure. Optionally the organization may proceed to a more advanced plan, by offsetting through an internationally accredited organization. The compensation covers a deposit corresponding to the carbon originating from the operation of the infrastructure and is invested in projects and research on renewable energy.

Daily “eco-friendly practice” is not only a social service but a potentially innovative business strategy as an energy efficient store does not increase operating costs but rather limits them. A good strategic communication for the company’s profile is also recommended because of the increasing market demand for green development. Consumers today recognize green entrepreneurship as a basic condition for sustainable development, before the threat of ecological collapse of the planet from polluting human activities and global warming.

In recent years the power of corporate reputation has become a major issue both at a scientific level and in professional practice. The positive image of a company in any industry supports sales of existing products and services, respectively, while contributing to the successful introduction of new products and services. It is notable that most corporate reputation is part of the corporate balance sheet as a capitalized size and valued as such in the case of acquisitions, strategic alliances or joint ventures.

A large number of companies recognize the business benefits of CSR as a policy and practice. Simultaneously, a new practice that is constantly gaining ground in global investment is what is called “Socially Responsible Investing”. These investments are particularly popular, not only to large investors but also to small businesses, insurance companies and even to individual investors, while rated them as one of the most effective tools to serve the social and environmental objectives of corporate social responsibility. Furthermore, as a typical win-win opportunity they combine economic return by minimizing risks in economic, social and environmental terms.

However a question arises: Do socially responsible investments imply costs for investors in the form of lower performance, such as organic food is more expensive than conventional? Although this is theoretically possible, as the Citigroup Smith Barney observes, since it reduces investors’ options, the empirical data give contradictory answers which ultimately did not exclude the possibility of even higher yields.

Climate Change is one of the biggest challenges for the global community and greenhouse gas emissions (Greenhouse Gas-GHG) in the atmosphere are considered the main factor that cause. Apart from the international commitments (Rio, Kyoto Protocol) and national efforts to reduce emissions, organizations and businesses can also have an active role in tackling climate change. This is no what citizens / consumers who attach great importance to this environmental aspect require from companies and expect concrete results proving so. The measurement of carbon footprint is now common practice for many organizations worldwide, and is usually accompanied by a specific strategy on Climate Change.

In any case it is considered an environmental claim, meaning that companies communicate to consumers a message of protecting the environment, however it is more than this. Several models for calculating carbon footprint require companies to develop plans to reduce the footprint of products over time. These actions may relate to changes in energy consumption, use of new environmental-friendly technology, changes in product packaging, use of raw materials with less transportation needs (emphasis on local suppliers), thus result in the long-term reduction of carbon footprint and therefore beneficial for the environment. Carbon footprint and the overall Carbon Strategy are not just marketing, but also provide substantial benefits to society, and many companies have begun to realize the importance of this interaction with consumers.

For more information visit our consulting services for LCA and Verification or GHG Measurement and Reduction

Clean technology has emerged as an umbrella term encompassing the investment asset class, technology, and business sectors which include clean energy, environmental, and sustainable or green, products and services. Clean technologies are known to improve the lives of people in both developing and developed countries, and therefore investments can render a nation competitive, offering added value to its citizens.

The World Clean Technology Summit will bring together world leaders in renewable energy, exhibitors, investors, scientists and clean technology providers from around the world to engage, interact with each other, exchange business contacts, forge partnerships, and pave a way forward for a sustainable future.

The Following are objectives for the World Clean Technology Summit:

Create a shared understanding of the role governments, private sector, non-Profit, academic and the media play in promoting clean technologies to achieve a sustainable future for all
Provide a platform for companies, investors, Governments, foundations, academicians and civil society organizations to share the efforts they are undertaking to promote clean technologies and to publicize new commitments to action
Inspire new forms of public-private, private-private partnerships, public policy measures, and associated business and development opportunities to overcome environment and development challenges at the country and international levels.

Every year, Pilot International continues to provide a Global Platform for Advancement of Innovations and Clean Technology for a Sustainable World.
The growth and success of our events is testament to Pilot Internationals’ determination to provide a global platform for effective dialogue on renewable energy, clean technology and environmental innovations, as well as to achieve 3 of the millennium development goals, such as, the DG3: Promoting Gender Equality& Women Empowerment, the MDG7: Ensuring Environmental Sustainability and the MDG8: Developing A Global Partnership For Development.

For more information you can visit www.pilotinternationalconferences.com

The current global economic crisis has had devastating effects on industries, societies and whole nations. The development gains of the past decades for which countries and their people struggled, were scaled down due to the economic downturn. With fewer resources available to confront the development threats and challenges, sustainable development is clearly at risk. Economic, social and ecological balances are all necessary to address various development deficits and inequalities facing all regions.

More than 14 million people lost their jobs in the States due to the crisis, and millions more saw their income being decreased, thus experiencing insecurity, with more sensitive sectors like tourism, IT and construction being particularly vulnerable. At the same time, nations seeking to strengthen their economies and revive productivity, make high investments on stimulus packages. However, not all countries have the fiscal space to implement countercyclical measures due to large existing budget deficits. The time has come to restore stability and sustainability in the economic and social order of the world.

The economic crisis can be seen as an opportunity to move from individual country responses to a more coordinated and integrated regional response. Developing the foundations for social protection needs to be seen by countries as an economic investment rather than a social cost. “Green fiscal stimulus packages” have seen a boost to their demand, as sustainable development is known to be cost effective. However, the mere 12% share of the US “Green fiscal stimulus packages”, preceded with the equivalent UK 11% share and the 64% share for the 25 EU countries (HSBC, 2009), shows there is still room for improvement.

Climate change is still considered a major threat to sustainable development. The challenge that needs to be met is to reduce GHG, while maintaining the economic growth which is necessary for development. This climate friendly economic development can be achieved through investment in sustainability –or else green- strategies. The shift of the individual level consumption patterns needs to be followed by a governmental strategy shift, in order for sustainable growth to spread, grow roots and lead countries to development. This way, countries will not only battle the current crisis, but will become crisis-resistant in time, while ensuring future growth.

Source: HSBC (2009). Building a Green Recovery. May 2009

According to the MIT Sloan Management Review Report corporate sustainability programs grew in 2011. Two thirds of the executives surveyed have responded that CSR has been part of their strategic agenda and is more likely to remain in the preceding years. Another issue being raised is also the necessity of CSR in order to increase business competitiveness in the dynamic business environment. However, although 70% of those surveyed realize the aforementioned importance of CSR strategies in the corporate agenda, only 24% have embraced such long term strategies and a 31% has started to realize the sustainability business case but have not yet integrated it in the organizational culture.

A further interesting finding of the study is the nature of corporate motivators to embrace sustainable business strategies: Consumer preference of the offered product or service seems to be to the most highly appreciated factor, with political pressure, resource scarcity/price volatility, competitors’ sustainability programs and stricter requirements from customers along value chain following.

And while businesses need to make a decision on establishing CSR strategies, it is also important that they understand the augmented value such strategies would offer. Apart from increased, businesses can gain a great competitive advantage, develop an ideal working environment and achieve high levels of risk and reputation management. Organizations therefore face a great challenge, now more than ever: Embrace Sustainability in their Corporate Strategy and form a solid sustainable business case.

Sustainability issues are at the forefront of corporate agendas across the world. Investors, board members and consumers are all curious as to what practices companies are using to remain sustainable.

“Twenty years ago, there were very few businesses that even knew what sustainability was,” says Bill Ford, executive chairman at Ford Motor Company told The Guardian. “If they did, they were pretty much against it. Today, you’d be hard-pressed to find a business that doesn’t understand the importance of it.”

A new survey, released by Accenture and the United Nations Global Compact, showed that 93% of CEOs realize that sustainability issues are important to the future success of the companies that they lead. Additionally. 81% of CEOs surveyed believe that sustainability issues are fully embedded into their companies’ strategy and operations, with many moving focus to their supply chains.

Are these companies really implementing processes in their everyday practices?

John Elkington, founder of SustainAbility and Volans, explained to The Guardian that while CEOs have appointed CSOs and complete annual reports, they are not looking at sustainability as a transformative agenda.

Where does your company stand on this? Do you go beyond annual reports?

Traditional risk management has extended to encompass the risks arising from climate change. What about the potential effect on production and business operations, regulatory and litigation risks and reputation risks?

Across the world, companies are addressing climate change utilizing a cross between traditional risk management and corporate sustainability efforts.

Climate change worries corporate decision makers, investors and insurers. How will the continually changing climate affect your company? Will there be a disruption to your business? Will you be impacted financially?

Investors are paying more attention to these issues more than ever. In a Ceres report, CEO of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System, Anne Stausboll wrote:

In light of our long-term liabilities, we need to understand the critical risks and opportunities faced by the companies in our portfolio.
Today, that includes the serious risks — financial, physical, and reputational — associated with issues such as climate change, natural resource scarcity, supply chain pressures and other global sustainability challenges. Any company that ignores these risks, and fails to develop a long-term strategy to address them, is diminishing its competitiveness in the 21st century. At the same time, there are enormous opportunities for businesses that fully embrace sustainability.

Ceres has outlined 20 key expectations that investors have in today’s business world that include the areas of governance, stakeholder engagement, disclosure and performance.These are meant to be utilized at guidelines.

Once your company has taken to its investors, a report by Marsh recommends that companies assess their exposure tat the board level as well, “so that directors can be aware of where climate change-related risks will appear on the list of the company’s biggest risks.”

There is still a long way to go in developing processes for managing climate risk. What approaches are your companies taking?

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