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Episode 3 LRQA Business Assurance Trust and Transparency Podcast Series

– 2nd Jul 2009 by Alex Briggs

Episode 3 LRQA Business Assurance Trust and Transparency Podcast Series In Episode 3 of the 10-part LRQA Business Assurance Trust and Transparency Podcast Series, Solitaire Townsend, co-founder and Chief Executive of Futerra Communications, offers insight into what businesses need to do to rebuild consumer trust, as well as the role that 3rd parties have in consumer decision making. Solitaire is one of the UK’s leading experts on environmental communications. In recognition of her work on environmental and sustainability issues, Solitaire was named as one of the original 15 “London Leaders” by then Mayor Ken Livingstone.

Danisco sees Sustainability leading Triple Bottom Line

– 26th Jun 2009 by Alex Briggs

According to this FoodNavigator.com article, Danisco’s new sustainability chief, Jeffrey Hogue, will look to build more value from company policies and seeing results on the bottom line – as well as for the environment and local communities.

Verification Program Manual - a standardised approach for independent and rigorous verification of GHG emissions

– 24th Jun 2009

The Climate Action Reserve has released the final version of the Verification Program Manual. This document provides verification bodies with a standardized approach for the independent and rigorous verification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions and removals.

Episode 2 LRQA Business Assurance Trust and Transparency Podcast Series

– 19th Jun 2009 by Alex Briggs

Episode 2 of the 10 part LRQA Business Assurance “Trust and Transparency” Podcast Series. This episode focuses on the “Accountability Gap” that was highlighted in the What Assures Consumers in an Economic Downturn Report. The research for the report was conducted in the UK by YouGov, commissioned by AccountAbility , sponsored by the Co-operative and supported by LRQA. The “AccountAbility Gap” refers to the difference between what consumers think an organisation’s responsibility is and how well they are at living up to that responsibility.

Business Assurance Thought of the Day - Guardian Climate Change Summit Notes

– 16th Jun 2009 by Alex Briggs

Here is a collection of notes and thoughts from Guardian Climate Change Summit 2009 in London yesterday, most of which were posted yesterday on our www.twitter.com/lrqa page.

First session thoughts and notes
Quote from Gavin Neath, Senior VP Unilever “Organisations need to learn humility.For the past 30 years, environmental groups were right, businesses were wrong.”
Mars looking to work with PAS 2050 the carbon Footprinting for products, according to Fiona Dawson, Managing Director, Mars, UK

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ISO 14001 and Stakeholder Credibility

– 16th Jun 2009 by Alex Briggs

ISO 14001, the environmental management systems standard, is increasingly being seen as a tool to help organisations engage with their stakeholders.
VWS has been working since 2006 with a project team drawn from all of the their divisions to implement ISO 14001 and achieve certification. This was awarded following a detailed audit of all five of VWS’s UK sites by Lloyds Register Quality Assurance (LRQA).

Live Twitter updates from the Guardian Climate Change Summit 2009

– 15th Jun 2009

The Businessassurance.com editor is at the Guardian Climate Change Summit in London today and will be providing live updates from the event on Twitter. Follow the editor here: www.twitter.com/lrqa
Businessassurance.com is there as an official media partner.

Aviation in the EUETS.

– 11th Jun 2009 by Madlen King

With effect from 2010 the aviation industry will be brought in to the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).Each aircraft operator will be administered by one Member State only (the state where an operating licence was issued OR the state in which the aircraft operator’s emissions in the base year are most attributable).
· From [...]

Episode 1 LRQA Business Assurance Trust and Transparency Podcast Series

– 9th Jun 2009 by Alex Briggs

The 10 part “Trust and Transparency” podcast series is here! Harriet Lamb of The Fairtrade Foundation starts the series with her insight on what it takes for organisations to rebuild consumer trust. She also talks about Fairtrade and how they have done during the current economic downturn. She also shares her thoughts on the What Assures Consumers in an Economic Downturn report, the latest in a series from AccountAbility, sponsored by the Co-operative and supported by LRQA.

June 8, 2009 Thought of the day - Climate Change

– 8th Jun 2009

The recession will be big, but climate change will be bigger.” Nicholas Stern.

Consumer behaviour to change if British refineries are to reduce carbon emissions

– 28th May 2009

Dr Holmes said that the major refineries could probably reduce their emissions by 60% while remaining commercially viable, but further cuts would only be made if demand dropped.

New Report - What Assures Consumers in an Economic Downturn?

– 28th May 2009

This latest research report ‘What Assures Consumers in an Economic Downturn?’ highlights that consumer attitudes to corporate responsibility have remained fairly stable during the early days of this downturn, comments Barry Clavin, Ethical Policies and Sustainability Reporting Manager, The Co-operative Group. He also says in the foreword of the report that, issues that mattered to consumers back in 2006 remain important today. Download the Full Report.

LRQA Business Assurance “Trust and Transparency” Podcast Series

– 27th May 2009 by Alex Briggs

The What Assures Consumers in an Economic Downturn report was commissioned by AccountAbility, sponsored by the Co-operative, supported by LRQA, with the online research being conducted by YouGov. In early June, we will be launching a 10-part audio and video podcast series from interviews and presentations from the launch event. Sign up to our subscription updates or our iTunes podcast link at the top right hand corner of www.businessassurance.com .

Climate Change Corp weigh up the competition around carbon labelling

– 7th May 2009

For companies looking to get their products carbon labelled, three carbon labels are currently up and running. But which are the most credible and what do you get for your money?

www.businessassurance.com launches new Asia specific section

– 5th May 2009 by Alex Briggs

We now have 9 sections in total, with the Asia specific section joining Climate Change, Food, Supply Chain, CSR, Product Conformity, Risk, Management Systems and Business Continuity.

Chocolatiers to address Supply Chain in battle to reduce waste

– 20th Apr 2009 by Alex Briggs

Chocolatiers are set to look beyond the Easter period in their efforts to meet the demands of their stakeholders to reduce waste.
In devising new industry measures for retail chains and manufacturers, Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a UK government backed programme, says it has begun to look at wider issues of food and material waste across the supply chain.

Global Developments in CCS

– 24th Mar 2009 by Madlen King

Global developments in Carbon Capture and Storage are rapidly progressing. The Sunday Times reports on proposals announced by Scottish Power for the implementation of “carbon capture” technology via liquefaction and burial at sea at the existing coal-fired power station at Longannet, in Fife. Scottish Power believes its 300 megawatt plant could be up and running [...]

China Proposes Importing Nations Should Be Responsible for CO2 Emissions

– 18th Mar 2009 by Alex Briggs

In this BBC online article, China’s top climate change negotiator, Li Gao, said his country should not pay for cutting emissions caused by the high demands of other countries.

China Proposes Importing Nations Should Be Responsible for CO2 Emissions

– 18th Mar 2009 by Alex Briggs

In this BBC online article, China’s top climate change negotiator, Li Gao, said his country should not pay for cutting emissions caused by the high demands of other countries.

Climate change deniers are ‘flat-earthers’

– 15th Mar 2009 by Madlen King

Economist Nicholas Stern warns of ‘absolute lunacy’ of do-nothing approach of Czech president Václav Klaus and fellow climate change sceptics in an interview with the guardian newspaper he shares his views on taking no action on climate change follow the below link for the full article:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/mar/10/nicholas-stern-accuses-climate-change-deniers

Carbon Disclosure Project Reports

– 12th Mar 2009 by Madlen King

The Carbon Disclosure Project has just released two new reports, available at
www.cdproject.net/reports.asp
The CDP Public Procurement Report, which reveals the power of the public sector to use procurement to transform the UK to a low carbon economy. For the first time, local and central government are collaborating to maintain a resilient and sustainable supply chain by [...]

The Acidic Oceans of Climate Change

– 12th Mar 2009 by Madlen King

Scientists at Bristol University predict that dangerous levels of acidification in the planet’s oceans, the Guardian reports. This increase is believed to be caused by the increasing quantities of carbon dioxide emitted into our atmosphere. The results of the research will be reported at a climate change conference in Copenhagen this week.

Navigating the American Carbon World 2009

Event: 1st Mar 2009 – 3rd Apr 2009

The 7th Annual Navigating the American Carbon World conference enjoys a partnership between Point Carbon, California Climate Action Registry and IETA.

Ten eco-marketing tips

– 28th Jan 2009

Brendan May, Managing Director of Planet 2050, offers 10 eco-marketing tips.

American Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative FAQ’s

– 27th Jan 2009 by Madlen King

American Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative FAQ’s published

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), an initiative of the North East and Mid Atlantic States of the US have published an updated FAQ document. The FAQ document contains useful information for parties interested in submitting a Qualification Application or Intent to Bid for RGGI CO2 Allowance Auctions.

Global Cap-and-Trade still on the cards for Aviation

– 22nd Jan 2009 by Madlen King

Representatives of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) have confirmed that despite the implementation of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme for aircraft operators flying into, out of and intra EU Member States, they will continue to progress plans for a international cap and trade scheme for carbon emissions from aviation.

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Aviation soon to enter the EUETS

– 21st Jan 2009 by Madlen King

Aircraft operators will be brought into the EUETS as of 2010. As progress continues with the European Commission and the European Parliament in the agreement of the Monitoring and Reporting Requirements (MRG) to be placed on aircraft operators within the scheme, the dates for implementation are looming.

The directive sets out basic requirements for aircraft operators.

Technical reports on baseline Tonne-Kilometer (TKM) data and annual emissions data have been drafted for the Commission, to advise them on issues requiring clarification within the MRG . Furthermore application formats have been drafted for applying for a TKM Monitoring Plan, an Annual Emissions Monitoring Plan and for TKM and Annual Emissions Reports. However, until such time as a draft MRG is issued many operators are unclear of the requirements.

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Corporate Governance and Climate Change - Consumer and Technology Companies

– 21st Jan 2009 by Madlen King

A new report carried out by Ceres where a team of investors and environmentalists studied the climate change policies of a number of the worlds largest tech and consumer companies see what the results were.

The Economics of ISO 14001

– 13th Jan 2009 by Alex Briggs

BT Germany has just become the 5th BT country to be certified against the global environmental management system standard, ISO 14001, following a four-day external audit by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA).
Jens Krause, BT Germany’s quality manager commented on the value of ISO 14001 certification, “As well as helping to retain business, we believe the improvements will save more than €900,000 each year, and cut our carbon footprint by 12 tonnes.”

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Consumers will choose green gadgets in 2009

– 9th Jan 2009

In the near future, the “greenness” of a gadget will have a big influence on whether consumers will buy it, suggests research just published.

German Corporate Partnership sets out to answer, “What does sustainable production actually mean?”

– 8th Dec 2008 by Alex Briggs

This Food and Drink Europe article talks about the new set of criteria and standards for sustainable fruit and veg production that BASF Corporation is developing for German supermarket chain Rewe. Named Crop Protection, the new standards aim to give sustainability assurances throughout the food chain, right through to consumers.

New EU legislation on climate and energy finalised tomorrow

– 3rd Dec 2008

The Guardian reports that, tomorrow Ed Miliband, secretary of state for energy and climate change, will meet with ministers in Brussels to finalise new EU legislation on climate and energy.

Green supply chain, shouldn’t everybody have one?

– 3rd Dec 2008

A recent article on Manufacturing & Logistics IT website talks about the rapidly rising energy costs and environmental concerns have driven ‘green’ issues ever higher on the business agenda.

TNT cites ISO 14001 as key to Environmental Performance

– 12th Nov 2008 by Alex Briggs

TNT cites ISO 14001 as key to Environmental Performance TNT UK/Ireland and their use of ISO 14001 as the key to their overall environmental strategy was the focus of a Sustainable Business Magazine article in the October edition.
TNT uses management systems to underpin their business, currently holding four certifications in the UK/Ireland: ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems) OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) and Investors in People. TNT has reported significant competitive advantage from the achievement of verifiable environmental performance.

Neil Griffiths, director of health, safety and environment at TNT Express Services says: “In terms of business assurance, this is not just a tick in the box.”

Ethical Supply Chain Video Podcast Series Episode 2, Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) Interview

– 11th Nov 2008 by Alex Briggs

Frances Way, Supply Chain Project Director for the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), talked to us about the CDP’s Supply Chain Project. This is the second episode in a four part series. The interviews for this video podcast series were conducted at the Ethical Supply Chain Summit in Berlin.
Frances shared some of the key supplier insights that the CDP have gathered in their work with the world’s leading global brands, as well as the role that verification plays in the data that the CDP collect on global supply chains.
The video can also be found here .

ISO standards contribute to meeting World Food Day 2008 challenge

– 6th Nov 2008

World Food Day 2008 addresses what has been categorised by many as one of the greatest challenges of our time: climate change and its impact on food security.

What Price would you pay for green logistics?

– 6th Nov 2008

A new 3PL Logistics study says ‘green’ supply chains are essential for future business success yet the majority of logistics executives are unwilling to spend the money to make it happen.

Is price driving the sustainability debate?

– 29th Sep 2008 by Alex Briggs

Food manufacturers have begun a massive repackaging effort to address the environmental concerns of consumers. This article takes a look at the way that some global brands are addressing the issue, as well as how they are attempting to balance environmental concerns with consumer health concerns.

“Good for you” will increasingly be faced off with “good for the environment,” and food companies will find themselves redefining how their food products will retain appeal, according to Mintel International in Chicago.

Clarity and Transparency Needed for Green Claims

– 18th Sep 2008 by Alex Briggs

Brands making green claims about their products need clarity on what they can and cannot say. This Ethical Corp. article highlights the difficulty for corporations in proving their green claims. The use of language, including sustainability and “low-carbon” were highlighted as terms that are difficult to prove and could potentially leave global brands open to criticism.

Are Standards the answer to the Biofuels Debate?

– 15th Sep 2008 by Alex Briggs

The Gallagher Review, commissioned by the UK government and released in July, concluded the EU’s biofuels target of 10% of all fuels by 2020 could not be met sustainably and advised that targets be scaled back.

The report concluded that, while the current targets are not realistic under the existing regulations,

if robust, comprehensive and mandatory sustainability standards are implemented now, a genuinely sustainable industry could evolve.

This ClimateChangeCorp.com article goes on to discuss existing standards, as well as introducing the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels “Version Zero” proposed standard.

Gold Standard Registry now includes more than 200 valid greenhouse gas reduction projects

– 11th Sep 2008

APX and the Gold Standard Foundation are pleased to announce today that the Gold Standard Registry now includes more than 200 valid greenhouse gas reduction projects in various stages of approval representing renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in over 30 countries. This dramatic growth — well ahead of expectations — represents a total potential [...]

Tesco’s Carbon Labelling Podcast

– 8th Sep 2008

In this episode, we hear from Katherine Symonds, Tesco’s Sustainability Manager, about Tesco’s carbon labelling pilot project.

Major manufacturers and retailers refine shipping and logistics operations to save energy costs

– 2nd Sep 2008

A survey just released by eyefortransport tells us what for most green-minded professionals seems obvious: High fuel prices are causing the country’s manufacturers, retailers and logistics providers to rethink their transportation strategies.

BCFA creates code of best practice

– 2nd Sep 2008

The British Contract Furnishing & Design Association is aiming to set a benchmark in environmental standards with a new code of best practice which includes looking at ISO 14001.

Japanese Government Launches Carbon Labelling Initiative

– 31st Aug 2008 by Alex Briggs

Japan is the latest country to commit to carbon labelling retail products. According to this Guardian article, about 30 companies will display their labeled items at an eco-products fair in Tokyo in December, and the first batches are expected to appear in shops at the beginning of April 2009.

New method to measure carbon emissions across entire supply chain in all tiers

– 20th Aug 2008

Carnegie Mellon University researchers are urging companies to embrace new methods for following the trail of dangerous carbon emissions that are responsible for much of the world’s global warming threats.

Interview with the CEO of the CDP

– 20th Aug 2008 by Alex Briggs

Paul Dickinson, the CEO of the Carbon Disclosure Project, is the focus of this interview from the Low Carbon Innovation Bulletin.

Consumers on the importance of Food Labelling

– 7th Aug 2008 by Alex Briggs

This Food Business Daily article looks at the ever increasing amount of labels on food products. Are consumers paying attention to these claims and understanding what the claims mean? Or are there better ways to reach consumers?

Coca-Cola Enterprises releases 3rd CRS Report

– 1st Aug 2008

Coca-Cola Enterprises (NYSE:CCE), the world’s largest marketer, distributor, and producer of Coca-Cola products, has published its third company-wide Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CRS) Report, Shape Tomorrow…Today.

Will consumers pay more for eco-friendly products? Apparently they will…

– 1st Aug 2008

Many Americans, including those who are enduring financial hardship, are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products, according to a survey conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media and the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies.

Credit crunch no excuse to stop focusing on environment

– 1st Aug 2008

The past decade has seen significant improvements in environmental performance by many businesses in England and Wales. But there are still lots of companies that need to do more - and what progress has been made should not stop just because of a slowdown in the economy, the Environment Agency warned today.

Recent study of environmental policies shows that success means treating people as active partners

– 1st Aug 2008

A recent study of such environmental policies shows they are more likely to be successful if people are treated as active partners in the process of change and not as passive subjects.

The Six Sins of Greenwashing

– 1st Aug 2008

These terms make it meaningful for companies disclosing any data and information rather than the scientific principles all the schemes use e.g. materiality, faithfulness, etc.

Eye for Transport Report Highlights Green Supply Chain Issues

– 29th Jul 2008 by Alex Briggs

The attached report is the result of Eye For Transport’s recent survey of Supply Chain experts, with both current and future trends being evaluated.

Economics leading to Greener Supply Chains

– 23rd Jul 2008 by Alex Briggs

The high price of energy and oil are driving brands to “green” their supply chains. This Climatechangecorp.com article highlights some of the ways that logistics providers are taking steps to improve fuel efficiency, increase payload and better manage their environmental and economic performance.

APX Powers the Voluntary Carbon Standard Registry

– 13th Jul 2008

Apex Inc., today announced that the company has been selected by the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) Association, a leading international standards organization, to develop and manage a greenhouse gas transaction registry.

BT Pledges 80% Emissions Cut, Links Financial And Environmental Performance

– 10th Jul 2008

BT has announced plans to cut its carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2020 and published a “Climate Stabilization Intensity Target”.

New labelling standard to be issued only to UK organisations that show real reductions year-on-year

– 8th Jul 2008

The Carbon Trust says its standard will only be issued to UK organisations that show “real reductions year-on-year.

Tesco defends carbon label scheme

– 6th Jul 2008

As critics accuse carbon labels of confusing customers, supermarket giant insists initiative has proved “encouraging” and cheaper than expected, reports James Murray, BusinessGreen.

Shoppers urge retailers to ditch non-green products

– 6th Jul 2008

More than three quarters of consumers want higher environmental product standards from government

Sustainable action greening supply chain

– 3rd Jul 2008

A report this week from Danisco on its waste and energy saving initiatives and a US dairy industry-wide action plan on carbon emissions.

Carbon credit trading rising in Australia, but is it transparent?

– 3rd Jul 2008

Carbon credit brokers have sprung up across the nation. It is the environmental cottage industry we had to have in the long wait until 2010 when Australia finally gets a national emissions trading scheme.

Check-out carbon: the role of carbon labelling in delivering a low-carbon shopping basket

– 3rd Jul 2008

Check-out Carbon, published by sustainable development charity Forum for the Future, also reveals that 77 per cent of consumers want the government to set higher environmental product standards.

Carbon labelling – crunch time

– 2nd Jul 2008

Has the credit crunch begun to affect what you put in your shopping basket? How about the Carbon crunch?

Forum for the Future’s new report: Check out Carbon

– 2nd Jul 2008

Forum for the Future’s new report, sponsored by Lloyd’s Register, entitled Check-out Carbon, released.

Carbon labels to arrive in China

– 2nd Jul 2008

Carbon Trust to open office in Beijing as UK government steps up plans to address supply chain emissions.

Are good intentions enough?

– 2nd Jul 2008

Telling customers about your environmental targets is all well and good but, as Paul Thomas argues, they are meaningless if you do not know how they are to be achieved.

Canada Ad Watchdog Releases Green Marketing Guidelines

– 30th Jun 2008

A new guide from the Canadian Competition Bureau of the Canadian Standards Association provides the business community there with green marketing guidelines.

Stern Helps Launch New Carbon Ratings Agency

– 30th Jun 2008

The UK Government’s climate change adviser, Sir Nicholas Stern, helped launch an emissions reduction initiative.

Efficiency = Economics For HK’s Textile Industry

– 30th Jun 2008

WWF and a small number of factory owners in Hong Kong and southern China are developing a carbon labeling system

Easing the transformation to environmentally-sound supply chains with product tests

– 30th Jun 2008

Manufacturers today are undergoing one of their most drastic shifts ever in the major green movement.

California delves into regulatory standards on voluntary carbon offsets

– 3rd Jun 2008

California legislators say they just want to make sure voluntary carbon offsets purchased by individuals deliver the promised benefits, but one of two bills on the table has offset providers nervous.

Mandatory and voluntary carbon markets see significant growth in 2007

– 15th May 2008

Both the mandatory and voluntary carbon markets saw significant growth in 2007, though the voluntary market experienced the biggest boost, tripling in value with even more expansion expected.
The voluntary carbon market is still a small part of all carbon buying and trading, with a value of $331 million in 2007. The two major mandatory markets [...]

Unilever pledge to use only palm oil certified as sustainable by 2015

– 9th May 2008

Unilever has pledged to use only palm oil certified as sustainable by 2015, while also supporting calls for a moratorium on further deforestation for palm oil in Indonesia.

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Corporate emissions reporting protocols should go further to link emissions to financial performance

– 9th May 2008

Corporate emissions reporting protocols should go further to link GHG emissions to corporate financial performance – concludes new Ethical Corporation Institute report.

The green product life cycle - beginning to end, and beyond

– 9th May 2008

Products are increasingly being designed, manufactured and packaged with a new focus on the end of their life cycle – and beyond

Is cost a barrier to fulfilling your energy efficiency goals?

– 8th May 2008

A different approach to assessing green corporate investments in energy efficiency, whether it is upgrading equipment or replacing the inefficient lighting in a facility.

Tropical insects first to be affected by climate change?

– 6th May 2008

Scientists also warned that there will be other effects of global warming that could also have a serious impact on tropical regions, particularly on food crops.

Where there is a will, there is a light

– 24th Apr 2008 by Alex Briggs

Through the hard work and creativity of Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, and his Grameen Bank, Bangladesh is leading the way on solar energy. This ClimateChangeCorp article explains how Bangladesh is reducing its carbon footprint and creating jobs in the process.
Is anyone watching or listening?

Latest Survey Indicates Americans want proof of green claims

– 23rd Apr 2008

90% of Americans say that companies need to prove their green claims, 80% say they should have independent third-party certification of those claims.

This Environmental Leader article highlights the Green Gap Survey from Cone and The Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship surveyed US consumers on a range of topics regarding environmental products and the companies selling them.

The Biofuels Debate: Do we feed people or cars?

– 15th Apr 2008 by Alex Briggs

With the new Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) coming into force today, oil companies are required oil companies to ensure all petrol and diesel they sell in the UK contains a minimum level of biofuel. This article in the Independent takes a closer look at the debate over the use of farm land as a transportation fuel source.

UK Minister for the Environment to deliver keynote address at Climate Response event

– 8th Apr 2008

The Minister will discuss how the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC), the new mandatory carbon cap-and-trade scheme, will impact businesses operating in the UK.

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Steps to a greener supply chain

– 1st Apr 2008

Just the sheer complexity of today’s long and global supply chains might be enough to daunt any thought of where to start to implement green strategies and technologies. But there is a lot of help available out there to make the journey an easier one.

California Climate Action Registry (CCAR) Podcast

– 20th Mar 2008

In this episode we talk to the Vice-President of Ryerson, Master and Associates, (RMA), about the California Climate Action Registry (CCAR), a non-profit public/private partnership headquartered in Los Angeles that serves as a voluntary greenhouse gas registry to protect, encourage, and promote early actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Consumers kiss convenience packaging goodbye

– 18th Mar 2008

More than half of U.S. consumers would give up all forms of packaging provided for convenience purposes if it would benefit the environment.

2008 Budget - does it really address climate change?

– 17th Mar 2008

The Chancellor has fallen a long way short of his promise to put sustainability at the heart of today’s Budget, says Friends of the Earth.

The Corporate ecosystem services review

– 17th Mar 2008

This set of guidelines, accompanied by case studies from five businesses, explains the steps a business should take to identify what ecosystems it depends on and the risks and opportunities related to changes in those ecosystems.

Lobster fisheries certified sustainable

– 17th Mar 2008

The Maine lobster industry is seeking to have its lobster certified as sustainable by the London-based Marine Stewardship Council.

Trends in consumer actions to protect the environment

– 17th Mar 2008

In the current wave of the environmental movement, there is quite a bit of talk. But research from Natural Marketing Institute shows that there is also quite a bit of action.

Carbon labelling, confused?

– 13th Mar 2008

To help shoppers make green choices, companies are slapping carbon labels on products. But even if the public can interpret the information, will it help reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

New report helps make sense of the voluntary carbon offset market

– 13th Mar 2008

The Stockholm Environment announces the release of a comprehensive
new report on the voluntary carbon offset market.

State of Green Business 2008 - Report

– 10th Mar 2008

It introduces the GreenBiz Index, a set of 20 indicators of progress, tracking the resource use, emissions, and business practices of U.S. companies: carbon, materials, energy, and toxics intensity, clean-tech investments, e-waste recovery, paper use, employee commuting, and more.

Helping small businesses in the U.S. go green

– 10th Mar 2008 by Sarah Whitworth

Although large companies continually grab the headlines with far-reaching announcements about carbon reduction, recycling and eco-friendly products, small businesses have just as much ability to affect the environment.

2008 Sees the new face of starvation

– 10th Mar 2008

Millions more of the world’s most vulnerable people are facing starvation as food shortages loom and crop prices spiral ever upwards.

Certification driving the Sustainability agenda?

– 6th Mar 2008 by Alex Briggs

This CSR NewsWire story takes a look at the increasing role that certification is taking in sustainability and CSR.

Green-e Climate certifying carbon offsets

– 28th Feb 2008

The Center for Resource Solutions has launched Green-e Climate, what it says is the nation’s first independent certification for carbon offset products.

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Japan aims for emissions trade with Russia

– 27th Feb 2008

Japan and Russia have agreed to start talks on fighting global warming, including possible greenhouse gas emissions trading that would help Tokyo to meet its goals under the Kyoto Protocol, media said on Sunday.

Duke Energy CEO to open Sustainable Manufacturing Summit

– 27th Feb 2008

Rogers is opening the two-day summit which focuses on how manufacturers can reduce their climate impact at every stage of the production process – from product design through to waste.

Event discount for businessassurance.com subscribers

– 27th Feb 2008

Businessassurance.com subscribers are encouraged to take advantage of a 15% discount off Corporate Climate Response - London, which takes place May 20-21st at the CBI Conference Centre.

World emissions protocol on way

– 25th Feb 2008

Only months after releasing its Voluntary Carbon Standard for carbon offsets, The Climate Group has revealed that it will soon begin work on a guide for auditors to follow when calculating the carbon footprint of business and households.

Corporate Climate Response - London

Event: 20th May 2008 – 21st May 2008

This event will cover the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC), the UK’s new mandatory carbon trading scheme and Climate Change and the Food Industry, by looking at the climate impact across the food supply chain from agriculture through to waste.

Corporate Climate Response – Sustainable Manufacturing

Event: 8th Apr 2008 – 9th Apr 2008

Country: USA
City: Chicago
Event website: Corporate Climate Response – Sustainable Manufacturing Summit
Organized by Green Power Conferences this conference will contain sessions focusing on climate-friendly product development, operational response, and sustainable supply chains, this event covers carbon reduction at every stage of the manufacturing process.
Over 50 companies are speaking including representatives from Dell, GE, HP, Johnson [...]

Carbon Offsetters give code thumbs up

– 21st Feb 2008

Greenbang reports, ‘After good old Mr (Hilary) Benn gave out Defra’s voluntary code of conduct for carbon offsetters this week, offsetters are now keen to give Mr Benn a warm round of applause.’

Eight firms in talks to form carbon offset trade group

– 21st Feb 2008

Industry coalition to involve many of the biggest names in the UK’s carbon offset sector

Cheat sheet: Carbon offsetting quality mark

– 21st Feb 2008

BusinessGreen takes a closer look at the government’s controversial attempts to clean up the carbon offset market.

Clouds on the horizon - aviation and the EU ETS

– 19th Feb 2008

A recent blog looks at the current situation in avaiation and the EU ETS.

Climate Change, localised global approach

– 14th Feb 2008 by Alex Briggs

With climate change dominating headlines around the world, this Wall Street Journal article takes a look at the efforts of nine cities to reduce their carbon footprint and their energy bills.

How do Global FT500 calculate & verify their GHG emissions?

– 11th Feb 2008

Ethical Corporation have just launched a business intelligence report on how the Global FT500 are calculating and verifying their greenhouse gas emissions.

The Green Supply Chain Summit

Event: 24th Jun 2008 – 25th Jun 2008

Taking you from step one to step ten to achieve a green supply chain

Co-op Gets Serious: No caged hens, only Fairtrade hot drinks, reduce pesticides + packaging

– 11th Feb 2008 by Alex Briggs

The Co-operative Group, have announced transparent, detailed plans on addressing stakeholder concerns. They will ban the sale of eggs from caged hens, convert its entire own-brand hot beverage range to Fairtrade, reduce the weight of its wine packaging and add a further 66 pesticides to its prohibited list.

EU Launches ‘Clean Sky’ Green Aircraft Initiative

– 7th Feb 2008 by Sarah Whitworth

The Clean Sky joint technology initiative was launched in Europe.
The JTI, a EUR 1.6 billion public-private partnership, aims to make aircraft cleaner and more efficient. It will select technologies for development between 2008 and 2010, leading to full-scale demonstrations between 2013 and 2014.

Carbon Disclosure Project to expand to 3,000 companies globally

– 7th Feb 2008 by Alex Briggs

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) will be sending out their questionnaires to over 3,000 companies globally. Their seventh report will see them extending their work into China, Korea and the Netherlands, among others.

Wal Mart suppliers to all be GFSI accredited

– 6th Feb 2008 by Alex Briggs

Wal Mart will require all suppliers of their own label products to meet the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards.

Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, said GFSI standards provide real-time details on where suppliers fall short in food safety on a plant-by-plant basis, and go beyond the current audit process required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Climate Change’s first victims named, are you on the list?

– 5th Feb 2008 by Alex Briggs

Climate Change’s first victims named, are you on the list? A team of global climate change experts has ranked the most fragile and vulnerable regions on the planet, and warned they are in danger of sudden and catastrophic collapse before the end of the century.
In a study published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the scientists identify the nine areas that are in gravest danger of passing critical thresholds or “tipping points.”

Wal Mart to pay more for sustainably sourced products

– 4th Feb 2008 by Alex Briggs

Lee Scott, CEO and President of CEO commented,

“The drive will see the retailer favour - and in some cases even pay more - for suppliers that meet our standards and share our commitment to quality and sustainability”.
“Paying more in the short term for quality will mean paying less in the long term as a company. Higher quality products will mean better value, fewer problems, fewer returns and greater trust with our customers,”

Coca Cola to build new green power power plants

– 31st Jan 2008 by Alex Briggs

Coca Cola has announced that they will build two new power plants, with each plant set to reduce CO2 emissions by 40%.

Most companies today focus on environmental issues for PR not financial value

– 30th Jan 2008

While investors believe the environment is a serious business issue, they also believe that many companies have yet to view it that way.

Leading Food and Drink Manufacturers commit to reducing water usage

– 29th Jan 2008

Food and Drink manufacturers, who currently account for 10% of global industrial water usage, have signed up to a voluntary agreement to slash their water usage by up to 20%.

Cadbury Schweppes, Premier Foods, Tate & Lyle and Nestlé UK, among others, have signed up to a Food and Drink Federation initiative to reduce their impact on the environment.

CHR Hanson focuses on sustainability in new Environmental report

– 25th Jan 2008 by Alex Briggs

CHR Hanson has published their environmental report, with the focus being around sustainable business.
We need to improve our monitoring capacity further to ensure that our baseline measurements are correct and comparable,” the company stated.

EU to auction all emissions permits

– 21st Jan 2008

The emissions trading system that has been criticised for giving power generators a £9billion windfall is likely to be swept away in 2013, the TIMES ONLINE reports.

Biofuels may not deliver CO2 cuts, scientists warn

– 21st Jan 2008

Biofuels have a limited ability to replace fossil fuels and should not be regarded as a “silver bullet” solution to reducing transport emissions, British scientists warned today.

A new mindset for corporate sustainability

– 21st Jan 2008

Organizations that wish to grow profitably in the future must focus their efforts to benefit shareholders, society and the environment simultaneously, according to a paper published today by a group of academic experts on corporate responsibility and sustainability.

Virgin launches new green fund

– 21st Jan 2008

Virgin Money is launching a green fund which will invest only in companies committed to high environmental standards.

HP, L’Oreal, Pepsi and others ask suppliers for emissions data

– 21st Jan 2008 by Sarah Whitworth

Hewlett Packard, L’Oreal, PepsiCo, and Reckitt Benckiser have joined the Carbon Disclosure Project’s Supply Chain Leadership Collaboration, which wants to create a single standardized approach to measuring the carbon footprint of supply chains.

Only Science can save us!

– 21st Jan 2008 by Alex Briggs

An article in The Observer brings home the harsh realities that consumers, business and government have to face in dealing with climate change.

New Report claims shipping emissions could be double what we thought

– 21st Jan 2008 by Alex Briggs

A new report to be released is creating a lot of debate in the shipping industry. The report, conducted on behalf of the International Association of Tanker Owners (Intertanko), estimates that emissions from the shipping industry might be as much as double as previously assumed.

Alcoa Joins California Climate Registry

– 18th Jan 2008 by Alex Briggs

Alcoa is the latest organisation to sign up for the California Climate Registry (CCR), making their carbon emissions available to the public.

The CCR is awarding founding reporter status to companies that sign up to the scheme before May 2008, as an incentive for early membership.

Companies that sign up commit to voluntarily measure, independently verify and publicly report their industrial gas emissions.

The CCR’s Gary Gero is interviewed in this Voluntary Carbon Standard podcast.

2008 could be tipping point for voluntary carbon markets

– 16th Jan 2008

There remains a huge untapped potential in the voluntary carbon markets waiting to be explored. Year 2008 could very well be the tipping point for the voluntary carbon markets

Britain must stop ducking action on green issues

– 15th Jan 2008

Little or nothing is being done to develop the low-carbon infrastructure that would secure us a competitive advantage when the price of carbon rises - as it inevitably will, a recent article in The Guardian reports.

Support for biofuels risks failing to deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions

– 15th Jan 2008

The UK government’s support for biofuels risks failing to deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and could be environmentally damaging, the Royal Society, the UK’s leading scientific academy, said yesterday, writes Ed Crooks . The society called on the UK and the EU to reform biofuels policy to give more support to fuels that delivered greater cuts in emissions.

Are ethical food labels telling the whole story?

– 14th Jan 2008 by Alex Briggs

Organic or fairtrade? Sustainable or certified? With so many labels on food, clothes and white goods, it’s a miracle that we make it to the checkout before closing time. This article in the Observer takes a look at some of the labels out there. Which ones live up to their eco credentials?

TerraPass join the Federal Trade Commission hearing on carbon offsets

– 13th Jan 2008

TerraPass joined industry experts, environmental and consumer groups, and academics at a Federal Trade Commission hearing on carbon offsets, reports a blog written by Adam Stern.

EC plans to promote innovative, environmentally-focused markets

– 9th Jan 2008

The European Commission plans to promote innovative, environmentally-focused markets with a new initiative.

Aurora Organic Dairy takes aim at its emissions

– 9th Jan 2008

Aurora Organic Dairy will join forces with the University of Michigan to measure and reduce its carbon footprint across the lifecycle of its product line.

Industry attacks EU green legislation

– 7th Jan 2008

Plans to tighten European anti-pollution legislation could force the closure of swathes of industry in the UK, business leaders have warned.

Voluntary Carbon Standard interview on Climatechangecorp.com

– 7th Jan 2008 by Alex Briggs

LRQA’s Dr Anne Marie Warris was interviewed by the leading climate change website. She talks about some of the key issues facing the voluntary carbon market and how the VCS is uniquely positioned to offer the voluntary market credibility.

Power firms to pocket £6bn from carbon ‘handouts’ in new emissions regime

– 2nd Jan 2008

The UK’s biggest polluters will reap a windfall of at least £6bn from rising power prices and the soaring value of carbon under the new European carbon trading scheme that critics say fails to correct the flaws of the system it replaced.

EC to further cut industrial emissions

– 26th Dec 2007

The European Commission last week adopted new legislation on industrial emissions to strengthen the provisions already in force and reduce industrial emissions throughout the European Union.

Business giants look to a greener Taiwan

– 21st Dec 2007

Taiwan’s draft bill of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act, which was approved by the Executive Yuan in September 2006, has yet to pass the Legislative Yuan, and the country, like the developed economies of the West and Japan is still producing more than its fair share of carbon dioxide.

carmakers offered protection against new greenhouse gas legislation

– 21st Dec 2007

The Bush administration has finally offered the carmakers some protection against California’s harsh new greenhouse gas legislation, a recent article reports.

Commission car emissions proposal fails climate challenge

– 20th Dec 2007

In a long-awaited proposal, presented today, for curbing global warming pollution from new cars, the European Commission has relegated climate change to the back seat and granted major concessions to the car industry, said Greenpeace.

Companies turn climate change to their advantage

– 19th Dec 2007

Climate change, so long ignored or even denied, can no longer be disregarded, and is forcing companies throughout all sectors to re-evaluate their practices. And as with all ‘obstacles’, companies have started using climate change as a vehicle to promote what they do best: make business.

Sainsbury’s improve the supply chain of its milk

– 17th Dec 2007

Last autumn, Sainsbury’s announced it was trying something new with the way it sourced its milk.

Climate deal sealed by US U-turn

– 15th Dec 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

Delegates at the UN summit in Bali have agreed a deal on curbing climate change after days of bitter wrangling, the BBC reports.

Greenpeace calls on consumers to challenge gaming giants

– 14th Dec 2007

Greenpeace has called on gamers to persuade Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo to make their consoles greener, the BBC reports.

Carbon Coalition Draft Activity Program 2008

– 14th Dec 2007

The Carbon Coalition draft activity plan includes the following projects which are planned for implementation in 2008.

Report from Bali - Carbon Credits For Efficient Commercial Driving

– 12th Dec 2007

Could the U.S. significantly reduce carbon emissions by training public transit and truck drivers to “Ecodrive?” If a program in smog-filled Jakarta is any indication, educating commercial drivers about efficient driving habits and proper vehicle maintenance can measurably reduce carbon emissions.

Abbott pledge to reduce GHG emissions

– 12th Dec 2007

Abbott has pledged to reduce its total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by two percent on an absolute basis from 2006 to 2011.

Green Awareness Remains High, Green Purchases Up

– 12th Dec 2007

“Going Green” awareness continues to be high, according to research from Intellitrends. Relative to recent news regarding the environment and “going green,” close to 60 percent of consumers say they read a newspaper or magazine article on the topic, reports a recent article from environmental leader.

Climate change as a financial risk?

– 12th Dec 2007 by Alex Briggs

According to this Climatechangecorp.com article The US is looking into making CSR reporting on climate change a mandatory element of the information disclosed to investors.

Policing the voluntary carbon market

– 12th Dec 2007

Voluntary greenhouse-gas emission offset markets are in need of government oversight, reports a recent article called, Policing the voluntary carbon market, written by leading experts in the fieild.

Airline Launches Carbon Offset Program

– 12th Dec 2007

Continental Airlines has launched a voluntary carbon offsetting program that lets customers view the carbon footprint of their booked itinerary and to make a contribution to Sustainable Travel International to fund the purchase of carbon offsets.

ISO, WRI and WBCSD to work together to promote Greenhouse Gas Standards

– 11th Dec 2007 by Alex Briggs

The International Standards Organisation (ISO), the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainabale Development (WBCSD) have joined forces to jointly promote the ISO 14064 standards and the WRI and WBCSD GHG Protocol standards.

First global carbon index unveiled

– 10th Dec 2007

A Greenbiz.com article reports on Barclays Capital’s launch of the first index to track the performance of carbon credits issued though major greenhouse gas emissions trading schemes.

UK’s greenhouse gas emissions up by a fifth

– 10th Dec 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

The report - ‘Too Good To Be True? The UK’s Climate Change Record’ - says the implications are stark. Britain has not yet - as ministers claim - broken the link between economic growth and emissions, a Telegraph article reports.

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Diplomats warned that climate change is security issue, not a green dilemma

– 6th Dec 2007

The Independant reports from the UN Conference in Bali today about the delegations from some 190 countries began talks on the Indonesian island of Bali yesterday, aimed at agreeing a “road map” for a successor to the Kyoto protocol.

UK to seek pact on shipping and aviation pollution at climate talks

– 5th Dec 2007

A recent Gaurdian article reports on the current United Nations Climate Change event being held in Bali this week.

‘Climate Change 2007′ - The Synthesis Report is released

– 5th Dec 2007

Climate Change 2007”, has now been completed. Its final part, “The Synthesis Report” was released in Valencia, Spain, on 17 November 2007. Earlier this year, the three IPCC Working Groups contributions to the AR4 were released.

Shipping industry subject of new emissions reduction moves

– 4th Dec 2007

The country’s two busiest shipping ports are taking steps to also become more environmentally friendly.

The business call for action has received royal support

– 3rd Dec 2007

BBC News reports, ‘Global businesses have called for a legally binding and comprehensive international deal on climate change. A binding agreement on emissions reductions would encourage business to invest in low-carbon technologies, a statement from 150 businesses said.’

Ethical Consumer not always green

– 30th Nov 2007 by Alex Briggs

Guardian article highlights the spending habits of ethical consumers, balanced against their lack of spending on renewable energy.

The potential ethical products market is valued at £32.3 billion!

Green Supply Chains award 2007

– 28th Nov 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

Mainstream corporations are really Going Green. And if you need more proof, it has just been announced that Kodak Eastman has won the highly coveted Green Supply Chains award 2007.

Carbon standard to give offsetting green cred

– 28th Nov 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

CNET NEWS.COM comments, ‘Carbon offsetting has had some pretty bad press in recent times, with critics questioning just how green or new some offsetting projects are. But with the new Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS), launched in London last week, it’s hoped that carbon offsets will win back their credibility and be given a much sought-after framework.’

Voluntary Carbon Standard to give offsetting green cred

– 26th Nov 2007 by Alex Briggs

This smartplanet.com article talks about the potential the new VCS could have on the voluntary offset market.

Nestle, Bunge, Danisco join sustainability reporting group

– 26th Nov 2007 by Alex Briggs

The GRI announced today that several high profile global food processors have joined their sustainability reporting programme.

Nestlé, Bunge, Danisco, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and Tyson Foods are the first food processors to join a programme to develop global reporting standards on sustainability projects in the sector.

CBI Climate Change Report sounds alarm

– 26th Nov 2007 by Alex Briggs

According to a groundbreaking report out today, British businesses are committed to do what it takes to tackle climate change but the UK effort will only succeed if it becomes an urgent, shared national priority for companies, consumers and the government.

Carbon credits for tree-planting activities

– 23rd Nov 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

In a recent article, ‘Global voluntary offset marque launched’ it talks about the new VCS standard and how it also soughts to tackle the problematic area of carbon credits for tree-planting activities.

New scheme to rate green energy

– 23rd Nov 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

BBC News reports on the new rating system which will help customers to compare energy companies’ green tariffs, according to the regulator.

Policing the voluntary carbon market

– 21st Nov 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

Voluntary greenhouse-gas emission offset markets are in need of government oversight, says an article titled, ‘Policing the voluntary carbon market’.

Most Green Marketing Claims Aren’t True, Says New Report

– 19th Nov 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

The overwhelming majority of environmental marketing claims in North America are inaccurate, inappropriate, or unsubstantiated, according to a comprehensive survey released today.

Carbon footprinting standard: Ready by 2008

– 19th Nov 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

Measuring a product’s carbon footprint is not as tough as many believe. The real issue is labelling, Emma Clarke investigates.

Greenwashing – Consumers getting wise

– 19th Nov 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

According to research by Ipsos Mori, four in five Britons believe many firms pretend to be ethical just to sell more products, an increase from two-thirds in 2005. Furthermore, almost 80% want to see companies back up ethical claims with proof.

Global market confidence boosted by new Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS)

– 19th Nov 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

The Voluntary Carbon Standard 2007 (VCS 2007), a new global carbon offset standard, launches today at the London Stock Exchange.

Carbon emissions investment could be withdrawn

– 16th Nov 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

Billions of dollars set to be invested in projects to reduce carbon emissions could be withdrawn unless global environment leaders promise a successor to the Kyoto Protocol next month.

China switch to energy efficient lighbulbs

– 12th Nov 2007

A recent article reports that China has agreed to phase out incandescent bulbs in favor energy-efficient ones.

Wal-Mart’s Newest Green Goal: Cleaner Supply Chains

– 12th Nov 2007

Wal-Mart measures the energy use and emissions of the entire supply chain of seven product categories, and look into finding ways to increase their energy efficiency.

Consumers demand green action from UK’s top brands

– 9th Nov 2007 by Alex Briggs

The °Climate Group has launched findings of the UK’s first ever Climate Brand Index which tracks year-on-year consumer perceptions of how brands are performing on climate change.

New Global Climate Change Study Focuses on ICT Industry

– 9th Nov 2007 by Alex Briggs

A new global study was launched today by The °Climate Group and GeSI [Global e-Sustainability Initiative] to evaluate the ICT (Information Communication Technology) sector’s role in climate change.
The ICT sector currently accounts for less than two per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, though this number could more than double by 2020. The independent [...]

Shift in White House Climate Change policy

– 5th Nov 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

‘The world must seek a more sustainable, environmentally-sound way to grow and to help to raise people out of poverty’. This is the message which has been delivered by Condoleezza Rice, US secretary of state.

Can you name leading brands fighting climate change?

– 5th Nov 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

In a recent survey carried out by The Climate Change Group findings revealed that nearly 70% of UK and 74% of US respondents couldn’t name a brand who they perceived as leading on climate change without being prompted.

Sustainability disclosures help build consumer trust

– 5th Nov 2007 by Sarah Whitworth

Ethical consumers are increasingly using ‘Sustainability Information’ to identify and have trust in their chosen brands.

Is the Kyoto protocol already outdated?

– 29th Oct 2007 by Anne-Marie Warris

Yet another report about the ‘failure’ of Kyoto Protocol. Whether it is right or not, my concern is that we are so busy complaining and repudiating Kyoto that we forget to look at what are the serious and sustainable options to achieve the reduction in GHG emissions we need.

Climate Change, Consumers and Verification

– 18th Oct 2007 by Alex Briggs

A new consumer research study has reiterated the results of the What Assures Consumers report.
Companies are currently winning interest and admiration (from a distance) but not trust and loyalty (closeness). Again, the need for independent, third-party verification of corporate green claims is a key point for business as it seeks to build consumer trust.

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Choice Editing and China

– 18th Oct 2007 by Alex Briggs

China has agreed to phase out incandescent lightbulbs, according to this article.
The switch could mitigate 500 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, equal to about half the climate-warming emissions of Germany.
The European Union is scheduled to “choice edit” out inefficient lightbulbs within a decade.
China currently produce 70% of the world’s lightbulbs.

Impact of Food Waste and possible uses

– 2nd Oct 2007

A CNN article has taken a holistic look at the causes and effects of global food waste:
According to the UN Food Programme, US food waste could:
satisfy “every empty stomach” in Africa
Some other key facts from the article:
The US and Japan waste up to 50% of all their food
the entire food supply chain in the [...]

Majority of big brands addressing climate change issues

– 25th Sep 2007 by Alex Briggs

A recent CDP study has shown that the majority of large global companies have gotten the climate change message. The report highlighted the actions and views of those companies concerning climate change. 95% of those companies viewing climate change as a risk having already implemented a greenhouse gas reduction programme.

How organic is organic? More bad news for British farmers

– 24th Sep 2007 by Alex Briggs

This Times article has raised a difficult topic for organic farmers.

The article reveals that Helen Browning, the director of food and farming at the Soil Association, sends pig shoulders from Wiltshire, England to Germany for processing into sausages and imports pork loins from Sweden to make bacon.

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Vegetarian Society launch Climate Change ads

– 24th Sep 2007 by Alex Briggs

The Vegetarian Society has launched a new ad campaign on climate change. The ads are aimed at educating the public as to the carbon emitted by livestock.
This often overlooked issue was addressed by Rowland Hill, the Sustainability Manager at Marks and Spencer, in one of our podcasts as he talked about measuring the carbon footprint of their top selling ready meal, Beef Lasagne:

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Fossil Fuel Free by 2050

– 21st Sep 2007

Iceland has outlined an ambitious plan to be fossil fuel free by 2050, starting immediately with Fuel Cell cars, then moving on to its shipping fleet.

Green Supply Chains and consumer pressure

– 20th Sep 2007 by Alex Briggs

Successful consumer led campaigns against companies using cheap labour may be the blueprint for upcoming campaigns aimed at brands not paying enough attention to the “greenness” of their global supply chain.
This Supply Chain Digest article once again shows that brands cannot afford to get their supply chain wrong.
It is no longer enough for a brand [...]

Liberal Democrats map out bold climate change targets

– 18th Sep 2007

The UK’s Lib Dem party have set out a series of climate change targets at their annual conference.

ENVIRONMENT: Earth’s Greatest Crisis

– 11th Sep 2007

The United Nations has held a three day meeting with 2,500 delegates from over 500 NGO’s, resulting in a declaration that, “climate change is potentially the most serious threat humanity and our environment have ever faced.”
A Oneworld.net article focuses on the comments of Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro, as she addressed the delegates.

Former President Clinton to help launch 5th CDP Report

– 11th Sep 2007 by Alex Briggs

The Carbon Disclosure Project is hosting a series of global launches to announce the results of their fifth written report.
The first one will take place on September 24, 2007 in New York, with former President Bill Clinton scheduled to speak.
The CPD was launched in Dec, 2000, with the 1st CDP report being launched in early 2003, [...]

The Difficulty in Measuring Carbon Footprints

– 11th Sep 2007 by Alex Briggs

A recent Social Funds article analyses the different methods being used to evaluate a company’s carbon footprint. Socialfunds.com is a personal finance site devoted to socially responsible investing.

Being Green means more green?

– 7th Sep 2007 by Alex Briggs

A survey released this week by IPSOS focuses on the financial and image benefits of being the greenest (or percieved as the greenest) in your sector. US Online consumers were surveyed on their views towards the world’s largest tech companies. Over half (57%) said that the Energy Star label was an influencing factor in their purchase [...]

China cracks down on water polluters

– 4th Sep 2007 by Alex Briggs

China’s environmental watchdog claims to have shut down 400 factories in the past two months. The factories have been shut down as China addresses the pollution of it’s waterways. Read more in this article from CNN.

Pacific Rim countries begin serious climate change debate

– 4th Sep 2007 by Alex Briggs

The 21 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) nations are gathering in Sydney, Australia to work on a comprehensive climate change plan. Read the Associated Press article on the issues they will be facing

What Assures Consumers?

– 1st Sep 2007

What Assures Consumers? New global research sponsored by Lloyd’s Register, M&S and the Co-op shows that consumers want better independent, impartial assurance of corporations’ environmental claims.

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New report highlights Environmental Issues in online media

– 31st Aug 2007

According to a report from Nielsen BuzzMetrics, the environmental terms “green” and “sustainability” used online has heightened awareness of environmental issues and are hear to stay.

Completion of the Voluntary Carbon Standard Framework

– 31st Jul 2007

The Voluntary Carbon Standard Steering Committee has completed its work and reached agreement on all components of the VCS at its July 15, 2007 meeting in London.

Will Walkers’ investment in carbon labelling pay off?

– 12th Jul 2007

Will Walkers’ investment in carbon labelling pay off? Ethical Corporation seems to think so. In the editorial for the July issue, Tobias Webb argues that the combination of cost savings and product differentiation will benefit Walkers considerably.

Climate Change Business Leaders Survey

– 9th Jul 2007

Climate Change Business Leaders Survey A recent survey undertaken by YouGov, on behalf of KPMG in the UK, interviewed business leaders to find out how they are responding to the issues and challenges surrounding climate change.

Long term business risks of climate change need to be faced, not ignored

– 16th May 2007

Continuity Central reports on a speech made by UK Environment and Climate Change Minister Ian Pearson

“Climate change already poses risks to businesses - and these will only increase in the future.”

Carbon Market Value has Tripled in 2006, Voluntary Market Needs Standards Development, Says World Bank Report

– 3rd May 2007

A report released by the World Bank yesterday at CarbonExpo in Germany announced that the global carbon offset market has tripled over the past year to $30bn. The EU Emissions Trading Scheme accounted for $25bn of this total.

WRI report on technological change required for emissions reduction

– 25th Apr 2007

The World Resources Institute has produced a report that outlines a blueprint for the technological change needed to reduce carbon emissions.

ISO launches new greenhouse gas standard

– 17th Apr 2007

The new standard, ISO 14065:2007, ‘Greenhouse gases - Requirements for greenhouse gas validation and verification bodies for use in accreditation or other forms of recognition’, complements the previous standard.

Quality compost to reduce landfill

– 3rd Apr 2007

Under current legislation in the UK, producers of compostable waste may need to apply for a license before they can spread it on land.

According to an article on the IEMA website, he new Quality Protocol proposed by the Environment Agency in England and Wales will mean that compostable products will be easier to dispose.

FT launches environmental awards

– 2nd Apr 2007

FT launches environmental awards The FT have launched their inaugural environmental awards; they’ll be presented on the 19th September in London, and are open to companies large and small.

City Businesses Urge for Research into Carbon Footprints

– 26th Mar 2007

The Financial Times ran a piece today on how 20 of the City of London’s large businesses have urged the Corporation of London to oversee a research project meant to identify key technologies and management solutions which will reduce businesses’ carbon footprints.

Draft Climate Change Bill

– 16th Mar 2007

The Draft Climate Change Bill proposes a bid to cut in CO₂ emissions in the UK by 60% by 2050, in addition to an interim target of 26-32% by 2020.

Materiality Report

– 9th Nov 2006

Materiality Report Today’s non financial reporting models are broken. The problem isn’t that CSR reports are ‘greenwash’. Or even that they are unread, unloved data dumps. The problem is materiality - determining and reporting on the non financial factors which really matter.

First Derivatives for ETS

– 27th Sep 2006 by Tim Kitchin

The first derivatives on Europe’s Emissions Trading Scheme will be launched in October.

UK carbon emissions going up not down

– 18th Sep 2006 by Tim Kitchin

The UK’s Tyndale Centre has raised the stakes in the battle to combat climate change.

Consumers want green claims verified

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