|
October 2007
Here's a roundup of some of the relevant news recently crossing our desks:
Executives say corporate responsibility can be profitable
Company executives believe that corporate responsibility programs can positively impact their business and help achieve strategic goals, according to a survey of more than 500 business executives conducted by Grant Thornton LLP. While conventional wisdom might suggest that these initiatives will drain the corporate coffers, only a quarter of survey respondents agreed that profits needed to be sacrificed, while three quarters believed corporate responsibility could enhance profitability. As a result, 77 percent said they expected corporate responsibility initiatives to have a major impact on their business strategies over the next several years, despite overall lower business optimism. The executives surveyed say their companies will increase investment in corporate responsibility, but only 19 percent of the those surveyed report having a single point person in charge of all their corporate responsibility programs.
View the complete survey results
Wal-Mart to measure suppliers' energy use
Wal-Mart has announced plans to require suppliers to disclose their carbon emissions, starting with a pilot group but eventually aspiring to include all 60,000+ suppliers. The effort, which is being conducted in partnership with the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), will measure the amount of energy used to create products throughout its supply chain, including the procurement, manufacturing and distribution process. The pilot will focus on seven product categories to determine the overall environmental impact of products and look for innovative ways to drive energy efficiency. The seven product categories – DVD’s, toothpaste, soap, milk, beer, vacuum cleaners and soda – were identified because they are ordinary products that customers commonly use.
http://www.walmartfacts.com/articles/5307.aspx
New research on international corporate volunteering
New research on the state of international corporate volunteering (ICV) details the landscape of this emerging trend among multinationals, the perceived business value of ICV and community impact, and the business case for new companies to develop customized programs moving forward. The research is a compilation of best practices in international corporate volunteering, including case studies and interviews with more than 30 ICV program leaders for companies such as Accenture, IBM, Pfizer, Starbucks and Timberland. Sponsored by Pfizer Inc. and The Brookings Institution, the study examines ICV within two principal models: local service, in which employees based in countries outside headquarters volunteer in their local communities; and cross-border service, in which employees travel abroad to volunteer. The study also offers recommendations for corporations currently planning and implementing programs.
View the complete study, Volunteering for Impact
More stats on CSR and recruiting
Want more data on the effect of a company's CSR reputation on recruitment of recent college graduates? A recent article on socialfunds.com quotes new MonsterTRAK research showing that young workers want employment with a green company: 80 percent of those surveyed said they are interested in a job that has a positive impact on the environment and a whopping 92 percent would choose working for an environmentally friendly company. The article also quotes other research by Kenexa Research Institute (KRI) which shows that employees working at companies with clear corporate responsibility programs, including environmental and social programs, are most satisfied, stay at their jobs longer and are more content with senior management then their peers at companies with lackluster CSR programs.
http://www.socialfunds.com/news/article.cgi/2389.html
AT&T launches grant program to help nonprofits extend education with wireless technology
The AT&T Foundation has announced a $1.5 million competitive grant program to help nonprofits integrate wireless communications technology into educational outreach projects. Open to 501(c)(3) public charities and government instrumentalities nationwide, the program will award one-time, education-focused, wireless technology grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 for wireless applications and hardware. The goal of the program is to help nonprofits deliver educational content and enhance learning opportunities in the communities that they serve.
http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=24354
British insurers take on climate change
A group of British insurers have launched the ClimateWise initiative to promote greener policies, lobby government and take advantage of emerging markets. Led by the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the project is designed to help insurers adapt to, and help mitigate, the possible effects of climate change, such as the increased risk of flooding, storms and heat waves. Of the 400 or so insurance companies in the U.K., around 30 have so far signed up to ClimateWise, including insurers, brokers and re-insurers. Those involved – including Lloyd’s, AXA and American insurance company AIG, as well as re-insurance companies such as Swiss-Re – say they will adapt their products to take into account the new environmental risks posed to U.K. customers.
http://www.climatewise.org.uk/
Reporting the business implications of climate change in sustainability reports
A joint KPMG and GRI research report on climate change shows that companies are quicker to report climate change as a new business bearer than a cause of risk. The research surveyed a sample of annual sustainability reports, published by international companies in the Financial Times’ FT Global 500 list that followed GRI’s Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. Of the companies surveyed, 90 percent reported on climate change but only 20 percent reported any risks to their business from climate change. Some companies reported on the risk of increased energy costs, but other risks such as the costs of complying with new regulations, weather related property damage, increased insurance costs, corporate reputation, and potential legal action were largely ignored. In comparison, a surprising two-thirds of companies reported new business opportunities from climate change, mostly related to emissions trading and generating emissions credits under the rules of the Kyoto Protocol.
Download Reporting the Business Implications of Climate Change in Sustainability Reports (PDF)
PR News' CSR awards program
Add to the list of CSR awards programs this one by PR News, a trade publication covering the PR trade. The program recognizes corporations and their partners that "have executed highly successful and impactful CSR campaigns in the past 12 months." These awards recognize both the communications surrounding a CSR initiative and the initiative itself, depending on the category. Additionally, for the first time, the awards program recognizes the CSR leaders within an organization. The competition offers numerous categories, including annual csr report, business ethics communications, csr pioneers of the year (CEO, COO, communicator, marketer, community relations executive, csr executive, employee relations) and overall leader in csr practices.
http://www.prnewsonline.com/awards/csr/
EPA launches tool to help measure emissions from commercial buildings
The EPA has added greenhouse gas emissions factors to Portfolio Manager, its online energy rating tool for commercial buildings. The tool already helps building managers and owners streamline energy and water data and track key factors, such as consumption, performance and costs. This new addition will allow users to compare the emissions generated from their buildings with other buildings in the same area.
http://www.climatebiz.com/sections/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=35992
ING to power all U.S. operations with wind power
Center member ING has announced the next phase of its worldwide sustainability commitment by agreeing to purchase clean, emission-free wind energy credits for its U.S. operations. The purchase is equal to 100 percent of its electricity usage at ING locations throughout the U.S. The global financial services company is seeking to become carbon-neutral by the end of 2007.
http://www.ing-usa.com/us/aboutING/pressreleases/1038018.html
New SRI fund announced by KLD
On October 1, KLD Research & Analytics launched the KLD Global Sustainability Index (GSI) and its three area specific sub-indexes. The GSI consists of a broad representation of top environmental, social and governance (ESG) performing companies across all sectors in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. KLD created the GSI in response to the growing demand from institutional investors for global sustainability investment options. KLD’s ESG ratings framework captures a company’s sustainability performance by analyzing five key categories – environment; community and society; employees and supply chain; customers; and governance and ethics.
http://www.kld.com/newsletter/archive/press/pdf/KLD_Launches_Global_Sustainability_Index.pdf
Recent Social Reports
CSRwire Newsfeed
View more October 2007 articles > |
