Report: Private Companies Need CSR to Attract Business, Workers
While multinationals may see corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a way to manage their reputation, privately held companies are ignoring expensive PR campaigns and focusing on the basics - making themselves more attractive as employers and suppliers, according to Grant Thornton's "International Business Report 2008." Read more...
Also This Week...
Microsoft Green Guru Touts Software's Energy-Saving Potential
The world's leading software maker has finally lifted the lid on its green strategy. Speaking at the Cleantech Forum in San Francisco last week, Microsoft's newly appointed chief environmental strategist Robert Bernard said his company is focused on improving the energy performance of its products. Read more...
Global VC Investment in Cleantech Jumped 43% in 2007
Venture capitalists invested a record $3 billion clean technology deals worldwide in 2007, a 43% increase over the $2.1 billion invested in 2006, according to new report from Dow Jones VentureSource. Read more...
Sustainability Programs Need Personal Appeal, Says Saatchi & Saatchi VP
The most successful corporate sustainability initiatives operate on a micro level, encouraging individual employees to green their personal environments, according to Robert Hildreth, vice president of global strategy at green-branding firm Saatchi & Saatchi S. Speaking at recent conference in Rhode Island, Hildreth pointed to the success of Wal-Mart's Personal Sustainability Project (PSP), which his company developed, as a case in point. Read more...
Marks & Spencer to Charge for Shopping Bags
Beginning in May, British retailer Marks & Spencer will roll out a 5 pence charge for food carrier bags at all of its U.K. stores to encourage customers to use fewer bags. The nationwide program is the extension of successful pilot projects in Northern Ireland and southwest England, which caused a 70% drop in bag use. Read more...
BP May Ditch Renewable Energy Business
BP chief executive John Hayward has hinted he may offload his company's alternative energy unit, noting that hefty investments in solar, wind, and biofuels have yielded poor returns for shareholders. Speaking at a strategy meeting yesterday, Hayward suggested that if businesses in BP's green unit - valued between $5 and $7 billion - fail to turn a profit soon, some or all may be sold off as the company shifts its focus to locating new oil and gas reserves. Read more...
Wal-Mart Creates "Green Suggestion Box" for Potential Vendors
Got a great green product or process you think Wal-Mart might be interested in? Tell the company about it today: The retail giant has accelerated its process for soliciting requests for proposal by creating an online "suggestion box" for potential vendors. Read more...
Seven-Eleven Saves with Energy-Efficient Equipment, Lighting
Seven-Eleven Japan, the largest convenience store chain in Japan, is counteracting skyrocketing electricity costs with a series of energy-saving upgrades to lighting, heating and cooling systems, and refrigeration equipment. Read more...
United Technologies Cuts Climate Emissions, Boosts Shareholder Returns
Cutting carbon emissions is perfectly compatible with increasing returns to shareholders, according the just-released 2007 Corporate Responsibility Report from United Technologies Corporation. Last year UTC cut greenhouse gas emissions 5%, while at the same time boosting shareholder return on investment to 24%. Read more...
Cargill, Ford, Boeing Named to Portfolio's 10 Worst Polluters List
The March 2008 issue of Portfolio magazine calls out some of biggest names in corporate America, saying the companies "should be doing better" to protect the environment. The "Toxic Ten" list is, by the magazine's own admission, based on both scientific data and a healthy helping of subjective judgment. But it's interesting reading nonetheless. Read more...
China Orders Polluting Firms to Disclose Environmental Risks to Investors
The Chinese government has followed through on plans to require that publicly held companies release information on environmental risk before they can sell new shares. The new regulation, called the first step in establishing a Chinese "green securities policy," also stipulates that highly polluting companies must pass environmental inspections when applying for an initial public offering or refinancing. Read more...
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Natural Source's Mary Loyer on Greener Printing
Ever wish it were someone else's job to identify the most environmentally preferable, cost-effective solutions for your business? At Natural Source Printing - a company that works closely with its clients to develop customized, environmentally preferable printing strategies - it is. In this SLM interview, Natural Source green consultant Mary Loyer discusses the importance of matching the materials with the message, and gives up the scoop on some emerging green-printing trends (tree-free paper, anyone?). Read more...
Investors Still Don't "Get" Accountability
A recent survey shows many don't understand that a company's high score on social responsibility indices also signals good risk management. (BusinessWeek) Read more...
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Retailers Advised to Connect Green Store Programs with Core Consumer Values
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SB'08 Plans Taking Shape!
A flurry of activity is taking place behind the scenes as plans take shape for SB'08, June 2-5 at the Hyatt Regency, Monterey. Check in for a sneak peek, and save money by registering today!
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