Engaging Boards of Directors on Sustainability is a Key Success Factor

Boards of directors can play an invaluable role helping a company to inculcate sustainability into their DNA. Because of their unique position, boards of directors are well placed to integrate sustainability into business strategies and practices. This supports both the long-term profitability and the viability of an enterprise.

However, there is a disconnect between what is good for a firm and what they are actually doing. Most boards of directors are not engaged in sustainability even though almost all managers and directors think they should be.

Event - The Sustainability Summit 2017

This Summit will take place on March 23-24, 2017 in London. What does COP21 and the push for greater environmental sustainability mean for business? The Sustainability Summit will bring together key thinkers, policymakers and business leaders, who will deliver strategies, ideas and solutions to decision makers, helping them to turn challenges into new opportunities and prepare for the future.

How Sustainability has Become a Mainstream Phenomenon

Sustainability programs are not just for forward-thinking international conglomerates they are now part of mainstream practices for business both large and small. The data has convincingly made the case that sustainability is good for business and managers are integrating it into their strategies in ever increasing numbers.

There are a number of good reasons why businesses are embracing sustainability. In 2015 sustainability reached a tipping point and in 2016 it has become obvious that sustainability is a 21st-century megatrend. We are even beginning to conceive of a post sustainability world.

Organizations and Individuals Coalesce for Action on Climate Change

There is a powerful synergy building between grassroots activism and those who are working with governments and the private sector. The United Nations, companies, investors, activists, environmental groups and coalitions are coming together to call for action on climate change.

We saw the largest climate protest in human history on September 21, 2014. A total of 2,600 events took place in 166 countries around the world as part of a global call for action on Climate Change. In New York City, the People's Climate Events saw an estimated 400,000 people come together. This involved 1,576 organizations and hundreds of thousands of social media posts. From students to senior citizens, people of every age, ethnicity and ideology were represented at this march. This unprecedented event sent a clear message to leaders at the UN Climate Summit on September 23.

Corporations Go 100% Renewable for Climate Week NYC

During Climate Week NYC, corporations stepped forward with ambitious renewable energy plans. The business leaders that gathered in New York for Climate Week are working to encourage the corporate world to take meaningful action on climate change. As part of a campaign, called RE100, more than a dozen corporations made pledges to derive all of their power from renewable sources of energy in honor of Climate Week NYC.

The RE110 campaign encourages 100 of the world's largest businesses to commit to get all of their power from renewables by 2020. RE100 is convened by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP. RE100 is an action of the WE MEAN BUSINESS coalition.

Event - Responsible Business Forum on Sustainable Development

This event will take place on November 24 - 25, 2014 at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The Responsible Business Forum on Sustainable Development is subtitled "Building Prosperity through Economic, Social and Natural Capital." It will gather business leaders, NGOs and policy-makers from around the world to share practical solutions for sustainable growth and creating shared value with economic, social and natural capital. Topics discussed will include disruptive innovation, equitable growth, the sustainable supply chain, clean energy access, next-level integrated reporting and harnessing the natural assets of cities.

Video - The Worldwide Charter for Fair International Commerce

The Worldwide Charter for Fair International Commerce is free of charge project that has been developed by the International Businesses Standards Organization (IBSO) to be a code of conduct and a minimal set of universal principles for the international business community. This IBSO's initiative allows for participating organizations to formally proclaim their commitment to promote sustainable and positive business practices with respect to social and environmental values. Every Worldwide Charter for Fair International Commerce signatory have a right to use the Charter Signatory logo on site and in other advertising purposes and being listed in Catalogue on IBSO's official site.

The We Mean Business Coalition: Low Carbon Economics

There are some powerful coalitions that are helping to make the case for a low carbon economy. One of those groups is the newly formed "We Mean Business" group. As they explain, climate change is not only a very serious threat it is a tremendous opportunity. They make the point that the business community is already feeling the impact of climate change and this is destined to get far worse if we continue with business as usual.

They enumerate the impacts of climate change which include damage to facilities, disruption of supply and distribution chains, threats to power supplies and global food and water resources. Climate change contributes to overall uncertainty to the marketplace thus increasing the cost of doing business.

Eleven Business Pledges at the UN Climate Summit

At the UN Climate Summit companies played a leading role through initiatives designed to reduce pollution, conserve forests and combat climate change. While industry is often maligned for contributing to eco-degeneration, these claims are being blunted by new initiatives.

The business community is increasingly engaging in efforts to promote the transition to a low carbon economy, cut emissions, diminish deforestation, reduce pollution, adopt renewable sources of energy, increase the number of electric vehicles, and lower the carbon footprint of rail and aviation.

Here is a summary of 11 pledges made at the UN Climate Summit:

Sign the Sustainability Charter for Businesses and Others

Sustainability is a buzzword that is gaining momentum, but a growing number of organizations are coming forward with practical initiatives to help turn the concept into reality. One such initiative is called the Worldwide Charter for Fair International Commerce (WCFIC). Developed by the IBSO, this global initiative supports international businesses showcasing a particular social and environmental sensibility through following a code of conduct and a set of universal principles; reflecting the core values of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, labor conventions of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and other internationally recognized principles.

Sign the Ceres Climate Declaration

Video - Supporting Green Growth in the Business Community by the Carbon Trust

The Carbon Trust is helping businesses capitalise on the global green economy - worth over £3 trillion worldwide. To find out more click here.

Event - The Responsible Business Summit

The Responsible Business Summit will take place on May 19 - 20, 2014 in London, UK. This is the sustainability event of 2014. It will showcase how businesses are sewing corporate responsibility into the heart of their business strategies. It will also demonstrate how leading companies are evolving their CR strategies.

The event will feature 24 cutting edge industry debates. These independently researched and structured sessions are built around the key issues and opportunities.  The Responsible Business Summit is the meeting place for business professionals looking to learn the latest about corporate responsibility and sustainable business.

Event - The Progressive Manufacturing Summit

The Progressive Manufacturing Summit will take place in May 28 - 30, 2014. This event engages Vice Presidents and Directors of Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Human Resources and Procurement for industrial facilities across the nation. They work with FMA to learn how to better achieve and surpass their strategic goals of operational efficiency, development and lean strategies within their supply chain and manufacturing processes. FMA Summits provide the platform for sharing best practices; through rich dialogue, thought leader presentations and establishing relationships between decision-makers with needs and industry leading solution providers.

Business Sustainability Tips from Accor's Planet 21 Program

Have you decided to green your business? Excellent decision, but where do you start? While recycling paper, using less electricity, and carpooling may be obvious sustainable options for some, Accor’s Planet 21 program offers more creative options for your business.

Office decor is the last thing people think of when it comes to sustainable business. However, repurposing items to liven up your office is a great way to give back to the environment. Some Accor hotels reuse old tires as pots to hold fresh plants. Old bricks and wood can also be reused for tables, pots, and wall decorations. Looking for something a little more green? Check out Accor Novotel Auckland Airport’s living wall. This wall is adorned with native fauna, creating a beautiful aesthetic and bringing added benefits as well. Living walls are said to clean indoor air quality in the office space, especially of pollution that stems from printers.

Event - Rethink Sustainability Initiatives (RSI): Action Partners

This event will take place on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, 10:30am to 3:30pm at MaRS Discovery District, 101 College St., Toronto. Rethink Sustainability Initiatives (RSI) is where leaders who care about sustainability can learn from experts and the real-time experience of their peers – to build it successfully into their businesses — via interactive events, think tanks, publications and other means.

A special keynote presentation and lunch meeting with Sir Richard Branson’s Carbon War Room COO Peter Boyd. In addition to delivering a keynote presentation, Peter Boyd will also be participating in the open forum Leaders Circle with Daniels Carbon, Lafarge, KPMG and other action partners. This diverse group of leaders will share their expertise and commitment to addressing key sustainability challenges facing our environment. Their discussions will focus on actionable ideas and solutions to reducing carbon emissions, as well as strengthening the resilience and future readiness of buildings and cities – throughout the supply chain and beyond.

Event - Sustainability Leaders Forum

The annual Sustainability Leaders Forum will take place on November 21, 2013 at Faversham House in London UK. This event brings together over 580 inspiring thought leaders who want to challenge and exceed existing sustainable business objectives and positively influence their stakeholders.

Event - Youth Conference for Sustainability Leadership

IMPACT! the Youth Conference for Sustainability Leadership will take place on May 23 - 24, 2014 in Guelph, Ontario. A total of 175 Canadian University and College students will be invited to participate in this all expenses paid trip and conference. University and college students from across Canada will participate in this conference to be real and effective agents for change in their communities, organizations and businesses.

Webinar: Sustainabilitly in Small Business for Big Impacts

Small Business Big Impacts is a webinar that is useful to all sustainability professionals particularly those associated with SMEs. This webinar will review the ways in which small and mid-sized companies can benefit financially from taking action as stewards of the world’s resources. 

The live webinar will take place on Tuesday October 22, 2013 at 11:00 AM Pacific Time-USA. For those not located in the Pacific Timezone, find your webinar time here. Those who are unable to attend the live stream can register and receive the link to view the recording later.

Most large corporations have recognized that they can drive innovation, competitive advantage and improved financial performance by adopting sustainable business practices. Small and mid-sized companies (SMEs) typically have not yet embraced sustainability as a key element of their business strategy. This represents a major lost opportunity, both for the SME business community and for the entire economy.

Event - Annual Sustainable Florida Conference and Awards: Working on the Green Sustainability Summit

The Annual Sustainable Florida Conference is titled Working on the Green. This Sustainability Summit is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, 2013, beginning at 8:30 AM. The Best Practice Awards Luncheon is at 12 noon. This exciting program features several of Florida’s sustainability leaders in an informal setting that will educate, inspire and facilitate your first steps.