Flagship Ventures' Successful Fundraising for Cleantech

Venture capital firm Flagship Ventures says they exceeded their target of $250 million for a fund which will invest in cleantech and sustainability. This is noteworthy given that we are in a difficult environment for fundraising, especially for funds that invest in early stage companies. This is flagships fourth fund said to be worth 270 million.

Retail Sustainability Leadership Report

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has released the first ever industry-wide Retail Sustainability Report. It explores retail’s sustainability successes, challenges and vision for the future. The 2012 report highlights sustainability leadership in the retail industry and discusses retail’s environmental, social, and community impacts. It also addresses the physical establishment of retail outlets and the products they sell.

Sustainable Brands' Five Trends for 2012

Early in January Sustainable Brands published an article by Raphael Bemporad that addressed five trends that he believes will shape sustainable brands in 2012. Bemporad is the founding partner and Chief Strategy Officer of BBMG, he is a passionate champion for a new approach to brand innovation that creates shared value. An expert in brand strategy, CSR/cause marketing and public affairs, Bemporadl has launched national campaigns, drafted public policy, created consumer and nonprofit brands on aggressive timelines and budgets, and managed communications for local, state and federal elected officials. Here are his five trends for 2012:

Top Business Sustainability Trends for 2012

In 2012 it is becoming increasingly clear that sustainability adds value and helps to make an organization more competitive. Sustainability is moving beyond public relations and becoming a matter of survival. More organizations are engaging robust risk management and environmentally conscious operations. Here is a list of sustainability trends that will gain even greater prominence in 2012.

Fisheries for Sustainable Fishers: Caribbean Fishers Leading the Way

In November the 64th annual meeting of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) took place in Cancun, Mexico. This event is the largest annual gathering of scientists, researchers, fishers and natural resource managers in the wider Caribbean region, with over 300 participants from 38 countries or island groups. The meeting served as a unique opportunity for fishers, conservationists and scientists to come together to exchange current information on the use and management of marine resources in the Gulf and Caribbean region and to work in partnership to develop effective solutions to the many challenges they face.

World Fisheries Day

World Fisheries day is celebrated every year on November 21 throughout the world by fisherfolk communities. Fishing communities worldwide celebrate this day through rallies, workshops, public meetings, cultural programs, dramas, exhibition, music show, and demonstrations to highlight the importance of maintaining the world's fisheries.

The Chief Supply Chain Officers' Summit 2011

The Chief Supply Chain Officers' Summit (CSCO) Summit 2011 will take place on November 17, 2011. This is a live online virtual event. The CSCO Summit is designed for Chief Supply Chain Officers, Chief Procurement Officers, Chief Operating Officers and Chief Information Officers, as well as forward thinking Vice Presidents and Heads of Department. Attendees can network, learn and share best practice around the critical factors driving the strategic supply chain agenda across multiple industry sectors, without leaving the office.

Sustainable University IdeaLab Workshop for College Students

The National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) are hosting the Sustainable University IdeaLab workshop Jan. 4-8. The large-scale operations of university campuses make for large ecological footprints. But their students are also a great resource of potential problem solvers.

Campus Consortium for Environmental Excellence

The mission of the Campus Consortium for Environmental Excellence (C2E2) is to support the continued improvement of environmental performance in higher education through environmental professional networking, information exchange, the development of professional resources and tools, and the advancement of innovative regulatory models.