BSR Insight

A Weekly Newsletter for BSR Members | March 23, 2010

   
 

In This Issue

Editor's Note

Changing Mindsets and Company Culture

Few sustainability challenges are solved overnight. Indeed, truly effective change requires time—for individual mindsets to evolve and for new cultures to take root.

This week, in honor of World Water Day, we examine that change in part two of our case study on Nestlé Waters North America, which enlisted BSR to help the company develop a new approach to its process of community engagement and site selection. BSR's Linda Hwang and Julia Nelson just returned from a two-day "design charrette" with the company and external stakeholders, where they envisioned a framework that will align the community’s needs and the company’s business objectives.

Following the charrette, one participant noted, "My understanding of engagement has really changed." Perhaps after reading about Nestlé Waters' experience, yours will, too.

Also, on the topic of water, the Asia Water Project (AWP) has launched a new website on China's water crisis, which one report says is responsible for US$35 billion in losses every year.

Finally, human rights expert Faris Natour provides recommendations for companies considering Olympic-sized partnerships.

Nestlé Waters’ Design for Communities: Reorienting From Water to People Department Icon

In Depth

Nestlé Waters’ Design for Communities: Reorienting From Water to People

By

In part two of our case study on BSR's work with Nestlé Waters North America, we look at how the company is shifting from a primary focus on the water resource in its site-selection process to a focus on communities.

Read more →
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Spotlight

International Sporting Events Shine Light on Human Rights

By Faris Natour, Director, Human Rights, BSR

Each year, global sporting events draw media attention to human rights challenges surrounding the events, and coverage of these issues is already in full swing for the upcoming World Cup in South Africa, the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Human rights organizations often use these events to engage on these issues with sponsoring companies and others involved in the events. Typical allegations range from labor rights abuses in the construction of sports venues and the production of sports equipment and apparel, to the host country’s human rights record more broadly.

As part of human rights due diligence, BSR recommends that companies sponsoring or otherwise involved in these events:

  • Ensure that human rights are integrated in your country risk-assessment processes, including marketing and sponsorship decisions.
  • Ensure that human rights commitments and management systems extend to key suppliers and business partners for the event.
  • Go beyond risk management and use the event to raise awareness on human rights, for example, by profiling responsible sourcing practices or products.
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Toolbox

New Web Portal Helps Investors and Businesses Understand China’s Water Crisis

The Asia Water Project (AWP) is a collaborative web portal that provides investors and businesses with information on China's growing water crisis, which is thought to be responsible for direct economic losses of US$35 billion every year.

The web portal can help investors and businesses better understand and manage water-related risks by:

  • Encouraging discussion on topics such as the changing regulatory landscape, the macro and micro impacts of water scarcity and water pollution, and the challenges related to managing water resources
  • Tracking relevant global, regional, and local water news and initiatives
  • Identifying and aggregating existing information on China's water issues
  • Providing a forum for experts to share their views and opinions on a range of water-related issues
  • Serving as a resource with links to relevant groups, blogs, corporate management tools, research, and videos