In This Issue
Editor's Note
Corporate Climate Trends for 2010
Now that several weeks have passed since COP15, the picture of business-related climate change trends for 2010 is becoming clear: more carbon transparency (largely due to improved tools), increased expectations from consumers (especially related to products), and an ever-shifting political landscape that underscores the importance of business action now.
BSR's climate expert Ryan Schuchard looks at these three trends (and seven more) in this week's feature article.
If your company is considering reducing its climate impacts through increased energy efficiency, you might consider enlisting support from the Environmental Defense Fund's Climate Corps fellows program, which helped companies last year identify energy efficiencies with potential savings of US$54 million.
Finally, as the world grapples with how to respond to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, business can play a crucial role in providing disaster relief now while creating a strategy to promote a sustainable future. Read our suggestions on how in this week's spotlight.
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In Depth
The Climate in 2010
By Ryan Schuchard, Manager, Climate and Energy, BSR
Even amid the uncertainty following COP15 in Copenhagen, there are some clear trends related to climate change that will significantly shape the business landscape this year.
Read more →
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Spotlight
The Corporate Role in Disaster Relief
Haiti's devastating earthquake reinforces the critical role for business in disaster relief. Companies can provide immediate help and invest in long-term recovery efforts based on the "build it better" approach.
To prepare for and deliver a rapid response to disasters, we recommend companies take the following steps:
- Build relationships with on-the-ground relief organizations. Learn each other's business models, identify complimentary competencies and common goals, and clarify roles.
- Execute a two-pronged contribution strategy. Contribute to an emergency relief organization to meet immediate and basic needs (public-facing companies can encourage customers to donate online or at their stores), and make another contribution to support longer-term efforts to improve water and sanitation infrastructure, education systems, access to health care, and more.
- Move beyond cash donations. Ask local experts what victims need and determine what your company can provide to have the biggest impact.
For more information, listen to our webinar on corporate approaches to disaster relief, or read how some of your peers are taking action.
Toolbox
Climate Corps Fellows Design Customized Energy-Efficiency Plans
Environmental Defense Fund's Climate Corps program provides U.S. companies with fellows—students from prominent business schools who have received training in energy-efficiency technologies, energy pricing, and financial models—for 10 to 12 weeks between May and September to help companies save money by developing and implementing individualized energy-efficiency plans. Fellows analyze energy use and map out investments in areas such as lighting, computer equipment, and ventilation systems.
Last year, 26 fellows—who worked with companies including HP and Sodexo—revealed energy efficiencies that could help companies save a total of more than US$54 million. These projects would reduce energy use by 160 million kilowatt hours and avoid more than 100,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
Companies interested in hosting a fellow can learn more about the program and contact the Climate Corps team here. The deadline to confirm participation in the program is March 18, 2010.
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