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In This Issue
Editor's Note
Environmental Performance 2.0, Human Rights, and Private Equity
Now that it is considered best practice for global companies to consider their impact on ecosystem services—the goods and “flows” provided by our natural infrastructure—it’s time to consider the future. Will companies continue to embrace this concept? What will happen with government regulations and society’s expectations?
This week, Sissel Waage, BSR’s new Director, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, describes three potential scenarios—from business as usual, to massive change across sectors, to significant change among a critical mass of players.
Also this week we take the occasion of Human Rights Day (yesterday) to share some of our work over the past year, with a particular emphasis on companies’ implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
And we share information about a new tool aimed at helping the private equity sector integrate environmental, social, and governance criteria into its decisions.
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In Depth
Environmental Performance 2.0: How Will Ecosystem Services Affect Corporate Decision-Making Next?
By Sissel Waage, Director, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, BSR
As investors and corporate rankings begin to include biodiversity and ecosystem services in their considerations, measuring and assessing these issues are now becoming a part of international best practice. But what does the future look like for corporate uptake, government regulations, and societal expectations?
Read more →
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Spotlight
A Focus on Human Rights Day
By Julia Robinson, Communications Associate, BSR
For Human Rights Day (yesterday), we are taking a moment to highlight some of BSR’s work and perspectives on human rights over the past year.
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Importance of dignity: In a new blog, BSR Human Rights Director Faris Natour reflected on the year in human rights and emphasized dignity, the central tenet of human rights.
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Human rights in operations: Panelists in a BSR Conference 2012 session discussed how companies can implement grievance and remedy programs.
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Fair employment: In a video interview, BSR Conference 2012 speaker David Arkless highlighted how the ManPowerGroup is helping people often deemed unemployable—such as refugees or people with disabilities—find safe and decent employment.
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Guiding Principles: A BSR case study describes how we are helping companies implement the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights through our new Human Rights Working Group. Also read about Microsoft’s approach to implementing the Guiding Principles.
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Information and Communications Technology (ICT): A BSR report provided guidance for the ICT industry on applying the Guiding Principles.
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Reporting: In a June blog, BSR Associate Chloë Poynton provided five best practices in human rights reporting.
Toolbox
EDF’s New Tool for ESG Management in Private Equity
By John Hodges, Director, Financial Services, BSR
EDF’s new environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management tool—which BSR is helping roll out—will help private equity companies integrate ESG analysis as a fundamental part of investment decisions.
The tool will help companies establish ESG management programs, assess their current performance, and create measurable results. It defines 21 best practices, which include ensuring senior leadership’s commitment to ESG, integrating ESG management into the due diligence process, and integrating ESG monitoring and reporting into portfolio companies.
As investors and stakeholders demand greater transparency, this tool will help private equity firms develop stronger portfolios and attract new limited partners, who increasingly require high-quality ESG management as part of their investment decisions.
BSR’s research in private equity and ESG management helped inform the EDF tool. For more background on BSR’s work, read “Reporting on Environmental, Social, and Governance Consideration in the Private Equity Sector” or contact John Hodges.
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