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In This Issue
Editor's Note
Making Your Supply Chain More Energy Efficient
This week's feature article presents some impressive numbers that reinforce why the supply chain is a good place for companies to start reducing emissions—especially in China. Consider this:
- China emits more greenhouse gases than any other country in the world.
- On average, Chinese factories use about 11 times as much energy as their equivalents in Japan.
- Cutting energy waste in factories in China could reduce the world’s energy demand by as much as 5 percent.
The good news is that energy-efficiency investments in China can be cost-effective. In preparation for an upcoming report (to be published on May 25) and Sustainability Matters webinar on the subject (on May 26), BSR's Ryan Schuchard shares lessons from his work in China on Walmart's effort to improve the energy efficiency of its top 200 China-based suppliers by 20 percent by 2012.
Also in this issue, we explore sustainability initiatives in the travel and tourism industry and the growing number of eco-labels worldwide.
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In Depth
Getting Started on Supply Chain Energy Efficiency in China
By Ryan Schuchard, Manager, Climate and Energy, BSR
Opportunities for business to improve energy efficiency across the value chain are significant, and it's time to expand efforts—especially in China. But engaging suppliers effectively is critical. Here's how to get started.
Read more →
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Spotlight
How Sustainability Can Transform the Travel and Tourism Sector
By
In the past, social responsibility in the travel and tourism sector was equated with “ecotourism.” However, companies such as Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Starwood are now implementing innovative solutions that also reduce the environmental impact of their operations, save money, and benefit local economic development.
Through our work in this sector, we believe there are vast opportunities for companies to build on this progress through initiatives that:
- Calculate and analyze environmental impact to reduce energy and water consumption.
- Drive strategy by reporting on sustainability performance and establishing a corporate responsibility committee at the board level.
- Design environmental sustainability policies that conserve natural resources, minimize waste and pollution, and enhance indoor environmental quality.
- Contribute to local economic development by investing in infrastructure, addressing human rights and immigration issues, and supporting local communities.
For more information on our work in this sector, contact Kara Hurst.
Quick Hit
The Proliferation of Eco-Labeling
According to a recent survey by the World Resources Institute, Duke University, and Big Room Inc., there are approximately 500 "eco-labels" in use for various products worldwide. As noted in a recent Washington Post article, the environmental certification field is becoming increasingly crowded as consumers and businesses grow more conscientious of product origins. And because certification is a self-regulated industry, the integrity of these labels varies.
In the United States, some federal regulators are trying to crack down on false claims. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has filed charges against textile manufactures for greenwashing and plans to issue a new guide on environmental marketing claims within the next few months.
To avoid similar accusations, read our guide on understanding and preventing greenwashing.
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With their brethren parading to Capitol Hill to explain themselves and their industry to skeptical lawmakers and an angry public, three bankers at last week's CERES Conference in Boston may revive faith in a profession that is sorely in need of respect.