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In This Issue
Editor's Note
Solving Challenges—and Finding Opportunities—through ICT
Our feature article this week looks at sustainability challenges and opportunities for the information and communications technology (ICT) sector—a theme we examined previously with our feature article on sustainability solutions and a topic we'll explore at the BSR Conference in sessions such as one featuring "serial innovator" John Kao.
This week we provide an action plan for how ICT companies can develop new market opportunities at the base of the pyramid—which now spends more than US$51 billion on ICT—by helping tackle issues such as poverty and access to technology.
Also related to the ICT sector, BSR is facilitating a multi-industry forum at our Conference to help address another challenge—tracing the origins of the metals used in electronics products to ensure responsible sourcing.
Lastly, read about a new tool companies can use to screen for hazardous chemicals.
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In Depth
The Value of Using Environmental, Social, and Governance Criteria in Mainstream Investing
By Laura Gitman, Managing Director, Advisory Services, BSR
The 2008 global financial crisis renewed attention on the value of integrating companies' social and environmental performance into mainstream investment analyses. This article examines several important developments related to ESG integration that all public companies should consider when thinking about how to manage ESG issues and communicate to investors.
Read more →
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Spotlight
U.S.-China Climate Commitment at WEF Opens Door to Business Opportunities
By Ryan Schuchard, Manager, Climate and Energy, BSR
Last week at the World Economic Forum in China, the United States and China announced a commitment to a cooperative clean energy plan that includes a trillion dollar market for low-carbon technology, special economic zones, and research and development to scale up renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, and smart-grid markets.
As we head to Copenhagen this December, a commitment such as this one between the United States and China is a necessary milestone if the countries—which emit about 50 percent of the world’s greenhouse gasses—are to make progress on stabilizing the climate.
Companies can take advantage of these new developments by engaging Chinese suppliers on energy efficiency. The Energy and Climate Registry in China can help you get started, or to kick off your own supply chain energy-efficiency program, contact Ryan Schuchard to learn about BSR models and approaches that work.
Toolbox
Environmental, Social, and Governance Practices in Large Emerging Markets
According to a recent review by the Ethical Investment Research Service, Sustainable Investment Research Analyst Network, and the Social Investment Forum, corporate responsibility practices—especially those related to board practice, bribery, human rights, supply chain labor standards, health and safety, environment, climate change, and biodiversity—are gaining traction in companies based in emerging markets such as Brazil, China, India, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, and Taiwan.
The study highlighted several key findings:
- Companies scored higher on issues related to the environment than on social or
governance issues.
- Emerging market companies are behind when it comes to good reporting practices on climate impacts.
- Most companies disclosed key governance information, including director compensation (33 out of 40 companies).
- Brazilian and South African companies in particular developed some of the first responsible investment indices in emerging markets, primarily due to investor interest in ESG performance.
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