BSR Insight Articles About Ecosystem Services

The Evolution of Environmental Performance Expectations

Linda Hwang, Former Manager, Research By Linda Hwang, Research Manager, BSR, and Sissel Waage and Kit Armstrong, Co-leads for BSR’s Ecosystem Services Working Group

Four years ago, BSR convened a group of leaders from the private sector as well as several academics and NGO representatives to discuss a new approach to scenario planning that considered the esoteric concept of “ecosystem services.” In particular, we were interested in how major capital decisions could undercut the flow of ecosystem services—the measurable benefits such as adequate supplies of clean water and protection from natural disasters provided by healthy, functioning ecosystems—across wide swaths of landscape. The rationale for action was as unclear to many as was the concept of ecosystem services itself. Could we place appropriate values on ecosystem services, based on the value they represent to society and their relative scarcity, so that they are viewed not as liabilities but as assets that should be protected and restored? Would knowledge of the importance of ecosystem services result in better stewardship of natural resources? Read more →

Posted: October 11, 2011 | Topics: Ecosystem Services, Environment

The Long Journey of Corporate Water Stewardship

Water has become a key strategic issue for global companies: 39 percent of companies are already experiencing detrimental impacts related to water issues, according to the CDP Water Disclosure’s first report. As more companies assess their water-related risk, they’re recognizing that corporate water stewardship entails much more than conservation and efficiency. Read more →

Posted: July 12, 2011 | Topics: Ecosystem Services, Environment, Water

Explore Our Impact: Videos

Take a deeper dive into the BSR Report 2010 and core areas of our work in video clips that provide personal perspective from BSR staff members. Read more →

Posted: June 7, 2011 | Topics: Community Engagement & Development, Conflict Minerals, Economic Development, Ecosystem Services, Energy, Investor Perspective, Mining, Strategy & Integration, Supply Chain

Measuring Corporate Performance in an Era of Complexity, Scrutiny, and Uncertainty: Emerging Tools Look at Business Impacts on Ecosystem Services

By Linda Hwang, Manager, Research, Sissel Waage, Senior Advisor, and Kit Armstrong, Senior Advisor, BSR

Read the related report on corporate ecosystem services tools. Read more →

Posted: May 17, 2011 | Topics: Ecosystem Services

WBCSD’s New Guide to Corporate Ecosystem Valuation

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s “Guide to Corporate Ecosystem Valuation” helps business leaders understand the value and benefits of ecosystem services such as fresh water, food, fiber, and natural hazard protection. They can use this data to manage risks and opportunities and make more informed decisions that align financial, ecological, and societal objectives. Read more →

Posted: May 10, 2011 | Topics: Ecosystem Services, Environment, Strategy & Integration