BSR Insight Articles About Information & Communications Technology

Protecting Human Rights in the Digital Age

Dunstan Allison Hope, Managing Director, Advisory Services

Today, BSR published "Protecting Human Rights in the Digital Age," a new report describing the freedom of expression and privacy risks faced by information and communications technology (ICT) companies, and how these risks can be more effectively mitigated by the industry. Read more →

Posted: February 14, 2011 | Topics: Human Rights, Information & Communications Technology

Will Old Europe Become the New World of Sustainability in 2011?

Peder Michael Pruzan-Jorgensen, Vice President, Europe, Middle East, and Africa

European companies, government officials, and civil society representatives have tended to scoff at their American cousins’ approach to sustainability, and also at the perceived fundamental disregard for the environment and human rights in BRIC countries. But as we make our way into 2011, I sense a shift in Europe toward a more somber mood, similar to the sobriety that comes to a soccer team the day after an unexpected defeat by a mignon competitor: heads down, feet dragging, and a realization that something different has to be done. Read more →

Posted: February 7, 2011 | Topics: Climate Change, Consumer Products, Energy, Environment, Financial Services, Food, Beverage & Agriculture, Health Care, Human Rights, Information & Communications Technology, Media & Entertainment, Mining, Reporting & Communications, Strategy & Integration, Supply Chain, Transportation, Travel & Tourism

State of Green Business 2011

GreenBiz's fourth annual "State of Green Business" report presents the top 10 trends and 20 indices for measuring how well companies are improving their environmental performance. According to the report, green business did not die during the recession; rather, companies are diving deeper and investing in longer-term sustainability initiatives. Read more →

Posted: February 7, 2011 | Topics: Consumer Products, Energy, Environment, Financial Services, Food, Beverage & Agriculture, Health Care, Information & Communications Technology, Media & Entertainment, Mining, Reporting & Communications, Toxicity & Product Design, Transportation, Travel & Tourism, Water

Greenpeace Ranks Green Electronics for 2011

Elissa Goldenberg, Associate, Advisory Services

Greenpeace just released its third "Green Electronics Survey"—which assesses the greenest electronics products that will be available in 2011, and ranks 18 leading electronics manufacturers on three criteria: removing toxic substances, responsible take-back of their end-of-life products, and energy efficiency. Read more →

Posted: January 18, 2011 | Topics: Consumer Products, Environment, Information & Communications Technology, Supply Chain

Responsible Sourcing Network Helps Companies Combat Human Rights Abuses in Supply Chains

Corporate accountability NGO As You Sow recently launched the Responsible Sourcing Network (RSN) in an effort to combat slavery and other human rights abuses in corporate supply chains. RSN provides a space for companies, investors, NGOs, and other stakeholders to share best practices and take coordinated action. RSN is presently working to end forced child labor in Uzbekistan's cotton industry, and addressing the conflict minerals trade in the Democratic Republic of the Congo—where profits help fuel one of the world's bloodiest conflicts. Read more →

Posted: January 11, 2011 | Topics: Conflict Minerals, Consumer Products, Economic, Social & Cultural Rights, Information & Communications Technology, Supply Chain