Report: US blue chips embracing environmental sustainability but step change needed
More than two-thirds of top US ‘blue chip’ companies are taking active steps to cut their greenhouse gas emissions, but efforts to reduce environmental impacts are still falling a long way short of what is required to tackle escalating climate risks, according to a new report from the Ceres group of institutional investors and research firm Sustainalytics. The study assessed the sustainability performance of 613 of the largest public companies in the US, representing nearly 80 percent of the market capitalisation of listed US firms. It found that while progress was being made on a number of fronts, few firms were delivering the scale of transformation experts believe is necessary to tackle escalating environmental risks. Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, said the vast majority of companies were still failing to deliver the ambitious new policies and investments that were needed. “Given the acceleration of environmental and social challenges globally – floods, droughts, and workplace tragedies – most US corporations are not keeping pace with the level of change,” she said in a statement. (Business Green)
73% of UK businesses failing to keep tabs on energy costs
Almost three-quarters of business leaders have no idea what their company spends on electricity, a new survey has revealed. The results are surprising considering that the ‘big six’ energy providers have recently hiked prices and hit headlines. The study, from Westinghouse Solar, questioned 250 senior staff members from small and medium-sized businesses. In addition to being unaware of energy costs, 60 percent of participants did not know how much their bill had increased over the last five years. Only a quarter of respondents state that they make expenditure on energy a regular agenda item at the company’s management meetings. Furthermore, despite rising costs and other financial pressures, more than half of those questioned had not considered a solar-powered energy scheme for their company. The findings suggest that whilst many businesses understand that solar can provide cheaper energy, they have failed to make the connection and relate it to their business. (Blue and Green Tomorrow)
Employees
Amazon offers low-paid staff up to £8,000 towards tuition fees
Amazon is offering its rapidly growing army of low-paid staff in the UK up to £8,000 towards tuition fees if they want to go on to take further education courses. The bold offer to employees at Amazon’s eight UK mega-warehouses covers studies in construction, computer science, engineering and other skilled vocational fields. Under the terms of the deal, which was piloted by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in the US two years ago, successful applicants will have 95% of their tuition fees and course books paid for in advance, costing up to £2,000 a year for four years. Amazon has faced increasing criticism of its employment terms in Europe, with strikes last month in Germany and industrial unrest in France earlier in the year. “For some of our fulfilment centre employees, Amazon will be a career, for others it might be a stepping stone to a different job which may require additional training. If learning new skills can make the difference, we want to help,” said Roy Perticucci Amazon’s vice president of European operations. (The Guardian)
Environment
AkzoNobel and shipping industry ditch barnacles for carbon credit scheme
Fuel-efficient ships will be able to generate certified carbon credits for the first time, after a pioneering new initiative was this week accredited by The Gold Standard body. The methodology developed by AkzoNobel‘s Marine Coatings business measures the improvement in emissions levels once a vessel converts to an advanced coating designed to prevent marine fouling, where barnacles, seaweed and other debris stick to the ship. According to the Dutch company, very large crude carriers (VLCCs) can improve fuel efficiency by around nine percent by using the more advanced, biocide-free ‘Intersleek’ coating, and cut carbon emissions by 21,000 tons over a five-year period. Issuing approved carbon credits provides ship owners and operators with an extra revenue stream on top of these existing savings, said Trever Soloman, Intersleek business manager. “Firstly, they can increase operational, environmental and energy efficiencies, which reduces fuel costs and emissions and then they can reap the additional financial benefits of carbon credits, which we will share with them.” (Business Green)
Mars sweetens its green appeal with major wind farm deal
Food manufacturer Mars is set to power its entire US operations with renewable energy from next year, after signing a major new deal to purchase the power from a 200MW wind farm in Texas. The confectionary and pet food giant confirmed today that it will buy the energy from Mesquite Creek Wind, a 118 turbine wind farm that is being jointly developed in Texas by Sumitomo and BNB Renewable Energy. Barry Parkin, chief sustainability officer at Mars, said the deal would ensure that Mars achieved its goal of curbing its fossil fuel energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent between 2007 and 2015. “We are committed to doing our part to limit climate change,” Parkin said in a statement. “We are therefore delighted to be announcing this major renewable project that takes us a big step towards our goal of becoming carbon neutral in our operations [by 2040]. This is an innovative approach that makes great business and environmental sense.” (Business Green)
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