General Mills, Driscoll’s, Coke, KB Home urging bolder business action to conserve water
As California’s devastating drought enters its fourth year and local organisations are appealing to residents to rein in their water use, a diverse coalition of companies, including food and beverage giants General Mills, Driscoll’s and Coca-Cola North America, and home builder KB Home, are coming together to launch a new campaign urging companies to enact more aggressive measures to maximize California’s local and state water resources. The campaign, called “Connect the Drops”, will be coordinated by the non-profit sustainability advocacy organization Ceres. Along with a representative from the California State Water Resources Control Board, the companies will highlight the economic risks of the state’s water scarcity challenges and the urgency for bold, innovative water management policies and solutions. Company executives will also discuss the impact of actions they are taking to conserve water resources and their plans for engaging with their supply chains, customers, employees and policymakers on long-lasting, collaborative solutions. (Sustainable Brands)
Circular Economy
Natural refrigerant set to reduce supermarket energy use
A new waste product derived from sugar beet could help cut supermarket energy consumption from refrigeration and is being tested by UK supermarket Sainsbury’s. The refrigerant, eCO2, is doubly beneficial: firstly, its global warming potential of one makes it 3,922 times less harmful for the climate than R404A, the refrigerant most commonly used by supermarkets. Secondly, it is derived from a more sustainable source than other CO2-based refrigerants, which often come from hydrocarbons or ammonia. Paul Crewe, head of sustainability for Sainsbury’s said he was interested in eCO2 when he found out that British Sugar, Sainsbury’s main sugar supplier, derives the refrigerant from waste sugar beet in its refinery in Norfolk. “One of the things we are very keen on is real life examples of circular economy, putting every single product in our supply chain to good use.” (The Guardian)
Responsible Investment
Survey: Millennials and women leading the sustainable investing charge
71 percent of active individual investors describe themselves as interested in sustainable investing, and 65 percent believe sustainable investing will become more prevalent over the next five years, according to a new survey by the Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing. The Sustainable Signals report examines the attitudes and perceptions of individual investors towards sustainable investing and considers the broader implications for investors, corporations and governments. The survey finds Millennials and women at the forefront of sustainable investing. Millennials are the most open to the idea of sustainable investing and twice as likely than Gen X and Baby boomers to invest in companies or funds that target specific social/environmental outcomes and divest because of objectionable corporate activity. Meanwhile, 76 percent of surveyed female investors showed interest in sustainable investing, compared to 62 percent of men. (Click Green; Sustainable Brands)
Climate Change
Global flooding risk could triple by 2030
A study of the risks posed by river flooding over the next 15 years by the World Resources Institute (WRI) has found that the number of people affected by river flooding worldwide could nearly triple by 2030. Analysis of present-day risks shows that approximately 21 million people worldwide are exposed to flooding risks each year, a figure that is expected to rise to 54 million by 2030. The associated costs to the world economy will rise along with it – from £65 billion to around £340 billion. Climate change and population growth are driving the increase, according to the WRI. The countries most at risk in terms of population are India, Bangladesh and China, with Vietnam, Pakistan, Indonesia and Egypt following behind. In terms of economic damage, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Laos come top. (Wired; BBC News)
Technology and Innovation
Ford bets on connected electric bikes to fix urban gridlock
Ford has announced two electric bikes that connect with an app to work out the best way to make a journey. The car manufacturer said that motorists could complete journeys more quickly and with less stress by switching to a bike. The MoDe:Me and MoDe:Pro are both prototypes and are intended to be used in cities clogged up with traffic. Both bikes are foldable and can be taken on commuter trains and used to finish a journey, or stored in the back of a car or van. Both bikes also have rear-facing sensors that can alert a rider that a vehicle is overtaking, by vibrating the bike’s handlebars. In turn, the bike automatically alerts motorists of the presence of the e-bike by illuminating handlebar lights. There is also a smart, handlebar vibrating alert that signals to the cyclist when to make turns on a pre-designated route. (Wired; Treehugger)
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