As three noted environmentalists found a “positive” new initiative, attention focuses on the need for ‘green’ data about the sustainability of the economy.
PRIZING-WINNING GREEN ACCOUNTS
The standard of environmental reporting is improving, according to the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, but more progress is needed on linking environmental performance to overall corporate performance. The winner of its 1995 Environmental Reporting Award, announced on February 14, was THORN EMI, for the second year running, with National Power as runner-up and London Electricity as best first-time entry. IBM UK was commended for its report which included a stakeholder analysis. The ACCA is expanding the scheme to include an award next year for social/ethical reporting too. The deadline for entries is August 31. Contact Roger Adams, ACCA, on 0171 396 5971
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS
The government has developed a set of 120 indicators to help show whether the UK economy is becoming more sustainable, and so meeting objectives set following the Earth Summit in June 1992. Developed by an inter-department working group and published on March 12, they cover both environmental topics, such as air pollution, freshwater quality and waste generation, as well as underlying indicators, such patterns of transport and comparative costs, economic growth and investment.
Meanwhile during February, the CBI and the Department of the Environment organised a roadshow to eight locations, promoting the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). This helps individual firms reduce waste, lower costs and increase efficiency. Successful companies can publicise their certification of complying with environmental standards, so helping to enhance corporate reputation. EMAS is a Europe-wide scheme and during February the European Commission recognised the UK’s own national standard, BS7750, as having equivalent status. Contact DOE Enquiries on 0171 276 0900
POSITIVE FUTURE
Three leading environmentalists have come together to launch the Forum for the Future, a new charity to identify, promote and multiply examples of best practice in sustainable development, adopting a positive solutions-orientated approach. Paul Ekins, Sara Parkin and Jonathon Porritt will be available for consultancy and plan other activities, including scholarships for young people, publications, a database of best practice and a sustainable economy unit. Founding corporate partners include B&Q, Johnson Matthey, NatWest Group, Tesco and Wessex Water. Contact Anne-Marie Dabrowska, Forum for the Future, on 01242 262729
CONSUMERS TO HALT FISH DECLINE
Unilever has joined forces with the WorldWide Fund for Nature to use consumer power to halt the decline in global fish stocks. Together they will create a Marine Stewardship Council to set conservation standards and authorise on-pack logos allowing consumers to choose fish from sustainable sources. According to the UN, 13 of the world’s 17 major fishing grounds are either depleted or in serious decline and an average 27% of catch is thrown back dead into the sea. Announced on February 22, the initiative is modelled on the forestry industry. Both WWF and Unilever are contributing at least £100,000 and further support is being sought towards annual running costs. Contact Michael Sutton, WWF, on 0148 342 6444
GREEN FUTURES
The Corporation of London has joined the Sedgwick Group in sponsoring a series of lectures on green issues aimed at the City of London audience. Speakers include Sir Crispin Tickell, Professor David Belamy and Jonathon Porritt; the lectures run from March 26 to June 4. Contact Guy Robertson, London Guildhall University, on 0171 320 1260
CLEANING THE COUNTRYSIDE
SC Johnson Wax is sponsoring the campaign by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers to get one million volunteers working on conservation sites across the UK. Announced on March 18, the sponsorship is worth £80,000 in the first year and brings total corporate support for the campaign to £250,000. Other companies already involved include Marks & Spencer, Commercial Union and THORN EMI. Contact Sue Antrobus, BTCV, on 0149 183 9766
AUDITING GREEN TOURIST
A DIY guide to greening tourism businesses was produced on March 21 by the Rural Development Commission, with backing from British Airways and the English Tourist Board. The kit contains practical ideas for small tourism businesses to implement, such as reducing energy conservation and conserving the local environment. The guide has been tested in Devon for two years. Tourism and leisure in rural England is estimated to be worth £8 billion, supporting 400,000 jobs. Contact Delwin Matthews, West Country Tourist Board, on 01392 76351
ENVIRONMENTAL CARE WEEK
BT Environment Week ’96 is to run from May 17 to 27. Now in its 12th year, the aim is to encourage people to get involved in local environmental action. Run in conjunction with the Civic Trust, £50,000 in small grants is on offer to community projects. Contact BT Environment Week on 0171 404 3210
FORD CONSERVATION
The UK winner of the Henry Ford European Conservation Awards was announced on March 27 and now goes forward to the European finals in Budapest in June. The Awards, in their 14th year, cover 19 countries and highlight examples of successful small conservation projects. Contact Georgina Pearman, Conservation Foundation, on 0171 823 8842
Comment
Publication by the government of sustainable development indicators, whatever their limitations, really does mark an important milestone. Without the data, we can’t get a measure of the beast. And annual publication should build momentum for improvement.
Similarly a most welcome aspect of the Forum for the Future is their database of best practice, to be run by Keele University. One of the biggest blocks on progress is lack of comparative information – just what is “best”, as opposed to merely “better than before”. All the evidence is that only the best will prove sufficient to the task of saving the globe.
Corporate Citizenship Briefing, issue no: 27 – April, 1996
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