Sales of fairly traded products have bucked the trend of decline in the UK retail market to grow by 12% in the last year. The value of Fairtrade products sold through shops reached £1.32 billion in 2011, compared to £1.17 billion in 2010, according to figures from the Fairtrade Foundation, as it launches its annual marketing fortnight on Monday. Unlike other premium sectors such as the organic market, which have lost ground as consumers struggle with the combination of rising food and energy prices and stagnant incomes, the Fairtrade market has continued to expand.
Emerging economies to challenge US hold on World Bank
Emerging economies said on Sunday that they will challenge a tradition that has placed an American at the head of the World Bank for decades, as the Obama administration shows sensitivity to the need for change at global institutions. Emerging economies said it was time to break a decades-old tradition that has long shut out candidates from the developing world and kept an American at the head of the World Bank and a European leader at the International Monetary Fund.
Carbon Trust offers to tailor green apps for specific firms
The Carbon Trust has confirmed it could customise a recently launched online tool designed to buoy employee engagement with energy-saving practices so that it is tailored for specific companies and offices. The Empower system was launched with the goal of helping businesses and public sector bodies encourage staff to engage in energy-saving activities. The Carbon Trust is already in discussions with several companies about developing a tailored version of the app, Richard Rugg, director of Carbon Trust Programmes confirmed, adding that the body is open to configuring the tool for additional customers should the need arise.
BASF sets new ambitious goals for environment, health and safety
BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, has established new ambitious environmental, health and safety goals. The company wants to increase its energy efficiency worldwide by 35% by 2020, compared to the previous goal of 25%. In addition, BASF aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of sales product by 40%, originally set at 25%. “Since BASF operates in an energy-intensive industry, our success depends on securing a long-term, competitive supply of energy and raw materials.” said Margret Suckale, member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF.
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