Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Subaru join suppliers partnership for the environment
Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Subaru are the four latest automobile manufacturers to become members of the Suppliers Partnership for the Environment, joining current members GM, Chrysler and Ford. The partnership between car manufacturers, their suppliers and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aims to provide a forum to work towards environmental protection and provide value through the automobile supply chain. Members include companies in the chemicals, technology, recycling and components sectors.
Starbucks’ green scorecard: a few full cups, two half empty
Starbucks’ latest self-assessment of the impact of its operations on the globe – measured in terms of energy, the environment, communities and agriculture – reflects healthy progress, moderated by a dash of frustration on some challenging fronts. The good news is big gains on renewables, energy efficiency and cup recycling. Water consumption rose, however, and use of reusable cups has barely budged.
International World Water Day discusses urban water challenges
This year, World Water Day is focusing on the provision of water in urban areas. Over a thousand representatives from more than 30 organisations have gathered in Cape Town, South Africa, to discuss the urban water challenges and opportunities facing the world today. Diageo’s East African Maltings plant (EAML) in Kenya has celebrated its achievements in water conservation at a special Environmental Breakthrough Workshop. Nestlé Waters North America marks the day by highlighting its commitment to improving watersheds across the United States.
A £3 billion tax break from the chancellor to help BP and others drill new deep wells in pristine waters off the north of Scotland was condemned as “absolutely shocking” by green campaigners. They argued it was wrong to encourage operations in such a fragile environment after the BP blowout in the Gulf of Mexico two years ago – but oil chiefs hailed this and other fiscal changes as a “turning point” that would trigger £40 billion of investment. Despite this, George Osborne has given the strongest indication yet that he wants to see increased investment in the UK’s renewable energy sector, although he stressed that new projects must be “fiscally sustainable”. Higher packaging targets have also been announced: legislation will be passed later this year to increase statutory targets annually over a five-year period from 2013-2017 by 5% for plastic, 3% for aluminium and 1% for steel. Glass recycling targets will be split by end use.
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