Coca-Cola Enterprises, Sainsbury’s, the food company Branston and Sunlight, a leading laundry company, are the first four organisations to achieve the Carbon Trust’s new water reduction standard. The Carbon Trust ‘Water Standard’ certifies organisations that measure, manage and reduce water use year on year. The creation of this new standard is in recognition of the growing importance of conserving water resources, as demand increases globally and supply becomes more uncertain in the face of climate change. (Environmental Leader)
Companies call for carbon-free power
Companies including PZ Cussons, the consumer goods group, Cisco, the IT group and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) have signed a petition calling on the UK Government to commit itself to a carbon-free power sector by 2030. The letter, coordinate by the WWF and signed by groups such as Harland & Wolff, the shipbuilder, Dong Energy and Repsol, comes as the energy bill is passing through parliament. The bill paves the way for subsidies to provide funding to ensure that generators of low-carbon electricity will receive a guaranteed price. (Financial Times*)
Finance & Banking
Banks face EU call to reveal tax breakdown
European banks are facing the threat of having to reveal their taxes and profits on a country-by-country basis following news from EU negotiations over new banking rules. The European Parliament is pressing for a tougher disclosure regime along with a demand for strict curbs on bankers’ bonuses as part of the implementation of the ‘Basel III international accord’. Banks are worried about the requirements – which would upend their bookkeeping practices and leave them vulnerable to public pressure over taxes. (Financial Times*)
Supply Chain
UN offers banquet of blemished food to highlight waste
The UN has treated ministers and officials to a meal of blemished African fruit and vegetables to highlight how perfectly edible food is rejected by European supermarkets. The five-course meal was served to 500 delegates at a UN Environment Programme (UNEP) event in Nairobi. The food was all reject-grade by the standards of European buyers. "With this dinner, we are demonstrating to retailers, consumers and policymakers who can push for change that the astonishing amount of food we throw away is not just edible and nutritious, but also delicious," said Achim Steiner, head of UNEP, which hosted the dinner. (Reuters; Business Green)
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