EU reaches deal on oil and gas anti-corruption law
European Union negotiators have reached a deal on a law that will make oil, gas, mining and logging firms declare payments to governments, as part of efforts to end poverty in resource-rich nations by ensuring the wealth is shared out. The EU law orders firms to report payments at project as well as country level, beginning at a threshold of 100,000 euros (85,142 pounds). European Commissioner Michel Barnier, who is in charge of regulation, welcomed Tuesday's deal as bringing "a new era of transparency to an industry which is far too often shrouded in secrecy". (Reuters)
Smartphone market gets its first sustainability standard
A sustainability certification scheme for smartphones has been introduced in, what is claimed, a world first. An uptake in the number of smartphones coupled with their low green credentials has led to a pressing case for such accreditation. Handsets contain hazardous substances, have low recycling rates and are discarded more regularly than other IT equipment such as computers. As a result, sustainability certification company TCO Development has seen a gap in the market and has addressed the issue with a new certification providing smartphone buyers with an easier way to choose devices that meet criteria for minimal environmental impact. (Edie)
Michael Porter unveils new health and happiness index
The well-known Harvard professor and creator of the ‘Creating Shared Value’ (CSV) concept, Michal Porter has unveiled a "rigorous" new Social Progress Index (SPI) that hopes to put social and environmental considerations at the top of the policy and corporate agenda. A new organisation, the Social Progress Imperative, has been created to support the development of the SPI and help to integrate it into corporate and governmental thinking. Porter believes that a strong foundation of knowledge and analysis is essential if government, business and civil society are going to be able to collaborate to create new measures that look beyond gross domestic product (GDP). (Guardian)
Deloitte assists in increasing opportunities for Aboriginal community
Deloitte released a new report yesterday with recommendations focused on how Canadian companies and the Aboriginal community can create stronger connections to improve relations and launch the careers of thousands of people. According to the report there are limited opportunities in the current education system to learn about careers beyond those traditionally aspired to in Aboriginal communities. Many Aboriginal people can experience isolation and unfamiliarity with cultural norms in the workplace. The report, underscores the importance of a long-term commitment to building relationships between Aboriginal people and business. It also highlights the need for greater collaboration, improved education and skills training and cultural understanding. (Market Watch)
Innovation
Google technology to help prevent deforestation
Google, in partnership with the University of Maryland and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), has developed a tool to help prevent deforestation. Global Forest Watch 2.0, which will launch later this year, is an interactive, real-time, forest monitoring system. It uses satellite technology, data sharing and human networks around the world to provide information on how to better manage forests. Those responsible for forests in many countries still lack access to timely information on what is happening to their forests. The technology will aim to address these barriers to sustainable forest management, which remains a problem in both developing and developed countries. (Environmental Leader)
IKEA and Nike team up to create green textile revolution
IKEA, the Swedish furniture company and Nike have joined Netherlands-based DyeCoo Textile Systems to develop an innovative approach that uses high-pressure liquidised CO2 rather than water to apply dyes to fabrics. The method uses supercritical CO2 that has been changed into its liquid phase and use that as the transport mechanism to get the dye onto the fabric, so there is no water required. The textile sector has one of the largest water footprints of any global industry. It is notorious for putting pressure on water-scarce regions such as India and Pakistan and by some estimates is thought to be responsible for a fifth of industrial water pollution. (Business Green)
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