China, the world's biggest carbon emitter, is to launch its first carbon trading scheme as a pilot project in the region of Shenzhen. The pilot scheme will cover 635 carbon-intensive companies, imposing emissions caps on them and requiring them to hold sufficient tradable carbon allowances to meet government-imposed emissions targets. The scheme is broadly modelled on the EU Emission Trading Scheme and will impose a carbon price on power plants and industrial facilities in one of China's fastest growing regions. The companies covered directly by the new emissions cap were responsible for 31.7 million tonnes of carbon emissions in 2010, equivalent to 38 percent of the city's total emissions. (Business Green, BBC)
Policy & Research
EC publishes human rights guidance for business sectors
Guidelines created in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have been published for three sectors; recruitment agencies, ICT companies, and oil and gas companies, who can now refer to practical, authoritative guides developed for their particular sector. The guides have been developed on behalf of the European Commission by Shift and the Institute for Human Rights and Business. They are the result of an intensive multi-stakeholder process, involving representatives of business, trade unions and civil society organisations. Stavros Lambrinidis, EU Special Representative for Human Rights, said: “Business is an increasingly important player in the world of human rights. This guidance aims to help enterprises in Europe and elsewhere to respect human rights, as defined by the UN.” (European Commission)
Waste
John Lewis to close the loop on plastics waste
John Lewis Partnership is set to develop a pioneering closed loop business model for its plastics waste, in a move believed to be a first for any UK retailer. The company has entered into an agreement with UK-based recycler Centriforce Products to guarantee that thousands of tonnes of plastics waste from Waitrose and John Lewis shops are recycled into useable products. John Lewis Partnership is also exploring opportunities to reuse Centriforce products such as plastic planks and sheeting in its new store construction programme to achieve a true closed loop process in its plastics waste stream. The deal is part of the retailer's strategy to streamline its waste contractors and keep complete control and responsibility for its waste flows. (Edie)
Tesco teams up with Coca-Cola to encourage recycling
UK supermarket Tesco is joining forces with Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) to encourage customers to recycle more at home through an incentive pledge-based scheme. The online campaign will target Tesco loyal card holders: in return for a pledge, customers will receive discount vouchers for Coca-Cola drinks or extra Clubcard points. A live feed will show the total number of pledges received during the campaign as well as the equivalent tonnage volume of waste recycling. According to Tesco group corporate affairs director Rebecca Shelley, the initiative will benefit from the combined reach of both companies. She said: "We are working together to help millions of customers find simple ways to recycle more.” (Edie)
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