UK Government announces plans to review whistleblowing protections
A call for evidence to look at the current whistleblowing laws, and specifically whether there is enough support for people to report wrongdoing, was launched by UK Employment Relations Minister, Jo Swinson on Friday, 12th of July 2013. The announcement is part of a wider package of measures outlined by the Government as part of the long-term Review of Employment Law. The measures include changes which streamline the employment tribunal system and also help employers make the offer of settlements or use early conciliation to resolve workplace disputes. (Government.UK)
Policy and Research
Funds demand UK climate review
Fund groups including UK company Aviva Investors, Australian global asset management firm First State Investments, plus several non-profit groups and businesses including Friends of the Earth, the UK retailer Marks and Spencers, and Sky, are calling for an inquiry into the UK Government’s decision to abandon a review into the impact of climate change and resource depletion. The organisations are asserting that the UK Treasury has not taken sufficient account of long-term climate trends. Last week the organisations co-signed a letter to Andrew Tyrie, chairman of the Treasury select committee, stating that climate trends “are already having material impacts on businesses and investment.” (FT)*
Environment
US-China accords would show way to global deal
Last week the US and China signed a deal to cut carbon emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and coal-fired power plants. This follows an earlier agreement made this year between the countries to phase out hydrofluorocarbons, the greenhouse gases which are more toxic to the earth’s atmosphere than carbon. The US plan to use regulation to reduce emissions at existing and new coal-fired power plants. China is reported to be planning to address the side effects of industrial pollution, which is contributing to high smog levels in certain areas and affecting residents’ health. (FTand Eco-Business)*
Dell reaches target for recyclable packaging
The US multinational computer company Dell has achieved one of its key sustainability goals to make more than 75 percent of its desktop and notebook packaging material compostable or recyclable. Dell released its 2013 corporate responsibility summary report on 12th of July 2013, in which it recorded several environmental achievements, which include reaching a long-term goal set in 2008 to collect one billion pounds (weight) of electronic waste. The company also increased its use of recycled content plastics by 6 percent; 7.8 million pounds (weight) of recycled content plastics was used in Dell’s flat panel monitors and desktop systems. (Edie News)
Technology and Innovation
GM and TimberRock launch EV solar charging project
The US car manufacturer General Motors (GM) is working with TimberRock Energy Solutions to manage the flow of solar power to benefit the electric grid. TimberRock will monitor the output of its solar charging stations, how much stored energy stored energy is available and when it can sell energy back to the grid to help meet peak demand. Rob Threlkeld, General Motors’ manager of renewable energy, says the future of EV charging will involve renewable energy and battery storage, which will help address the intermittency of renewable solar and wind power. (Environmental Leader)
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