Take part in our global research into the state of corporate community investment by participating in our third annual CCI survey
Human Rights
Civil society and business leaders in Australia express strong support for Modern Slavery Bill 2018 in open letter to Prime Minister
In an open letter to the Australian Prime Minister, leaders of civil society, business, investors, academics and faith-based organisations have expressed their support for the Modern Slavery Bill 2018, urging Parliamentarians to work collaboratively to see the bill through to enactment in 2018. Business supporters of the letter include Rio Tinto, Mirvac, Nestlé, Lendlease and GPT Group, as well as the UN Global Compact Australia network. The letter states: “We support a unified approach in addressing modern slavery and believe meaningful improvement for individuals affected by slavery requires a collaborative effort between government, business, and civil society… This is a watershed moment for Australia. We have an unprecedented opportunity to assume global leadership in the fight against slavery in supply chains,” it continues. (Business&HumanRights)
Sustainable Investment
Survey: UK’s ethical investment market to reach £48bn by 2027
The UK’s socially responsible investing (SRI) market will grow by 173% by 2027 to reach £48 billion, according to a new survey from sustainable investment firm Triodos Bank, which asked 2,020 UK investors about the role that sustainability and ethics would play in their future investment choices. More than half (55%) of the respondents told Triodos that they would like their money to support companies which contribute to making a more positive society and sustainable environment. Additionally, a fifth said they were planning to invest in an SRI fund before 2027. The trend towards sustainable investment proved to be particularly pronounced among the millennial and Gen-Z respondents to the survey, with almost half (47%) of investors aged 18-34 saying they intended to invest in an SRI fund within the next nine years. (Edie)
Corporate Reputation
Trump criticises Nike’s decision to feature Colin Kaepernick in its “Just Do It” campaign
President Donald Trump has criticized Nike’s decision to make Colin Kaepernick one of the faces of its 30th anniversary “Just Do It” campaign. The president told The Daily Caller that Nike should not have chosen to feature the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback. Kaepernick started a movement of NFL players kneeling during the national anthem to raise awareness about police brutality against African-Americans and other racial injustices. The campaign features a black-and-white picture of Kaepernick’s face, with the caption, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” “I think it’s a terrible message and a message that shouldn’t be sent,” Trump said of Nike’s new campaign. “There’s no reason for it.” Nike did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (CNN)
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop pays $145,000 over jade vaginal-egg claims
Goop, the lifestyle company founded by Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow, has agreed to pay $145,000 to settle allegations it made unscientific claims about the benefits of three products. The case involved Goop’s Jade Egg, a $66 item inserted into vaginas to enhance sexual energy; the Rose Quartz Egg, a similar product; and Inner Judge Flower Essence Blend, a tincture. Goop advertised that the eggs could balance hormones, regulate menstrual cycles and increase bladder control. Goop sold Inner Judge Flower as helping prevent depression. In addition to the settlement, Goop agreed to refund money to customers who purchased the products and stop making claims about their efficacy. Goop said it disagreed with the prosecutors’ position and did no wrong, but wanted to settle the matter quickly. (Bloomberg)
Energy
Vicinity to build Australia’s largest-ever property solar program
Vicinity Centres, one of Australia’s largest landlords, has unveiled details of approximately $50 million of investment in solar and technologies across 17 shopping centres nationally. The investment, which comprises the second stage of Vicinity’s solar project, will create the largest property solar program in the country in scale and investment, and comparably rank among the top 10 biggest corporate solar projects in the USA. Vicinity’s in-house energy team, working alongside local and international experts, will manage the program at centres across Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. The investment will generate more than 31,000 MWh of clean energy each year – enough to power 5,000 homes and equivalent to removing more than 18,000 cars from roads. (Vicinity)
Event
Ethical Corporation 12th Sustainability Reporting and Communications Summit
10-11 October 2018| London
The Sustainability Reporting & Communications Summit will tackle the core issues the industry faces in the drive to a more inclusive, sustainable society. Hear and learn from the best in European sustainability reporting in October [10-11].
Business is undertaking a shift, with momentum building to shift away from a short-term mindset and towards a long-term, sustainable economic model. To reach the 2-degree target and impact upon the SDGs businesses are required to disclose accurate data to showcase future risks and enable long-term value creation.
Key topics include:
Disclosure for long term value creation
Impact of NFRD and TCFDs on the future of reporting
Quantifying and communicating impacts against the SDGs
Monetising your climate impacts to transition to a low carbon economy
Reporting to investors that ensures investment decisions are made from accurate disclosures
Reporting to drive integrated thinking and create long-term value
Discover the full un-rivalled agenda topics and speaker line up here.
COMMENTS