How much greenhouse gas a company produces has a significant effect on the value of the company’s stock, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California (UC), Davis; UC, Berkeley; and University of Otago in New Zealand. The greater the carbon emissions, the lower a company’s stock, all other factors being
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Since 2004, members of the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) have been required to implement MAC’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative. This initiative requires member companies to implement programs to meet requirements under the following performance indicators: Tailings Management Energy Use and GHG Emissions Management Crisis Management Planning External Outreach Many mining companies are applying
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In our role as environmental and business consultants who assist global companies in developing and implementing sustainability strategies, we’ve noticed three important trends in sustainability programs: expanded transparency and reporting; enhanced importance of ratings, rankings and standards; and whole systems life cycle thinking. […]

With the increased focus on sustainability in the marketplace, consumers have the choice between sustainable and traditional alternatives in a growing number of product categories. Despite this growth in the number of alternatives available, not all consumers are buying sustainable products. In fact, the success of sustainable products differs by product category: for example, sustainable
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If you’ve read any of the automotive headlines in recent months, you’ve probably seen that battery-operated, all-electric vehicles may soon be on a car lot near you. The catch phrase of our credit-crazed world – “Charge it” – will soon take on a whole new meaning. It won’t be about buying tires or wipers at
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Sustainability is reshaping the competitive landscape in every industry. Companies that are able to anticipate changes and innovate early are reaping the benefits of improved operating efficiency, new growth and a stronger license to operate. This article, which is based on interactions between Environmental Resources Management (ERM) and its clients, provides a snapshot of how
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Are you leasing office, warehouse or manufacturing space and frustrated by your inability to reduce energy consumption and the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions emitted by that consumption? This article provides ten tips compiled by the United Nations for reducing energy use in leased buildings.

Water shortages and competition for water pose an increasing threat to global security according to a new report prepared by Maplecroft, a firm that specializes in corporate risk intelligence. The Water Security Risk Index described in this article evaluates the water security of 165 countries and can be used by multinational companies to identify potential risks to their operations and global supply chains.

Supply chain risks associated with child labor in the BRIC countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China are increasing according to a new report released by Maplecroft. The report analyzes the most recent events, reports and published raw data to offer a detailed overview of the child labor situation in the BRICs. It will enable business and investors to identify potential supply chain risks and investment risks arising from child labor in the world’s fastest growing economies.

United States Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and Mark Pryor (D-Arkansas) introduced a bill on March 4, 2010 that would establish a Building Star program to promote energy efficient installations in commercial, industrial, and multifamily residential buildings. The program is expected to save building owners more than $3 billion on annual energy bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the United States by 21 million metric tons each year.