Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility

Patagonia Wants to Save the World Through Beer and Buffalo Jerky

December 13, 2016

Beer and buffalo jerky may not be the first tools that come to mind for confronting the environmental crisis. But when you consider that agriculture - from the way we manage soil to the cultivation of livestock - is a major source of carbon emissions and a leading cause of biodiversity degradation, it makes sense that one California company is working to overhaul the food system from the ground up. Beer, buffalo jerky and hot breakfast cereals are just some of the fruits of those labors.

European Wind-Power Supergrid to Launch in March

December 12, 2016

Maritime Executive

In 2010, world leading companies in offshore wind came together to form The Friends of the Supergrid - an association that advocates for an efficient, interconnected and resilient electricity grid to complement existing national transmission infrastructure.

Adidas Releases First Mass-Produced Ocean Plastic Shoe

December 8, 2016

The Huffington Post

Adidas has unveiled a new shoe featuring biodegradable fabric that's designed to break down within hours of its disposal using a water and enzyme solution. The one catch: the current design appears to be attached to a foam sole - suggesting that a large portion of the shoe would still end up in a landfill.

Virtual Data Platforms Reduce Costs and Improve Sustainability

December 7, 2016

strategy+business

As managers face increasing pressure from stakeholders to make supply chains eco-friendly, companies are on the hunt for new and inexpensive tools, partners, or processes that can improve the sustainability of their operations. But according to a new study, one solution may already exist: Cloud computing could improve supply chains' environmental performance while also cutting costs.

Despite Climate Change Vow, China Pushes to Dig More Coal

December 7, 2016

The New York Times

America's uncertain stance toward global warming under the coming administration of Donald Trump has given China a leading role in the fight against climate change. It has called on the United States to recognize established science and to work with other countries to reduce dependence on dirty fuels like coal and oil.

Textile Index: Cotton, Polyester and Wool Prices on the Rise

December 6, 2016

Supply Management

Declining cotton production last season has led to prices rising year-on-year, according to Mintec's latest textile index. Yet, U.S. production in the current season is likely to rise by 25 percent and reduce pressure on prices.

EPA Raises Renewable Fuel Requirements

December 1, 2016

Environmental Leader

The EPA has raised the amount of renewable fuel that must be blended into the nation's gasoline supply, drawing an immediate attack from the oil industry. The final Renewable Fuel Standards, announced last week, raise the levels from 18.11 billion gallons this year to 19.28 billion gallons in 2017.

LNG Engines Could Be Stepping Stone to Fuel Cells

November 30, 2016

Maritime Executive

The growing adoption of hybrid electric powertrain systems and the projected growth in the number of vessels burning liquefied natural gas as fuel, could lead to wider adoption of fuel cells with LNG-fuelled engines becoming the stepping stone for the wide adoption of LNG-fuelled fuel cells as prime movers.

The State of Solar Power Looks Bright in 2017, Energy Department Says

November 29, 2016

Computerworld

By 2017, solar power capacity in the U.S. will have nearly tripled in less than three years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Combined wind, utility-scale and distributed solar power accounted for more than 66 percent of all new capacity installed in the U.S. last year.

Construction Boom Could Boost Demand for Met Coal

November 23, 2016

Environmental Leader

Businesses that transport their goods via the highways, railways or the airways are likely to see an expansion of the nation's infrastructure. That's good news not just for companies that want to move their products in the most efficient manner possible. It may also be good news for a subset of the coal sector that produces so-called metallurgical coal for steelmaking.