Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility

U.N. Says Action on Climate Change Is 'Unstoppable' Despite Trump Win

November 22, 2016

Global efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions will continue after the election of climate change skeptic Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, and momentum is growing to cut ship pollution, the United Nations' shipping agency chief says.

Group Warns of Hazardous Chemicals in Apparel Supply Chain

November 17, 2016

Apparel

Almost everyone comes in contact with some sort of textile, fabric or footwear, and these products often use chemicals during the manufacturing process - to achieve a function like water-repellency, adding texture or color. The wide use of chemicals, the large quantity of water and the presence of hazardous chemicals in the wastewater are some of reasons for the apparel and footwear sector to be regarded as one of the most environmentally polluting industries in the world, according to health and safety groups, as well as dangerous for workers and consumers.

U.N. Shipping Sector Wants Climate Commitments by 2018

November 17, 2016

Maritime Executive

At the United Nations climate change conference (COP22) in Morocco, the International Chamber of Shipping's director of policy said that industry wants to see climate change commitments made at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) by 2018, with an enforcement mechanism to follow after.

Wal-Mart Sets Environmental Plan as People Seek Green Items

November 14, 2016

The New York Times

Wal-Mart is laying out its environmental map for the next several years as it tries to satisfy customers who want green products at affordable prices. The world's largest retailer says it will seek to reduce emissions in its own operations by 18 percent by 2025, and work toward adding no waste to landfills in key markets like Canada and the United States. It also plans to be powered by 50 percent clean and renewable energy sources.

HanesBrands Outperforms Apparel Peers on Carbon Emissions

November 11, 2016

Apparel

HanesBrands received a B score on the CDP's 2016 climate change report - better performance than the apparel industry average, according to CDP, formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project.

General Mills, PepsiCo Target Suppliers' Water Efficiency

November 10, 2016

Environmental Leader

Almost all of General Mills' water use occurs in its supply chain, as farmers around the world grow crops for the company's food products. "Ninety-nine percent of our water footprint is upstream of us," says General Mills chief sustainability officer Jerry Lynch. "It is largely about how we grow food and use water to grow food. So it’s a really important piece of the pie - and with water you see the impact very quickly and clearly."

Shell Says Demand for Oil Could Peak in 5 Years

November 9, 2016

Energy Voice

Royal Dutch Shell Plc, the world's second-biggest oil company by market value, thinks demand for oil could peak in as little as five years. Demand will peak before supply, says chief financial officer Simon Henry, and that peak will be driven by efficiency and substitution, more than offsetting the new demand for transport.

Pollution Accord Is Set for Global Flights, But Tasks Remain

November 9, 2016

The New York Times

The great and the good of world aviation gathered in Montreal last month to do something that seemed impossible even a couple of years ago. They agreed to cap greenhouse gas emissions from international flights. The pact - the first climate change agreement to apply worldwide to a specific sector, one that produces the equivalent annual carbon dioxide output as that of Germany - was greeted with almost universal support.

Americans Prefer Ethical Brands, Dominate Online Shopping, Report Says

November 7, 2016

Apparel

American consumers prioritize risk-taking, adventure and living an exciting life when it comes to making purchases, according to global research by HSBC. This structural shift among U.S. consumers' purchasing habits is prompting companies to rethink existing marketing and business strategies.

Clean Ships to Jump the Queue at Panama Canal, Officials Say

November 4, 2016

Maritime Executive

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has unveiled a new recognition program for clean operators that will help them to get ahead of the pack for transit bookings. The ACP calls the new system "environmental premium ranking."