Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility

Virtual Data Platforms Reduce Costs and Improve Sustainability

December 7, 2016

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.

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

November 22, 2016

Maritime Executive

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.