Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

DEFINITION: A concept which encourages a company to take responsibility for its impact on environmental and social wellbeing. CSR is a broad movement which encompasses a variety of issues such as human rights, corporate governance, responsible sourcing and environmental footprints.

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CDP: Corporates more than twice as likely to disclose environmental impact if asked by investors

CDP has published the results of a campaign whereby 168 investors pushed companies to disclose more environmental information, revealing success with big names including Amazon, Facebook and Twitter.

International Sustainability Standards Board appoints Danone's former CEO as chair

The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), a body launched last month to create a global standard for corporate sustainability disclosures, has appointed Danone's former chief executive Emmanuel Faber as its chair.

Survey: Two-thirds of investors don't think businesses are disclosing high-quality ESG information

A survey of 325 investors with more than $14trn in assets under management collectively has revealed that more than half (60%) do not trust the information they get through ESG rating frameworks.

The Better Business Roundtable: Purpose, Culture and Impact

The climate crisis is raging. Technologies are evolving. The future of work is upon us and new paradigms of growth are emerging. NOW is the time to reinvent business models, shift corporate cultures, change our understanding of value, and reposition business as a force for positive change.

Accountants and investors call for new global sustainability disclosures body to be based in London

Bodies representing swathes of the UK's financial sector have called for a planned new global body overseeing sustainability-related disclosures from businesses to be based in London, following a bid from Canada.

UK pension schemes with 'robust' net-zero commitments pass £1trn mark

Campaign organisation Make My Money Matter, set up to push UK pension providers to go further on environmental sustainability, has announced that providers covering £1trn of assets have now made "credible" net-zero commitments.

Ikea hasn't yet decoupled growth from emissions as it aims for climate positivity

Ikea has posted a 15% year-on-year increase in its absolute emissions, but claims the fact that it is reducing emissions intensity means it can still achieve its 2030 climate positivity ambition.

Danone UK& Ireland certifies major division as a B Corp

Danone's UK & Ireland arm has announced the achievement of B Corp certification for its Specialised Nutrition operations, meaning that all parts of its operations in the UK and Ireland are now certified.

Crystal Doors: Sustainability leadership in 2022 will be defined by radical, disruptive transparency

EXCLUSIVE: UK-based manufacturer Crystal Doors is planning to add real-time emissions and energy data to its website, with managing director Richard Hagan saying all businesses must show "radical" transparency and changes to their purpose if the climate emergency is to be addressed.

Lidl to help all UK fruit and veg farmers achieve eco-certification by end of 2023

Lidl GB has announced plans to help all British suppliers of fresh produce to achieve LEAF Marque certification within 24 months - an eco-label given to farmers working to reduce carbon and waste while restoring nature.

Businesses back protest rights as green hydrogen plant planned for Netherlands: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainable business success stories of the week from across the globe.

Two-thirds of finance giants 'continuing to fund deforestation', report warns

An analysis of 150 of the world's largest financial firms has found that 93 do not have policies to prevent deforestation caused by the companies they invest in and lend to.

Business giants pressured by Dutch activists to strengthen climate targets

A Dutch environmental group that successfully took Shell to court has sent a letter to 30 businesses, including BP and Uniper, calling on them to step up climate plan efforts.

BNEF: Carbon offset prices set to increase 50-fold by 2050

Prices for carbon offsetting could reach highs of up to $120 per tonne by 2050, up from between $2 and $3 in 2021, BloombergNEF (BNEF) is forecasting.

Edelman sets out new climate requirements for clients, stops short of ending work with fossil fuel majors

The world's largest PR firm, Edelman, has pledged to only work with clients committed to accelerating the net-zero transition going forward and to following climate science. However, for now, it will continue working with the likes of Shell and ExxonMobil.

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet community development champions The Midcounties Co-operative

With edie's 2022 Sustainability Leaders Awards ceremony on the horizon, this series showcases the achievements of previous winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: Winner of our Social Sustainability and Community Development award, the Midcounties Co-operative.

Major employers support Veganuary as Arrival debuts electric bus: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainable business success stories of the week from across the globe.

Available to watch on demand: The sustainable business leadership online sessions

Recordings are available of edie's online Inspiration Sessions, which took place on Thursday 6 January 2022. These webinars, sponsored by edie's B Corp partner Seismic, will inform and inspire sustainable business leaders.

Seven top tips for embedding purpose and super-charging sustainability at your organisation

For many, a new year brings a fresh sense of motivation and purpose. With that in mind, edie recently hosted two online Inspiration Sessions, in partnership with Seismic, to set the scene on what sustainable business will look like in 2022. Here, we round up the key takeaways.

Adidas and Allbirds' low-carbon shoes and two new solar farms for the UK: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainable business success stories of the week from across the globe.

Willmott Dixon: In 2022, we must move from talk to action on net-zero and the just transition

EXCLUSIVE: Willmott Dixon's chief sustainability officer Julia Barrett is urging peers to frame the recent COP26 talks and the growing corporate net-zero movement as "the end of the beginning", with the bulk of the delivery - the most important aspect - still to come.

A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2022 from edie!

As 2021 draws to a close and with Christmas on the horizon, the edie editorial team is signing off for a well-deserved break until the New Year. However, we are leaving you with some festive treats to tide you over until 2022 and keep you up to date on the year's biggest green business stories.

Nest divests from ExxonMobil and other 'unresponsive' fossil fuel giants on road to net-zero

UBS Asset Management and the UK's largest pension scheme, Nest, have divested from five fossil fuel firms which they say have not responded well to climate-related engagement.

Facebook and Google accused of hosting climate misinformation adverts during COP26

Facebook has not adapted processes rapidly enough to detect and stop new climate denial tactics, a new report is arguing, while Google is, separately, under fire for placing dozens of sponsored articles with climate misinformation, against its own commitments.

Meet the pioneering organisations shortlisted for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2022

After a record-breaking year of hundreds of entries across 23 categories, edie is highlighting the shortlist for its 2022 Sustainability Leaders Awards in a new, free-to-download report.

Multiplex's social strategy and Spain's clean energy package: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainable business success stories of the week from across the globe.

#SustyTalk: Atos' Clay Van Doren on how CEOs can lead corporate climate action

edie's #SustyTalk series of sustainability-related interviews continues with an exclusive discussion with Atos' chief executive for Northern Europe, Clay Van Doren, providing his reflections on what COP26 means for corporate climate commitments.

HSBC's new coal exit policy 'full of loopholes', green groups claim

HSBC has outlined the first steps towards its commitment to end support for coal-fired power and thermal coal mining, but activist investors and other green groups have argued that its approach is too weak.

JTI: Sustainability professionals need to 'ride the momentum' of COP26 into the New Year

EXCLUSIVE: As we approach the end of a whirlwind year for the sustainability profession, Japan Tobacco International's (JTI) UK environmental lead Kirsty Rice reflects on how professionals can keep the momentum going and deliver deep decarbonisation and a just transition in 2022.

Sustainable Business Covered Podcast: The 2021 Christmas special

edie's long-running Sustainable Business Covered returns for a 109th episode ahead of Christmas 2021, providing three exclusive interviews that reflect on this unique year and set out some New Year's resolutions for sustainability leaders.

Mindful Chef adds carbon labelling to recipe boxes

Mindful Chef is adding carbon labelling to some of its recipes from this month, in what it claims is a global first in the recipe box industry.

Orange launches €50m nature-based solutions fund on road to net-zero

Telecommunications giant Orange has revealed plans to invest €50m in reforestation and other nature restoration projects, as it strives to become a net-zero business by 2040.

Greggs: Businesses need to 'demystify carbon' for staff and customers in net-zero transition

EXCLUSIVE: Greggs' first head of sustainability Paul Irwin-Rhodes has told edie about how formally launching a new sustainability strategy with a net-zero target has helped to engage a range of stakeholders, including executives, retail workers and customers.

Epson outlines €770m investment plan to accelerate sustainability action

Multinational electronics firm Epson has pledged to set 1.5C-aligned climate targets and source 100% renewable energy for operations by 2023, as part of an updated sustainability strategy backed with €770m of investment.

Egypt's newest wind farm and AstraZeneca's work to cut waste: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainable business success stories of the week from across the globe.

Patagonia to power key UK stores with community-owned renewable energy

Outdoor wear and gear brand Patagonia is to switch to 100% renewable electricity from community-owned projects for its Manchester and Bristol stores from next month.

Goldman Sachs, NatWest, among 9 new corporates joining climate-focused employee engagement drive

Nine businesses with more than 480,000 employees collectively have joined the Count Us In initiative, which supports businesses to engage their staff with the net-zero transition.

Hydrogen fuel cell partnerships and new government funding for UK tidal: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainable business success stories of the week from across the globe.

Black Friday: Seven brands promoting more sustainable alternatives to overconsumption

November 26 marks Black Friday - arguably the biggest shopping day of the year in the US and UK. But, amid growing recognition of the connections between overconsumption and the climate crisis, some brands are using the occasion to champion sustainability instead.

WBA: Companies unwilling to draw up net-zero transition plans are 'being willfully obtuse'

The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) has told edie that, despite the growing global movement towards net-zero - and the implementation of just transition mandates for businesses in nations including the UK - some firms are still arguing that they don't need to change their strategies.

Mining giant Hochschild to fight Peruvian government's decision to scale back mines over environmental concerns

UK-listed Hochschild Mining saw a 27% drop in share prices on Monday evening (22 November) after the Peruvian Government outlined plans to accelerate silver and gold mine closures in a bid to reduce the sector's environmental impact.

Carbon Innovation Fund: Co-op to allocate £3m to projects creating low-carbon food systems

Retailer the Co-op and its charity, the Co-op Foundation, are launching a £3m innovation fund that will support projects that slash greenhouse gas emissions and improve social sustainability across the food value chain.

Report: Supermarket giants 'turning a blind eye' to environmental damage in fish supply chains

A new analysis of how 33 major European food retailers are working to make fish supply chains more sustainable has found that three-quarters have a "near-total" lack of strong policies to safeguard the environment and improve animal welfare.

Ford's EV ambition and Ocado's ClimeWorks partnership: The sustainable business success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainable business success stories of the week from across the globe.

Survey: Half of large businesses yet to set clear low-carbon transition plans, risking climate goals and worker livelihoods

A survey of chief executives and other board members at more than 1,000 companies has found that, despite acknowledgement of climate risks and the need for reskilling in the low-carbon transition, just half have a detailed plan for reducing emissions and supporting workers.

UK food giants pledge to eliminate deforestation in soy supply chains by 2025

All of the UK's major supermarkets, as well as the likes of Danone, Nestle, Nando's, KFC UK&I and McDonald's UK&I, have signed a new joint commitment to eliminate soy that has resulted in deforestation or land degradation from their animal feed and product supply chains.

Consumer goods giants plot first steps towards 'forest-positive' supply chains by 2030

A coalition of 20 consumer goods businesses, including Unilever, Mars and Nestle, has unveiled a portfolio of forest restoration schemes they will support in the next two years, as part of a commitment to become 'forest-positive' by 2030.

Reports: Ford preparing to offer $1bn green bond as part of EV transition plan

The Ford Motor Company has confirmed plans to retire up to $5bn of its existing high-interest bonds, issued to help it weather the Covid-19 pandemic, and to launch its first green bonds.

Centrica CEO: UK Government is right to mandate net-zero transition plans from businesses

EXCLUSIVE: Centrica's chief executive Chris O'Shea has told edie that investors have been pushing the business to publish a net-zero transition plan - but that other firms may not be feeling this pressure, making the UK Government's new mandatory disclosure requirements essential.

COP26 Covered Podcast episode 5: Finance Day special – A make-or-break moment for the climate summit?

After a hugely important and somewhat unpredictable Finance Day at COP26, the edie team delivers up a special episode of COP26 Covered, featuring wide-ranging talks with industry leaders – from making coal uninsurable to securing top-level financial commitments to net-zero carbon. 

Energy and automotive giants 'failing to ensure just transition to net-zero for workers and communities'

A major assessment of how automotive, oil and gas and electric utility giants are approaching decarbonisation has found that almost none have properly planned to safeguard workers and communities against the potential impacts on their livelihoods.

Salesforce founder pledges $100m to reforestation, as L'Oreal chooses UK for first allocation of $58m nature fund

Salesforce and the venture capital firm run by its founder Marc Benioff have announced $300m in climate-related investments, on the same day that L'Oreal confirmed the first recipient of funding from its €50m nature fund.

Standard Chartered sets 2030 climate goals on road to net-zero by 2050

Banking and financial services giant Standard Chartered has updated its plans for reaching net-zero financed emissions by 2050, but green groups are unimpressed that it has stopped short of ending coal support.

Most businesses think they will have to go beyond net-zero to tackle the climate crisis

Six in 10 businesses are concerned that delivering against long-term net-zero targets alone will not create an adequate response to the climate crisis, a major survey by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has revealed.

Pension giant ABP to divest €15bn from fossil fuels by 2023

One of the world's largest pension funds, Dutch fund ABP, has announced plans to divest its €15bn of holdings in fossil fuel companies and projects within 18 months.

edie Explains: Carbon Offsetting

What is carbon offsetting in the terms of a businesses’ carbon emissions strategy? How does the carbon offset process and its market work? And, at what point should a business turn to carbon offsetting?

HP increases $11m forests pledge to $80m, in bid to restore one million acres

HP Inc. has extended its partnership pledge with WWF, focused on forest restoration, from $11m over a five-year period to $80m over a decade, thereby creating the largest partnership between a US-based corporation and the NGO to date.

Iberdrola's £6bn wind pledge and Chloé's B Corp certification: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.

Sky chief Jeremy Darroch: Businesses and governments must stop playing 'game of numbers' on climate

Sky's chief executive Jeremy Darroch has used his last public speech while in his role to deliver a call to action from governments and the private sector on the eve of COP26, urging a move from talk or box-ticking to comprehensive action.

#SustyTalk: Schillings' Magnus Boyd on climate-related reputational risk

edie's #SustyTalk interview series continues with an exclusive discussion with Schillings partner Magnus Boyd, a lawyer who specialises in reputation protection.

Fashion and textile giants pass carbon and water reduction goals, but fail to tackle waste

Back in 2012, businesses responsible for 60% of clothing sales in the UK signed onto shared goals to reduce emissions, water and waste by 2020. While the carbon and water targets have been exceeded, the businesses collectively failed to deliver on waste reduction.

Biden's offshore wind plans and France's plastic packaging ban: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.

Survey: Half of UK marketing professionals fear greenwashing accusations

Half (49%) of UK-based marketing professionals communicating the sustainability ambitions and actions of companies are worried their work may be perceived as greenwashing, amid increased consumer demand for - and scrutiny of - environmental claims.

Make your business a force for good: Seven top tips for B Corp certification

More than 4,000 businesses have certified as a B Corp, with the mark widely recognized as the highest standards of purpose-led business and sustainability. Here, edie outlines seven top tips for joining the B Corp community.

NatWest promises £100bn for climate and sustainability by 2025, with SME focus

Banking giant NatWest Group has pledged to provide £100bn of climate and sustainable funding and financing by the end of 2025, after surpassing its previous ambition in this field.

Commitment to halt nature loss not enough, big businesses warn world leaders

Businesses including Unilever, Natura & Co and H&M Group are urging world leaders to use the UN's Convention on Biological Diversity to commit to reversing nature loss by 2030, lest they risk a "dead planet" in the near future.

A force for good: How B Corps are shaping the future of sustainable business

With the B Corp movement continuing to gain momentum, this one-hour webinar will hear from the inspirational leaders and experts who have gone through the certification process and are actively making business a force for good among workers, suppliers, communities, and the environment.

Ford's $11bn EV investment and net-zero hotels: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.

Compass Group adds environmental labels to meals served at workplaces

Catering giant Compass Group is introducing eco-labels to all meals served through its business and industry (B&I) arm in the UK and Ireland, in the hopes of encouraging workers to choose options with a lower environmental impact.

Just 1 in 5 businesses clear on how to achieve their sustainability commitments, survey finds

While half of businesses are headed up by leaders supporting long-term environmental sustainability ambitions, only one-fifth have a clear roadmap for delivery, a new survey has found.

Built for Better: Walmart launches online platform to highlight sustainable products

Walmart has created a new online platform for shoppers looking to purchase more sustainable and healthier items that meet an array of recognised standards.

Prince Charles signs deal with Amazon Prime for channel highlighting sustainable business

A new channel on Amazon's Prime Video service, curated by the Prince of Wales, is set to launch, showcasing innovations and collaborations providing solutions to the climate crisis.

What makes a sustainable business leader? Meet Bakkafrost CEO Regin Jacobsen

With the entry deadline for edie's 2022 Sustainability Leaders Awards on Friday (1 October), this series showcases the achievements of previous winners. Up next: Winner of our 'Sustainable Business Leader of the Year' award, Regin Jacobsen.

Everything you may have missed: The sustainability success stories of Climate Week NYC 2021

As Climate Week NYC comes to a close, edie highlights the numerous new green commitments and announcements made by businesses.

Walmart raises $2bn through first green bond

US-based retail giant Walmart has announced the closing of its inaugural green bond issuance, raising $2bn for initiatives that will decrease emissions and resource use, increase resource efficiency and conserve nature.

Amazon promises €20m for nature-based climate solutions in Europe

E-commerce giant Amazon has pledged to spend €20m (£17.2m) on nature-based projects across Europe, in a bid to improve carbon sequestration, boost climate resilience and improve biodiversity and wellbeing.

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet green investment champions Cyan Finance

With the entry deadline for edie's 2022 Sustainability Leaders Awards just one week away, this series showcases the achievements of previous winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: Winner of our 'Investor of the Year' award, Cyan Finance.

World's biggest food companies accused of failing on climate action, human rights protections

Less than 10% of the world's largest food companies are aiming to reduce their emissions in line with climate science, while less than 13% are taking sufficient action to eliminate forced labour.

UK Government must do more to support women into green jobs, PwC warns

Just 20% of UK women believe they have the skills needed to work in a green job compared to 31% of UK men, according to new research from PwC.

Purpose beyond profit: 100 businesses to report on efforts to benefit society

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has confirmed that more than 100 businesses have voiced support for its Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics initiative, which is encouraging businesses to report, in a unified manner, on their efforts to realise societal purpose beyond profit-making.

Cosmetics giants team up to create environmental scorecards for product labelling

Unilever, L'Oreal, Henkel, LVMH and Body Shop owner Natura & Co have begun a new collaboration to develop an industry-wide system for measuring and communicating the environmental impacts of products to consumers.

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet Virgin Media's 'small but mighty' sustainability team

With the entry deadline for edie's 2022 Sustainability Leaders Awards less than two weeks away, this series showcases the achievements of previous winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: Winner of our 'Team of the Year' award, Virgin Media.

Five ways businesses can champion climate adaptation and nature-based solutions

Climate adaptation and nature-based solutions are two of the key focus areas for COP26. Once the negotiations are complete, the private sector will have a key role in accelerating action on the ground and, in this feature, we explore how.

Recyclable wind turbines and solar-powered bus stations: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.

UK supply chain survey reveals major lack of transparency on sustainability

Half of UK businesses admit they are not being transparent enough with consumers about the true sustainability of their supply chains, new research has revealed.

$1.6trn investor coalition pushes chemicals sector on net-zero

It is technically feasible to fully decarbonise the production of chemicals by 2050 and it is becoming increasingly economically viable to do so, according to responsible investment group ShareAction.

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet low-carbon fleet management champions DPD

With the entry deadline for edie's 2022 Sustainability Leaders Awards less than a month away, this series showcases the achievements of previous winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: Winner of our 'Transport/Fleet Management Initiative' award, DPD.

Europe's biggest banks failing to end coal financing despite net-zero climate pledges, report finds

An analysis of how 25 of Europe's largest banks are acting on climate issues has found that fewer than half have committed to ending financing for coal activities.

London's new 'bike library' and a milestone for US renewables: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.

Available to watch on demand: The ENGAGE reporting and communications sessions

Sustainability, reporting, and behaviour change experts from companies including Virgin Media, Aviva, Toast Ale and Clear Channel answered key question on sustainability communications as part of an afternoon of back-to-back live events that can still be watched on-demand.

Holcim Group targets net-positive nature impact, unveils new water targets

The world's largest cement company, Holcim Group, has launched what it claims is the first strategy in the sector targeting a net-positive impact on biodiversity, choosing a 2030 deadline.

Global green bond market set to break records, surpassing $500bn in 2021

Global green bond issuance is likely to pass the half-a-trillion-dollar mark this year, the Climate Bonds Initiative is forecasting, following a strong first half of the year for the market.

Shell campaign promoting carbon offsetting is greenwashing, Dutch advertising watchdog rules

The Netherlands' advertising watchdog has urged Royal Dutch Shell to stop running a campaign promoting fuel purchases as 'carbon neutral', providing that customers purchase offsets.

What makes a sustainability leader? Meet our Consultancy of the Year, Forster Communications

With the entry deadline for edie's 2022 Sustainability Leaders Awards approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of previous winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: the winner of our Consultancy of the Year Award, Forster Communications.

Earthshot Prize: Royals choose big-name businesses to support climate and nature innovation fund

Ikea, Microsoft and Unilever are among the businesses selected by the Duke of Cambridge to support the projects which will be backed by the Earthshot Prize - a £50m scheme supporting innovations tackling the climate and nature crisis.

CDL and MCL Land secure $847m green loan package to build 1,000+ sustainable homes

Property giants City Developments Limited (CDL) and MCL Land have secured an $847m green loan package, which will be used to support a joint venture developing two sustainable housing developments in Singapore.

What makes a sustainability leader? Inside Tideway's award-winning infrastructure project

With the entry deadline for edie's 2022 Sustainability Leaders Awards approaching, this new feature series showcases the achievements of previous winners and reveals their secrets to success. Up next: the winner of our Building/Infrastructure Project of the Year Award, Tideway Legacy.

Hydrogen fire engines and India's newest solar farms: The sustainability success stories of the week

As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.

The edie Sustainability and CSR Reporting Handbook 2021

This handbook, developed in partnership with UL as part of edie’s Engagement Week 2021, provides you with the advice and expert insight you need to implement modern, best-practices approaches to the development of your organisation’s sustainability reporting.

edie launches free sustainability communications and reporting handbooks

As part of the Engagement Week 2021 editorial campaign, edie has published two new free handbooks providing best-practice advice and expert insight on supercharging sustainability communications and developing modern CSR reports.