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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(L-R): Presenter Corporate Register’s director Paul Scott; the Co-op team; and compere Rufus Hound

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Co-op - Sustainability Reporting 2018

With entries now open for edie's revamped 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards, this new feature series will showcase the achievements of the 2018 winners, revealing their secrets to success. Up next: our 2018 Sustainability Reporting winners, Co-op.
Aldi’s sustainability report updates progress towards a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions generated per m2 of sales floor by 30%

Aldi exploring emissions reduction goal aligned to Paris Agreement

The UK's fastest growing supermarket Aldi will align its future sustainability strategy "well below" the 2C target set by the Paris Agreement, the company's international managing director of corporate responsibility, Sven van den Boomen, has claimed.
The latest sustainability report from the retailer reveals mixed progress on its Enrich Not Exploit goals

The Body Shop exploring 'back-up plans' to help reach energy targets

EXCLUSIVE: The Body Shop has introduced a new energy saving guide and is considering a carbon offset scheme as a "back-up plan” to meet its 2020 sustainability targets, following slow progress on its renewable power, energy efficiency and packaging innovation aims.
Sustainability and procurement experts from manufacturing and retail firms came together to discuss the potential solutions to some of the biggest challenges in the supply chain

Supply chain roundtable: Going 'beyond audit' to drive sustainability action

Sustainability and procurement professionals from some of the world's largest businesses recently came together for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and DNV GL to discuss the strategic steps required to take supply chain sustainability onto the next level.

Gathering dust: Sustainability reporting experts are in agreement that annual CSR updates need to become a much more integral part of business strategy

Is it time to kill off the standalone sustainability report?

This week's Smarter Sustainability Reporting conference saw a number of industry experts discuss the evolution of the sustainability report, with some going so far as to argue that an individual annual report no longer carries the necessary impetus to drive change. So, is the age of the standalone sustainability report finally over?

Four speakers have now been confirmed to speak in the hour-long webinar, which is being hosted in association with DNV GL

Taking place on THURSDAY: edie's Power Hour SDG webinar

Sustainability experts from BT, the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the UK Stakeholders for Sustainable Development (UKSSD) and DNV GL are all set to feature in a live edie webinar focused on business engagement with the SDGs, taking place next Thursday on 26 July.
The programme will enable University of Bristol staff to track their positive actions and earn ‘green points’ through an online platform and mobile app

University of Bristol trials gamification in staff behaviour change scheme

The University of Bristol has launched an employee engagement scheme to encourage staff to improve sustainability and wellbeing both on campus and at home.
This 30-minute masterclass offers a taster of the full Sustainability Leadership Programme that has been developed by Cranfield University for edie's network of sustainability professionals

30-minute masterclass: Seven tips to influence the board on a sustainability strategy

During a 30-minute masterclass webinar hosted by edie last week, Cranfield University's module leader for Managing Corporate Responsibility, Rosina Watson, outlined the key skills needed to promote a sustainability strategy at board level. Here, edie rounds up the key points.
Darian has implemented significant programmes within the company to provide safe and legal labour – within Thai Union Group’s own facilities and in its wider supply chain

Meet the Sustainability Leader: Darian McBain - Sustainability Leader of the Year 2018

With entries now open for edie's revamped 2019 Sustainability Leaders Awards, this new feature series will showcase the achievements of the 2018 winners, revealing their secrets to success. First up: our 2018 Sustainability Leader of the Year, Thai Union Group's global director of sustainable development Dr. Darian McBain.
This weekly round-up explores how businesses and nations across the world are ramping up efforts across all areas of sustainable development

Panda solar parks and Uber’s e-scooter scheme: This week’s top 5 sustainability success stories

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.

edie brings you four interviews with UPS, the Seabin Project, Airlabs and the Impact Investment Network

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Seabins, Airlabs and EV tours with UPS

Episode 45 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees edie travel to UPS' Camden depot to discuss the electric vehicle revolution, before heading to the Greentech Challenge to see how innovators are combatting air pollution and ocean plastics.
Thai Union has said it would like to extend the partnership for a further four years to drive further action in the tuna sector

How collaborating with WWF helped Thai Union drive sustainability sector-wide

EXCLUSIVE: More corporations should consider partnering with public-sector organisations if they wish to go beyond improving their own sustainability strategies to drive industry-wide improvements, according to Thai Union’s award-winning global director of sustainable development, Darian McBain.
Virgin Media is no stranger to using themed reports to make sustainability more revelant and accessible for stakeholders

Climate captains and sustainability strikers: Virgin Media unveils football-themed sustainability report

With England capturing the hearts of the nation at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, telecoms giant Virgin Media has released a new sustainability report utilising football themes to engage key stakeholders with its latest efforts.
The webinar will be free to watch live at 2pm on Thursday 26 July and will be available on-demand afterwards.

Speaker line-up confirmed for edie's SDG 'Power Hour' webinar

Sustainability experts from BT, the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the UK Stakeholders for Sustainable Development (UKSSD) and DNV GL are all set to feature in a live edie webinar focused on business engagement with the SDGs, taking place on 26 July.
Almost one-fifth of sustainability leaders think 100% of their range will be low-carbon by 2028

Majority of products to be low-carbon within a decade, say firms with science-based targets

The majority of executives at global corporations which are leading the transition to a low-carbon economy believe most of their company’s branded products or services will be classed as low-carbon by 2028, new research has revealed.
This weekly round-up explores how businesses across the world are ramping up efforts across all areas of sustainable development

Plastic-free supermarkets and lessons in leadership: This week’s top 5 sustainability success stories

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.
Sandrine Ricard told edie that all 17 SDGs will be applied across the firm's operations, from offices to its supply chains

Pernod Ricard to embed SDGs in sustainability strategy

EXCLUSIVE: Beverage giant Pernod Ricard is set to align its sustainability strategy, which also applies to its owned brands such as Chivas Brothers, Malibu and Absolut Vodka, with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals "in the near future".
Signatories are calling on ministers to amend the Modern Slavery Act so businesses will be required to upload their statements to a central database

British retailers call for progress on ‘weak’ corporate anti-slavery commitments

Several big-name British retailers, including Marks and Spencer (M&S), Tesco and the Co-op, are among the 35 organisations to have signed a joint statement calling on the UK Government to set up a central registry for companies' modern slavery statements.
Tesco will purchase carbon offsets as part of the first phase of its new soy plan

Tesco commits to new zero-deforestation soy policy

Supermarket giant Tesco has made a fresh sustainability pledge to ensure that the soy it sources for its own-brand products and animal feed is verified as "zero deforestation" by 2025.
The UN's International Labor Organisation claims that 25 million people were in forced labour in 2017

BT, Microsoft and Nokia team up to combat human trafficking in supply chains

Communication and technology giants BT, Microsoft and Nokia are part of a group of organisations that have partnered with the United Nations (UN) to develop technologies that help tackle modern slavery and human trafficking in supply chains.
Take a look through all of the month's most-read news stories, and click the links in the descriptions below to read them for yourself

Black plastic recycling, circular fashion and the FIFA World Cup: Top 10 sustainability stories of June 2018

It was a month of circular economy investments, plastics debates and FIFA World Cup excitement. Take a look back at June's biggest sustainability stories in this round-up.
edie talks sustainability leadership and plastic revolutions with Whitbread's James Pitcher

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: In the green room with Whitbread's James Pitcher

Welcome back to the green room - edie's exclusive interview hub for sustainability leaders, brought to you as part of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast. Up next to provide the insights of a leading sustainable business: Whitbread's director of sustainability James Pitcher.
Several of the named supermarkets told edie they have put additional human rights measures in place

Report: UK supermarkets failing to protect supply chain workers' rights

The UK's largest supermarkets "routinely" implement weak human rights policies in their supply chains, "exerting relentless pressure" on their suppliers while "trapping" overseas workers in poverty, a new report from Oxfam has claimed.
Through a partnership with Thread International and the First Mile Coalition, HP purchased 170 tonnes of PCR plastic from Haiti last year

HP used eight million 'ocean-bound' plastic bottles in products last year

HP has revealed that it has diverted 170 tonnes of plastic from the oceans over the past 12 months, after pledging to recycle "ocean-bound" plastic bottles for use in its range of ink cartridges.
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(From l-r) WorldGBC's Victoria Burrows, Canary Wharf Group's Martin Gettings, House of Fraser's Dorothy Maxwell and edie's Luke Nicholls

On the Mission Possible sofa with Victoria Burrows, Martin Gettings & Dorothy Maxwell

The fifth episode of our new sustainable business chat show sees World Green Building Council's project manager of Advancing Net Zero Victoria Burrows joined by Canary Wharf Group's head of sustainability Martin Gettings and House of Fraser's head of sustainability Dorothy Maxwell to discuss the built environment.
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edie's George Ogleby sits down with Futerra's Solitaire Townsend to discuss sustainability leaderships

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: edie Live review, susty superheroes and a World Cup quiz

Episode 43 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees edie reflect on its flagship event in Birmingham - featuring interviews from the likes of Futerra, Global Action Plan and Adnams - before the team are quizzed on the sustainability of the FIFA 2018 World Cup.
(L-R) BSRIA's chief executive Julia Evans, former Committee on Climate Change chief executive Matthew Bell and former DONG Energy chair Brent Cheshire

Birthday Honours: Sustainability leaders make Queen's 2018 list

The Queen's 2018 Birthday Honours list has recognised the outstanding achievements of a number of senior figures across the UK's sustainability and energy sectors.
Dow has set a target of generating £750m ($1bn) from

Dow generates £90m from natural capital projects

The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) has continued to prove the business case for measuring impacts on nature, generating almost £90m ($120m) from putting an economic value on natural resources in 2017.
First launched 10 years ago in France, the Harmony scheme provides farmers with a financial incentive to conserve water, protect biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions

Mondelez to use 100% sustainably-sourced wheat in EU

Confectionary giant Mondelēz International has committed to making 100% of the biscuits it manufactures in the European Union with sustainably-sourced wheat, a 40% increase from the company's biscuit production last year.
This new weekly round-up explores how oranisations across the world are ramping up efforts across all areas of sustainable development

Achieving Mission Possible: The sustainability success stories of the week

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Mike Barry discussed plastic pledges, stores closures and consumer demand following the release of the retailer's Plan A sustainability update

Paradigm shift: How ‘unsatisfied customers’ are driving M&S’s sustainability progress

With Marks & Spencer (M&S) publishing the latest update to its Plan A sustainability strategy this week, the retailer’s director of sustainable business Mike Barry explains how mounting consumer pressures have helped to accelerate progress towards delivering sustainable products and packaging.
Ikea’s climate positive ambition aims to fulfil the retailer’s contribution to the Paris Agreement through an emissions reduction across the value chain that is aligned to climate science

Ikea to ban single-use plastics, targets 'climate-positive' status under new strategy

Removing all single-use plastics products from its range globally, eliminating more greenhouse gas emissions than its value chain emits, and generating more renewables than it consumes are all headline goals of Ikea's updated People and Planet Positive strategy.
This new weekly round-up explores how businesses across the world are ramping up efforts across all areas of sustainable development

Achieving Mission Possible: The sustainability success stories of the week

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Helias noted that all business applications will eventually be working on sustainability as an everyday consideration

'Stimulating and inspiring': How P&G made sustainability business critical

EXCLUSIVE: Procter & Gamble's (P&G) vice president of global sustainability Virginie Helias believes that internal behaviour change helped the company transform a sustainability strategy into an "unstoppable" and holistic ethos.

Mission Possible: The 2018 report

Welcome to the future of sustainable business. edie's Mission Possible 2018 report has landed, exploring the key commercial drivers, challenges and opportunities on the road to a low-carbon, resource-efficient planet.
The new plan forms part of the group’s five-year ‘one Kingfisher’ strategy, which was launched in 2016 and aims to transform the company’s structure by “unifying” its key brands

New sustainable growth plan acts as 'roadmap' to Net Positive for Kingfisher

EXCLUSIVE: Home improvement retailer Kingfisher has unveiled a comprehensive range of short-term sustainability targets in a bid to engage its customers and 77,000 employees in the company's long-term ambition of becoming "truly sustainable".
The scheme will be rolled out across its 2,500 retail outlets by the end of the year, following a successful trial in 50 of its stores. Photo: Co-op

Co-op to stop 'last-minute' fresh produce sales to tackle food waste

Co-op will stop 'last-minute' sales of fresh produce in a bid to reduce the volume of edible food going to waste in its stores every day.
Stoffer revealed to edie that he will spend much of the year formulating “challenging but obtainable goals” for the future

Investment drive sees Smurfit Kappa reach carbon goal three years early

EXCLUSIVE: Paper-based packaging company Smurfit Kappa has surpassed a target to reduce emissions by a quarter three years ahead of schedule, with the company's vice president of development outlining how investment cycles helped accelerate progress.
As part of the report, Kraft Heinz introduced a new goal to transition to a 100% cage-free egg supply globally by 2025

Transparency focus helps Kraft Heinz accelerate towards supply chain goals

EXCLUSIVE: Food processing company Kraft Heinz has enrolled in a journey of transparency to help deliver its CSR strategy, with the company's first ever sustainability report highlighting achievements with palm oil sourcing and challenges related to water consumption.
edie's senior report Matt Mace speaks to Ecover's head of long-term innovation Tom Domen at the 'Rubbish cafe'

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Geothermal waterparks and rubbish cafes

Episode 42 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees edie travel to France to explore how geothermal energy is being used to heat a waterpark attraction at a Disney-owned resort, before visiting a café where food can be exchanged for waste plastics.
Robey believes the future of sustainable business will rely on “enhanced” collaboration between businesses and their competitors

How behaviour change helped Capgemini meet its carbon goals three years early

EXCLUSIVE: Facilitating behaviour change has been "critical" to Capgemini's ability to surpass its 2020 carbon reduction and energy saving targets three years early, the firm's global head of corporate sustainability James Robey has revealed.
This new weekly round-up explores how businesses across the world are ramping up efforts across all areas of sustainable development

Achieving Mission Possible: 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 update reveals that Unilever is on track to meet around 80% of its Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) commitments

Sustainable Living brands delivered 70% of Unilever's turnover growth last year

Unilever has continued to prove the business case for sustainability, with the firm's 'Sustainable Living' brands accounting for a record 70% of its turnover growth last year, and growing 46% faster than the rest of the business.
edie talks sustainability leadership and plastic revolutions with ex-BT sustainability chief Niall Dunne

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: In the green room with Polymateria's Niall Dunne

Welcome back to the green room - edie's exclusive interview hub for sustainability leaders, brought to you as part of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast. Up next to provide the insights of leading sustainable business: Polymateria's new chief executive Niall Dunne.
Home improvement retailer Kingfisher and food manufacturer William Jackson Food Group discussed how they are scaling-up sustainability effort and innovation in edie's latest webinar

How the SDGs and stakeholder engagement can hold the key to sustainability leadership

EXCLUSIVE: Building strong relationships with stakeholders and aligning targets with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are some of the most effective ways of embedding sustainability into core business models, an expert panel of speakers has concluded.
Hosted in association with E.ON Energy, edie's Mission Possible webinar will involve three speakers followed by a live audience Q&A

Sustainability leadership, in action: edie's Mission Possible webinar available on demand

Sustainability figureheads from home improvement retailer Kingfisher and food manufacturer William Jackson Food Group will discuss how they are scaling-up effort and innovation to achieve their 'Mission Possible' in edie's next live webinar, taking place tomorrow (3 May).
Take a look through all of the month's most-read news stories, and click the links in the descriptions below to read them for yourself

Energy blockchains, plastic pledges and coffee cup bans: Top 10 sustainability stories of April 2018

It was a month of supply chain exploration, coffee cup recycling commitments and business-led climate advocacy. Take a look back at April's biggest sustainability stories in this round-up.
It has been reported that UK firms could save as much as £1bn on their energy bills by changing the ‘energy behaviours’ of their employees, rather than relying on technical solutions.

RBS and Tesco extend employee engagement programmes

EXCLUSIVE: RBS and Tesco have both confirmed that their respective behaviour change initiatives are being rolled out across the wider workforce after successful trial periods saw increased efficiencies and reduced costs.
The company’s first group-wide sustainability report outlines plans to share best practice in supply chains to train professionals growers

AB Sugar targets water, carbon and plastics under new sustainability commitment

Global sugar company AB Sugar has launched its first ever group-wide sustainability report, outlining bold new commitments to cut carbon emissions and water use by 30% and ensure all plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or bio-degradable by 2030.
The platform will record, track and monitor paper usage to ensure an equivalent is replanted managed forestry projects

Xerox to offset customer paper footprints through reforestation platform

Printing services company Xerox is offering a "you print one, we'll plant one" offer to consumers, to ensure that individual paper usage is covered by planting new trees across numerous reforestation projects.
A new £1bn ultra-sustainable community in Cambridge and Patagonia's new climate activism film are the topics of discussion

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: The £1bn eco-community and Patagonia's climate action movie

This episode of the edie podcast takes listeners on a whirlwind tour of Eddington, a new 150-hectare, sustainable community developed by the University of Cambridge, as well as a trip to the cinema to talk brand purpose and climate activism with Patagonia's general manager Ryan Gellert.
Strong collective performance across the UK supermarket industry is held back by Iceland, Morrisons and Marks and Spencer (M&S)

Aldi tops UK supermarkets for sustainable seafood products

Aldi has edged out Sainsbury's and Lidl in offering the largest amount of sustainable seafood to UK customers, according to new findings from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
Incorporating expert sessions and live audience Q&A, the webinar is free to watch live at 2pm today, and will be available on-demand afterwards

TUESDAY AT 2PM: Live behaviour change webinar featuring Tesco and RBS

Taking place today (17 April) at 2pm (BST), the one-hour webinar session will see experts from Tesco, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and EDF Energy provide their top tips on driving staff engagement on energy and sustainability.
More than 80% of P&G's global manufacturing sites have achieved zero-waste-to-landfill status. Photo: P&G

P&G sets new package of 2030 sustainability goals

The owner of household brands such as Ariel, Gillette, Fairy, Pampers and Head & Shoulders has unveiled a new suite of 2030 sustainability targets, having achieved many of its goals for 2020.
Incorporating expert sessions and live audience Q&A, the webinar is free to watch live at 2pm on 17 April, and will be available on-demand afterwards

What does it take to change behaviours? edie webinar taking place on TUESDAY

edie's next one-hour webinar session will take place on Tuesday 17 April 2018, with experts from Tesco, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and EDF Energy set to provide their top tips on driving staff engagement on energy and sustainability.
Iceland has already brought out 100 new lines without palm oil in 2018

Iceland pledges to stop using palm oil in own-brand food

Frozen food giant Iceland has vowed to remove palm oil from all of its own-brand food products by the end of 2018.
Olam's chief executive Sunny Verghese said the aim for a ‘net-positive’ impact towards the creation and restoration of natural and social capital would enable the company to operate a viable business

Olam unveils new 'net-positive' supply chain policy

Multinational agri-business Olam has launched a new sustainability strategy which supports a 'net-positive' approach to supply chain and landscape management.
Hershey will invest in “innovative agroforestry methods” to protect forests and climates. Image Andy Melton/Flickr

Hershey commits £355m to supply chain sustainability

Global confectionery company Hershey has committed $500m (£355m) to tackling child labour and links to deforestation in its supply chains, as part of a comprehensive new sustainability strategy.
Duvoisin believes that sustainability can act as a differentiator in today’s market

Sustainability a competitive advantage for business, says Nespresso boss

EXCLUSIVE: Businesses aiming to become sustainability leaders cannot ignore approaches to communication in an age where consumers and stakeholders are actively engaged on corporate approaches to societal and environmental needs, the chief executive of Nespresso has claimed.
The one-hour session will provide you with expert tips and proven techniques in delivering a successful behaviour change campaign

Behaviour change: Tesco and RBS to discuss engagement strategies in edie's next webinar

Individuals and organisations looking to drive staff engagement on energy and sustainability are encouraged to tune into a free webinar next month, featuring expert insight from the likes of Tesco, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and EDF Energy.

We take a tour of a giant solar system and then hear from speakers at edie's Energy Management Forum and Sustainability Reporting Conference

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Solar, storage and sustainability reports

This bumper episode of the edie podcast includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the largest solar installation in the Higher Education sector, plus interviews with sustainability and energy experts from Compass Group, Beyond Business, Pets at Home, LandSec and M&S.
Fibria exports material for tissues, printing and writing specialty papers to 38 countries

The needs of the many: Why Fibria's corporate plan has transformed to a 'shared value' approach

With the UK announcing a new £62 investment to combat deforestation across key areas of Brazil, one of the largest pulp companies from the country, Fibria, outlines its new corporate strategy that seeks to give back to society.

The handbook includes a combination of expert of advice, top tips and case studies that will help you transform your approach to sustainability communications

Telling your sustainability story: edie launches communications handbook

Sustainability and CSR professionals looking to boost stakeholder engagement through effective communications now have access to a new 'handbook', which provides expert advice and insight into how to tell your sustainability story.
Companies will collaborate to eliminate links to deforestation by 2030 and reduce emissions and increase uptake of renewable energy

UK retail giants sign up to collaborative SDG commitment

A group of major retailers, including Ikea, Debenhams and Sainsbury's, have signed up to a series of commitments to collaboratively tackle pressing societal issues by using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework.
Apple and its suppliers are almost three-quarters of the way along a path to purchasing more than 4GW clean energy worldwide by 2020

Apple moves towards greener supply chain with zero-waste and clean energy milestones

Apple has made progress in its ongoing effort towards a greener supply chain, with big achievements over the past year in key areas such as waste and low-carbon energy procurement.
Ikea recently joined a collective energy switch that promises an exclusive 100% renewable electricity tariff

Ikea boosts sustainable products and renewable energy sourcing

The world's biggest furniture retailer has made strides in its mission to deliver sustainable products and transition to renewable energy, Ikea's latest global sustainability report has shown.
The survey highlights a positive attitude coursing through the profession, with more than half of respondents optimistic about tackling future challenges

Job satisfaction for sustainability professionals outperforms national average

Job satisfaction within the sustainability sector continues to outperform the national average, with factors such as pay rises, stable employment and career mobility all contributing to a "highly satisfied" workforce, a new survey has found.
Take a look through all of the month's most-read news stories, and click the links in the descriptions below to read them for yourself

Top 10 sustainability stories of February 2018

It was a month of big plastic pledges, electric vehicle (EV) excitement and the launch of Mission Possible. Take a look back at February's biggest sustainability stories in this brand-new round-up.
Ice cream giant Ben & Jerry’s is one of the 150 businesses signed up to the B Corp movement

B Corp businesses grow 28 times faster than national average

New research has revealed that businesses within the purpose-driven B Corp movement are growing 28 times faster than the national economic growth of 0.5%.
Lloyds has launched a £1bn fund to help real estate owners improve the energy efficiency ratings of their buildings

Lloyds aligns 2020 goals with SDGs in bid to 'help Britain prosper'

Banking giant Lloyds has vowed to "help British people and businesses prosper" with a set of 2020 CSR targets which are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The report will be updated over time as new practices emerge to help businesses avoid risks of SDG

Best-practice guide for business action on SDGs launched by WWF and Gold Standard

Businesses have been urged to capitalise on the benefits of delivering against ambitious goals on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in a report which provides a host of best-practices for business leaders to inform their strategies going forward.
Thames Tideway Tunnel CGI cross-section

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Thames tours with Tideway

edie visits London Bridge for a boat tour with the Tideway team, the company behind London's massive development project to improve pollution and plastic levels in the city by enhancing the sewage system.
HS2 was the project first to engage with BRE in the development of BREEAM Infrastructure, working with BRE to pioneer a new approach to a sustainability strategy

HS2 awarded UK's first BREEAM infrastructure certificate

HS2 has become the UK's first infrastructure project to be awarded a BREEAM Infrastructure Scheme Certificate for its sustainability on Phase 1 of the project.
The company had already reached its 2020 emission targets for production

Drop the C: Heineken outlines science-based targets ambition

Brewer Heineken has today (12 February) unveiled a new sustainability strategy that commits to ramping up renewable energy production, piloting an internal carbon price and setting science-based targets across distribution, cooling and packaging.
Patagonia and its business programme ‘1% for the Planet’ has raised nearly $90m for environmental organisations worldwide

Patagonia's new digital platform connects environmental activism community

American clothing firm Patagonia has launched a new digital platform which connects customers with local environmental groups to encourage grassroots activism.
Cranshaw, who led the creation and implementation of the Tread Lightly strategy, noted that Eurostar had been examining its own use of plastic since last summer

Eurostar to set science-based target and halve use of plastic

High-speed rail service Eurostar has pledged to halve the amount of plastic it uses over the next two years, with the organisation's energy and environment lead Rebecca Cranshaw revealing that a science-based target to reduce emissions should be in place later this year.
The JUMP employee engagement programme, led by Green Rewards, rewards individual and team prizes for implementing positive sustainable business changes

University of Winchester targets carbon reductions through behaviour change programme

Following a successful four-month trial, the University of Winchester has rolled out a behaviour change programme to all staff members in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and boost wellbeing.
The launch comes in response to the Government’s call last November for banks to make it easier for people to access social impact investments

Triodos pioneers sustainable crowdfunding platform

Sustainable lender Triodos has become the first UK bank to launch its own crowdfunding platform, which will enable people to invest directly in equity or bonds issues by organisations delivering positive social and environmental impacts.
Sixteen industry experts came together in London to discuss how to drive engagement and move from ambition to action on the SDGs

SDG roundtable: Five ways to move from ambition to action

Sustainability and corporate responsibility managers from a range of businesses across the country recently gathered in London for an exclusive roundtable hosted by edie and UL EHS Sustainability, which explored the steps required to take the lead on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This episode features interviews with Kaitlin Crouch from ING, Bill Eyres from O2, Alexandra Stubbings from Talik & Co and the Forum’s chair Simon Cohen

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Day Two at the Sustainability Leaders Forum

Following on from yesterday's podcast covering day one of the Sustainability Leaders Forum, edie's senior reporter Matt Mace brings listeners a range of interviews from the likes of O2 and ING.
edie dusts off the podcast recorder to bring listeners a range of interviews from the Forum and the Sustainability Leaders Awards for part one of this returning episode

Sustainable Business Covered podcast: We're back and at the Sustainability Leaders Forum (Part One)

After a short winter break, edie's Sustainable Business Covered podcast returns to bring you a two-part episode featuring a range of interviews from speakers and delegates and the Sustainability Leaders Forum.
From expert insights on gaining strategic boardroom buy-in to messages the importance of leadership at every level of business, we've rounded up the best of the quotes from the 2018 edie Sustainability Leaders Forum

The sky is the limit: Five inspiring messages from the 2018 edie Sustainability Leaders Forum

After a fascinating two days of inspiration, insight and expertise, edie looks back at some of the most inspirational messages taken away from the 2018 edie Sustainability Leaders Forum.
PwC exceeded its 25% carbon reduction target for 2017, which was set against a 2007 baseline

PwC sets carbon reduction and business growth targets

Professional services firm PwC has targeted a 40% reduction in carbon emissions and a switch to 100% renewable electricity while continuing to expand its business.
Michael Lewis was speaking on the second day of edie's 2018 Sustainability Leaders Forum at the Business Design Centre in London

From environmental expert to CEO: E.ON boss Michael Lewis reflects on his remarkable sustainability journey

EXCLUSIVE: Michael Lewis explains how his rise to the top at E.ON has intertwined with the company's transition from a fossil fuel-based power generator to a provider of sustainable energy solutions.
The Forum provided valuable insight into how sustainability professionals plan to deliver a thriving low-carbon, resource-efficient future

Mission Possible: 8 charts that show how business leaders are building a sustainable future

Hundreds of sustainability professionals gathered in London for edie's Sustainability Leaders Forum this week. Throughout the two-day event, delegates were asked to reflect on their thoughts on key drivers, and the results show that a sustainable future is possible.
Launched under the job-posting, “the best job for the world. Probably”, the community roles will target climate change mitigation and water scarcity solutions

'Probably the best job for the world': Carlsberg launches young scientists community

Global brewer Carlsberg is seeking to create a community of young scientists to develop new projects and set industry standards for science-based and sustainability-driven research that will help the company deliver its CSR strategy.
Bournemouth Finance Team receives top prize and sends £100 worth of donations to Bournemouth Food Bank

Bournemouth University widens staff engagement programme after fall in energy and carbon levels

Bournemouth University is rolling out an organisation-wide project to boost sustainable behaviour among employees after a successful pilot saw the institution slash energy consumption by 14.6% across active departments.
Rugarli said that potential rental schemes were part of VF Corporation’s move to capture new business opportunities while placing sustainability at the forefront of product design

VF Corporation exploring servitisation to champion circular economy

EXCLUSIVE: Global clothing giant VF Corporation is exploring rental and service-based business models to promote the circular economy to its consumers, as the company pushes ahead with a new corporate strategy that commits to science-based targets and 100% renewable electricity.

The smarter sustainability reporting handbook

A new era is upon us: the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Modern Slavery Act (MSA) and the Task Force on Climate- related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) have together paved the way for an entirely new approach to corporate sustainability.
Britvic has also made major strides in its bid to develop a viable bottle from sustainable wood fibres

Britvic on course for zero-waste status

Soft drinks company Britvic looks set to become a zero-waste company by 2020, with the firm's latest sustainability report revealing recent efforts to cut down on plastic waste, carbon emissions and water use.
The handbook offers advice on creating an engaging sustainability report and sharing it with key stakeholders

Seven steps to success: edie launches the smarter sustainability reporting handbook

With more stakeholders, staff and consumers demanding knowledge and information on corporate commitments, edie has published a handbook to help create an engaging and informative sustainability report.
Innocent Drinks has provided a more enabling environment for staff at its Fruit Towers headquarters in London to champion sustainability

Heroes of change: How Innocent Drinks is empowering its staff to drive sustainability

EXCLUSIVE: Innocent Drinks is on a mission to build a workforce of sustainability superheroes. Here, edie explores the innovative approaches the smoothie and fruit juice manufacturer is taking to put people at the heart of its new CSR strategy.
Carbon Trust chief executive Tom Delay gazes into his sustainability crystal ball to look at the major trends that could shape the green economy in 2018

Transparency, Trump and tipping points: The key trends that could define sustainability in 2018

EXCLUSIVE: The green economy in 2018 will likely be shaped by a corporate drive to increase financial disclosure, a "tipping point" for major clean technologies, and a pendulum swing in global sustainability leadership towards the developing world.

One of the major success stories of an energy drive is the EnergyCare scheme, implemented in Boots UK stores in 2012

Boots reaches carbon goal three years early

Following the implementation of behavior change and energy monitoring programmes, Boots UK has surpassed a 30% carbon reduction target three years ahead of schedule.
Darroch joins the likes of Sir David Attenborough and Ben Fogle in WWF’s council of influential people dedicated to solving urgent issues that face the planet

Sky boss Jeremy Darroch lands WWF ambassador role

Broadcaster Sky's chief executive Jeremy Darroch has today (4 January) become a WWF ambassador to assist the organisation in its efforts to safeguard the natural world.
Vyvyan noted that a successful corporate strategy relied on embedding sustainability into day-to-day situations, the same way that a company would for employee engagement and satisfaction

Circular and digital transformations 'key' to enabling business growth

A growth in circular innovation and digital transformation are the "keys to a more sustainable future" that is currently being hindered by businesses that still view sustainability as an "add on" that requires additional resources and finances.
(L-R): Tom Delay, Sally Uren, Shaun Kingsbury and Dr Joanne Wade were all recognised in the 2018 New Year's Honours list

New Year Honours 2018: Sustainability champions make Queen's list

The 2018 New Year Honours list has recognised the outstanding achievements of a number of senior figures across the UK's green economy.
BCI is the largest farm-level cotton sustainability programme in the world

Sustainable cotton fund reached 600,000 farmers in past year

More than 600,000 farmers have benefited from a Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) fund thanks to an almost doubled membership size in the past year.