Corporate Social Responsibility
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Reshape economy to fight climate crisis, says Prince Charles
The Prince of Wales has urged business and political leaders at Davos to embrace a radical reshaping of economies and markets in order to tackle the climate crisis.
Chief executives see reputational boosts in combatting climate change
Three-quarters of UK business chief executives believe that responding to the climate emergency through new business pledges and initiatives will provide a reputational advantage, with climate change climbing up the corporate agenda according to a new annual survey from PwC.
Accounting bodies call for better disclosure on business SDG accountability
Leading accounting bodies have called for better corporate disclose on efforts to align reporting with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), with a new report calling on organisations to disclose negative contributions in order to deliver change.
World Economic Forum calls on business chiefs to set net-zero targets
All business leaders and companies attending the World Economic Forum in Davos this week have been asked to make public commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
BBC's bumper climate coverage and plastic-free snacks: 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.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Tom Byrne, Asos
This series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Tom Byrne, senior sustainability manager at Asos.
Biggest food brands 'failing goals to banish palm oil deforestation'
Some of the world's biggest brands are failing in their commitments to banish deforestation from their supply chains through their use of palm oil, despite making public claims to environmental sustainability, according to two reports.
Debenhams sets sweeping new fashion sustainability targets
Department store retailer Debenhams has set a string of new green targets for its fashion and homeware departments, in a bid to set new sustainability benchmarks for the sub-sector following a difficult financial year.
Business giants spearhead new UK SDG action plan
Business giants such as Nando's, Nestle, PwC have joined forces with RSPB, WWF to launch an action plan aimed at strengthening government performance against the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by driving private sector collaboration.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation boss: Natural Restoration 'hardest' part of circular economy shift
EXCLUSIVE: Against a backdrop of wildfires and growing climate activism, the chief executive of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation has called on businesses to develop holistic action plans to combat the complex challenge of restoring natural systems.
BlackRock's Larry Fink to CEOs: 'Purpose is the engine of long-term profitability'
BlackRock's chief executive Larry Fink has warned businesses that a "fundamental reshaping of finance" is happening at pace and that businesses need to put climate action at the heart of decision-making processes in order to remain profitable.
Forster Communications targets 'climate-positivity' by 2023
Social change PR agency Forster Communications has pledged to become 'climate-positive' by 2023, reversing and mitigating more negative environmental impacts than it generates through its direct and indirect actions.
BlackRock's climate u-turn and futuristic cities: 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.
Servitisation and social media storytelling: How retailers are approaching sustainability in 2020
January is now probably just as synonymous with retail discounts as it is with New Year's resolutions. But following a year of unprecedented climate activism, how are retailers planning to increase sustainability action and embed a 'purpose-beyond-profits' approach in 2020?
UK SMEs aiming to ramp up sustainability actions
Almost two-thirds of UK small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) have signalled their intentions to improve environmental sustainability practices due to heightened consumer awareness and new legislation, according to a new survey.
Aviva Investors: Better corporate disclosure needed to help sustainable finance go mainstream
EXCLUSIVE: Investment firms are heeding climate warnings and honing their approach to sustainability, but ultimately need more information from the businesses in their portfolios in order to drive transformational change.
VOTE: What will be the defining sustainability issue of 2020?
With many of us heading back to the office for our first day at work in 2020 this week, edie has explored the environmental issues which could dominate sustainability conversations this year - and is giving you the chance to have your say.
Vegan steak bakes and green football stadiums: 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.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Eilidh Johnston, Laing O'Rourke
This series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Eilidh Johnston, environmental advisor at Laing O'Rourke.
Energy firms to pay £10.5m over August 2019's major blackout
RWE and Orsted have agreed to pay £9 million for failings leading up to last August's major power cut, while UK Power Networks (UKPN) will also pledge £1.5 million after reconnecting customers too early.
20 New Year's resolutions for sustainability professionals in 2020 and beyond
A new decade is upon us, and as the window to reverse and alleviate the climate crisis shortens, new long-term targets can provide sustainability professionals with the motivation and drive to transform their organisations into forces of good.
New Years Honours 2020: The sustainability champions on the Queen's list
The 2020 New Year Honours list has recognised the outstanding achievements of more than 90 figures across the UK's environmental sphere, including green business figures, policy experts and scientists working to combat climate change and marine pollution.
How has pop culture responded to the climate emergency in 2019?
From Coldplay cancelling their tour until they can find a carbon-neutral option, to James Bond producers debuting the spy's first fully electric car, all the signs point to sustainability shaping pop culture. But how deep does this impact run, and what's in store for 2020?
Patagonia's Black Friday campaign raises $20m for environmental causes
Outdoor clothing company Patagonia's Black Friday fundraiser for environmental organisations has hit its $10m (£7.6m) target in just 17 days - meaning the firm will now donate $10m of its own to these causes.
edie's big fat sustainabiliy quiz of the year: 2019 edition
Take edie's 2019 quiz of the year to test your knowledge on some of the biggest moments in the global sustainability agenda over the past 12 months.
School strikes, science-based targets and climate emergency declarations: Recapping the sustainability stories of 2019
With just one week left until Christmas, edie recaps what has been a mammoth year for sustainability stories - from the UK's net-zero target to the growing business movement towards 1.5C.
Closed-loop offices and an Ikea double whammy: 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.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Benedict Orchard, Superdry
This series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Benedict Orchard, energy and environment manager at Superdry.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Christmas special deliveries and festive feasts
Episode 77 of the Sustainable Business Covered podcast sees the edie editorial team return to discuss business CSR initiatives over the festive period, featuring four exclusive interviews with CSR & redistribution platform Neighbourly, e-commerce firm Tinggly and business networks Team London Bridge and the UKSSD.
Tesco to help customers visualise the environmental impact of their shopping
As part of its collaboration with WWF, Tesco has produced a new metric which enables customers to track the environmental impact of some of its most popular products.
Boardroom blocks: Less than 10% of UK CEOs have financial bonuses to combat climate change
Only 6% of UK chief executives have financial incentives and bonuses tied to environmental strategies and performance across the business practice, a new study has found.
VW's supermarket EV chargers and Levi's upcycled bags: 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
Greta's arrival and carbon offsetting clashes: What happened on days 2 & 3 of COP25?
COP25 - the UN's annual two-week-long climate summit - is now well underway in Madrid. Here, edie rounds up all the key news and views from the second and third days of the event.
Survey: UK businesses poised to deliver on the SDGs
Three-quarters of British firms believe they have a role to play in furthering national and international progress against the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a new survey has found.
Carbon pricing and 'the climate point of no return': What's happened at COP25 so far?
Monday (2 December) marked the start of COP25 - the UN's annual two-week-long climate summit - in Madrid. Here, edie rounds up all the key news and views from the first day of the event.
M&S launches digital viscose map to boost fashion supply chain transparency
Retail giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) has launched a digital map highlighting all textile suppliers through which it sources man-man cellulosic fibres (MMCF) including viscose.
Election debates and net-zero campaigns: The top 10 sustainability stories of November 2019
With COP25 and Christmas now on the horizon, we take a look back at a November packed full of sustainability and energy news. This round-up includes all the highlights from edie's Net Zero November campaign and the build-up to the UK general election.
Green Friday: The retailers championing sustainability over spending for Black Friday 2019
Today (29 November) is Black Friday, the biggest sales event of the year. But with consumers increasingly prioritising purpose over profit and climate change climbing the ranking of public priorities, some retailers are taking note and using the occasion to champion resource efficiency, social sustainability and environmental conservation.
Ikea to invest £171m in nature and clean power under 'climate positive' pledge
Ikea has today (27 November) unveiled a new €200m (£171m) investment package aimed at helping the retailer deliver on its commitment to become 'climate-positive' by 2030.
Report: World's largest asset managers failing to champion global climate goals
Some of the world's biggest asset management firms, including the likes of BlackRock, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, are collectively failing to drive alignment with the Paris Agreement in their business models and policy lobbying.
BNP Paribas vows to end coal financing by 2040
Corporate bank BNP Paribas has pledged to stop all funding for thermal coal globally by 2040, with an interim target of 2030 for EU Member States.
Is revoking Uber's London licence an environmentally sustainable choice?
Earlier today (25 November), Transport for London (TfL) confirmed that ride-hailing firm Uber will not be able to renew its licence in the capital. But will this move help or hinder the sustainable mobility transition?
'Blue finance': World Bank and Credit Suisse partner for sustainable water bond
Swiss finance giant credit Suisse has partnered with The World Bank to issue a $28.6m (£22.2m) bond aimed at financing the protection and restoration of fresh and saltwater resources and habitats.
Tesla's 'Cybertruck' and Timberland's London eco-store: 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.
Report: EU set to miss all 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Almost every nation within the EU is failing to deliver the amount of progress needed for the bloc to meet any of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a "major" lack of progress recorded against SDG 13, Climate Action.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Eleanor King, AECOM
This series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Eleanor King, sustainability consultant at AECOM.
Businesses 'struggling to turn sustainability ambitions into action', surveys reveal
A survey of more than 9,000 businesses of all sizes and sectors has found that 96% want to improve their environmental and social practices - but that most are struggling to deliver this change due to a lack of funding or resources.
Vogue publisher vows to phase-out plastics and align with Paris Agreement
Condé Nast, the publishing house behind titles such as Vogue, Glamour and GQ, has committed to removing non-recyclable plastics from its products and reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.
Fashion retailers delivering mixed progress on 'damaging' viscose supply chains
High-street retailers New Look and Morrisons have joined the likes of Inditex, ASOS, H&M and Tesco in signing up to a new sustainability roadmap to ensure they are sourcing sustainable viscose that doesn't contribute to environmental pollution, but luxury fashion brands have been named as laggards.
UK Government's spending on trees 'has plummeted by £20m since 2015'
The UK Government spent almost £20m less on tree planting in the financial year 2017-18 than it did in 2014-15, according to an analysis of official figures by Friends of the Earth (FotE).
WBCSD launches mentorship programme to develop women leaders in sustainability
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has launched a new programme to help women reach senior positions in companies and lead on embedding sustainability across entire corporate strategies.
Moonshots and loving carbon: Climate action requires step away from 'less bad' business models
Interface's regional sustainability manager Jon Khoo reflects on the success of the firm's Mission Zero sustainability strategy and why businesses need to set "moonshot goals", view the climate emergency through the lens of "climate optimism" and start "loving carbon".
CDP: Consumer goods giants won't meet 2020 'net-zero' deforestation targets
Despite work by some leading consumer goods companies to eliminate deforestation from their supply chains, broad failures to deploy ambitious forest and land-use practices mean the sector will not meet its 2020 commitment to 'net-zero' deforestation.
The Mirror's climate issue and Shanghai's 'city of trees': 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.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Tom King, Sir Robert McAlpine
This series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Tom King, sustainability manager at Sir Robert McAlpine.
Report: More than half of corporates not meeting 'basic requirements' on human rights
A study of 200 of the world's biggest apparel, food & drink, tech manufacture and material extraction firms have found that less than half are able to show they are meeting the UN's Guiding Principles on Human Rights.
Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020: Shortlist of finalists revealed
It's been another record-breaking year of entries, our expert judges have had their say and it's now time to reveal the shortlist for edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020! Drumroll please...
NYC's Tesla taxis and SDG storytelling: 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.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Phoebe Whittome, Virgin Media
This series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Phoebe Whittome, sustainability manager at Virgin Media.
MGM Resorts unveils SDG-aligned sustainability strategy
Hotelier MGM Resorts International has published a sweeping new sustainability strategy aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework, after joining the UN Global Compact.
Google workers call on company to adopt aggressive climate plan
More than 1,000 Google workers have signed a public letter calling on their employer to commit to an aggressive "company-wide climate plan" including the cancellation of contracts with fossil fuel firms and the halting of donations to climate change deniers.
CDP: 80% of companies set to miss 2020 palm oil deforestation goals
Of the 96 corporates currently reporting that they produce, source or use products that contain palm oil from Indonesia to CDP, just one-fifth are set to meet their 2020 deforestation targets surrounding the commodity.
Sky debuts plastic-free café as part of Ocean Rescue campaign
Media giant Sky has today (4 November) opened a plastic-free café at its headquarters in Brentford, as it strives to remove all single-use plastics from its products and operations by 2020.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: In the Green Room with RELX's Marcia Balisciano
The Green Room makes its long-awaited return to the edie podcast, as content editor Matt Mace discuss Sustainable Development Goals, the evolution of CSR and the notion of fear in the climate battle with RELX's director of corporate responsibility Márcia Balisciano (MBE).
Facebook's former sustainability chief: Business needs to get vocal to reach net-zero
EXCLUSIVE: Facebook's former sustainability director and Google's former clean energy czar Bill Weihl has called on businesses to "go beyond their own four walls" and lobby for policies that create net-zero national economies in a "just" manner.
DuPont commits to carbon-neutral operations by 2050
Chemicals giant DuPont has unveiled a sweeping array of new sustainability targets, including a commitment to deliver carbon-neutral operations by mid-century.
Timberland takes first steps towards 'regenerative' leather supply chain
Outdoor clothing brand Timberland has forged a partnership Other Half Processing - an organisation advocating for 'regenerative' animal supply chains - in a bid to bring products incorporating 'net-positive' leather to market during 2020.
Messages from the board: CEOs outline the skills needed by the leaders of tomorrow
At the One Young World Summit in London last week, chief executives and board members from global companies including Unilever, Virgin and BP took to the stage to send powerful messages for what the leaders of tomorrow need to embrace today to drive sustainable business.
Prince Charles: Banks are crucial to 'cracking' the climate crisis
Prince Charles has urged financial institutions to develop a "real understanding" of the influence they have to bring about a net-zero, resource-efficient economy, arguing that the sector has been "closed-minded" and slow to react in the past.
Princes' plastic-free multipacks and shared electric vans: 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.
E-sustainability Alliance: Defra launches new coalition championing green IT
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a new initiative bringing together businesses, NGOs and policymakers in a joint ambition to making the UK's information technology (IT) sector more sustainable.
Dozens of fashion giants sign pact to eliminate emissions and single-use plastics
Mango, Farfetch and Decathlon are among a coalition of 24 big-name fashion brands to have signed Kering's Fashion Pact this week, committing them to net-zero emissions globally by mid-century.
World's largest seafood firms pledge to tackle abandoned plastic fishing gear
A coalition of ten of the world's biggest seafood companies have joined a scheme connecting businesses, non-profits, scientists and public sector bodies in a bid to tackle the 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear abandoned in the world's oceans each year.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019: Ashley O'Neill, Hilton
This series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Ashley O'Neill, senior energy and compliance manager at Hilton.
Sustainability 2.0 roundtable: What's stopping businesses from investing in green innovations?
In an era of unparalleled technological advancements - and with the UK's net-zero target looming - businesses of all sizes can reap rewards from investing in scalable technologies with positive social and environmental impacts. So, what's stopping UK plc identifying and investing in green innovations?
Coffee roaster Lincoln & York unveils SDG-aligned CSR strategy after staff vote
British coffee brand Lincoln & York has unveiled a sweeping new CSR strategy which aims to "deliver on as many of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as possible", beginning with the elimination of all single-use plastics by 2024.
Clean air for schools and 'hot rocks' in Cornwall: 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.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Kathryn Patchett, Taylors of Harrogate
This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Kathryn Patchett, product sustainability specialist at Taylors of Harrogate.
Survey: Brexit uncertainty halting sustainability investment
Almost a third of businesses claim to have delayed green innovation projects in the last 12 months due to the political uncertainty over Brexit, research from Schneider Electric has revealed.
Report: 'Sustainable' seafood in UK supermarkets 'wiping out wild fish stocks'
Farmed seafood sold in British supermarkets is regularly being fed with feed produced using methods which are "stripping the oceans bare and damaging marine ecosystems", a new investigative report has claimed.
Climate art awards and low-carbon council housing: 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.
Tennent's unveils £14m plan to eradicate plastics and carbon
Scottish brewer Tennent's has pledged to eradicate single-use plastics from its packaging by 2021 and to become carbon-neutral by 2025 - commitments it is backing with a €16m investment package.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Ross Houghton, Atalian Servest
This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Ross Houghton, CSR manager at global facilities management (FM) firm Atalian Servest.
European CEOs: Changing consumer behaviours is the next sustainability frontier
The chief executive officers of some of Europe's largest corporates have concurred that although consumer awareness of sustainability issues is rising rapidly, the responsibility for changing behaviours ultimately lies with big businesses.
'Draw up climate rules or have them imposed', Bank of England tells corporates
The governor of the Bank of England has warned major corporations that they have two years to agree rules for reporting climate risks before global regulators devise their own and make them compulsory.
London Midtown businesses launch new SDG partnership
A coalition of more than 400 businesses in London's Midtown has partnered with the UK Stakeholders for Sustainable Development (UKSSD), to accelerated business contributions towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
National Theatre to end Shell membership deal amid climate protests
The National Theatre has announced plans to end its corporate membership deal with Shell last year, following climate protests calling on arts and culture bodies to cut ties with fossil fuel firms.
Mumbai Airport's plastics ban and TOMS's charity podcast: 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.
Ex-Nike sustainability lead: Business climate activism can sway policy
Amid the growing climate movement among citizens, brands can now use changing consumer demands as a foundation to shape green policy, Nike's former vice-president of sustainable business and innovation Cyrus Wadia has claimed.
Last chance to enter: edie's Sustainability Leaders Award deadline today at 5pm
Sustainable businesses looking for the recognition they deserve have until 5pm today (FRIDAY 4 OCTOBER) to get their entries submitted to enter edie's 2020 Sustainability Leaders Awards.
Mary Robinson: Businesses must make 'deep commitments' to climate justice
Former Irish President Mary Robinson has argued that the development of net-zero strategies centred around social justice and human rights will become the new marker of sustainable business leadership.
Meet edie's 30 Under 30 class of 2019: Katie Leggett, innocent Drinks
This new series profiles the members of edie's 30 Under 30 - a nomination-based community of 30 hugely talented young sustainability and energy professionals who have already achieved great things or are showing fantastic promise. Next up: Katie Leggett, innocent Drinks' sustainability manager.
Universities, colleges and students urged accelerate climate action
New guidance aimed at helping universities and colleges mitigate and adapt to climate change has been released, in the same week as the launch of a new educational charity aimed at engaging students with environmental issues.
In numbers: What's stopping people from switching to 'greener' habits?
The 20 September climate strikes were the largest to date, undeniably proving that public attitudes to sustainability are shifting substantially. But, as a number of new surveys has highlighted, barriers to some "green" behavioural changes remain.
Survey: Two-thirds of UK public want their investments aligned with the SDGs
A new Government-led study on financing the progress towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has found that more than two-thirds of UK investors want their portfolios to solely support projects driving progress against the 17-Goal agenda.
Climate strikes and UN Summits: The top 10 sustainability stories of September 2019
With Autumn now here, we take a look back at a September packed full of sustainability and energy news. This round-up includes all the highlights from the UN Climate Action Summit, net-zero announcements and climate strikes.
Nottingham Trent University extends JUMP behaviour change initiative to 30,000 students
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has expanded the JUMP behaviour scheme initiative for staff to its 30,000 students for the upcoming academic year, after more than 23,000 sustainable actions were recorded by staff during a pilot last year.
Which? accused of defamation over 'misleading' renewable guarantees claims
The co-founder of Pure Planet has accused consumer group Which? of defamation after it claimed some suppliers were at risk of misleading customers over renewable energy.
edie's Sustainability Leaders Awards 2020: Deadline extended to Friday 4 October
Businesses looking for the recognition they deserve have been given an extra week to get their entries submitted to enter edie's 2020 Sustainability Leaders Awards, which now closes on FRIDAY 4 OCTOBER.
Everything you may have missed: The sustainability success stories of the UN Climate Summit
As the week of the UN's Climate Action Summit in New York draws to a close, edie highlights the numerous new green commitments, events and announcements made by businesses.
