Corporate Social Responsibility
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How can business transform unsustainable economic models from within?
We are only able to enjoy our current standard of living due to economic growth. But with emissions, resource consumption and social inequality all rising under capitalism, will the economic model need to be completely overhauled to ensure a sustainable future?
SSE launches new corporate strategy aligned to SDGs
UK energy firm SSE has unveiled a new sustainability strategy for 2030 aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), that will deliver a 50% cut in carbon intensity, trebling its renewable electricity output and facilitating the uptake of 10 million electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK.
UN launches global alliance to combat fast fashion's biggest sustainability challenges
The United Nations (UN) has launched a new alliance aimed at uniting businesses to combat the fashion sector's biggest environmental and social challenges, including waste, carbon emissions and modern slavery.
Nestlé's plastic-free pouches and James Bond's electric car: 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.
Europe's largest Coca-Cola bottler reveals progress on plastic reduction
Europe's largest independent Coca-Cola bottler used 27.6% recycled content in its plastic bottles last year - more than ten times the beverage sector's global average proportion of 2-3%.
Fashion industry sourced record amount of sustainable cotton in 2018
Fashion brands and retailers collectively sourced more than one million metric tonnes of sustainably certified cotton through the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) last year, breaking the industry standard operator's record.
Primark launches jeans made with 100% sustainably sourced cotton
Fashion retailer Primark has launched its first range of jeans made with 100% sustainably certified cotton, after expanding its sustainable cotton farming and sourcing scheme.
Dow's Project Butterfly and Ikea's EV charging push: 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.
International Women's Day: How can sustainable businesses truly promote gender equality?
EXCLUSIVE: Corporate efforts to champion women's rights across supply chains and within communities are not matched by internal actions, with some boards failing to understand the opportunities offered, making gender and inclusion activities feel like a "tick-box exercise".
National Apprenticeship Week: The skills you need to become a great sustainability leader
To mark National Apprenticeship Week (4-8 March), edie recently spoke with a selection of renowned sustainability leaders to find out what skills are essential for up-and-coming professionals to succeed in their careers.
Mondelez turns to satellite mapping in fight against deforestation
The owner of Oreo and Cadbury's Dairy Milk has pledged to map all farms covered by its sustainability scheme using satellite technology by the end of 2019, as it strives to eliminate deforestation from its key sourcing regions.
Corporate reporting bodies launch framework championing SDG alignment
A coalition of corporate reporting framework providers and CDP have published new advice aimed at unifying the business community's approach to reporting in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Scottish Power's £2bn renewables pledge and Dublin's zero-emission post: 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.
How to green your office: edie launches free guide for businesses
Sustainability and energy professionals wishing to implement a 'green office' programme within their organisation now have access to a comprehensive guide outlining practical tips for implementation.
Hospitality trade urged to step up to the plate on climate action
Foodservice firms across the country have been called upon to accelerate efforts to tackle climate change, through a new report by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA).
More plastic pledges, rising CSR stars and #ThisIsACrisis: Top 10 sustainability stories of February 2019
As the shortest month of the year draws to a close, we take a look back at February's biggest sustainability and energy stories. The round-up includes Iceland's plastic-free produce, Amazon's carbon-neutral shipments, edie's new 30 Under 30 initiative and the 'Sustainability Oscars'.
Plastics and biodiversity: Forum for the Future spotlights sustainability's biggest challenges
Global non-profit Forum for the Future has named plastic pollution and biodiversity loss as two of the "fundamental" sustainability challenges of the 2020s, arguing that governments and corporates have not yet adopted holistic, long-term solutions to these issues.
Bafta launches training scheme for TV's rising sustainability stars
As awards season comes to a close, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has unveiled plans for a new sustainable film and TV programme aimed at helping those in the screen industries lead the sector's low-carbon transition.
How employee engagement has pushed Henkel's sustainability ambitions to new heights
EXCLUSIVE: Henkel's decision to bolster its sustainable packaging strategy last year was largely driven by the ambitions of a workforce of 'sustainability ambassadors', the company's director of sustainability management has revealed.
CDP: Consumer goods giants prioritising plastic alternatives over low-carbon innovation
As consumer demand for plastic-free and plant-based products soars, large consumer goods firms are prioritising vegan products and recyclable packaging over low-carbon innovation, new research by CDP has concluded.
Report: British firms leading animal welfare practices, but laggards remain
Some of the UK's largest food firms, including Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Cranswick, have been named as the corporate leaders on animal welfare issues in a new report which names the likes of Mars, Subway and Starbucks as laggards in this space.
Waitrose pledges to source 100% Fairtrade cocoa by the end of 2019
Supermarket giant Waitrose & Partners has committed to sourcing only Fairtrade cocoa for its own-brand confectionary products by the end of the year, in a bid to help improve living standards for its cocoa farmers.
Evian's reusable water bottles and VW's 'carbon-neutral' EVs: 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.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Polman's pearls of wisdom, Ikea's super-sustainable store & George's goodbye
The edie team returns to the podcast studio to reflect on the recent Sustainability Leaders Forum and Awards. Meanwhile, Sarah takes a tour of Ikea's latest sustainable store, and George delivers his final 'success story' as he leaves the team to join Defra.
World's food supply under 'severe threat' from loss of biodiversity, UN warns
The world's capacity to produce food is being undermined by humanity's failure to protect biodiversity, according to the first UN study of the plants, animals and micro-organisms that help to put meals on our plates.
Lidl's community food redistribution scheme surpasses 58,000 meals in Manchester
Since moving to donate surplus food directly from its stores to local community causes last February, Lidl has provided more than 58,000 meals to those in need in Manchester, the supermarket has revealed.
The Sustainability Oscars 2019: Celebrating the best of climate activism
The film awards season reaches its grand finale for 2019 on Sunday in the form of the Oscars. But for those wanting an alternative to "Black Panther," and "A Star Is Born", edie has created a - by no means official - round-up of the best climate-related films and documentaries.
Clean200: Low-carbon corporate investments outperforming those in fossil fuels
By investing in low-carbon products and renewable energy procurement, 200 of the world's largest corporates have continued to deliver strong returns against stock market averages, despite global political, social and economic tensions.
Aldi launches new regional redistribution scheme in bid to slash food waste
Discount supermarket chain Aldi is set to directly donate surplus food from 24 of its UK stores to local charities after partnering with product redistribution platform Neighbourly.
Rising stars of sustainability: edie's 30 under 30 class of 2019 revealed
Aspiring young sustainability, CSR and energy professionals from the likes of the BBC, innocent Drinks, Formula E and Harrods have been announced as the inaugural members of edie's brand new 30 Under 30 initiative for 2019.
edie launches new case study series highlighting business action towards the SDGs
In an effort to mobilise business contributions towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), edie has launched a new best-practice case study series highlighting how businesses are helping to achieve the Global Goals.
Hydrogen delivery scooters and Olympic medals made from e-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 sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
How SDG alignment helped Walgreens Boots Alliance prove the profitability of sustianability
EXCLUSIVE: By aligning the company's sustainability strategy with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Walgreens Boot Alliance's sustainability team have been able to secure "far greater" boardroom-level support for its actions, the company's vice president for CSR has revealed.
Network Rail partners with water firms to tackle chemical contamination
A collective environmental stewardship programme from Network Rail and several of the UK's largest water companies is now protecting more than 600 vulnerable drinking water sources from herbicides, the rail infrastructure manager has announced.
Valentine's Day: How the cocoa supply chain is falling in love with ethical practices
Chocolate remains the most popular gift for Valentine's Day, but climate change and environmental pressures are already creating tensions along the global supply chain. Here, edie explores how the food and drink industry is working to make its reliance on cocoa more sustainable.
How can sustainable businesses prosper post-Brexit?
As the Brexit deadline looms and the UK struggles to place an agreeable deal on the table, leading sustainability and energy experts have called on the nation’s business community to maintain progress towards a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy without support from Government.
Verizon's green bonds and Nike's clean energy deal: 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.
WATCH: Paul Polman's inspiring Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance speech
EXCLUSIVE: edie's Lifetime Achievement Award-winner and former Unilever chief executive Paul Polman has issued a rallying cry for businesses to take corporate responsibility onto the next level by collaboratively ramping up climate action and championing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Nottingham Trent University signs up to JUMP employee engagement initiative
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has become the 11th University to sign up to the JUMP employee engagement initiative, as it attempts to encourage its 4,000 staff members to develop habits that boost sustainability and wellbeing.
Mike Barry: Five steps to go from good to GREAT sustainability leadership
EXCLUSIVE: Speaking on-stage at the Sustainability Leaders Forum in London yesterday (6 February), Marks & Spencer's (M&S) director of sustainable business Mike Barry offered up his five key steps that all sustainability professionals should embrace to become "great leaders".
As it happened: edie's Sustainability Leaders Forum & Awards 2019
Relive edie's biggest ever sustainability events - the Sustainability Leaders Forum and Awards - with our live blog, which captured all of the key talking points, quotes and discussions from expert speakers as they happened.
CDP: Corporate demand for supplier transparency increased eight-fold since 2008
More than 110 of the world's largest companies are now requesting sustainability data from their suppliers, up from just 14 in 2008, new research from the CDP has found.
Jonathon Porritt: Silence 'no longer an option' for business sustainability
EXCLUSIVE: With the challenge of limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5C at hand, corporates wishing to become sustainability leaders must now get vocal about driving the "unprecedented" societal changes outlined in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) landmark report.
A sustainable Super Bowl and Ikea China's EV deliveries: The sustainability success stories of the week
Published every week, this series charts how businesses, city leaders and sustainability professionals are working to achieve their 'Mission Possible' across the campaign's five key pillars - energy, resources, mobility, built environment and business leadership.
Sustainable investing is finally 'going mainstream', BlackRock claims
As concerns that the next financial crash may be climate-related grow, impact investment and green finance products are "going mainstream" and ceasing to be classed as a "niche" area, global investment management firm BlackRock has claimed.
Shell's green energy plan and edie's Plastics Hub: The sustainability success stories of January 2019
As the first month of 2019 comes to a close, edie rounds up some of the most-read sustainability stories and standout pieces of content from the past 31 days - from Shell's decision to boost its investment in low-carbon technologies, to the launch of edie's own Mission Possible Plastics Hub.
Business models for UK fashion industry unsustainable, MPs warn
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has today (31 January) criticised major fashion retailers, including Sports Direct, Amazon and Missguided, for "failing to take action" to protect workers and promote environmental sustainability.
Why sustainable business leadership must become the new normal post-IPCC
EXCLUSIVE: As businesses strive to bolster their sustainability commitments in the face of ever-growing climate challenges, policymakers must do more to make 1.5C targets the norm rather than the exception.
Selfridges launches insect-based food range as demand for sustainable protein grows
Department store Selfridges has unveiled plans to stock a range of insect-based snacks, in a bid to showcase the environmental and nutritional benefits of alternative proteins to UK customers.
Water companies urged to 'up their game' on pollution and natural capital through to 2025
The UK water sector has stepped up its environmental ambition in the current business planning period, but gaps remain when it comes to reducing sewage pollution incidents and factoring in the value of natural capital.
International treaty needed to stop food sector from driving climate change, scientists warn
Social issues caused by the framework of the world's existing food systems, including malnutrition and obesity, are set to be exacerbated in the coming years by the industry's climate impacts, new scientific research has concluded.
Waitrose to invest £1m in innovative projects tackling plastic waste
Retailer Waitrose & Partners has today (28 January) launched a new £1m grant scheme which will funnel investment into projects and products aimed at tackling the global plastic pollution problem.
Hershey unveils plan to set approved science-based target by 2021
US-based confectionary giant Hershey has committed to set an approved science-based emissions reduction target by 2021, as part of a sweeping new range of sustainability measures.
Tesco launches community cookery school in food redistribution drive
Supermarket giant Tesco, food redistribution firm FareShare and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver have teamed up to launch a community education programme teaching members of the public how to minimise food waste.
Davos 2019: Circular economy opportunities and everything else you may have missed
Over the past few days, sustainability professionals have been bombarded with reports and announcements as more than 3,000 business leaders, policymakers, thought leaders and Matt Damon gathered in Davos for the World Economic Forum (WEF). This round-up highlights the key talking points that you need to know.
Survey: Two-thirds of UK businesses will include climate risks in this year's financial reports
Two-thirds of the UK's largest 100 companies are planning to incorporate climate risks in their annual financial or combined report this year as client, investor and customer demand for transparency on sustainability issues grow.
Sustainability Leaders Awards 2019: Final line-up confirmed
Environmentalist and television presenter Michaela Strachan, comedian Sara Pascoe and edie's own Guest of Honour Paul Polman will all appear at the revamped Sustainability Leaders Awards in less than two weeks' time.
Refinitiv pledges to become a net-zero-carbon business in 2020
Finance giant Refinitiv has committed to becoming carbon-neutral by the end of 2020, as part of a new range of sweeping environmental and social sustainability pledges.
Coca-Cola's world without waste and VW's EV investment: 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.
Nominations for edie's '30 Under 30' campaign close TODAY AT 5PM
Ambitious young sustainability and energy professionals have until 5pm today to apply for 30 Under 30 - an all-new networking programme created by edie for the next generation of business leaders to share ideas and further their careers.
Lucozade Ribena Suntory to fit UK factory with water and waste-saving bottling technology
Multinational beverage firm Lucozade Ribena Suntory (LRS) is investing £13m in new bottling technology for its Gloucestershire factory, in a bid to minimise the facility's waste output and water footprint.
Nominations for edie's '30 Under 30' campaign close THIS FRIDAY
Ambitious young sustainability and energy professionals have until this Friday, 18 January, to apply for 30 Under 30 - an all-new networking programme created by edie for the next generation of business leaders to share ideas and further their careers.
Ikea's solar homes and Manchester's 'net-zero' pledge: 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.
In numbers: The UK public's attitudes to supply chain practices in the fashion industry
A new survey which examines the UK public's attitudes towards supply chain responsibility within the fashion industry has today (10 January) been published. Here, edie rounds up the key facts and figures.
MPs call for a new Minister for Hunger to tackle food insecurity 'scandal'
The UK Government has been urged to appoint a Minister for Hunger after MPs warned of a failure to deal with issues such as malnutrition and obesity in the UK.
Kahlua pledges to source 100% of its coffee from sustainable communities
Liqueur brand Kahlua has committed to source all of its coffee from communities it certifies as sustainable by 2022, in a bid to have a net-positive environmental and social impact across its supply chains.
Mars upscales trials of innovative device which 'rebuilds' coral reefs
Mars has unveiled plans to scale up trials of an innovative technology which 'rebuilds' coral reefs, after partnering with Australia's James Cook University to launch a string of tropical habitat restoration programmes.
Why Unilever's employees are key for a new era of sustainability leadership
EXCLUSIVE: With environmental goals approaching a 2020 deadline and chief executive and the embodiment of sustainability leadership Paul Polman announcing his departure, Unilever’s decision to ask its 172,000 staff what sustainable business meant to them may well keep the firm in the vanguard of corporate responsibility.
Adidas and Gap top sustainable fashion supply chain rankings
Companies including Adidas, Gap and Primark have been named as the corporates leading the fashion sector's drive for better human rights practices in supply chains, in a new ranking of 43 of the sector's largest brands.
WWF: Finance firms must do more to safeguard food sector from sustainability risks
Global finance firms seeking to future-proof their investments should take more ambitious action to help to food and agriculture firms they invest in become more sustainable, new WWF-led research has concluded.
Survey: Consumers want corporates to include sustainability in profit calculations
Around four in ten members of the UK public believe that corporations should include social and environmental impacts in their profit calculations, a new survey has found.
Fujifilm to adopt TCFD recommendations
Multinational photography and printing firm Fujifilm has pledged to report on its sustainability progress in line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and is encouraging other corporates to follow suit.
Plastic-free flights and blockchain offsets: 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.
Meat and dairy, plastics and fashion: edie readers outline key sustainability trends of 2019
With widespread and ferocious opposition to plastics dominating the headlines in 2018, edie asked readers for their views on which sustainability issue would be the next to pique public, policy and corporate attention. Here, we round up your thoughts.
Thames Water hit with £2m fine for 'avoidable' sewage leak
Utility firm Thames Water has been ordered to pay a £2m fine by the Environment Agency (EA), after raw sewage from one of its pumping stations was found to have leaked into Oxfordshire's waterways.
Yorkshire Water plants first of a million trees to help prevent floods
More than 14,000 trees were planted at Ogden Water last month as part of Yorkshire Water's "big goal" for the environment, which aims to create new "green infrastructure".
19 New Year's resolutions for sustainability professionals in 2019
Love them or hate them, New Year's resolutions are a tool to motivate and inspire individuals to start a new calendar year with renewed focus. Here, edie has listed 19 resolutions for sustainability professionals in 2019 that will help businesses ignite a new era of leadership.
VOTE: Which sustainability issue will have its 'plastics moment' in 2019?
New years are always a time of reflection, introspection and planning - for sustainability professionals and the general public alike. With this in mind, edie has explored the environmental and social issues which could have their own "plastics moment" in 2019.
New Year Honours 2019: Sustainability champions make Queen's list
The 2019 New Year Honours list has recognised the outstanding achievements of a number of senior figures across the UK's green economy.
A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year from edie!
As 2018 draws to a close and with Christmas on the horizon, the edie editorial team is heading off for a well-deserved break until the New Year. However, we are leaving you with some festive treats to tide you over until 2019 and keep you up to date on the year's biggest green business stories.
The big fat sustainabiliy quiz of the year: 2018 edition
Take edie's 2018 sustainability quiz of the year to test your knowledge on some of the biggest moments in the global sustainability agenda over the past 12 months.
Seven ways businesses are championing CSR this Christmas
With less than a week until Christmas, chances are that many of us will be doing some last-minute gift shopping - and some retailers are using the occasion to make a positive social or environmental impact. Here, edie outlines how seven companies are championing CSR for Christmas 2018.
Plastics action, energy storage and climate warnings: The top sustainability stories of 2018
As 2018 draws to a close, the edie team reflects on the key stories which defined corporate sustainability and drove new levels of action in 2018.
Stella McCartney: Policy must encourage businesses to make fashion sustainable
Designer and green activist Stella McCartney has called on policymakers to implement laws which will incentivise big-name fashion brands to shift away from cradle-to-grave models and poor supply chain practices.
Sustainable Business Covered podcast: Christmas special with Landsec, Olam Cocoa & The Body Shop
Sustainable business guests of Chrismas past, present and future discuss enchanted forests and South American cocoa fields, while the editorial team takes the 'big fat sustainability quiz of the year' in this festive special edition of the edie podcast.
Danone partners with Ecosurety to reduce reliance on export packaging recovery notes
Consumer goods giant Danone's UK arm has partnered with waste compliance organisation Ecosurety in a bid to improve the nation's recycling infrastructure and boost transparency around its resource and waste management efforts.
H&M holds fair wage summit after criticism of supply chain pay policies
Fashion giant H&M has today (11 December) held a summit to determine how best to ensure all supply chain workers receive a "fair" living wage, following campaigner accusations that it had failed to pay some garment workers enough to keep them above the poverty line.
Kering launches first 'regenerative sourcing' standard for fashion suppliers
Luxury fashion company Kering has launched a fashion industry standard capable of verifying raw materials and finished products as 'regenerative', after partnering with environmental charity The Savory Institute to advocate for 'net-positive' sourcing solutions.
9 ways to raise your company's sustainability ambitions in 2019
During a sustainability leadership webinar hosted by edie last week, representatives from Canary Wharf Group, Ball Corporation and PwC gave their advice for professionals looking to transform their approach to CSR in 2019, increasing actions as well as ambitions. Here, edie rounds up their key takeaways.
Dozens of big-name fashion brands pledge to become carbon-neutral by 2050
H&M Group, Inditex and adidas are among a group of 31 big-name fashion brands to have signed a new United Nations (UN) charter outlining steps the global fashion sector must take to limit the global temperature increase below 2C.
COP24 Covered: Days 5-6 - Circular economies and sustainable fashion
edie has launched a new series of podcast episodes which will round-up all of the key developments and major announcements for businesses, in under 13 minutes. The second episode features an exclusive interview with Mars's climate and land manager.
Just Eat's e-scooters and solar-powered smart homes: 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 on demand: edie's 'Preparing to lead' sustainable business power hour webinar
Sustainability professionals seeking advice and insight on how to hit the ground running in 2019 to transform their approach to CSR and increase actions and ambitions can now watch a free edie webinar, featuring speakers from Ball Corporation, Canary Wharf Group and PwC.
3M commits to design all new products with 'built-in' sustainability value
Multinational consumer goods, healthcare and industry firm 3M has today (6 December) unveiled a new requirement for all products it releases from January 2019 to be designed with "sustainability value" built in.
Thames Water £1.4bn loan deal links interest rates to sustainability performance
Thames Water has signed a £1.4bn five-year revolving credit facility (RCF), with the interest rate linked to annual performance against sustainability indicators.
Peatland restoration and electric planes: Inside Heathrow's new roadmap for net-zero expansion
EXCLUSIVE: After launching a roadmap outlining how it will ensure its expansion is carbon-neutral ahead of the opening of its third runway in 2026, Heathrow Airport is exploring ways in which it can sell ecosystem restoration services as well as flights.
HSBC: Businesses turning the screw on supply chain sustainability
A third of global businesses are looking to improve the sustainability of their supply chains over the next three years, according to an extensive new survey from HSBC.
Tesco's EV charging network and Sweden's ice hotel: 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.
Stakeholder engagement: 7 steps to success for sustainability professionals
During a 30-minute online masterclass hosted by edie earlier this week, Cranfield University's professor of environmental assessment Paul Leinster outlined some of the key ways in which sustainability and CSR professionals can drive engagement with stakeholders. Here, edie rounds up Leinster's key takeaways.
Palm oil bans, sustainable fashion and edie's 30 Under 30: The top sustainability stories of November 2018
As November comes to a close and we begin to think about putting up our Christmas trees and wrapping our presents, edie rounds up some of the best-read sustainability stories and standout pieces of content from the past 30 days - from Iceland's now-infamous popular palm oil advert to the launch of our exclusive new networking group for young sustainability professionals.
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