The latest evolution of sustainability: value

As occurs in many fields of management, the definition of and approach to sustainability is evolving. The latest incarnation sees companies focussed on value.

Mandatory carbon reporting: what you need to know

Following months of delay, the Government is to introduce mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) for Britain’s biggest firms by next year. So what will it mean? We answer some frequently asked questions.

Aiming for gold in protecting our marine environment

The Ecover Blue Mile seems to have found the ideal way to open people’s minds to the dire health of our marine environment. Now’s a chance for your organisation to get involved.

Is nature ‘priceless’ or should we embrace natural capital accounting?

Natural Capital Accounting created a huge buzz at Rio + 20 where more than 90 companies signed a declaration agreeing to develop and maintain their own natural capital accounts. But can we put a price on nature?

Five reasons why ‘Plan A’ generated £105m in 2012

M&S launched its groundbreaking Plan A in 2007. Five years later, its progress shows how a structured approach to employee engagement, behaviour and culture change in sustainability can lead to considerable triple bottom line benefits.

The future of manufacturing: is it going small-scale?

Globalised manufacturing today involves large-scale manufacturing at a handful of strategic locations around the world, but in a carbon and cash-constrained world are we going to see a return to local, small-scale manufacturing?

Events and venues: how green are they?

An increasing number of hotels and event venues are taking more care about their environmental footprint, but are they doing enough? And how responsible are we about the events we choose to organise and attend?

Getting the bosses on board with sustainability: focus on the value

Sustainability is a diverse topic, ranging from relatively simple issues, such as efficiency, to more complex topics such as community development. But they tend to have two things in common: they require a systems approach and addressing them creates value for an organisation.

A better retailing climate, but what we need is a radical one

The country’s leading retailers are on track to deliver against a set of targets covering their direct environmental impacts and are making good progress in achieving change in their supply chains and encouraging their customers to do more. But without a radical rethink the rate of progress is bound to slow.

New year’s resolution: talk energy use with the landlord

One of my predictions for 2012 is that energy efficiency will rise up the corporate agenda. But one problem faced by businesses seeking to reduce their energy use is that they are often beholden to a landlord who stands little to gain directly by improving building performance.