Business Operations | GreenBiz.com

Fiduciary Responsibility: Legal and Practical Aspects of Integrating ESG Issues into Institutional Investment

GreenBiz Staff — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:55:00 -0700

A powerful group of asset managers, representing around USD 2 trillion in assets under management, argues in this report that integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into investment decisions is no longer just a luxury, but a legal responsibility.

What Green IT Can Learn from Walmart

Preston Gralla — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:30:00 -0700

Walmart's move to include "green" labels on all of its products that detail such things as the amount of energy used to make them is an excellent model for what should be done for Green IT. To date, although there are several green standards for computers and IT, none really hit the mark.

Legally Binding Disclosure of Environmental Risks Moves Closer to Reality

GreenBiz Staff — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:00:00 -0700

A new United Nations report published this week suggests advisors to institutional investors may end up in court if they ignore environmental and social concerns. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission may reportedly consider whether to force public companies to tell their investors about the financial and physical risks they face from climate change.

Onion Power: Tops, Tails and Skins Become Electricity

Matthew Wheeland — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:56:00 -0700

Gills Onions, a large-scale onion processor in Oxnard, Calif., is unveiling a first-of-its-kind method of turning waste from business operations into electricity and major cost savings.

Walmart Unveils Phase One of Sustainability Index

GreenBiz Staff — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:05:00 -0700

The first phase of a three-phase project to establish a green rating system for all of the products on its shelves, Walmart executives today released its 15 question survey that will be mailed to all of the company's 100,000-plus suppliers.

Walmart's Sustainability Index, Version 1.0

GreenBiz Staff — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:51:00 -0700

The first phase of the mega-retailer's Sustainable Product Index, this tool offers an overview of the project's goals, the 15-question survey the company is sending to all its suppliers, and an FAQ for suppliers.

The Pitfalls and Opportunities of Eco Labeling

Suzanne Shelton — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:54:00 -0700

There have been two big announcements recently regarding eco labeling and certification -- one that's causing quite a stir and one that’s happened relatively quietly. Both represent a big opportunity for the organizations involved and one represents potential danger.

Walmart's Sustainability Index: The Hype and the Reality

Joel Makower — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:08:00 -0700

Now that Walmart has finally unveiled its audacious Sustainability Index, it's time to take a more sober assessment of what's really going on here. In short, there is both more and less going on here than meets the eye.

Expanding Skills and Advancing Your Career Through Social Intrapreneurship

Josh Cleveland — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:33:00 -0700

Are you looking for a way to refocus your work efforts on sustainability practices but don't want to brave the job market? Joining -- or starting -- your company's volunteer green team is a great step in the right direction.

Xerox Saves $7.3 Million Through Earth Awards Projects

GreenBiz Staff — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:18:00 -0700

Xerox has announced the winners of its annual Earth Awards, a broad range of projects from around the world that saved $7.3 million, eliminated 1.3 million pounds of waste and reduced energy use by 500,000 kilowatt hours.

Chemical Industry Touts Carbon Emissions Saved By Chemical Products

GreenBiz Staff — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:01:00 -0700

In 2005, chemical products and technologies like insulation, fertilizers and CFLs helped save more than two to three times as many greenhouse gas emissions than they contributed to emitting.

Better Cotton Initiative to Spread Throughout the World in 2010

GreenBiz Staff — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:40:00 -0700

The Better Cotton Initiative plans to have cotton produced to its standards on the global market next year and expand its efforts in Brazil, India, Pakistan, Africa and other countries.

Inside Wal-Mart's Sustainability Index

Marc Gunther — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:36:00 -0700

The mega-retailer is about to unveil its guidelines for what it considers a sustainable company. But with so many definitions of how a business can be considered green, who's to say with any certainty what sustainable means?

A New Twist on AAA Ratings: Eco Icons for Green Lodgings

Matthew Wheeland — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:00:00 -0700

As both a response to and a driver for the greening of the hospitality industry, the travel group's 2010 TourBooks will point out which lodging options for its 51 million members are certified green.

New Calculator Lays Out Job-Creation Benefits of Stimulus Projects

GreenBiz Staff — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:18:00 -0700

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy today released a spreadsheet calculator that will estimate the number of jobs likely to be created by state or municipal energy efficiency projects.