air pollution Archives - SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine Insights on how you can protect the environment, maintain and increase the value of your company, through a structured CSR/Sustainability process with the use of the GRI Standards. Learn how Today's Best-Run Companies are achieving Economic, Social, and Environmental Success - and How You Can Too... Thu, 23 Feb 2023 07:31:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Improving air quality could boost the UK economy by £1.6 billion annually https://sustaincase.com/improving-air-quality-could-boost-the-uk-economy-by-1-6-billion-annually/ Tue, 15 Sep 2020 08:01:12 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=12038 According to a new, major study by CBI Economics commissioned by the Clean Air Fund, . This would come as a result of reducing premature deaths, sickness absence and lower productivity at work. More specifically, reducing pollution to WHO levels could prevent 17,000 premature deaths every year. Deaths of people of working age. At the same time, by meeting the WHO’s guidelines, businesses would not lose 3 million working days per annum because of workers becoming ill or taking care of sick children, as a consequence of air pollution. The report is widely regarded as the first analysis of the […]

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According to a new, major study by CBI Economics commissioned by the Clean Air Fund, meeting the World Health Organization’s air quality guidelines could support the UK economy with £1.6 billion annually  Tweet This!. This would come as a result of reducing premature deaths, sickness absence and lower productivity at work.

More specifically, reducing pollution to WHO levels could prevent 17,000 premature deaths every year. Deaths of people of working age.

At the same time, by meeting the WHO’s guidelines, businesses would not lose 3 million working days per annum because of workers becoming ill or taking care of sick children, as a consequence of air pollution.

The report is widely regarded as the first analysis of the economic benefits of reducing pollution levels.

In addition to the UK economy, the NHS and social care budgets would also achieve savings from treating fewer patients with diseases related to pollution.

Jane Burston, Executive Director of the Clean Air Fund, said: “We know clean air makes us healthier, but our research shows it can make us all wealthier too. If businesses and government work together to ensure clean air for all, we can protect our health and re-energise the economy at this critical time. Ministers must commit to binding targets to cut air pollution in line with WHO guidelines by 2030.”

 

Download the report

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.


 

FBRH GRI Standards Certified & ISEP recognised Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

By registering for the next 2-day FBRH GRI Standards Certified & ISEP recognised course you will be taking the first step in gaining the many benefits of sustainability reporting.

Most importantly, you will gain the knowledge to use the GRI Standards, project manage your own first-class sustainability report and:

  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and Society
  • Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP

 

References:

This article is based on published information by the Clean Air Fund. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.cleanairfund.org/blog-post/reaching-who-air-quality-targets-could-boost-uk-economy-by-1-6bn-annually/

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]]> New Eurobarometer Survey: Environmental protection and climate important for over 90% of European citizens https://sustaincase.com/new-eurobarometer-survey-environmental-protection-and-climate-important-for-over-90-of-european-citizens/ Thu, 19 Mar 2020 09:05:47 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=10839 Additionally, 91% of citizens stated that climate change is a serious problem in the EU and 83% said European legislation is needed to protect the environment. The Eurobarometer survey showed that citizens want more to be done to protect the environment, including by big companies and industry, national governments and the EU, as well as citizens themselves. According to the citizens interviewed, the most effective ways of tackling environmental problems are ‘changing the way we consume’ and ‘changing the way we produce and trade’. Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius said: “The results of this survey are no surprise […]

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]]> According to a new Eurobarometer survey, environmental protection is important to 94% of citizens across all EU Member States.  Tweet This! Additionally, 91% of citizens stated that climate change is a serious problem in the EU and 83% said European legislation is needed to protect the environment.

The Eurobarometer survey showed that citizens want more to be done to protect the environment, including by big companies and industry, national governments and the EU, as well as citizens themselves. According to the citizens interviewed, the most effective ways of tackling environmental problems are ‘changing the way we consume’ and ‘changing the way we produce and trade’.

Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius said: “The results of this survey are no surprise to us. With the European Green Deal these are exactly the citizens’ concerns that we want to address. I am encouraged to see that there is support for the fundamental changes we are going to make in our society and economy, and that people want to play an active role in this change.”

According to the survey, climate change, air pollution, and waste are the three most important environmental issues. More than three-quarters (78%) of respondents said that environmental issues directly impacted their daily life and health, while over eight in ten citizens were worried about the impact of chemicals present in everyday products.

There is widespread acknowledgement that fundamental changes may be needed. Amongst the more than 27,000 people interviewed, there is solid support for policy measures aimed at reducing plastic waste and littering. The survey also revealed that citizens believe products should be designed in a way that facilitates recycling of plastic. Accordingly, industry and retailers should make an effort to reduce plastic packaging, and people should be educated on how to reduce their plastic waste. Local authorities should also provide more and better collection facilities for plastic waste.

The survey also examined attitudes towards the clothing industry, and found high levels of concern regarding environmental issues and working conditions. Respondents expressed a desire for clothing that lasted longer, made of materials that could be recycled.

Finally, support was expressed for other measures, including investment in research and development, more information and education, encouraging businesses to engage in sustainable activities and stricter legislative control.

Background

This survey was conducted between 6 and 19 December 2019 in the then 28 EU Member States. Some 27,498 respondents from different social and demographic groups were interviewed, face-to-face at home in their mother tongue.

This Special Eurobarometer survey was the follow-up of a Special Eurobarometer survey conducted in October 2017, on the same topic. Many of the questions were repeated in this Special Eurobarometer.

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

FBRH GRI Standards Certified & ISEP recognised Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

By registering for the next 2-day FBRH GRI Standards Certified & ISEP recognised course you will be taking the first step in gaining the many benefits of sustainability reporting.

 

References:

This article is based on published information by the European Commission. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_20_331

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]]> Case study: How Merck & Co. improves energy use at its facilities https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-merck-co-improves-energy-use-at-its-facilities/ Thu, 24 Jan 2019 12:54:37 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8529 As a global healthcare company with a 125-year history, seeking to discover, develop and provide innovative products and services that save and improve lives around the globe, This case study is based on the 2017/2018 Corporate Responsibility Report by Merck & Co. published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing. Abstract Abstract Merck & Co.’s Energy […]

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As a global healthcare company with a 125-year history, seeking to discover, develop and provide innovative products and services that save and improve lives around the globe, Merck & Co. is launching initiatives to improve energy use, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its operations and understand its supply chain-related impacts.  Tweet This!

This case study is based on the 2017/2018 Corporate Responsibility Report by Merck & Co. published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

Layout 1

Abstract

Merck & Co.’s Energy Center of Excellence (CoE) identifies, shares and standardises best practices, prioritising the funding of energy projects to reduce energy usage across the company. In order to improve energy use at its facilities Merck & Co. took action to:

  • establish an Energy Capital Fund
  • create an energy road map
  • carry out Energy Treasure Hunts
  • organise Energy Kaizens

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2017/2018 Corporate Responsibility Report Merck & Co. identified a range of material issues, such as pricing & commercialisation, research & development, privacy of patient data, ethics in sales & marketing. Among these, improving energy use at its facilities stands out as a key material issue for Merck & Co.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Merck & Co. engages with:

Stakeholder Group
Patients and caregivers
Health care professionals
Payers
Governments, multilateral organisations and regulators
Shareholders
International and local organisations
Local communities
Environmental stakeholders
Employees
Suppliers and business partners
Trade and industry associations

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Merck & Co. carried out consultative interviews with both internal and external stakeholders.

What actions were taken by Merck & Co. to improve energy use at its facilities?

In its 2017/2018 Corporate Responsibility Report Merck & Co. reports that it took the following actions for improving energy use at its facilities:

  • Establishing an Energy Capital Fund
  • Merck & Co. has established an Energy Capital Fund of up to US$12 million per year, to switch to more energy-efficient technology and respond to energy demands in the future. The Energy Capital Fund supports the realisation of projects with a simple four-year payback, averaged over the entire portfolio. In 2017, Merck & Co. spent US$3.8 million on projects that resulted in US$1.4 million in annual savings and a reduction of over 9,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the company’s facilities. In 2018, Merck & Co. had more than 100 projects in progress, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its facilities by more than 35,000 metric tons.
  • Creating an energy road map
  • Merck & Co.’s Energy Center of Excellence (CoE) has created an “energy road map” to help facilities reduce energy demand and related GHG emissions – through large-scale metering and monitoring to assess and identify opportunities for constant improvement. Energy savings are sought by improving the reliability of the equipment, by the efficient operation of utility systems and by building efficiencies into systems design. 
  • Carrying out Energy Treasure Hunts 
  • Since 2010 Merck & Co. has conducted Energy Treasure Hunts at 13 facilities worldwide, identifying more than 1,000 energy-efficient project opportunities, many of which have been successfully implemented. In addition, Merck & Co. carries out online Energy Treasure Hunts to engage employees, using their unique expertise and local understanding of their facilities –obtaining high-level recommendations such as renewable energy assessments and lighting systems optimisation.
  • Organising Energy Kaizens
  • In 2017, thirteen Merck & Co. facilities participated in Energy Kaizens, which helped them reduce heat energy losses from missing or damaged insulation. These kaizen events identified more than US$500,000 in energy savings. In addition, through these events, employees received training and acquired assessment skills and knowledge that they can apply to the rest of their facilities.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 302-4 Reduction of energy consumption

2) Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions

 

Disclosure 302-4 Reduction of energy consumption corresponds to:

Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions corresponds to:

  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Business theme: GHG emissions
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Business theme: Ocean acidification
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
  • Business theme: Forest degradation

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.



7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Merck & Co., located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Merck & Co.: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How Merck & Co. improves energy use at its facilities appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Vodafone is reducing energy use in its general business and administrative activities https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-vodafone-is-reducing-energy-use-in-its-general-business-and-administrative-activities/ Wed, 16 Jan 2019 07:04:52 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8245 As one of the world’s largest mobile operators, whose products and services play a central role in the daily lives of over half a billion people across more than 26 markets, Vodafone has a number of programmes and initiatives in place to reduce the energy requirements for its office buildings and administrative systems and to help employees reduce their own carbon impact. This case study is based on the 2017 Sustainable Business Report by Vodafone published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ […]

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As one of the world’s largest mobile operators, whose products and services play a central role in the daily lives of over half a billion people across more than 26 markets, Vodafone has a number of programmes and initiatives in place to reduce the energy requirements for its office buildings and administrative systems and to help employees reduce their own carbon impact.

This case study is based on the 2017 Sustainable Business Report by Vodafone published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

Layout 1

Abstract

Improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its network and activities is a top priority for Vodafone.  Tweet This! In order to reduce energy use in its general business and administrative activities Vodafone took action to:

  • achieve a green building certification
  • implement innovative sustainable building techniques
  • modernise stores

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2017 Sustainable Business Report Vodafone identified a range of material issues, such as digital rights including privacy, data protection and security, socio-economic benefits arising from Vodafone’s products and services, business conduct and ethics, employee equality and diversity. Among these, reducing energy use in its general business and administrative activities stands out as a key material issue for Vodafone.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The organization should identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Vodafone engages with:

Stakeholder Group
Consumer and enterprise customers
Shareholders
Employees
Suppliers and partners
Governments and regulators
Local communities
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and

civil society activists
Industry peers

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Vodafone engaged with peers, NGOs, civil society activists and sustainable business specialists to obtain their views on the most important social, economic, environmental and ethical issues for the company and society as a whole.

What actions were taken by Vodafone to reduce energy use in its general business and administrative activities?

In its 2017 Sustainable Business Report Vodafone reports that it took the following actions for reducing energy use in its general business and administrative activities:

  • Achieving a green building certification
  • Many Vodafone offices are certified to the green building certification LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which provides a set of rating systems for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings. Accordingly, the following Vodafone buildings have been awarded a certification under the category for Commercial Interiors:
    • Vodafone Spain headquarters – platinum standard
    • Vodafone Germany headquarters – platinum standard
    • Vodafone Turkey office and call centre – platinum standard
    • Vodafone Czech Republic headquarters – gold standard
    • Vodafone Italy – silver standard for headquarters building in Milan and gold standard for offices in Padua
    • Vodafone India – seven Vodafone buildings have LEED certification
  • Implementing innovative sustainable building techniques
  • Vodafone’s carbon-neutral SSIC (Site Solution Innovation Centre) in South Africa generates enough renewable energy to meet comfortably its own power consumption. It was the first ever building to be awarded the maximum six stars from the Green Building Council of South Africa. The building incorporates a wide range of innovative sustainable building techniques, such as thermal rock stores to capture and store thermal energy, mechanical solar panels that move with the sun and technologies which reuse greywater to limit freshwater consumption.
  • Modernising stores
  • Vodafone owns and operates almost 8,000 retail stores worldwide. To modernise all stores (including those that are operated under franchise) and improve their energy efficiency, Vodafone is implementing an extensive programme, with 5,500 stores already refurbished.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization

2) Disclosure 302-4 Reduction of energy consumption

3) Disclosure 305-4 GHG emissions intensity

4) Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions

 

Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization corresponds to:

Disclosure 302-4 Reduction of energy consumption corresponds to:

Disclosure 305-4 GHG emissions intensity corresponds to:

  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Business theme: GHG emissions
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Business theme: Ocean acidification
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
  • Business theme: Forest degradation

Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions corresponds to:

  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Business theme: GHG emissions
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Business theme: Ocean acidification
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
  • Business theme: Forest degradation

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.



7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Vodafone, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) http://www.fbrh.co.uk/en/global-reporting-initiative-gri-g4-guidelines-download-page

3) https://g4.globalreporting.org/Pages/default.aspx

4) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Vodafone: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How Vodafone is reducing energy use in its general business and administrative activities appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How FedEx increases aircraft efficiency https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-fedex-increases-aircraft-efficiency/ Thu, 27 Dec 2018 07:00:18 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8509 Operating in over 220 countries and territories, FedEx helps support local, regional and national economies, addressing, at the same time, some of the world’s most pressing challenges through its unique portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business solutions. This case study is based on the 2018 Global Citizenship Report by FedEx published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, […]

The post Case study: How FedEx increases aircraft efficiency appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

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Operating in over 220 countries and territories, FedEx helps support local, regional and national economies, addressing, at the same time, some of the world’s most pressing challenges through its unique portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business solutions. Making sure the 660-plus aircraft in its fleet operate as efficiently and environmentally responsibly as possible, is a top priority for FedEx.  Tweet This!

This case study is based on the 2018 Global Citizenship Report by FedEx published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

Layout 1

Abstract

FedEx has set a goal to reduce aircraft emissions intensity 30 per cent from a 2005 baseline by 2020 and, also, obtain 30 per cent of jet fuel from alternative fuels by 2030. In order to increase aircraft efficiency FedEx took action to:

  • implement the FedEx Fuel Sense programme
  • upgrade and modernise aircraft
  • explore the use of alternative fuels and technologies

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2018 Global Citizenship Report FedEx identified a range of material issues, such as ethics, bribery and corruption, driver and workplace safety, business preparedness, resiliency and disaster response, data security and privacy. Among these, increasing aircraft efficiency stands out as a key material issue for FedEx.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups FedEx engages with:  

Stakeholder Group
Customers
Industry groups
Investors
Sustainability experts
Nonprofits
Government agencies
Team members

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics FedEx obtained feedback from stakeholders through a survey and roundtable engagement session.

What actions were taken by FedEx to increase aircraft efficiency?

In its 2018 Global Citizenship Report FedEx reports that it took the following actions for increasing aircraft efficiency:

  • Implementing the FedEx Fuel Sense programme
  • The FedEx Fuel Sense programme enables FedEx to identify efficiencies across aviation operations by using the insights and ideas of front-line team members and experts, who contribute to a culture of fuel efficiency. Since the programme began in 2006, a total of 54 projects have been identified and 561 million gallons of jet fuel have been saved. In FY17 FedEx saved, through the Fuel Sense programmes, almost 88 million gallons of jet fuel and avoided almost 850,000 metric tons of CO2e emissions.
  • Upgrading and modernising aircraft
  • Through its aircraft modernisation programme, FedEx achieves significant reductions in energy use and emissions. By replacing older aircraft with newer models, such as the Boeing 767-300 Freighters, which are about 30% more fuel efficient than the MD10s they replaced, FedEx not only saved fuel and reduced emissions, but also improved operational flexibility and operating margins. In FY17, through the aircraft fleet modernisation programme, FedEx saved 89.3 million gallons of jet fuel and avoided over 860,000 metric tons of CO2e emissions – almost 26% more emissions compared to the previous fiscal year.
  • Exploring the use of alternative fuels and technologies
  • In FY15, FedEx entered into an agreement with Colorado-based Red Rock Biofuels, which will produce a minimum of 48 million gallons of alternative jet fuel over an eight-year period. Construction of the fuel refinery was planned to begin in July 2018, and the first delivery of commercially viable and available alternative fuels is expected in 2020. In addition, FedEx collaborated with Boeing to test over 35 technologies aboard a specially equipped FedEx-owned 777 Freighter, including technologies designed to reduce emissions and noise. In April 2018 this aircraft, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator, became the first aircraft to fly 100% on biofuel.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization

2) Disclosure 302-4 Reduction of energy consumption

3) Disclosure 305-4 GHG emissions intensity

4) Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions

 

Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization corresponds to:

Disclosure 302-4 Reduction of energy consumption corresponds to:

Disclosure 305-4 GHG emissions intensity corresponds to:

  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Business theme: GHG emissions
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Business theme: Ocean acidification
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
  • Business theme: Forest degradation

Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions corresponds to:

  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Business theme: GHG emissions
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Business theme: Ocean acidification
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
  • Business theme: Forest degradation

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by FedEx, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) http://www.fbrh.co.uk/en/global-reporting-initiative-gri-g4-guidelines-download-page

3) https://g4.globalreporting.org/Pages/default.aspx

4) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to FedEx: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How FedEx increases aircraft efficiency appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Colgate is reducing logistics emissions https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-colgate-is-reducing-logistics-emissions/ Mon, 24 Dec 2018 07:00:08 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8501 As a leading global consumer products company, operating in over 80 countries globally with more than 50 manufacturing and research facilities, This case study is based on the 2017 Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Report by Colgate that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing. Abstract Abstract Colgate’s Customer Service and Logistics teams constantly focus on sustainable and efficient logistics initiatives and efforts around […]

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As a leading global consumer products company, operating in over 80 countries globally with more than 50 manufacturing and research facilities, Colgate understands the potential consequences of climate change, and is firmly committed to acting responsibly and conscientiously to protect the environment wherever it operates.  Tweet This!

This case study is based on the 2017 Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Report by Colgate that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

Layout 1

Abstract

Colgate’s Customer Service and Logistics teams constantly focus on sustainable and efficient logistics initiatives and efforts around the globe, to reduce both costs and the company’s carbon footprint. In order to reduce logistics emissions Colgate took action to:

  • promote load optimisation
  • optimise routes
  • co-load trailers
  • use intermodal shipping and improve vehicle fuel efficiency

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2017 Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Report Colgate identified a range of material issues, such as responsible sourcing and human rights, oral health, deforestation, product stewardship, sustainable packaging. Among these, reducing logistics emissions stands out as a key material issue for Colgate.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Colgate engages with:

To identify and prioritise material topics Colgate engaged with its stakeholders through the following channels:

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Employees
·      Frequent internal communication

·      Employee engagement surveys

·      Geographic sustainability teams

·      Internal subject matter experts

·      Quarterly sustainability steering team reviews
Consumers

 
·      Integrated marketing communications including those addressing “brand purpose”

·      Ongoing consumer dialogue

·      Consumer surveys

·      Social media postings
Retail customers and partners

 

 ·      Ongoing sustainability network groups

·      Sustainability surveys

·      Trade partner supplier expectations
Peers and suppliers

 

 ·      Peer benchmarking annually via Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) membership

·      Supplier engagement meetings, assessments and disclosure requests
Shareholders and investor groups

 

 ·      Direct inquiries and feedback on an ongoing basis

·      Face-to-face meetings

·      Investor conferences
Government and regulatory bodies

 

 ·      Ongoing monitoring of regulatory activity relevant to Colgate

·      Face-to-face meetings
Non-governmental associations

 

 ·      Quarterly direct inquiries and feedback

·      Face-to-face meetings

·      Participation in boards

·      Advisory councils and partnership programmes

·      Reporting and disclosure expectations
Industry trade associations ·      Ongoing participation in sustainability steering and working groups
Local communities and community groups ·      Direct inquiries and feedback

·      Face-to-face meetings annually
Media ·      Direct inquiries and feedback

What actions were taken by Colgate to reduce logistics emissions?

In its 2017 Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Report Colgate reports that it took the following actions for reducing logistics emissions:

  • Promoting load optimisation
  • Colgate uses SAP Transportation Management – a tool currently utilised in Canada, the United States, Mexico and Brazil – to automatically plan shipments to their optimal capacity. As a result, Colgate achieves more efficient load planning and minimises the quantity of shipments to deliver its products in a timely fashion. In 2018, this technology was also applied in new markets in Latin America and Asia, driving freight planning efficiencies.
  • Optimising routes
  • Using internal tools and partnering with third parties, Colgate analyses trends in lane-level detail. In this way, it identifies transport solutions that reduce transit time, emissions and costs.
  • Co-loading trailers
  • Colgate tries to minimise the number of trucks on the road by co-loading trailers with other companies. The company’s creative freight load-sharing programme enables Colgate to minimise the number of its trucks on the road and, also, wasted space in its trailers.
  • Using intermodal shipping and improving vehicle fuel efficiency
  • To drive reductions in CO2 emissions and diesel consumption on a global scale, Colgate uses intermodal shipping. In addition, Colgate’s logistics providers are upgrading their fleets to include more aerodynamic and efficient vehicles, improving, accordingly, miles-per-gallon fuel efficiency.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is:

Disclosure 302-2 Energy consumption outside of the organization

Disclosure 302-2 Energy consumption outside of the organization corresponds to:

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Colgate, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original at the link:

https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/content/dam/cp-sites/corporate/corporate/en_us/corp/locale-assets/pdf/Colgate_CorporateSocialResponsibility_SustainabilityReport_2017.pdf

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Colgate: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How Colgate is reducing logistics emissions appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How BT helps customers cut carbon emissions https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-bt-helps-customers-cut-carbon-emissions/ Mon, 24 Dec 2018 07:00:01 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8483 As one of the world’s leading communications services companies, providing a variety of communications services to businesses and consumers, based in the UK but with customers in 180 countries around the globe, This case study is based on the 2015/16 Delivering our purpose Report by BT published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing. Abstract […]

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As one of the world’s leading communications services companies, providing a variety of communications services to businesses and consumers, based in the UK but with customers in 180 countries around the globe, BT seeks to use its technology to help customers reduce their emissions, contributing to global action on climate change.  Tweet This!

This case study is based on the 2015/16 Delivering our purpose Report by BT published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

Layout 1

Abstract

Using its technology to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time – climate change –, minimising not just its own environmental impacts but also helping others do the same, is a top priority for BT. In order to help customers cut carbon emissions BT took action to:

  • help customers reduce emissions through broadband
  • provide flexible working solutions
  • offer collaboration, audio and videoconferencing solutions
  • provide data centre and cloud solutions

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2015/16 Delivering our purpose Report BT identified a range of material issues, such as privacy & data security, customer experience, network investment, business ethics. Among these, helping customers cut carbon emissions stands out as a key material issue for BT.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups BT engages with:

Stakeholder Group
Customers
Employees
Government bodies
Investors
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Suppliers

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics BT engaged with stakeholders through day-to-day interactions by phone or in meetings, online discussion forums, focus groups, social media and participation in industry collaborations, online surveys and interviews.

What actions were taken by BT to help customers cut carbon emissions?

In its 2015/16 Delivering our purpose Report BT reports that it took the following actions for helping customers cut carbon emissions:

  • Helping customers reduce emissions through broadband
  • Broadband enables people to work from home or remotely (telecommuting) and save time, fuel and emissions from travelling to and from an office daily. Broadband also supports a range of technologies that remove or replace the use of physical products (dematerialisation) and the need to travel to get these products or access services (e.g. online news instead of newspapers, music and movie streaming that replace CDs and DVDs, and online services such as banking and shopping). In addition, superfast broadband makes telecommuting even easier for people, helping them make the change from physical to virtual products and services. Broadband also supports e-commerce, decreasing the need for physical shops.
  • Providing flexible working solutions
  • BT offers services that let staff work flexibly, like secure remote access to an organisation’s systems. Accordingly, desks can be shared as people aren’t all present at once, reducing the need for office space and cutting the amount of energy needed to power, heat and cool buildings. Flexible working also reduces commuting, offering people the opportunity to work from home. This can bring significant overall savings, even after taking into account the additional energy employees use to power, light and heat their homes when working there. BT also offers productivity solutions: Field Force Automation improves efficiency and productivity for organisations with staff travelling around to appointments during their working day (for example, sales teams, engineers or district nurses). Online services and automated scheduling mean employees don’t have to go to their base to get their call sheet in the morning and report in at the end of the day. Additionally, staff can be allocated to tasks near them to minimise travel, doing less mileage and fitting more visits into their day.
  • Offering collaboration, audio and videoconferencing solutions
  • BT’s audio and video conferencing services enable customers to meet remotely from anywhere, instead of travelling to meet up. In addition, BT offers organisations a single global network to support all communications – including voice, email, web and videoconferencing, as well as mobile devices – so that teams can work together effectively – whether sitting across a table, or across the world.
  • Providing data centre and cloud solutions
  • BT’s cloud services release organisations from the burden of having their own IT servers – which take up space and use energy on organisations’ premises. Instead, BT hosts their data and, by hosting such vast quantities of data, it can achieve economies of scale and reduce the energy required to power and cool its data centres. Additionally, BT makes data centres as efficient as possible, well above the industry average for energy efficiency.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is:

Disclosure 302-2 Energy consumption outside of the organization

Disclosure 302-2 Energy consumption outside of the organization corresponds to:

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by BT, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) http://www.fbrh.co.uk/en/global-reporting-initiative-gri-g4-guidelines-download-page

3) https://g4.globalreporting.org/Pages/default.aspx

4) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to BT: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How BT helps customers cut carbon emissions appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Urgent climate change action needed: the next two years are crucial https://sustaincase.com/urgent-climate-change-action-needed-the-next-two-years-are-crucial/ Wed, 05 Dec 2018 08:02:50 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8464 , stressing that “decisive action in the next two years will be crucial”. This statement comes as world leaders meet in Katowice, Poland, for the COP 24 UN climate conference. This meeting is seen as the most critical since the 2015 Paris agreement. Experts warn that drastic cuts in carbon emissions are necessary to reach the Paris goals, while the World Bank has announced $200bn in funding for countries that take action to limit climate change. Why is this meeting different? This COP (Conference of the Parties) is the first to take place after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change […]

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]]> “The planet is at a crossroads” warn four former UN climate talks presidents in an effort to encourage effective action against climate change  Tweet This!, stressing that “decisive action in the next two years will be crucial”. This statement comes as world leaders meet in Katowice, Poland, for the COP 24 UN climate conference.

This meeting is seen as the most critical since the 2015 Paris agreement. Experts warn that drastic cuts in carbon emissions are necessary to reach the Paris goals, while the World Bank has announced $200bn in funding for countries that take action to limit climate change.

Why is this meeting different?

This COP (Conference of the Parties) is the first to take place after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C. According to the IPCC report, to achieve this goal, governments would have to reduce GHG emissions by 45 per cent by 2030. However, a recent study showed that CO2 emissions are, once again, increasing.

Protecting those most vulnerable to climate change, should also be a top priority. According to Gebru Jember Endalew, who chairs the group of poorest nations in the negotiations, “the IPCC report made crystal clear that every bit of warming matters, especially for the least developed countries.”

Additionally, for both China and the EU, this meeting is critical, as they want to show that international collaboration to address climate change is still possible in the age of President Trump.

What will be the focus of the meeting?

Conference delegates will focus on finalising the technical rules of how the Paris agreement – which does not become operational until 2020 – will work. Delegates will have to agree on common rules (the “rulebook”) for measuring, reporting and verifying greenhouse gas emissions, and for providing climate finance.

Is the UN process moving fast enough?

In view of the undoubtedly slow pace of the process, some campaigners argue that politicians around the globe are failing to realise the scale of the threat rising temperatures present. “Governments across the world have completely failed to protect their citizens,” said a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion, a social movement pushing for radical change on climate issues.

On a more optimistic note, Achim Steiner, who heads the United Nations Development Programme, says that despite the difficulties encountered, “we have a $300bn renewable energy economy at work today – it’s not peanuts, it’s an energy revolution that has unfolded on the back of, yes, a sometimes sticky climate negotiation process”.

Will President Trump and the US take part?

The US has withdrawn from the Paris agreement, but it cannot leave until 2020. Thus, US negotiators are participating in meetings, and are expected to take part in COP 24. However, it has been reported that the White House will, for one more time, organise a side event, promoting fossil fuels – a move that is likely to outrage many delegates.

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

FBRH GRI Standards Certified and ISEP approved Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

By registering for the next 2-day FBRH GRI-Standards Certified and ISEP approved Course you will be taking the first step in gaining the many benefits of sustainability reporting.

 

References:

This article is based on published information by the BBC. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46398057

The post Urgent climate change action needed: the next two years are crucial appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group decarbonises its operations https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-mandarin-oriental-hotel-group-decarbonises-its-operations/ Sun, 02 Dec 2018 18:21:32 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8355 As an international hotel investment and management group with deluxe and first class hotels, resorts and residences in sought-after destinations around the globe, operating 29 hotels and eight residences in 19 countries and territories, This case study is based on the 2016 Sustainability Report by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing […]

The post Case study: How Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group decarbonises its operations appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

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As an international hotel investment and management group with deluxe and first class hotels, resorts and residences in sought-after destinations around the globe, operating 29 hotels and eight residences in 19 countries and territories, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is committed to decarbonising its operations, through a number of strategies and initiatives.  Tweet This!

This case study is based on the 2016 Sustainability Report by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

Layout 1

Abstract

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group seeks to integrate sound sustainability practices and principles into the lifecycle of its properties, including operations. In order to decarbonise its operations, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group took action to:

  • carry out energy audits
  • apply retro-commissioning
  • use LED lighting
  • implement energy management systems
  • promote behavioural changes

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2016 Sustainability Report Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group identified a range of material issues, such as guest engagement on sustainability, supply chain management, human rights and diversity, biodiversity, local community impacts. Among these, decarbonising its operations stands out as a key material issue for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group engages with:  

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement (in 2016)
Guests

 

 ·      Guest Satisfaction Survey

·      Solicitation of Direct and Target Feedback to Inform Quality Programmes
Colleagues

 

 ·      Colleague Engagement Survey

·      Career Development Plans and Performance Reviews

·      Hotel Corporate Responsibility Committees

·      Safe, Sound and Sustainable Programme
Owners and developers

 

 ·      Close Partnerships and Regular Communications Throughout Design, Development, Construction and Management of Properties
Local communities ·      Participation in Local Stakeholder Groups Including:

– Hotel Associations

– Chambers of Commerce

– Business Development Councils

– Convention and Visitors’ Bureaus and Promotion   Organisations

– Travel and Tourism Associations

– Community Benefit Organisations

– Local Heritage Preservation Initiatives

– Training and Local Talent Retention Organisations

– Local Collectives for Recycling

– Employer Organisations and Professional Associations
Shareholders ·      Ongoing and Routine Discussions With the Controlling Shareholder Jardine Matheson Group on Financial Performance, Risk Management and other current issues

·      Financial and Sustainability Reporting

·      Shareholder Feedback Mechanisms
Vendors, suppliers and contractors ·      Supplier Meetings to Discuss Sustainable Sourcing Opportunities

·      Food and Beverage Conference

·      Partnerships with Local Farmers, Ranchers and Fisheries
Industry peers and trade associations ·      Participation in World Travel and Tourism Council’s Task Force on Industry Strategies for Climate Change

·      Participation in Industry Hotel Carbon and Water Measurement Initiatives

·      Monitoring and Evaluating Industry Corporate Responsibility Initiatives
NGOs and outside advisors ·      Interviews and Panel Discussion to Discuss Opportunities to Improve Corporate Responsibility Programmes and Reports

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group organised a stakeholder panel that integrated perspectives from several organisations, which included Conservation International, the International Tourism Partnership, National Geographic Traveler, the United States Green Building Council and the World Wildlife Fund.

What actions were taken by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to decarbonise its operations?

In its 2016 Sustainability Report Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group reports that it took the following actions for decarbonising its operations:

  • Carrying out energy audits
  • Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group conducts, as part of its Safe Sound and Sustainable programme, energy audits, according to ASHRAE’s (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Procedures for Commercial Energy Audits. These audits consider each hotel’s particular requirements and target specific mechanical functions, such as chilled water or hot water production.
  • Applying retro-commissioning
  • When a testing and commissioning process implemented as part of a project handover has been ineffective or a specific area of concern is identified during an energy audit, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group applies a retro-commissioning process. The retro-commissioning process is also implemented, more comprehensively, when there are significant operational changes, because of renovations or extensions of a property.
  • Using LED lighting
  • Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has set a goal of switching to LED lighting in all its hotels by 2020. Accordingly, it has installed LED lighting in guestrooms, banquet areas, restaurants, corridors, parking garages and back-of-house areas across its hotels and residences.
  • Implementing energy management systems
  • Today, 88 per cent of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s hotel rooms are equipped with automatic systems that reduce energy consumption when guestrooms are unoccupied. In addition, as part of its guestroom renovation, Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC upgraded its smart, in-room energy management systems.
  • Promoting behavioural changes
  • Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group seeks, through regular measurement and monitoring, using sub-metering when possible, to encourage behavioural changes. Hence, management at One Hyde Park (the Group’s residences in London) started monitoring utility consumption of all residents’ apartments and investigate abnormal usage. As a consequence, some simple behavioural change opportunities were identified for landlord-controlled areas, along with opportunities to reduce costs for residents.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization

2) Disclosure 302-3 Energy intensity

3) Disclosure 305-4 GHG emissions intensity

 

Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization corresponds to:

Disclosure 302-3 Energy intensity corresponds to:

Disclosure 305-4 GHG emissions intensity corresponds to:

  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Business theme: GHG emissions
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Business theme: Ocean acidification
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
  • Business theme: Forest degradation

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) http://www.fbrh.co.uk/en/global-reporting-initiative-gri-g4-guidelines-download-page

3) https://g4.globalreporting.org/Pages/default.aspx

4) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

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]]> Case study: How CNH Industrial reduces the environmental impact of logistics processes https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-cnh-industrial-reduces-the-environmental-impact-of-logistics-processes/ Tue, 27 Nov 2018 07:27:16 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8333 As a global capital goods leader, with a commercial presence in approximately 180 countries around the globe and 66 manufacturing plants, designing, manufacturing and selling agricultural equipment, construction machinery, trucks, buses, specialty vehicles and powertrains, This case study is based on the 2017 Sustainability Report by CNH Industrial published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and […]

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As a global capital goods leader, with a commercial presence in approximately 180 countries around the globe and 66 manufacturing plants, designing, manufacturing and selling agricultural equipment, construction machinery, trucks, buses, specialty vehicles and powertrains, CNH Industrial seeks, through a number of initiatives, to minimise the environmental impact of logistics processes.  Tweet This!

This case study is based on the 2017 Sustainability Report by CNH Industrial published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

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Abstract

CNH Industrial aims to promote sustainable logistics processes through technologies, procedures and solutions that reduce the environmental impact of these processes, such as type of transport, intermodality, long-haul transport and packaging design. In order to reduce the environmental impact of logistics processes CNH Industrial took action to:

  • increase low-emission transport
  • implement intermodal solutions
  • optimise transport capacity
  • minimise non-reusable packaging and protective materials

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2017 Sustainability Report CNH Industrial identified a range of material issues, such as circular product life cycle, CO2 and other air emissions, renewable energy, self-sustaining food systems, employee engagement. Among these, reducing the environmental impact of logistics processes stands out as a key material issue for CNH Industrial.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The organization should identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process s of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups CNH Industrial engages with:

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Customers

 

 ·      Direct engagement in materiality analysis

·      Market research

·      Focus groups

·      Customer satisfaction surveys

·      Above-the-line and below-the-line communication channels

·      Two-way communication through: web, direct

mailing, dealerships, toll-free numbers, etc.

·      Events (product launches, etc.) and participation in exhibitions, trade fairs, and conventions

·      Customer-Driven Product Development (CPD)

·      Compliance Helpline
Dealer and service network

 

 

 ·      Direct engagement in materiality analysis

·      Daily contacts and periodic meetings with the network

·      Two-way communication through the web Dealer Portal and dedicated phone lines

·      Individuals responsible for monitoring the network and ensuring fulfillment of contractual standards

·      Dealer development programmes

·      Programmes to support dealers, including training, definition of standards, financing, and promotional campaigns

·      Compliance Helpline
Employees ·      Direct engagement in materiality analysis

·      Daily dialogue

·      Intranet portal

·      Meetings to communicate expected and actual performance levels and professional development path

·      Compliance Helpline
Professional organisations

and associations

 ·      Direct engagement in materiality analysis

·      Meetings to share and align with corporate objectives and decisions
Employees’ families

 

 ·      Participation in initiatives (Children’s Christmas, Family Day, etc.)

·      Internal publications
Financial community: Traditional and Socially Responsible Investors (SRIs)

 

 ·      Direct engagement in materiality analysis

·      General Meeting

·      Price-sensitive disclosures and information

·      Quarterly conference calls

·      Seminars, industry conferences, roadshows, and meetings

·      Daily dialogue (meetings, telephone, emails)

·      Investor Relations section of the Company website

·      Annual Report

·      Sustainability Report
Journalists, media, and opinion leaders ·      Direct engagement in materiality analysis

·      Daily dialogue

·      Presentations and press conferences

·      Meetings

·      Brand and Company websites
Public institutions: Government, local authorities, public agencies, regulatory bodies, international institutions, trade associations, and non-governmental organisations ·      Direct engagement in materiality analysis

·      Periodic ad hoc meetings on corporate objectives and position

·      Participation in working groups, development of joint projects and alliances

·      Collaboration on R&D projects

·      Initiatives to highlight regulatory issues

·      Dialogue with institutions and environmental associations
Scientific and technological research centres and universities ·      Direct engagement in materiality analysis

·      Open-source tools

·      Periodical meetings
Suppliers and commercial partners ·      Direct engagement in materiality analysis

·      Daily relationship through buyers

·      Web Supplier Portal

·      WCM suppliers

·      Supplier Advisory Council (SAC)

·      Conventions

·      Technology Days

·      Su.Per

·      Compliance Helpline

·      Dedicated email addresses
Trade unions and employee representatives ·      Direct engagement in materiality analysis

·      Institutional meetings and other exchanges pursuant to legal or contractual provisions at plant, legal entity, regional or national levels

·      Trilateral meetings (Company, trade unions, and government bodies) on matters of particular importance

·      Ad hoc meetings at plant, legal entity, regional or national level

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics CNH Industrial received feedback, through an online survey or direct interview, from a sample of 1,247 stakeholders that included employees, customers, dealers, opinion leaders, public institutions, NGOs, investors and journalists.

What actions were taken by CNH Industrial to reduce the environmental impact of logistics processes?

In its 2017 Sustainability Report CNH Industrial reports that it took the following actions for reducing the environmental impact of logistics processes:

  • Increasing low-emission transport
  • CNH Industrial seeks to reduce emissions from the transport of components and finished products by using road vehicles that conform to the strictest environmental standards. In Europe, CNH Industrial has gradually introduced specific environmental contractual clauses that oblige external transport providers to use vehicles that comply with Euro IV standards or higher. In North America, CNH Industrial engages logistics partners in the SmartWay transport programme. This programme is sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and aims to improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions in the transport chain. Participation in the programme is one of the factors CNH Industrial takes into account when evaluating potential suppliers and, in 2017, 93 per cent of service providers (rail and road transport) participated in the programme.
  • Implementing intermodal solutions
  • CNH Industrial promotes alternative modes of road transport through intermodal solutions, to reduce both traffic congestion and CO2 emissions. In 2017, critical components (coloured plastic parts, metal sheets) were shipped by sea from Italy to the plants in Madrid and Valladolid (Spain), thereby reducing CO2 emissions by 3,234 tons. CNH Industrial also used the intercontinental flow by rail between East Asia and Europe to move finished goods (engines) in the opposite direction, from Italy to Japan. In Europe, finished goods and components were moved by rail between plants in Southern Italy and the North, with almost 270 train journeys in each direction in 2017.
  • Optimising transport capacity
  • CNH Industrial optimises transport capacity to reduce the costs and environmental impact of transportation. The company makes both technical and organisational changes to routes and volumes to optimise and streamline the whole process, including environmental impacts. In November 2017 a new project began, to optimise the transport of cabs from the plant in Valladolid to the one in Madrid (Spain), using new 21.5-meter megacamiones (mega-trucks) instead of the standard 13.6-meter semitrailers. This initiative reduced the number of trips by 28 per cent and CO2 emissions by 77 tons. 
  • Minimising non-reusable packaging and protective materials
  • In 2017, CNH Industrial continued to monitor, through the World Material Flow (WMF) programme, the quantity of cardboard and wood used in consolidating shipments of materials by sea to plants in Australia and North and South America. As a result, fewer wood crates were used, reducing the amount of wood shipped by approximately 99 tons (4.13 per cent).

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is:

Disclosure 302-2 Energy consumption outside of the organization

Disclosure 302-2 Energy consumption outside of the organization corresponds to:

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

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References:

1) This case study is based on published information by CNH Industrial, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

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