Sustainability is a collaborative process and an accountable supply chain process can assist greatly in its success. Ceres  has created a free 20-page template to help companies assess which business partners may be putting their own sustainability agenda at risk.  The Ceres Supplier Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ): Building the Foundation for Sustainable Supply Chains offers a series...

According to a new report from independent analyst firm Verdantix., the world’s largest food producers need to Invest in more robust codes of conduct for the management of environmental issues in the supply chain Set a broader range of targets for improved future performance, The study finds significant variation in the ambition and robustness of the...

The Green Hospitality Programme launched a new booklet for the hospitality sector – “Resource Efficiency in the Hospitality Sector”. This booklet contains numerous case studies, on how to reduce utility costs through resource efficiency. Being resource efficient reduces the impact of business emissions on the environment. Highlighting how protecting the environment, can go hand in...

Progress towards environmental sustainability can only be measured and monitored in a reliable way if robust data, indicators and tools are available.  Policy targets and associated indicators are also essential for constructive action to address the long-term challenge of sustainability in Europe. Sustainable development aims to improve quality of life without compromising the well-being of...

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) launched a new publication that demonstrates the business case for companies to engage in water valuation. Water Valuation: Building the business case paves the way towards the integration of true water values and true water costs into decision-making. Water availability is increasingly limited. Globally, water resources are...

Eco-innovation matters in two ways for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). More than 99% of European Union companies are SMEs, covering all sectors, including crafts, manufacturers and retailers. SMEs are responsible for two-thirds of private sector employment, and about 60% of EU GDP. Spreading eco-innovative approaches throughout small and medium-sized companies could reap wide-ranging benefits....

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in conjunction with the BeGreen Programme, provide many supports, often free of charge, to business. Guidance on available supports is presented on the SEAI website and is summarized in a presentation made during the recent the BeGreen Roadshow. The BeGreen Programme is supported by the Small Firms Association and the Environmental...

The following questions can test any business’ approach to becoming a sustainable organization: How can we increase use of recycled and bio-based materials? Evaluating material alternatives through compatibility and footprint analysis is one of the best ways to help answer this question. How can we prevent our products from ending up in landfill? Understand the...

The European Commission has outlined its plans to change EU legislation on environmental impact assessments (EIAs) –  to replace Directive 2011/92/EU. EU figures show that there, on average, are up to 26,000 EIAs across the bloc each year, and that the duration of the process is generally more than 11 months. There is mounting concern among...

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Sustainability released Water for Business. Specifically designed for businesses Identifies the water tools and initiatives most suitable for the needs businesses. Outlines the benefits of the different tools available Illustrates how a combination of complementary tools can...