Sustainability

oday, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB) release the second case study in a series designed to provide insights into the sustainability reporting trends across various countries covered by the Reporting Exchange.

Growing commitment to distributed energy resources (DER) is forcing continued modernization of the grid — and the effort shows no signs of letting up. Whether by regulatory mandate or stakeholder pressure, system upgrades are being made worldwide to support the increase in renewable energy, while making infrastructure smarter and more resilient. Historically, attention to the grid’s distribution system focused on poles and wire maintenance and upkeep, but growing connectivity between assets is requiring a more holistic approach.

This month, GRI's newsletter highlights information to support what for many companies is the beginning of the reporting cycle. For example, there's an article on what kinds of businesses in Denmark and Greece now fall under the EU Directive on Non-financial Reporting, given how the company scope requirements were incorporated in local legislation.

At this week’s 2018 GRI Reporters’ North America Summit, participants geeked out on all the best ways to improve their sustainability reporting with increased materiality, stakeholder engagement and communications. But the conference also served newer reporters, sharing tips and tools for those just getting started with reporting. Stewart Rassier from the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship, an experienced consultant with multiple “first reports” under his belt, together with Jamie Jones Ezefili from Northern Trust, an accomplished first time reporter, shared some best practices for first time reporting.

In the first episode of 2018, GRI interviews Caroline Rees, President of Shift, the leading center of expertise on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. There's also a report from the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, where GRI’s Chief Executive Tim Mohin delivered an important message to world leaders. You will also find out how GRI's Regional Hub in South Asia is helping local businesses contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“It seems to be easier to win the game when you care about the game.” The morning after the Super Bowl seems an appropriate time to write about the game, but it’s not actually the game of football that I’m interested in. It’s the game of business and what it takes to win in 2018.

Today at GreenBiz 2018, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) released draft Guidance for applying Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)-related risks.

Last year marked a monumental turning point for the future of electric vehicles (EVs), with several auto companies such as Volkswagen AG, General Motors and Volvo announcing significant electrification plans. Bolstered by improved battery technology, longer battery range, greater variety and lower prices, consumer confidence in EVs is at an all-time high. According to Forbes, light-duty EV sales in the United States rose 37 percent in 2016.

Utilities need to start thinking now about how they are going to scale up power infrastructure to meet the increased demand for commercial and personal vehicles. Although the benefits of electrification are undeniable, the move away from internal combustion engines is raising questions about energy management and grid stability.

Asif Ansari, Manager of Environmental Compliance and Risk Management, explains how the United States Postal Service evaluated its unique software requirements, and selected a path to best meet its needs.

There is a fine balance between the need to conserve forests and the very real role they play as a resource to our economy.