Monday, August 21, 2006

GREENBUZZ for August 21, 2006

Taking Care of Business

It used to be that things slowed down in the summer. Organizations took a break, holding off the publication of reports and tools and making major announcements until after Labor Day -- presumably, when more people are paying attention.

No more. The “doldrums” of August have been anything but, as evidenced by the steady stream of developments in the past few weeks. This issue of GREENBUZZ features several, including a report by Business for Social Responsibility on why companies should pay more attention to nature’s services; another from the World Business Council on Sustainable Development on the business of water over the next twenty years; and yet another from Environment California, detailing the positive bottom-line impacts of climate-change leadership.

And there’s more to come, well before life “begins again” after Labor Day.

So, enjoy the waning days of summer. But don’t forget to keep paying attention, lest you miss something.

-- Joel Makower, Executive Editor


This Issue's Sponsor:
Bainbridge Graduate Institute
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Headlines
The Latest News on Business and the Environment

BSR Launches Environmental Markets Initiative
Business for Social Responsibility has launched a major, multiyear initiative to help businesses understand and address the world of ecosystem services.

Study Asks if Green Chemistry Drives Profits . . . or Just Good PR
Initially motivated by regulations and PR concerns, more companies are now turning to "green" chemistry. A new market study seeks to quantify this development in the chemicals industry.

Group Rates Social 'Footprint' of Companies' Climate Performance
The Center for Sustainable Innovation has introduced a new application of its "social footprint" method for calculating corporate social bottom lines, this time for global warming.

WBCSD Floats Water Scenarios Project
The World Business Council on Sustainable Development is launching a series of scenarios entitled “Business in the World of Water - WBCSD Water Scenarios to 2025” that look at possible futures for business and society.

Study Offers Eco-Friendly Solution to Oil Industry Needs
Queen's University researchers have devised a "green chemistry" solution to one of the oil industry's biggest problems - in a cost-effective way.

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Resources and Tools
A Wealth of Hands-On Help

Environmental Markets: Opportunities and Risks for Business
Businesses need to pay closer attention to the natural systems on which they rely, says this new report.

Green Lodging News
Focuses on environment-related issues that impact profitability for the hospitality industry, via its Web site and a weekly e-newsletter. The site includes a wealth of other resources, including a green product directory.

Greening the Bottom Line: California Companies Save Money by Reducing Global Warming Pollution
This just-published report highlights 12 businesses or institutions that are cutting energy costs, reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel and electricity prices, and attracting environmentally aware customers.


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Columns and Features
Insight and Inspiration from the Experts

Foot the Bill: Getting a Toehold on Your Company's Climate Footprint
"What's your company's climate footprint?" It's a hot question these days -- one being asked increasingly of companies by customers, investors, activists, regulators, and others. Providing an answer is a challenge. By Joel Makower

Carbon Neutrality Draws Praise, Raises Expectations for HSBC
Carbon neutrality is the latest game in town, and carbon offsets are becoming the "it" commodity, writes Christopher Wright.

Wanna write for GreenBiz?Let us know if you'd like to write a guest column or feature reflecting your experiences or opinions in the environmental business world. Send a brief query to Editor@greenbiz.com | Read our editorial guidelines

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