Climate change, business and the road to Copenhagen

The headline article looks at what’s involved with the Copenhagen climate change negotiations, what’s changed since Kyoto and the role of business in addressing climate change.Copenhagen is the last in a series of climate change meetings to negotiate a new framework to replace the Kyoto protocol which ends in 2012.This CSR expert view reminds readers that many countries have already introduced a range of emissions reduction policy measures, including long-term targets. Regardless of whether an outcome is reached in Copenhagen these actions will continue. Business is encouraged to do its bit by supporting the various campaigns calling for global action on climate change, building on efforts to reduce their own organisations’ carbon footprints and recruiting and training appropriately skilled people to address the impacts of climate change.

The CSR case studies highlight best practice examples and trends from four different sectors – consumer electronics, banking, power generation and construction – as well as an international behavioural change initiative.The consumer electronics example highlights Sharp’s adoption of a value chain approach to improve environmental performance and produce greener electrical products.The construction case study explores how Dockside Green achieved LEED Platinum green building certification for its mixed use development by integrating energy efficiency technologies and onsite energy generation.

The briefing papers examine two recent climate change reports.The first was produced by Oxfam International and looks at the potential impact of climate change on the developing world as a reminder of why an international agreement is so important.The second, “Technology for a Low Carbon Future”, by The Climate Group and the Office of Tony Blair outlines how the required emissions reductions could be achieved using existing technologies.

This climate change feature is part of a regular free research series produced by Article 13.Past topics can be accessed through the online CSR archive and have included sustainability reporting, the impact of the global financial crisis on corporate sustainability, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and China’s sustainability risks and opportunities.

For more information on our business and climate change research and business services, please contact Fiona Banyard or phone +44 (0)20 8840 4450.

Article 13 are experts in business responsibility, typically in the areas of CSR, sustainability and governance.Article 13 seeks to embed and integrate responsible business practices in organisations by means of consultancy services, training, executive coaching and thought leadership.

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