SustainabilityHQ.com Weekly Highlights March 25, 2014

Tune in to Europe & Sustainability Reporting

G&A Institute EVP Louis D. Coppola brings us up to date on the important developments we’ve been tracking in the European Union.  The EU draft directive for disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by employers in the Union is moving closer to adoption.  The Council of the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives endorsed the draft which would mandate CSR / ESG reporting by employers with more than 500 workers in the states of the EU.

That would include non-EU companies with sizable operations in the Union states. On April 15th the European Parliament and the Council is expected to give final approval.  All companies with 500 employees in the 28 states of the Union – one of the largest economic spheres of influence globally – will have to begin reporting.  We estimate 6,000 or more companies will be be affected.  This would dramatically expand the universe of reporting corporations – increasing pressure on peer companies which may not yet be reporting. And, putting more pressure on supply chain partners not yet disclosing their ESG performance. 

More details are in the top story – if you need more information contact the G&A Institute team.

Top Story of the Week

European Union Moves Closer To Make Sustainability / CSR Reporting Mandatory in All 28 Member Countries 
(Monday, March 17, 2014)
Source: Sustainability Update by Louis D Coppola @ G&A Institute.. We have been closely tracking the European Union’s draft directive for the disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large companies.  A major hurdle has just been cleared to adopt this directive,  it …

Sustainability in Focus

Sustainable Certified Coffee: Mere Buzzword Or Serious Industry Practice?
(Friday - March 21, 2014) 
Source: International Business Times - Certified coffee, sometimes known as “sustainable” coffee, has a long way to go before it becomes a dominant industry norm, despite significant efforts by leading coffee companies and certifiers. Companies like Starbucks...

Team of Israeli researchers redefines approach toward sustainability
(Thursday - March 20, 2014) 
Source: The Jerusalem Post - The new project begins with the premise that world has yet to come close to achieving targets that will allow for the planet’s future protection. The key to achieving a sustainable future for Israel and the world lies in the...

Oracle Board Opposes Sustainability Proposal
(Wednesday - March 19, 2014) Associated Profiles : Investor Network on Climate Risk 
Source: Environmental Leader - U.S. investor groups have filed 95 global warming shareholder resolutions with public corporations, a 40 percent increase over last year, according to Investor Network on Climate Risk.

This is just a sample of some of the articles from this weeks SustainabilityHQ Highlights.  You can view the full Highlights by using the following links. Sustainability | ESG, Highlights for the Week of March 25, 2014