Showing posts with label source. Show all posts
Showing posts with label source. Show all posts

COVID-19 Exposes Supply Chain Vulnerabilities that Cause Food Insecurity

The cornavirus pandemic has highlighted supply chain weaknesses that are causing food shortages. As explained in an FAO report, the global pandemic is threatening supply lines leading to concerns about food insecurity. "A protracted pandemic crisis could quickly put a strain on the food supply chains, a complex web of interactions involving farmers, agricultural inputs, processing plants, shipping, retailers and more," the report said. In a March paper the U.N. Committee on World Food Security (CFS) warned that Covid-19 will cause heightened instability in global food supply. The pandemic also prompted the Food and Land Use Coalition to issue a call to action for world leaders over what they describe as a humanitarian crisis requiring urgent coordinated action.


Food shortages are already apparent around the world and according to Business Insider, food retailers may experience food shortages for 18 months or more. Food that comes from large industrial farms are especially vulnerable. The megabarns in which livestock and poultry are produced are breeding grounds for disease. Social distancing is not an option for farm workers or those that work in food processing facilities. Disease rapidly spreads in such workplaces and when these workers get sick the supply chain breaks down.

However, our current situation affords insight into the mechanics of supply chain disruptions. COVID-19 is far from over and it is certainly not the last pandemic we will face. We also know that climate change will be far more disruptive to supply chains. A warming planet interferes with food production by decreasing the fertility of soils, reducing the number of pollinators and increasing extreme weather events including droughts and floods.

As explained by Seckin Ozkul, a supply chain management expert at the University of South Florida, these disruptions help us to identify vulnerabilities. "We had seen regional, we had seen national disasters and destruction, but we had never seen a full global [disruption] at the same time — everyone shot down at the same time," Ozkul said. "So now we want to look at this so that the next time it happens we can be better prepared and we can actually take the necessary precautions so we don't see the impact as much as we see it now."

Using the lessons gleaned from this pandemic we can redesign our supply chains in ways that mitigate against the risks of disruption. One of the most important things we can do is create sustainable supply chains. To help reduce the risks associated with factory farms we can diversify the procurement of our foods so that we are not overly dependent on any one source.

Related
Building Resilience to Supply Chain Disruptions due to Climate Change
Supply Chain Sustainability Guidance and Standards
Sustainable Procurement: Environmental Social and Economic Supply Chain Considerations
How to Craft Value Out of Sustainability Focused Supply Chains
The Sustainable Supply Chain Imperative
The Supply Chain of CO2 Emissions (White Paper)
Digging In: The Nuts and Bolts of Supply Chain Sustainability (White Paper)
Sustainable Supply Chains are Profitable

Get Ready for Supply Chain Sustainability Guidance and Standards

Sustainability is a large and expanding trend and procurement has been a major part of this trend. Efforts to adopt more sustainable supply chains have been around for years. We now have ample information to confidently make the claim that businesses practicing sustainability are leading the way forward. Procurement and supply chains are key components of sustainability.

However, a lack of standardization and guidance have made this transition difficult for some. That is rapidly changing as we have seen more guidance and now forthcoming standardization.

President Obama has launched a major initiative to reduce greenhouse gases with an executive order related to the federal government's supply chain.

As revealed in an Environmental Leader article, public sector procurement accounts for around 12 percent of GDP and 29 percent of government expenditure in OECD member countries.

ISO standards, specifically ISO 20400, Sustainable procurement – Guidance will be published in 2017.

"ISO says because sustainable procurement is a key aspect of social responsibility, ISO 20400 will complement ISO 26000, Guidance on social responsibility, by enabling organizations to contribute to sustainable development efforts by minimizing their impact on the environment, tackling human rights issues and contributing to society and the economy."

The nonprofit Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council is also developing a Sustainable Purchasing Benchmarking System consistent with the ISO 20400. Sustainable Purchasing Council provides guidance on incorporating sustainability in procurement decisions.

In 2015 SPLC released its Guidance for Leadership in Sustainable Purchasing v1.0. This guidance has been field tested in a pilot program by a number of organizations including Lockheed Martin and Office Depot. SPLC will provide third party recognition for their procurement efforts.

The SPLC has previously released five principles for sustainability leadership which includes environmental, social and economic impacts of purchasing. The SPLC also released guidelines for suppliers of products and services.

Related
Obama Signs Executive Order to Reduce GHGs in the Federal Government and Across their Supply Chain
Sustainable Procurement: Environmental Social and Economic Supply Chain Considerations
How to Craft Value Out of Sustainability Focused Supply Chains
Supply Chain Advocacy to Advance Renewable Energy: The Story of E.ON
Winners of the 2013 Green Supply Chain Awards
Sustainable Supply Chain Transparency: Strategic Analysis and Best Practices
The Sustainable Supply Chain Imperative

Webinar - Valuing Natural Capital Assets in the Supply Chain

This Webinar will take place on Thursday, April 10th 2014, 9:00am - 10:00am PDT/12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT/ 6:00pm - 7:00pm Paris- Brussels Online Meeting.

The 21st century has seen the rise of a globally connected community and with it comes additional layers of what will need to be measured and managed for all companies to succeed. Business leaders will still focus on the basics of profit, revenue and market share, but also required is broader visibility into how natural capital assets are consumed in the supply chain to build brand and manage risk.

Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) is the process of placing a financial value on the natural capital (water, air, soil, forests, etc) consumed by a company’s business operations and considering natural resources as an essential business asset. By placing a dollar value on these assets, the cost of consuming natural resources and negative impacts can be better accounted for.

The future of the built environment and the economy depend on how we manage the diverse set of resources (natural capital) that make up all the goods and services we rely on. A large part of a company’s impact on natural capital occurs in the supply chain. Currently companies have varying degrees of visibility into their first tier suppliers but lack a comprehensive view of the natural capital assets supporting the possible tens of thousands of suppliers behind each component for every first tier supplier.

The purpose of valuing natural capital in the supply chain allows for a more whole-istic approach to make smarter, greener decisions, when it really matters. More importantly, beyond valuing natural capital, it is essential to develop tools and strategies to effectively manage the related risks and opportunities of consuming such resources throughout the value chain.

This discussion will provide an introduction to the concept of Natural Capital Accounting and address some of the following questions:

Which natural capital assets does the business impact most?
Where are these dependencies hidden within the supply chain? In which countries are these dependencies and degradation most likely taking place? What is the company’s strategy to mitigate impact and protect availability of these critical natural assets? What commodities will have greater price fluctuation? How do companies make informed decisions about which materials and suppliers to focus on first? Which materials offer the greatest potential return to the environment?

Speakers
  • Clinton Moloney, PwC, Managing Director 
  • Andrew Deitz, Climate Earth, VP

For more information or to request to join the panel, please contact: emilie.jessula@agrion.org

Click here to register.

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Sustainable Supply Chain Transparency: Strategic Analysis and Best Practices
The Sustainable Supply Chain Imperative
Survey of Executives Views on Sustainable Supply Chains
Building Resilience to Supply Chain Disruptions due to Climate Change
Introduction to Sustainable Supply Chains
Introduction to (Sustainable) Supply Chain Management
Sustainable Supply Chains
The Rise of Sustainable Supply Chains
Sustainable Supply Chains are Profitable
Case Study Illustrates the Profitability of Sustainable Supply Chains
2012 Review: Sustainable Supply Chains 
Sustainable Procurement Guidelines and Procedures
The Three Tiers of Sustainability and Supply Chains
Ten Sources of Green Supply Chain Information
Five Elements of a Sustainable Supply Chain
Environmental Regulations Shaping Today's Sustainable Supply Chains
Sustainable Supply Chains and New Environmental Laws
Collaboration in Sustainable Supply Chains
The Lean Sustainable Supply Chain
Sustainable Supply Chain Integration
Understanding Responsible Procurement and Creating Value
Puma's Sustainable Supply Chain
The Sustainable Supply Chain Efforts of Interface Inc
Walmart and HP's Sustainable Supply Chains
Arizona State University and Green Supply Chains
IT Sector Should Leverage Their Supply Chains
UN Supply Chain Sustainability Tool Introduced at Rio+20
CIPS Sustainable Procurement Tool
Sustainable Supply Chain Data Book
Responsible Procurement Strategy (e-book)
Video - Sustainable Supply Chain Tutorials from IMD
Video: Ten Steps To A Greener Supply Chain
Video: Green Supply Chain
The Supply Chain of CO2 Emissions (White Paper)
New Dimensions in Supply Chain Management (White Paper)
Digging In: The Nuts and Bolts of Supply Chain Sustainability (White Paper)
Video: Future Supply Chain 2016

Event - Venture Summit West

This event will take place on February 12, 2014, at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California. The summit content will include discussions and educational tracks focused on cleantech. The Second annual Venture Summit West, presented by youngStartup Ventures, is the premier industry gathering connecting venture capitalists, corporate VCs, angel investors, technology transfer professionals, senior executives of early stage and emerging growth companies, university researchers, incubators and premier service providers.

Whether you are an investor seeking access to new early stage deals, or a CEO or Founder of a new venture looking for funding, visibility and growth, Venture Summit West is one event you won’t want to miss.

Venture Panels

Hear more than 40 top tier VCs, Corporate VCs and Angel Investors on the key issues facing Investors and Startup CEOs alike. Industry experts will provide updated analyses and share their experience with the audience. Company Presentations Discover more than 50 of the hottest early stage and emerging growth technology, life sciences and clean-tech innovators as they present live to leading investors. High-level Networking: Connect with investors, startups and potential partners.

Audience Profile

Venture Capitalists, angel investors, corporate VCs, CEOs, CFOs and other senior management of early stage and emerging growth ventures, technology transfer professionals and premium services firms.

To register click here.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Event - Responsible Sourcing Summit 2014

The Responsible Sourcing Summit 2014 will take place on March 5-6, 2014 at the Hotel Monaco, 501 Geary St., San Francisco, California. Listen to subject matter experts in the field of supply chain sustainability and network with other professionals.

Some of the topics that will be covered at this summit include:

Examining the Impact of Recruitment Practices on Human Rights
Taking a Management Systems Approach to Continuous Improvement
Providing Traceability within Supply Chains: Conflict Minerals and Other Raw Materials
Lean Manufacturing - Understanding the Benefits of Production Efficiencies
Implementing Sustainable Chemistry in Supply Chains Addressing Fire Safety in Facilities

Speakers Include:

BASF
DuPont
Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC)
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
Google
Kimberly Clark Corporation
UL Fire Safety and Lean Business Services Team

Price: $750

For further details contact: RSinfo@ul.com

For more details or to register click here.

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Sustainable Supply Chain Transparency: Strategic Analysis and Best Practices
The Sustainable Supply Chain Imperative
Survey of Executives Views on Sustainable Supply Chains
Building Resilience to Supply Chain Disruptions due to Climate Change
Introduction to Sustainable Supply Chains
Introduction to (Sustainable) Supply Chain Management
Sustainable Supply Chains
The Rise of Sustainable Supply Chains
Sustainable Supply Chains are Profitable
Case Study Illustrates the Profitability of Sustainable Supply Chains
2012 Review: Sustainable Supply Chains 
Sustainable Procurement Guidelines and Procedures
The Three Tiers of Sustainability and Supply Chains
Ten Sources of Green Supply Chain Information
Five Elements of a Sustainable Supply Chain
Environmental Regulations Shaping Today's Sustainable Supply Chains
Sustainable Supply Chains and New Environmental Laws
Collaboration in Sustainable Supply Chains
The Lean Sustainable Supply Chain
Environmental Leader's Top 15 Sustainable Supply Chain Stories of 2012
Sustainable Supply Chain Integration
Understanding Responsible Procurement and Creating Value
Puma's Sustainable Supply Chain
PUMA's Comprehensive Sustainable Strategy Now Includes Environmental Accounting
The Sustainable Supply Chain Efforts of Interface Inc
Nike and H&M Bow to Greenpeace and Green their Supply Chains
Walmart and HP's Sustainable Supply Chains
Arizona State University and Green Supply Chains
IT Sector Should Leverage Their Supply Chains
UN Supply Chain Sustainability Tool Introduced at Rio+20
CIPS Sustainable Procurement Tool
Sustainable Supply Chain Data Book
Responsible Procurement Strategy (e-book)
Video - Sustainable Supply Chain Tutorials from IMD
Video: Ten Steps To A Greener Supply Chain
Video: Green Supply Chain
The Supply Chain of CO2 Emissions (White Paper)
New Dimensions in Supply Chain Management (White Paper)
Digging In: The Nuts and Bolts of Supply Chain Sustainability (White Paper)
White Paper - Best Practices in Sustainable Procurement of Paperboard
Video: Future Supply Chain 2016

Event - Clean and Cool 2013

This event will take place from November 30 to December 7, 2013 in Colorado. Clean and Cool Mission Colorado is an entrepreneur mission to help the UK’s most promising early stage and innovative cleantech SMEs do business in the US faster.

A total of 16 of the UK’s most innovated clean technology companies have been selected for the 2013 Clean and Cool Mission in Colorado. Among the delegation are companies whose innovations address some of the most pressing climate challenges in the country and worldwide, including increasing transport pollution, improving energy efficiency in residential homes and easing reliance on peak grid supply. These companies will showcase their innovations and explore business opportunities associated with tackling climate change. The Mission will help these companies to develop quality contacts with investors and partners, gain unique insight, profit from fresh stimulus, and improve pitch and profile. There have been eight previous missions, supporting the most promising UK entrepreneurs and early stage businesses working in web innovation, future health and clean technology.

Colorado has been selected as the focus because it is rapidly establishing its US and global prominence as a cleantech innovation ecosystem. Colorado is the number one U.S market for renewable energy, the second best state for entrepreneurship and innovation, and with over 300 cleantech and 1600 support companies the state is currently 3rd for US cleantech vc financing.

In 2013, the Clean and Cool Mission will coincide with The Industry Growth Forum, the premier event for clean energy startups to maximize their exposure to receptive venture capital, corporate investors, and strategic partners.

Clean and Cool Mission is run by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs in partnership with the Technology Strategy Board, UKTI and private sector sponsors. The Technology Strategy Board (TSB), a business-led UK government body which works to create economic growth by ensuring that the UK is a global leader in innovation. Sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Technology Strategy Board brings together business, research and the public sector, supporting and accelerating the development of innovative products and services to meet market needs, tackle major societal challenges and help build the future economy.

The following fields are part of the mission:

· Clean or green transportation fuels for aviation and motorcycles
· Electricity & other Energy conservation
· Smart meters and smart grids
· Thermal sciences
· Climate change
· Wind Solar Power
· Cutting emissions and pollution

UK Cleantech Startups Selected for the innovation Mission

· Agility Global has blended Formula 1 and aerospace design with advanced engineering and electric technology to manufacture the world’s first high-performance, clean tech motorcycle. Saietta, is a premium, electric urban sports motorcycle that more than lives up to its name. Strikingly designed, fast and powerful, it is also clean and green.

· Alquist has pioneered an award-winning Data Center temperature management system, targeted to become the new world standard for a $17bn industry segment growing at 28% per annum. Alquist’s monitoring system enables Data Center operators to manage risk and reduce energy spend, resulting in reduced carbon emissions.

· Arcola Energy is a developer, manufacturer and retailer of fuel cell-based low carbon energy solutions, converting chemical energy from a fuel, such as hydrogen, into electricity. Ultimately, this makes electricity more accessible and cost-effective for consumers and businesses. Arcola’s technology can be used in the home and within the construction, entertainment, education and automotive industries.

· To support the continued roll-out of smart grids throughout the U.S., Each For All Productions has developed the Merismus micro-grid which is plugged into a smart meter to automatically manage grid and microgeneration energy usage to lower energy bills through very little effort.

· Energy created through the roof which could eliminate heating, cooling and hot water bills is the aim of a new product from Flint Engineering which blends a photovoltaic and solar thermal collector in a roofing/cladding material to be used on both new and refitted domestic and commercial buildings.

· The energy output of the sun is about 386 billion megawatts, presenting a free and inexhaustible power source that can be captured and converted into electricity. Fullsun Photovoltaics is doing exactly that by using High Concentrated Photovoltaic (HCPV) technology in a lightweight solar module designed for utility and commercial/industrial rooftop markets.

· Current technology is incapable of realistically meeting future demand for sustainable aviation biofuels. The mission of Green Fuels Research, a new venture building on 10 years’ CleanTech heritage, is to develop enabling technologies at every step in the value chain from primary producer to airplane

· In the US, a massive $7.4 billion is spent on cooling datacentres annually. Iceotope supports these applications by providing massive processing power, memory and storage in an integrated computing system cooled with liquid, which saves energy and lowers costs.

· Magnifye superconducting permanent magnets can be used to improve the efficiency of any electrical machine. Ten times stronger than conventional magnets, they are small enough to fit into the palm of the hand and large enough to power a train or a cruise liner. With almost limitless applications, Magnifye could transform the way the world powers electrical machines.

· Moixa Technology plans to put millions of smart batteries into customer premises to reduce peak period demand on the grid and improve the energy efficiency of essential Direct Current (DC) devices such as lights and mobile phones. Use of Moixa’s technology helps to significantly reduce bills and improves energy security by enabling the storage of energy at off-peak times.

· PJH Partnership has developed an innovative and domestically applicable solar power storage unit. The system is targeted to address grid-scale storage and balancing needs resulting from the continual growth of electricity generation from domestic houses.

· Renovagen has developed a transportable solar power solution that is capable of generating ten times more power than existing technologies. Designed for temporary or semi-permanent use in remote off-grid locations where self-sufficient power generation is essential.

· Considerable energy savings in both domestic and commercial environments can be realised by using high power heat batteries. Sunamp has developed a Heat Battery that is super-compact but can store heat from conventional and non-conventional heat pumps and boilers, delivering it quickly and with maximum energy efficiency as needed.

· Through innovation and ingenuity Straw Fuels has created a range of eco-friendly fire logs. Made from straw, the logs are clean, easy to use and produce much lower levels of smoke than traditional wood.

· Public vehicles, particularly buses, have a reputation for polluting roads, but a new hybrid-electric system from Vantage Power has been designed to help the bus industry to meet the increasing demands for lower emissions, improve air quality, and cut fuel consumption simultaneously, without the need for investing in new hybrid buses.

· The U.S. has a target of 20% renewable energy by 2020, and this target has been behind the development of a new grid-scale energy storage battery from Wind Power Performance that promises to lower energy storage costs globally.

Agenda

The week-long agenda is designed to provide unparallelled insights, connections and opportunities.

Monday Dec 2
08.45 – 12.15 Pitch sessions and panel discussion
Venue: Hotel Boulderado, Columbine Room, 2115 Thirteenth Street, Boulder, CO 80302

Tuesday Dec 3
18.30 – 20.30 UKTI and British Consul hosted Reception and Networking
Venue: Galvanize, 1062 Delaware St, Denver, CO 80204

Thursday Dec 5
18.30 – 20.30 Rocky Mountain Innosphere hosted panel and networking event
Venue: All Staff Room, New Belgium Brewery, 500 Linden, Fort Collins, CO 80524

For more information click here

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

Related Articles
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Video - Winner Crosses Finish Line at the 2013 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge


Watch the final moments of the grueling Bridgestone World Solar Challenge as the winning team for 2013 crosses the finish line in northern Adelaide, Australia. This 3000 kms event highlights some of the best solar powered car technology in the world.

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Event - Clean Energy Conference and Exhibition: ICCE 2013

Clean Energy Conference and Exhibition: ICCE 2013 will take place Monday September 9 - Wednesday September, 11, 2013 in Ottawa, Ontario. ICCE 2013 will take place on the banks of the majestic Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau Rivers. Ottawa is one of the most beautiful G8 capitals in the world. Ottawa is also rich in culture and heritage with its many national institutions, parklands, waterways and historic architecture.
This conference is organized to share and discuss recent developments in clean energy sector. The aim of ICCE 2013 is to gather researchers, scientists, engineers, practitioners, policy makers, from all over the world to present advances in the clean energy technologies. We are in an era in which there is a continuous progress in green energy sources and technologies and ICCE 2013 will provide a forum to exchange information, present new technologies and developments, and discuss the future direction, strategies and priorities in the field of clean energy.

For more information or to register click here.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

Related Articles
America Surpasses a Solar PV Milestone and Keeps Going
Breakdown of Solar Demand in Q1 & Q2 2013
Deutsche Bank Revises its PV Forecasts for 2013
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Solar Increasingly Sustainable Even Without Subsidies
Jinko Solar: Silicone Procurement at the Heart of its Success
Outlook for the Chinese Solar Industry in 2012
How the West can Capitalize on the Growth of Chinese Cleantech in 2012
US Regains Lead from China as Clean Energy Leader
US Solar Energy Review and 2012 Forecasts
Renewable Energy in 2012: The Global Economic and Environmental Climate
Will 2012 be the Best Year Ever For Clean-Tech Investment?
Renewable Energy Is Our Only Hope
India is the World Leader in Cleantech Investment Growth
The EU Debt Crisis did Not Curb the Growth of Renewables in 2011
Cleantech the Next Great Investment Opportunity

Sustainable Supply Chain Transparency: Strategic Analysis and Best Practices

Download the Ethical Corporation's complimentary 10-page briefing that contains strategic analysis around key areas of sustainable supply chains.

In this document you will discover how to create a transparent supply chain that delivers results.

With wide-ranging perspectives from companies and NGOs across a variety of industries and countries this analysis will give you a great overview of best practice in supply chain transparency:

•Learn how high social and environmental standards can make a business case;
•Discover how to work with your competitors to improve your supply chain transparency;
•Get a understanding of the the real benefits to your business of achieving supply chain ‘clarity’
•This briefing features best practice insight and analysis from the likes of Nestle, Ericsson, Marshalls, H&M, Greenpeace, The Sustainable Apparel Coalition and many more.

Click here to access to briefing.

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2012 Review: Sustainable Supply Chains 
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The Three Tiers of Sustainability and Supply Chains
Ten Sources of Green Supply Chain Information
Five Elements of a Sustainable Supply Chain
Environmental Regulations Shaping Today's Sustainable Supply Chains
Sustainable Supply Chains and New Environmental Laws
Collaboration in Sustainable Supply Chains
The Lean Sustainable Supply Chain
Environmental Leader's Top 15 Sustainable Supply Chain Stories of 2012
Sustainable Supply Chain Integration
Understanding Responsible Procurement and Creating Value
IT Sector Should Leverage Their Supply Chains
UN Supply Chain Sustainability Tool Introduced at Rio+20
CIPS Sustainable Procurement Tool
Sustainable Supply Chain Data Book
Responsible Procurement Strategy (e-book)
Video - Sustainable Supply Chain Tutorials from IMD
Video: Ten Steps To A Greener Supply Chain
Video: Future Supply Chain 2016 
Video: Green Supply Chain
The Supply Chain of CO2 Emissions (White Paper)
New Dimensions in Supply Chain Management (White Paper)
Digging In: The Nuts and Bolts of Supply Chain Sustainability (White Paper)
White Paper - Best Practices in Sustainable Procurement of Paperboard

Event - Sustainable Supply Chain Summit

The 8th annual Sustainable Supply Chain Summit will take place on October 7-8, 2013, in London. Discover how to create a transparent supply chain that delivers results. Drive CR, transparency and cost efficiency down your value chain.

The event will be attended by 150 people including 25+ corporate top executives, sharing best practice and discussing the ways to address the biggest supply chain challenges in 2013.

Overview

•Make supply chain sustainability a priority throughout your value chain, by engaging internally with buyers functions, middle management through to top level decision makers
•Better external engagement: Go beyond Tier 1, develop cost-effective strategies and techniques to assess suppliers of your suppliers and achieve meaningful audits
•Get up-to-speed on human rights: introduce on-site factories training, develop effective grievance mechanisms and better health and safety in a weak institutional capacity environment
•Cost reduction and efficiency: Find out how embedding high social and environmental standards into product development and production can save you money

Key Topics 2013 

•Make supply chain sustainability a priority for top level decision makers, middle management across the company; through to procurement and buyers functions
•New level of Human Rights standards and learn how to embed them into your value chain;develop on-site training and effective grievance mechanisms
•Better external engagement: Learn how to work with supplier factories to ensure data flow; move beyond Tier 1 suppliers for increased transparency and less supply chain risks
•Harness the power of capacity building in your suppliers and value chain; build cost effective programs to spread your standards down your supply chain
•Essentials on stakeholder engagement: How to deal with activist campaigners; train supplier managers to run a smarter business; develop meaningful partnerships with NGOs
•Communications about your supply chain sustainability: Make the most of your sustainability report, regain trust through a long-term communication strategy; engage consumers on your hard work in supply chain sustainability

More reasons why this is the ONLY sustainable supply chain specific event you need to attend this year: 

•Exclusive insights from the top by Unilever, Sainsbury’s & Divine Chocolate: this is your chance to ask tough questions to top management from leading companies on HOW sustainability is embedded into their supply chains
•Fully participatory experience: This isn’t just another conference – we’ve banned power-point and 70% of the event’s time is now devoted to round tables and working groups, to ensure YOU are at the centre of the debate and get your questions answered.
•Cross sector learning: For a well-rounded view of your issues, you’ll hear best practices from the leaders in different industries such as apparel, FMCG, telecoms, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and more!
•High level networking opportunities: half of the audience are of director level or above – don’t miss your opportunity to network with senior corporate decision makers from across Europe, North America and Asia
•The meeting place of the year for procurement and CSR communities: your chance to learn from and network with the best from the worlds of CSR / sustainability and procurement/supply chain!

Who comes to this conference? 

The show is designed for senior corporate responsibility, supply chain, sourcing and procurement executives across a variety of industries such as; FMCG, Retail, Apparel, Chemicals, Automotive, Electronics, Telecommunications, Pharmaceuticals and many more. 

Some of those who have already attended our conferences in the past include H&M, Nestle, Diageo, Timberland, B&Q, Rio Tinto, BASF, P&G, Coca Cola, Arcelor Mittal - to see the full list click here!

Huge savings are availble!

•Save £250 if you book before 2nd August with corporate/ service provider passes!
•Special NGO/ Academics rates - save £750 from the full price!
•If you’re from the CSR team and want to bring along your procurement colleagues (or the other way around) - special ‘dual CSR/procurement pass’ offer saves you £700 from the full price! 

An unmissable opportunity for your business

If you are looking to learn more about how to build sustainable supply chains, achieve responsible sourcing and want to meet the biggest players in the space, then this is the forum to do it.

Full details are in the brochure - so download it today and see how Sustainable Supply Chain Summit 2013 will benefit your business! Click here to get the e-brochure sent directly to your inbox now

Click here to register.

Related Articles
Sustainable Supply Chain Transparency: Strategic Analysis and Best Practices
The Sustainable Supply Chain Imperative
Survey of Executives Views on Sustainable Supply Chains
Building Resilience to Supply Chain Disruptions due to Climate Change
Introduction to Sustainable Supply Chains
Introduction to (Sustainable) Supply Chain Management
Sustainable Supply Chains
The Rise of Sustainable Supply Chains
Sustainable Supply Chains are Profitable
Case Study Illustrates the Profitability of Sustainable Supply Chains
2012 Review: Sustainable Supply Chains 
Sustainable Procurement Guidelines and Procedures
The Three Tiers of Sustainability and Supply Chains
Ten Sources of Green Supply Chain Information
Five Elements of a Sustainable Supply Chain
Environmental Regulations Shaping Today's Sustainable Supply Chains
Sustainable Supply Chains and New Environmental Laws
Collaboration in Sustainable Supply Chains
The Lean Sustainable Supply Chain
Environmental Leader's Top 15 Sustainable Supply Chain Stories of 2012
Sustainable Supply Chain Integration
Understanding Responsible Procurement and Creating Value
IT Sector Should Leverage Their Supply Chains
UN Supply Chain Sustainability Tool Introduced at Rio+20
CIPS Sustainable Procurement Tool
Sustainable Supply Chain Data Book
Responsible Procurement Strategy (e-book)
Video - Sustainable Supply Chain Tutorials from IMD
Video: Ten Steps To A Greener Supply Chain
Video: Future Supply Chain 2016 
Video: Green Supply Chain
The Supply Chain of CO2 Emissions (White Paper)
New Dimensions in Supply Chain Management (White Paper)
Digging In: The Nuts and Bolts of Supply Chain Sustainability (White Paper)
White Paper - Best Practices in Sustainable Procurement of Paperboard

America Surpasses a Solar PV Milestone and Keeps Going

NPD Solarbuzz reports that due in part to state incentive programs, the US has installed more than 1.8 gigawatts (GWs) of solar photovoltaics (PV) in the first half of 2013, pushing the nation beyond 10 GWs. Solar PV is a semiconductor technology used for generating electricity by converting the the sun's rays into electricity. America joins Germany, Italy and China which have already produced more than 10 gigawatts of solar power.

The performance of US solar in the first half of 2013 exceeds the growth of solar in the first half of 2012 (1.8 GWs compared to 1.3 GWs). The Utility-scale market was responsible for at least 45 percent of solar PV installations.

The report forecasts ongoing growth in the solar sector, “Cumulative solar PV installations are forecast to increase an additional 80 percent over the next 18 months, surpassing 17 GW by the end of 2014.”

While we have seen strong solar performances from the Southwest and Southeast regions there are tremendous opportunities for growth in the Great Plains and Great Lakes regions.

According to the SEIA report. “Solar PV has been one of the fastest growing energy sources in the US over the past six years, with a compound annual growth rate of over 50 percent since 2007,” Most of Solar's U.S. growth (83 percent) has occurred since 2010.

The declining price of solar since 2011 is driving this growth. “Average installed system prices in the US have declined from around $6 per watt two years ago to approximately $4.25 per watt for residential installations and $3 per watt for large utility-scale PV projects today,” the report states.

The Department of Energy’s SunShot Initiative is aiming at the ambitious target of $1 per installed watt. NPD Solarbuzz states that almost 1,400 solar PV installations in excess of 500kW size have been completed across 39 different states so far. This has accounted for approximately 5.4GW of new capacity in the US. Nearly 40 percent of the new capacity has been installed in California.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Event - Supply Chain Sustainability Forum & Networking Luncheon

The Supply Chain Sustainability event will take place on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 from 8:00 AM to 1:30 PM (EDT) at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Slaughter Hall – CIMS Conference Center, 111 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, New York. The event will address sustainability from a suppliers point of view. It will specifically address what customers want. The event is sponsored by the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute in partnership with Nixon Peabody LLP. 

This event will be attended by NYS businesses. It will offer a dynamic morning of insight, discussion, and networking sustainable procurement professionals focusing on how to increase market share and revenue while reducing costs and environmental impacts.

The program will feature advice and best practices from major purchasers like Staples, IBM, government entities, and others with leading sustainability programs.

The keynote speaker will be Mark Buckley the Vice President of Environmental Affairs at Staples, Inc.
Panel Speakers include Lou Ferretti, IBM Corp.; Jeff LaBarge, Nixon Peabody, LLP; and others

Following a panel discussion, you will have the opportunity to choose two break-out sessions where sustainability and procurement professionals will discuss their program and their supply chain needs. Be prepared for interactive discussions with sustainability leaders.

· Learn how companies are working to create a sustainable supply chain
· Network with others who can help promote your business within their supply chain
· Get tips on how to start implementing sustainability practices within your own business

The forum is being offered at no cost, but registration is required. To register click here.

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Breakdown of Solar Demand in Q1 & Q2 2013

According to NPD Solarbuzz analyst Michael Barker, Germany, China, Japan, and the US accounts for more than 60 percent of solar demand in the first half of 2013. China and Japan alone are responsible for 45 percent of global demand in the second half, up from just 10% three years ago.

According to the quarterly report from NPD Solarbuzz, nearly half of the demand in the first half came from large-scale utility and commercial ground-mount applications, with just 20 percent from residential rooftops. The rest of solar demand came from non-residential rooftop installations like businesses and off-grid applications.

“The solar PV industry continues to transition from a European-dominated environment to a global market, with a wide range of countries contributing to growth in the overall PV market,” said Michael Barker, Senior Analyst at NPD Solarbuzz. “Until this transition phase is completed, however, the PV industry remains highly dependent on a small group of countries currently at the multi-GW level.”

Click here for the complete NDP Solarbuzz Quarterly report.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Deutsche Bank Revises its PV Forecasts for 2013

As reported in REnew economy, Deutsche Bank has revised upward its outlook for the global solar PV industry. The bank is predicting that the global solar market will be 45 GW by 2014. As of the start of 2013 the global solar PV industry had risen to approximately 40 GW.

Duetsche's forecasts have been revised upward based on strong demand from Japan, US, India, and China. We are also seeing increasing solar PV demand from emerging markets like Chile, the Middle East, and South East Asia.

Deutsche Bank anticipates that we will see less supply from China because a "credit crunch" will wind down production in several second- and third-tier module suppliers. Tier 1 solar companies have already seen a 10 percent price increase since February which is expected to improve profit margins for some companies.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Event - Cleantech Forum Europe 2013

Cleantech Forum Europe 2013 will take place on 04/16/2013 - 04/18/2013 at the Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall in Bilbao Spain.

As the sense of economic malaise and a confidence crisis deepens, we are all in urgent need of a lift. We are hungry for new voices and new leaders with new ideas, for new companies, alliances and partnership models, to show us a new path toward economic growth and job creation. Cleantech Forum Europe 2013 will venture to the heart of these challenging issues.

Gathering in Bilbao, Spain, we will engage in fresh conversations and inject new energy into the cleantech and sustainability dialogue. Keynotes, panels, roundtables and company presentations will all share a focus on 3 key growth questions – Where? How? Who with?

For more information click here.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Event - Future of Wind Energy in BC

BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA) Vancouver Chapter and Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) are hosting a speaker event on Wednesday April 10th, 2013 at the Bill Reid Gallery, 639 Hornby Street in Vancouver, about the future of wind energy in British Columbia. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. The evening will feature presentations by experts on wind energy, energy policy and sustainability issues in BC to incite discussion and learning about the future of wind energy in British Columbia.

Presenters will highlight both successful case studies and common concerns. The evening will conclude with a moderated discussion between everyone present. Audience members are encouraged to bring their questions and comments!

Featured speakers include Nicholas Heap, CanWEA’s BC Regional Director, Dr. Tim Weis, Renewable Energy & Efficiency Policy Director at Pembina Institute and Marc Soulliere, President and CEO of Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) Wind Power Inc.

For over a decade, Nicholas Heap has worked as a planner, policy analyst and campaigner in government, environmental organizations and industry to advance the implementation of low-impact renewable energy in BC. As CanWEA’s Vancouver-based BC Regional Director, he advocates for the responsible and sustainable development of wind energy, and is an active voice in the ongoing BC conversation on energy policy.

Dr. Tim Weis is a professional engineer who specializes in clean energy policy design, research and strategic decision making. He has written extensively on sustainable energy technical and policy issues at national, provincial and municipal levels, as well as opportunities specific to First Nations’ and northern communities.

Marc Soulliere has over 15 years of experience in senior sales and executive roles in the wireless technology industry, and has worked extensively with Fortune 500 companies on implementation of large-scale multi-million dollar IT projects. He entered the wind energy industry in 2008 and has been trained in wind site assessments, wind theory, turbine designs and energy production.

For more information click here.

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Event - Green Profit Conference in Kingston Ontario

Last call for the Green Profit Conference which will take place on Monday Mar 18, 2013, Kingston, Ontario. SWITCH Presents the 3rd Annual Green Profit Conference and Exhibition on Sustainable Energy: New Opportunities And The Road Ahead at the Sheraton Kingston. At this event innovators and leaders in business, industry, economic development, policy, research, the public sector, and the community will address the issues facing the sustainable energy sector in 2013 and beyond.

Who should attend?

SME’s, Innovators, Local Businesses, Business Leaders, Industry, Economic Development Agencies, Local and Provincial Government, Policy Analysts, Researchers, and anyone in the community with an interest in addressing the issues facing the sustainable energy sector today and in the future.

Why should you be there? 

• Insight into the latest sustainable energy innovations and best practices making a difference in the world today
• Lessons from successful green business case studies
 • Participation in the collaborative effort to develop solutions to challenges presented by changes in sustainable energy policy
• Inspiration and vision for a sustainable energy future
• Connections with green economy leaders and decision makers
• Visibility for you and your company among potential clients and customers Registration

Green Profit offers you the opportunity to:

Learn about the latest sustainable energy innovations and best practices that are making a difference in the world today Apply lessons from successful green business case studies to your business, municipality and home Collaboratively develop solutions to challenges presented by changes in sustainable energy policy Inspire and be inspired by a vision for a sustainable energy future Network with green economy leaders and decision makers Foster collaboration, strengthen existing networks, and broaden opportunities Establish and expand your visibility with potential clients and customers

Confirmed speakers at GreenProfit 2013 include:

Bryne Purchase, Former Chief Economist and Deputy Minister of Finance for Ontario
Brian Hewson, Senior Manager Networks & Smart Grid Policy at Ontario Energy Board
Charles Farmer, Director of Policy, Planning and Approvals at Ontario Power Authority
Kristopher Stevens, Executive Director at Ontario Sustainable Energy Association
Mark Mattson, President at Lake Ontario Waterkeeper
Judith Lipp, Executive Director at Toronto Renewable Energy Cooperative
Kirby Calvert, Queen's Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy
Robert Cumming, Environmental and Public Affairs Manager at Lafarge Cement
Ted Hsu, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands
John Gerretsen, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kingston and The Islands
Mark Gerretsen, Mayor of the City of Kingston
Janice Ashworth, Operations Manager at Ottawa Renewable Energy Cooperative
Don Young, Dean of Faculty of Applied Science at St. Lawrence College
Mark Durant, Director of Energy Solutions at Nedco Canada
Mike Jablonicky, Operations Supervisor of Wolfe Island Wind Facility at TransAlta
Nhung Nguyen, Vice President of Development at Horizon Legacy
Graham Findlay, Founder and General Manager at 3G Energy Corporation
Fidel Reijerse, President at RESCo Energy Incorporated
Jeff Dixon, Associate Director at Queen's School of Business Monieson Centre
David Hahn, President at Wintergreen Renewable Energy Cooperative
Rob Miller, Manager of Solar Development at Northland Power
Harry French, Director of Community Power Services Group at OSEA

Prices: 

Individual - $195 Student - $125

For more information click here.

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