2Sustain

In our “always on” digitally-connected society, it’s no surprise that more and more companies are offering telecommuting as a regular option for employees. But how do employees feel about working outside of the traditional office?

In a recent survey conducted by global research company Ipsos, more than 11,000 online connected employees from 24 countries were questioned on the pros and cons of telecommuting and its further potential growth as a global business practice.

The data revealed several interesting trends. For example, Ipsos found that:

• One in five (17 percent) employees who can be connected online to their workplace now ‘telecommute’ on a ‘frequent basis.’ Seven percent said they work every day from home, while another 10 percent said they do so ‘on a very consistent and constant basis like evenings and weekends.’

• Telecommuting is most popular in emerging markets. Those working in the Middle East and Africa (27 percent), Latin America (25 percent) and Asia-Pacific (24 percent) are considerably more likely than those in North America (9 percent) and Europe (9 percent) to telecommute ‘on a frequent basis.’
• Educated (25 percent), under the age of 35 (20 percent) and those with a high household income (20 percent) are more likely to telecommute on a frequent basis.
• And, men are more likely than women to telecommute.

In addition, (more…)

Researchers at the Centre for Low Carbon Futures have concluded that cities could cut their energy bills by billions –if they exploited commercially attractive opportunities in energy and carbon management.

The study, which focused on cities in the UK, found that about 10 percent of city scale GDP leaves the local economy every year through payment of the energy bill . . . and, as you would expect,  that percentage is forecast to grow considerably over the next decade.

However, by investing 1 percent of GDP for 10 years, cities could see savings in their energy bills worth 1.6 percent of GDP every year. In addition, taking advantage of low carbon development would create jobs, mitigate energy risks and reduce environmental impacts. (more…)

Last month, SC Johnson released its 2011 annual public report, 360 Degrees of Greener Choices.

This year’s report marks the 20th year SC Johnson has publicly shared information about its goals, efforts and progress, and it also reflects the company’s “360-degree” framework and commitment.

The 360-degree approach involves understanding the entire product lifecycle from beginning to end. It starts with reducing impacts within the company’s supply chain, continues through manufacturing, reducing packaging and making products more recyclable. The circle is completed by helping drive greener choices for consumers through education and engagement.

In the 2011 SC Johnson report, the company says it has met –and in many cases, far exceeded –all of its sustainability objectives for 2011. Highlights include: (more…)

Last month, Kraft Foods shared results of a pioneering survey that measured the company’s impact on climate change, land and water use.

The multi-year footprinting project—in partnership with Quantis Inc. and reviewed by World Wildlife Fund and academics at the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment—showed Kraft that its environmental impact goes far beyond the company’s walls.

For example, based on the results of the analysis, Kraft, learned that more than 90 percent of its carbon footprint is outside its plants and offices. Nearly 60 percent is from farm commodities.

The company doesn’t own farms, but the survey certainly supports the work of Kraft’s sustainable agriculture efforts on key commodities to improve crop yields, reduce environmental impacts and improve the lives of farm workers and their families.

In addition, the footprinting work revealed that: (more…)

For the third year in a row, UPS has earned the top score in the consumer shipping sector on the annual Climate Counts scorecard.

UPS earned its No. 1 spot with a score of 80, edging out competitors Deutsche Post World Net/DHL, the US Postal Service and FedEx, which ranked second, third and fourth, respectively.

Among the 136 companies ranked by Climate Counts, UPS also shared the 11th highest score across all industries alongside Sony, Nokia and AB Electrolux.

“This recognition is significant because Climate Counts rigorously evaluates performance rather than corporate marketing claims,” said Scott Wicker, UPS’s chief sustainability officer. “UPS’s repeated and consistent top ranking in the shipping segment highlights our efforts to measure, manage and reduce our carbon footprint while offering consumers more choices that support their commitment to the environment.”

As part of their corporate decarbonization strategy, UPS implemented proprietary routing technology to assist drivers in maximizing the efficiency of their delivery route. (more…)