2Sustain

Last Wednesday, the UN General Assembly declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests.

In his speech during the launch ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York, Sha Zukang, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, noted that political interest in forests has been rising, and he stressed that that interest should be translated into action.

“We have to make sure that the billions of dollars pledged towards forests and climate change financing is actually released and applied to sustainable forest management,” Mr. Zukang said.

Forests cover about 31 per cent of total land area, amounting to just under 4 billion hectares, according to data from the “State of the World’s Forests,” a report released last week by  Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Forests play a critical role in everything from mitigating climate change to providing wood, medicines and livelihoods for people worldwide. (more…)

Are businesses underestimating consumer interest and awareness in green issues?

A recent study from independent research from TÜV SÜD Asia Pacific suggests that they are –at least in China, India and Singapore where the study was conducted.

The study, billed as the first to investigate, compare and contrast consumer and corporate attitudes to green products, services, policies, and certifications in Asia, revealed that: (more…)

Panasonic Corporation of North America announced last week that it is stepping up its commitment to pursue eco-innovation in both its products and business practices.

Summarizing its commitment to environmental sustainability in an “Eco Ideas Declaration” pledge, Panasonic aims to become the number one green innovation company in the electronics industry by 2018, which is when the company will be celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The Eco Ideas Declaration provides specific goals for North America in two core areas of Panasonic’s overall Green Innovation strategy:

(more…)

New research from BusinessesForSale, an online marketplace that brings together buyers and sellers of businesses and franchises, suggests that more business buyers are placing the installation of green initiatives above staffing and IT issues in their list of post-acquisition priorities.

Why? I assume it’s because business buyers are becoming increasingly aware of the long-term financial benefits of an energy efficient and otherwise eco-friendly office. (more…)