2Sustain

The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), part of the United Nation’s International Maritime Organization (IMO), recently adopted mandatory measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from international shipping. Approved last month at IMO Headquarters in London, these are the first-ever mandatory global greenhouse emissions plan for any international industry sector.

The new regulations apply to all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above and are expected to enter into force on January 1, 2013.

The standard for new ships, the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), is a non-prescriptive performance-based mechanism that leaves the choice of energy efficient technologies on newly-built ships up to the shipbuilder. As long as ships achieve the required energy-efficient metrics, ship designers and builders are at liberty to choose the most cost-effective methods needed to comply with these new regulations.

An additional standard, the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), applies to ships currently in operation. The SEEMP provides a mechanism for operators to improve the energy efficiency of ships (using slow steaming, e.g.).

As you might expect, not everyone is satisfied with the IMO’s new standards. Critics note that developing countries have a six-year waiver, and the rules only apply to new ships replacing old ones. (more…)

The first “green shoots” signaling what could become an energy technology revolution are now visible across the globe, according to the new study, Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP) 2010,  recently released by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The IEA report says that these early signs of low-carbon future include: (more…)

Recent high-profile recalls (milk, peanut butter products) have put global food industry supply chains in the spotlight. So, the timing couldn’t be better for Aberdeen Group’s new research on sustainability initiatives in the food and beverage sector.

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I just had the pleasure of participating on a conference call with Tim Cummins of the IACCM (International Association for Contract & Commercial Management ).  Tim is one of the most knowledgeable, thoughtful and articulate guys out there when it comes to the myriad of issues facing 21st century supply management and contracting professionals. Tim and I spoke at length about the complex new world of supply chain management in the face of globalization, increased regulation, distributed supply chains, and the resulting new risk factors that must be managed by 21st century executives. In particular we focused in on the reputational risks companies face if they get it wrong – as well as the benefits if they get it right.

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