I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Department of Environmental Affairs had issued a Protocol for the Administration of Environmental Impact Assessment application during the Festive Season 2010/2011. Regular readers of the Bulletin will recall my regular moans about calls for comment by government between 15 December and 15 January each year, cunningly timed to ensure people are away from their PCs and offices. The protocol specifically warns environmental assessment practitioners not to hold public participation processes during the holiday season unless there are exceptional circumstances. It also points out that the Department will not issue environmental decisions between 3rd December and 3rd January. I doubt that my moaning had anything to do with the Protocol but credit where credit is due – well done Department! Can we see it every year please?
Having issued the bouquet, the brickbat must come out for the Second National Communication for UNFCC. This is a 238 page, detailed draft report released in late November 2010 with a deadline return date of 28th January 2011. I realise that this is driven by international deadlines but how can representative organisations possibly get effective feedback from their constituents in December and January?
I would strongly encourage you to read the Treasury Carbon Tax discussion document and comment on it from a practical perspective. This is an opportunity, before views and opinions get set in stone and legislation, to influence the manner in which you are going to be financially affected by climate change and carbon taxation. We have, in the past, warned in the Bulletin that carbon taxation is coming. Well, it is now here and this is your opportunity to have your say and influence how you may be affected. The window of opportunity is small – take it whilst you can.
When “Our Common Future” came out in 1987, we “environmentalists” all thought that it would deal with the problem of lack of understanding by businessmen of “things environmental”. The book was full of those wonderful business buzzwords which had not appeared in environmental policy and management documents before. However, the massive change that we wanted and expected did not occur and we were all bitterly disappointed. Reviewing “Cents and Sustainability” prompted me to go back to “Our Common Future” and reflect on its contents. I think “Cents and Sustainability” contains the extra paradigms that were missing the first time around. I think that this book will become a seminal work for future sustainability thinking and change management and I would encourage you to read it.
During my training programmes, I make extensive use of the Piper Alpha oil platform disaster to illustrate the importance of having sound and effective systems in place which are used and documented by all. My initial review of the recent documentation (both internal and external) that has emerged from the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico suggests to me that this disaster may have similar lessons to consider. It is sad that it takes disasters to make us take note and consider reviewing and changing our behaviour patterns. Self-assessment and review should do this job and internal audits are not being carried out anywhere near frequently enough to identify the weaknesses of our functioning and non-functioning systems.
Arend Hoogervorst
Editor
Publication – Applying the ICMM Assurance Procedure
FOCUS ARTICLE – SLAPPs-THE RISKS
HISTORY
SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits/Litigation against Public Participation) were probably first formally “named” by two University of Denver law professors, George Pring and Penelope Canan, in a book they wrote in 1996 called “SLAPPS: Getting Sued for Speaking Out”.
DESCRIPTION
A SLAPP suit generally is a counterclaim or civil complaint filed against individuals or organisations relating to communications to government or the media or the public in general, on an issue of public interest or concern. This is usually environment-related but has also, in the past, covered issues such as opposition to pharmaceutical companies and internet service providers who host public interest blogs.
INTENT
The intent of the SLAPP is to try and silence criticism and commentary through gagging orders, intimidation, threats of damages actions, allegations of defamation and brand damage and long-winded legal proceedings which result is excessive and ruinous legal costs for defence.
PREVALENCE
SLAPPs tend to be found in more litigious countries such as the USA but have begun to emerge in countries such as Canada and Australia. They have also emerged in South Africa over the past five years. The recent unsuccessful Wraypex v Rhenosterspruit Conservancy Members case at the end of 2010 demonstrating that the South African judiciary has little patience with the SLAPP being used as a strategy against free speech and matters concerning the public interest. However, the PetroProps v Barlow case in 2006 is the case that probably first brought SLAPPs to the public knowledge in South Africa. A group of activists, led by Nicole Barlow, opposed the development of a fuel station on an ecologically sensitive wetland and the developer brought a SLAPP against Ms Barlow citing harassment and interference. The developers were unsuccessful and the judgement included that, the activists conduct was, “…a standard that any vibrant democratic society would be glad to have raised in its midst…conduct of that sort earns the support of our constitution…”
ANTI-SLAPP LEGISLATION
Well over 26 US states have anti-SLAPP statutes on their books and there appear to be more in the pipeline. There is currently no US federal anti-SLAPP legislation although there have been attempts to introduce it. Canada has no national anti-SLAPP legislation although the province of Quebec has an anti-SLAPP statute. Australia appears to be some way from anti-SLAPP legislation, according to legal review articles in 2010. South Africa has no formal anti-SLAPP legalisation but it could be argued that interpretations of the Constitution provide the broad means to counter SLAPP suits, along with various provisions in the National Environmental Management Act.
EMERGING DEVELOPMENTS
Judging by some of the legal actions in the USA, bloggers, Facebook users and other social media users could well become the next level of Society that is threatened by SLAPP suits. The US New York Times v. Sullivan and Hustler v. Falwell Supreme Court decisions have all held back some the negative consequences of SLAPP suits but it would seem that anti-SLAPP legislation is a means of managing what could become a threat to free speech and controlling “corporate bullying”.
SLAPP CONSEQUENCES
Any organisation that is considering the use of SLAPPs as a means of responding to public criticism or activism should think very carefully of the consequences. Firstly, public sympathy for the “little man” is very strong and a potential David and Goliath court case could do significant harm to the corporate brand and image of a company. Following on from that, the company’s “public licence to operate” could be dented if perceptions from a SLAPP (successful or otherwise) develop that a company is out to crush any criticism or perceived opposition. A company that needs to go to a community for support in EIA public participation processes can expect little sympathy, support, loyalty or trust if they are seen to attack individuals who oppose them through the courts.
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
Finally, comes the question of corporate citizenship and corporate governance. If a company or business has invested time, money and energy on creating a solid corporate citizenship brand and image, a SLAPP could easily become the undoing of all that hard work and effort.
For more detail on South African SLAPP suits, including downloads of the various pleadings and heads of argument, go to the Centre for Environmental Rights’ website page at http://cer.org.za/hot-topics/slapp-suits
AJH
CARBON TAX DISCUSSION PAPER
Following on from comments made in the last National Budget and from carbon reduction commitments made by the State President at COP-15 in Copenhagen, the Treasury has released an important carbon discussion paper on options for imposing a carbon tax.
Commerce and industry are encouraged to read and comment upon this document as it will set many basic principles which are likely to underpin future environmental taxation initiatives. A key element to consider here is that this initiative is trying to internalise external environmental costs, an approach that does not sit well with traditional economists and free trade proponents. Classical economists regard air, water and soil as “free” and thus fair game for pollution or a source of disposing waste and therefore reducing prices.
The discussion document can be downloaded from the Treasury website at http://www.treasury.gov.za/public%20comments/Discussion%20Paper%20Carbon%20Taxes%2081210.pdf. Comments are invited to Shalin Hemraj, Email:- sharlin.hemraj@treasury.gov.za, Tel:- 012 315 5875, by 28th February 2011.
AJH
NEMA EIA AMENDMENTS AND CORRECTIONS DEADLINE EXTENDED
According to an email from a Departmental official, the deadline for comments on NEMA EIA Regulations amendments included in the Government Gazette No 33841, dated 10 December 2010, Notice No 1103 of 2010, of thirty days has now been extended to 8th March 2011. Comments by fax or email should be addressed to Ms Marcia Davids, Fax:- No 012 310-3688, Email: mndavids@environment.gov.za
SECOND NATIONAL COMMUNICATION FOR UNFCC OUT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
In terms of Article 12 of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, South Africa is required to communicate its actions in terms of the Convention. The Draft Second National Communication has been released for public comment. This 238 page document is no easy read but it is crucial in that it documents commitments and indicates strategically where commerce and industry need to move in terms of medium and long term planning for legislation and responses to climate change. The deadline for comments is Friday 28th January 2010. The document (4.96 mb) can be downloaded at:- www.environment.gov.za/HotIssues/2010/climatechange_snc.pdf. Comments are to be channelled through your representative bodies such as the NBI (Comments to Valerie Geen at geen.valerie@nbi.org.za) or BUSA (Email to busa@busa.org.za)
AJH
BS 8905 FRAMEWORK FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF SUSTAINABLE USE OF MATERIALS
Many companies claim to make sustainable use of materials. But how can customers and other stakeholders tell “green-wash” from genuine initiatives? The British Standards Institute (BSI) is developing a standard which is aimed at ensuring that claims can be substantiated against clear and verifiable guidelines. The standard is in draft format, at present, but anyone can log on to the BSI drafts site, register and download a copy of the current draft and submit their comments. The deadline for comments on this draft is 28th February 2011. The website to register on to access the draft standard is http://drafts.bsigroup.com/
AJH
PUBLICATION – ADVANCING ADAPTATION THROUGH CLIMATE INFORMATION SERVICES
A new study reveals that financial institutions need more developed information services regarding the physical impacts of changing weather patterns.
The report, sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, presents the results of an international survey undertaken by the Climate Change Working Group (CCWG) of UNEP FI and the Sustainable Business Institute (SBI), Germany. A total of 60 institutions from all continents took part in the survey, including both developed and developing countries.
The survey showed that with the risks of climate change expected to increase, financial service providers need enhanced access and availability of climate information to further enhance related risk management within their industry. The influence of these financial institutions worldwide could in this way play a key role in accelerating the implementation of adaptation measures by the private sector more broadly.
The report can be freely downloaded at http://www.unepfi.org/fileadmin/documents/advancing_adaptation.pdf
BOOK REVIEW – “THE NEW RULES OF GREEN MARKETING-STRATEGIES, TOOLS, AND INSPIRATION FOR SUSTAINABLE BRANDING” BY J A OTTMAN, GREENLEAF PUBLISHING, SHEFFIELD, UK, 2010. PBK, ISBN 978-1-906093-44-0, 252 pages. £16.95 plus p & p.(20% discount if purchased on-line at www.greenleaf-publishing.com/newrules)
This is a first class book for the client who wants to keep his marketing or PR company honest with regard to claims, approaches and marketing and advertising pitches. It has all the information needed to check the experts.
At the beginning of the book are the 20 New Rules of Green Marketing. They are simple, clear, practical and explanatory and leave no room for confusion or doubt. The rest of the book unpacks much of the detail behind the 20 rules and provides the meat and motivation behind the words. The case studies and examples illustrate the whys and wherefores and enable the cynic or the denialist to be easily countered and out argued.
The ten chapters provide the basis for change, if it hasn’t already taken place in an organisation. The titles of the chapters are:- green is now mainstream; we are all green consumers; the new green paradigm; designing greener products-a life cycle approach; innovate for sustainability; communicating sustainability with impact; establishing credibility and avoiding greenwash; partnering for success; two sustainability leaders that superbly address the new rules; and a conclusion.
The author has spent over 20 years of her working life advising businesses in the US on green marketing strategies and this shows clearly in the content of this book. The book’s Ameri-centric focus means that many of the greening marketing issues associated with developing countries do not clearly emerge but that does not reflect negatively on the excellent book content.
Recommended. Especially for those businesses who are strongly focussing upon “green” as a part of their brand and image. The book really does enable the novice to question the policies and approaches of so-called “expert” green marketers.
AJH
BOOK REVIEW – “CENTS AND SUSTAINABILITY - SECURING OUR COMMON FUTURE BY DECOUPLING ECONOMIC GROWTH FROM ENVIRONMENTAL PRESSURES” BY M H SMITH, K C HARGROVES & C DESHSA. EARTHSCAN LONDON, 2010. HRDBK, ISBN 978-1-84407-529-4, 405 pages, £24.99, plus P & P . http://www.earthscan.co.uk/?TabId=42718
This book will introduce a whole new generation of people to some of the underpinnings of “The Brundtland Report” (“Our Common Future”-1987) and it develops the early concepts of decoupling into current day thinking and philosophy.
The book is the product of a sustainability think tank called The Natural Edge Project who expanded upon “decoupling” thinking to mark and acknowledge the 20th anniversary of “Our Common Future”.
What makes this book exciting is the way in which the authors have woven together current facts, data and statistics and contemporary thinking and commentary with the historical philosophies that came from “Our Common Future”. We are all aware of the famous definition of sustainable development that came from the Report but sadly, many of the other powerful truths that were documented were left unspoken and therefore unused. The book is right up to date and it is awe-inspiring to read the words of Robert Kennedy and Barack Obama making so much good sense….or is that cents?
The various chapters build on each other to enable the reader to understand what is described as the unprecedented complexity of systems. The thread of “decoupling” runs through them all. The contentious issues such as poverty and climate change are dealt with squarely and clearly and the various consequences and scenarios are well discussed. The book does not fall into the trap of coming up with single solutions to problems. It recognises change and the effect of change (natural and human influenced) on both problems and solutions. The book adds another context to the wider debate by quoting David Suzuki who says to his audiences, that we couldn’t kill the planet if we tried but we can make it a place that we don’t enjoy living on.
Recommended. This is a powerful, detailed, explanatory book that is not taken on lightly. It gives many answers…if you have the patience to read through the 400 odd pages and think about the ideas and concepts that are unpacked.
AJH
BP GULF OIL SPILL
Now that the emotions behind the BP Mexican Gulf oil spill have died down and all the investigations have been carried out, it is possible to freely access the investigation reports that have resulted.
If you read the reports, you will find interesting variances between the US government investigation and BP’s own investigation. You can draw your own conclusions as to why the differences are there. However, the value in these reports is how they demonstrate what happens when you don’t have good systems in place, or you don’t use your systems, or you don’t ensure that the reporting structures for your systems and their over-inspections and over-checks respond quickly to con-conformances, weaknesses or errors. You will find clear examples which can be tested against your own systems and they may prompt you to review how your operating systems are being run and if the people using them are trained and appropriately monitored.
BP’s internal investigation report, released in September 2010, can be downloaded at http://www.bp.com/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9034902&contentId=7064891.The President’s Commission on the Spill has its own website at http://www.oilspillcommission.gov where you can download the final report of the Commission’s findings (released in January 2011). Summaries, recommendations and a summary presentation are also available.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Environmental Justice is one of those terms that means many things to many people and is rarely given the careful thought and consideration that it requires. In doing research recently, I came across the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formal definition of environmental justice, “…fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies..” (http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/basics/index.html)
There are some useful resources on the EPA’s Environmental Justice web pages (http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/resources/policy) which are worth running through, albeit that many of them are a bit dated. However, one of the latest published in July 2010, “EPA’s Action Development Process – Interim Guidance on Considering Environmental Justice during the Development of an Action”, is very good.
The key point here is that the documentation and thinking all applies to policy and legislation. I began to apply some the thoughts to corporate policies, corporate governance, and corporate decision-making and came up with some very intriguing contrasts, some good and some bad. There may be some value in readers testing environmental justice principles against their own corporate citizenship and governance policies……
AJH
PUBLICATION – IT & SUSTAINABILITY: BRINGING BEST PRACTICES TO THE BUSINESS
There have been many publications that have discussed to a greater or lesser degree, the relationship between “IT” (Information Technology) and sustainability. Most seem to have been based on persuading the reader to employ the authors as consultants to take on the tasks of managing the relationship. This report was written by a team from the Economist Intelligence Unit and seems to be a little more balanced. It also stands out because of the wide range of case studies that are quoted and financial statistics that are included, which demonstrates benefits as well as costs. The report is only 16 pages long but well worth the download and read.
The report can be freely downloaded at http://www.oracle.com/us/products/applications/green/056899.pdf
NEWSBITES
◘ Italy has banned plastic bags from shops and supermarkets from 1 January 2011. The country’s environment minister said that the banning was part of the fight against pollution. Italy is one of the top consumers of plastics bags in Europe, using over 300 bags per person per year. (Press Release – Italian Environment Ministry)
◘ Research and calculations, undertaken by Deloitte, suggest that, based upon data from the 2010 South African Carbon Disclosure Project and the Treasury’s Carbon Tax Discussion Paper, the South African government could stand to collect R82.5 billion in additional revenue from carbon tax, when applied. The biggest carbon emitter, SA electricity producer ESKOM, would pay some R37 billion of that, the cost of which is likely to be passed on to the consumer. (Report – Engineering News and statements from Duane Newman, Deloitte Tax Director.)
◘ A new UK Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) Report entitled “The State of the Nation: Waste and Resource Management 2011”, calls for a multi-million pound drive to improve the quality and value of reusable materials so that they can be sold as quality goods. ICE Waste expert, Jonathan Davies, said, “In a world driven by carbon reduction and global competition for resources, it is time for the UK waste industry to evolve from a disposal sector into a ‘supply sector’ that unlocks real economic value of material in a low carbon fashion..” (Press Release- ICE and Waste Management World)
◘ According to the President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, deforestation in the country (which includes the Amazon) fell to around 2,509 square miles (6,500 sq km) in the 12 months through July 2010, down 14% from the year before and a peak of 11,235 square miles (29,100 sq km) in the mid-1990s. This is the lowest rate since the monitoring began in 1988. (Press Release-Office of the President)
◘ Namibia plans to develop its rich uranium resources and intends to pursue uranium enrichment locally. It also plans to build its own nuclear electricity plant. Nuclear energy experts from Finland’s Nuclear and Radiation Authority are currently helping the Ministry of Mines and Energy to draft Namibia’s first nuclear policy, which is to be completed mid-2011, together with relevant laws. Namibia plans to generate electricity from its own nuclear reactor by 2018. “It is the expressed decision of the Namibian Government to seriously consider the development of nuclear power in order to complete the national energy mix and provide sufficient energy for our development,” said Mining Minister, Isak Katali, at an introductory nuclear policy conference recently. (Press Release – Namibia Ministry of Mines)
◘ Following advice from its Attorney-General, the Indian government has decided not to go to the US courts for further compensation, as a result of the 1984 Bhopal disaster which resulted in the deaths of approximately 15,000 people and a further 558,000 being injured or maimed. In 1989, Union Carbide, the then owners of the Bhopal plant, paid some US$470 million in compensation. (Press Release – Attorney-General’s Office)
ENVIRONMENT ON THE INTERNET
Note - Whilst every effort is made to ensure that information in this column is as accurate and up to date as possible, websites on the Internet come and go without warning and Eagle Bulletin cannot guarantee that all sites listed may necessarily still be functioning under the addresses shown. If in doubt or if the site does not work, go back to the route of the site (usually ending in .org, .com, or .net (country links end in co.za, co.nl, co.uk, etc)), and retrace the route steps to the nearest page link. Note also that spaces in website addresses are often linked to the letters around them by “_” (underscores).
ISO Standards Climate Change Tools can be identified in a useful little leaflet freely downloadable at the ISO website at:-http://www.iso.org/iso/climatechange_2008.pdf
OnsiteEnergy has a website which shows various types of alternative power generation using submerged turbines operated in flowing rivers. Go to:- http://www.onsiteenergy.za.net
Shippingefficiency.org assesses and provides energy efficiency ratings over 60,000 international vessels based on the United Nations IMOs Energy Efficiency design Index (EEDI). A separate search tool provides ratings based on Clean Cargo Working Group data provided independently by Maersk Line. Go to:- http://www.shippingefficiency.org
Worldchanging.com is a non profit media organization that comprises a global network of independent journalists, designers and thinkers who cover the world’s most innovative solutions to the planet’s problems, and inspire readers around the world with stories of new tools, models and ideas for building a bright green future. Go to:- http://www.worldchanging.com
The Centre for Environmental Rights is a non-profit organisation established in October 2009 by eight prominent civil society organisations (CSOs) in South Africa’s environmental and environmental justice sector to provide legal and related support to environmental CSOs and communities. Go to:- http://cer.org.za
CropLife International has an Ag facts database on line which contains useful national and international agricultural data and statistics. Go to:- http://agfacts.intraspin.com
The Centre for European Policy Studies carries out extensive research on policy issues (including environment and climate change). They have almost 1300 publications of their work in PDF format that can be freely downloaded. Go to:- http://www.ceps.eu/books
The Living Planet Report 2010 can be downloaded freely. The WWF site also contains useful explanatory information on biodiversity, as well as up to date statistics. Go to:- http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/all_publications/living_planet_report/
Environmental Leader is a news site that aims to provide news and information on environmental and sustainability executives. Go to:- http://www.environmentalleader.com
CONFERENCES & SEMINARS
Do you want to publicise your conference, symposium or training course or is there an event that you feel we should publicise? Send the details to the Editor of Eagle Bulletin AT LEAST THREE MONTHS before the event to ensure at least one insertion. Insertion is free of charge, but subject to the Editors discretion and space availability.
14 – 15 February 2011 – Radiation, Mining and Environment Course presented by Professor Ron Cohen, Colorado School of Mines, at Wits Professional Development Hub, Johannesburg. Contact:- The CSMI Centre Phone: +27 11 717 7422, Fax : +27 11 717 7051, e-mail: najmia.moosa@wits.ac.za, , Website:- http://www.csmi.co.za/c/overview.asp?cId=33&sdate=20110214
15 – 17 February 2011 – Two Day GRI-certified course on Sustainability Reporting. Johannesburg. Contact:- envsustsol@mweb.co.za, Cell:- 082 395 7582, website:- www.envsustsol.co.za
21 – 23 February 2011 – Acid Mine Drainage and Metals in the Environment Course presented by Professor Ron Cohen, Colorado School of Mines, at Wits Professional Development Hub, Johannesburg. Contact:- The CSMI Centre Phone: +27 11 717 7422, Fax : +27 11 717 7051, e-mail: najmia.moosa@wits.ac.za, , Website:- http://www.csmi.co.za/c/overview.asp?cId=20&sdate=20110221
23-24 February 2011 – Conference – “A Low Carbon Future”, Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Contact:- Marlize Strydom, Tel:- 021 689 7881, email:- marlizes@omegainvest.co.za Website:- http://www.omegainvest.co.za/LowCarbon-Overview.html
7-11 March 2011 – 2nd RPMASA International Transport of Dangerous Goods and Environment Conference and Training Courses. International Conference Centre, Durban. Contact Chantelle on 032 942 8256/0 or 032 815 1018, Fax:- 086 606 2494, Email:- conf@rpmasa.org.za Website:- http://www.rpmasa.org.za
15 – 17 March 2011 - Two Day GRI-certified course on Sustainability Reporting. Pretoria. Contact:- envsustsol@mweb.co.za, Cell:- 082 395 7582, website:- www.envsustsol.co.za
5-7 April 2011 – The Social Enterprise World Forum 2001 – theme – “Social enterprise as a catalyst for sustainable development”, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park campus, Johannesburg. Contact the SEWF Coordinating Team on Tel:- 011 664 7551, Email:- sewf2011@uj.ac.za website:- http://www.sewf2011.com
4-7 July 2011 – 14th Annual IPUF symposium – theme “Biodiversity, innovation and opportunities: past knowledge, present activities and future products”, St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal. Contact:- Dr Emmy Reinten, IPUF Secretary, Tel:- 021 809 3375, Fax:- 021 809 3400, Email:- ipuf@uj.ac.za; website:- http://www.uj.ac.za/ipuf
11-14 July 2011 – SA Transport Conference – SATC 2011, theme - Africa on the Move. (First call for papers) CSIR International Conference Centre, Pretoria. Contact:- Ammie Wissing, SATC Secretariat, P O Box 36782, MENLO PARK 0102. Tel:- 012 348-4493, Fax:- 086 649-8212, Email:- wising@iafrica.com Website:- www.satc.org.za
27-29 July 2011 - Renewable Energy Africa Conference & Expo 2011, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. Contact:- Carolyn Ackermann, Tel:- 011 463 5085, Fax:- 011 463 3265, Email:- caro@soafrica.com, Website:- http://www.reafrica.co.za/default.htm
31 August – 2 September 2011 – Young Geotechnical Engineers Conference 2011, Berg en Dal in the Kruger National Park, near Nelspruit. Contact:- Yolandé Oosthuizen, Tel:- 011 728 8173, Fax:- 011 728 1675, Email:- register@rca.co.za Website:- http://www.saieg.co.za/uploads/events/YGE%20Announcement%20(Nov).pdf
28 – 30 September 2011 – 2nd EMAN-Africa Conference on Sustainability Accounting for Emerging Economies (First call for papers), University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus). Contact:- Professor CM Amber, Tel:- 015 268-2630, Email:- ambec@ul.ac.za or Associate Professor CC Ngwakwe, Tel:- 015 268-3300, Email:- ccnijb@hotmail.com. Conference leaflet:- http://www.ferretprime.com/conference2011.pdf
PUBLICATION – TRANSITION TO A LOW-CARBON ECONOMY – PUBLIC GOALS AND CORPORATE PRACTICES
Don’t be misled into thinking that this is just another boring OECD book for academics. This is packed with case studies, examples, illustrations and ideas that can be used effectively by companies. There are also sources of additional information and websites which give refreshingly practical ideas and initiatives which for the most part are tried and tested. If you don’t buy it, flip through it on-line – you won’t be disappointed.
This book can be browsed free, on-line, at http://browse.oecdbookshop.org/oecd/pdfs/browseit/2010051E.PDF and purchased at the OECD bookshop.
AJH
COPY DEADLINE
Copy deadline for Vol. 20, No 5 of Eagle Bulletin is 28th February 2011with publication set for the end of the fifth week of March 2011.
PUBLICATION – ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Many of us benefit from the fruits of an economic system based upon the principles of economic growth….and many of us don’t….. The debate on the environmental limits to economic growth, the diminishing social returns of economic growth and the concept of a steady state economy are continuously being debated and cannot be covered adequately here. However, it is important that we periodically revisit the principles and reflect on both the present and the future.
The Report, “Enough is Enough – Ideas for a Sustainable Economy in a World of Finite Resources”, was produced after a Steady State Economy Conference held in Leeds, UK in June 2010, attended by over 250 economists, scientists, NGOs members, business leaders, government employees and interested members of the public. The two organising NGOs, Economic Justice for All and CASSE (the Centre for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy), saw this as an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage debate. The 12 page summary report can be freely downloaded at:- http://steadystate.org/wp-content/uploads/EnoughIsEnough_Summary.pdf, the full report is available on-line at www.steadystate.org/enough-is-enough and videos of the keynote presentations are available at:- www.steadystate.org/leeds2010/videos/
PUBLICATION – KPMG - CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY - A PROGRESS REPORT
We are flooded with different surveys and reports which tell us that corporate sustainability is good. I would not normally push these reports but I know that in many organisations, the battle of persuasion amongst managers and directors continues and there are still many that are not convinced. Thus, I share this report with you because it contains information, facts, statistics that can be used for motivational purposes and, where appropriate, to persuade.
This 12 page report can be freely downloaded at http://www.kpmg.com/ZA/en/IssuesAndInsights/ArticlesPublications/Surveys/Documents/EIU%20Survey.pdf. If you want to read the full report, watch for it on the KPMG International website during January 2011.
AJH
TELL THEM ABOUT US
If you make use of the contact details in Eagle Bulletin, please tell your contact where you got the information from and what Eagle Bulletin is if they ARE unaware of it. (Eagle Environmental and Eagle Bulletin’s website is at http://www.eagleenv.co.za) It helps in feedback and networking. Thank you!
PUBLICATION – THE ISO SURVEY – 2007
The ISO Survey provides an interesting insight into how ISO standards have spread globally and integrated into the business management infrastructures throughout the world. The report has few words but the jewels of knowledge lie in the numbers and the trending over time. The oldest of the included standards is the ISO 9000 quality series and this includes South African data from the end of 2003 which shows significant growth. The ISO 14000 series (Environmental Management) only covers from the end of 2005 to the end of 2007 but is quite revealing.
This survey is now somewhat dated but the next one is due to be published in the last quarter of 2011. Freely download the current publication at:- http://www.iso.org/iso/survey2007.pdf
PUBLICATION – ENVIROWORKS DECEMBER 2010
I really cannot speak highly enough about this excellent, biannual environmental newsletter published by the City of Cape Town. The December 2010 issue is packed with useful and interesting environmental information. It includes explanatory information on coastlines, Blue Flag beaches, how climate change may affect the coast in terms of sea level rise, marine animal recognition, partner NGO organisations and how to contact them and a behind-the-scenes look at the unsung heroes of the Cape coastline. The newsletter also discusses shark spotting and how white sharks and humans can co-exist. You can read this newsletter on-line at:- http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/EnvironmentalResourceManagement/publications/Pages/EnviroWORKSNewsletters.aspx or drop an email to enviroworks@capetown.gov.za and ask to receive a PDF version of future issues.
AJH
PUBLICATION – APPLYING THE ICMM ASSURANCE PROCEDURE
The International on Mining and Metals (ICMM) released its ICMM Assurance Procedure (http://www.icmm.com/document/498) in May 2008, which outlined the commitment of its members to obtain external assurance against the 10 ICMM Sustainable Development principles and public reporting of performance, in line with the GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines.
A review in 2010 suggested that there were variations in the interpretation of the procedure and guidance in this respect was required. This Interpretive Guidance document has now been produced and released. It can be freely downloaded at:- http://www.icmm.com/document/1349
Publisher’s Note - Due to hard copy production procedures, this electronic version of the Bulletin may not be identical to the hard copy version. The differences will be of a minor nature and relate to layout and late typographic and proof reading errors.
