May 9th
New research programme for sustainable decision-making
A new research programme, Real Change, is now being launched. It aims to support the world’s decision-makers in their promotion of sustainability and at ensuring that their decision-making will rest on scientific foundations leading to – real change.
More about Real Change Research Programme
Rohm and Haas Company Partners with The Natural Step International to Implement Strategic Sustainable Development Practices Across the Company
Philadelphia, PA, US —January 31, 2008—Rohm and Haas Company announced today that it has embarked on a comprehensive journey to develop and implement strategic, sustainable development practices across all areas of its businesses and operations. In launching this initiative, the company has formed a partnership with the international non-profit organization, The Natural Step International. The Natural Step is a leading global research, education and advisory organization that specializes in developing systematic, science-based approaches for organizations to become more sustainable. Through participation in its Core Funding Partner Program, The Natural Step will assist Rohm and Haas Company in incorporating sustainable objectives in all of its business, research and development, and operating practices.
Read the pressrelease...
2007 Alcan Prize for Sustainability awarded to India-based Utthan Centre
The 2007 recipient of the US$1 million Alcan Prize for Sustainability is the Utthan Centre for Sustainable Development and Poverty Alleviation, based in India.
The Natural Step was one of ten organizations shortlisted for the Prize. “We congratulate the Utthyan Centre on receiving the Prize. We were awarded US$15,000 Training Grants which we will use for training and capacity building. Overall we welcome the initiative of the Alcan Prize; it is doing a great deal to help raise awareness of sustainable development and the work of many organizations benefits from that." said David Cook, CEO, The Natural Step International.
Previous winners of the Alcan Prize include the Forest Stewardship Council (2004), the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services Pakistan (2005) and The Barefoot College (2006).
To the Alcan Prize website...
Appeal to the European Union:
Manifesto for Transition Towards a Fossil-Free Economy
This Manifesto was developed by The Natural Step's network for professional associations in Sweden. Over 40 signatures, including high-level politicians and researchers, were collected at a seminar in Stockholm on September 21.
Consensus on the current situation:
1. Ecosystem services are declining globally, at a rapid rate.
2. Current policies and practices do not reverse this degradation.
3. Sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved by marginal changes.
4. A 1% "insurance cost" could avoid a 20% decrease of GDP.
5. The EU target is to stabilize temperature rise at 2 centigrade.
6. This stabilization can be viable if CO2 eq. emissions are charged globally €40-80/ton.
EU should strengthen its global leadership by:
a) Reaffirming the 2 centigrade long-term target.
b) Gaining credibility by higher ambitions than the Stern Review.
c) Applying an array of cost-effective measures.
d) Modifying the emission trading systems.
e) Implementing green tax reforms.
f) Stimulating the purchasing of Best Available Technologies.
g) Developing comprehensive performance indicators.
h) Supporting international trade to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
Manifesto for Transition Towards a Fossil-Free Economy (pdf)
Scandic Hotels 14 years later... The cooperation with Scandic Hotels started in 1993, when they experienced economical difficulties. Today Scandic have reached profitability trough a strong corporate culture focused on sustainability.
Visit their website and see the movies on floor 1993 and 2007