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Sustainability blog

Ethical challenge

16 May 2013 |

My role with the London Olympics finally came to an end in March with a final report, a bit of a party and a few last words on a blog. Since the closure of the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012, I have had a bit more time to reflect on some of my other work.

For me, one of the big failures of London 2012 was to get to grips effectively with some of the ethical issues in the supply chain (despite some leading-edge work from LOCOG) and to address the question of ethical standards for sponsors. (more…)

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It’s time to go green at work

10 May 2013 |

Sustainability is currently a key driver in the procurement profession.  Purchasing decisions on ethical sourcing and corporate social responsibility can contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals within an organisation.

But what about closer to home? How eco-friendly are you personally in your workplace? Are you a culprit of wasting energy, not recycling or printing out too many documents (guilty as charged)? (more…)

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The risk factor

7 May 2013 |

Rebecca Ellinor, managing editor, Supply ManagementWant to get your business to 
consider sustainability, but don’t know how? 
Try talking to them about risk.

That’s the advice of Professor Andrew Douglas from the University of the West of England. Addressing buyers at the Sustainable Purchasing & Supply Summit in London last month as he helped launch the CIPS Sustainability Index, Douglas said people now see the sustainability agenda as a way of managing risk. (more…)

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Sustaining interest

7 May 2013 |

If something cannot go on forever, it will stop,” said American economist Herbert Stein. That, in a way, is all you need to know about sustainability. If something – a business practice, relationship or raw material that is in limited supply – cannot last, eventually it won’t.

Part of the problem with the discussion about sustainability in business is that the word has been hijacked or twisted by a range of people (where have we heard that one before?). So some might suggest that sustainability is merely something to do with energy use, or pollution, or recycling paper. (more…)

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Shedding light on LED purchasing

4 April 2013 |

It is predicted that 80 per cent of the lighting market will be LED by 2020.

Energy managers and maintenance teams will no doubt be excited about a future of reduced energy consumption and lean maintenance regimes. However, will lighting’s ‘holy grail’ deliver all the expected benefits? (more…)

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Is this the end, or just the beginning?

28 March 2013 |

Following the launch of our last report, Making a Difference we had a bit of a party to celebrate the work of the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 over the past seven years, before we finally close down at the end of this month.

Around 100 people turned up but we could have filled the room many times over with all the people who have helped us over the years.

My role as chair of the commission has been unique and I feel very honoured to have been given the opportunity. Working in large corporations, it is tempting to think you are working with a broad church of people but this is not necessarily the case. (more…)

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Where next on sustainability?

18 March 2013 |

More and more CPOs are being asked to lead the sustainability agenda by their board. This is not always wanted, but as soon as supply chains are raised, the natural home is with the CPO.

Consumer behaviour, societal pressures and enlightened employees means corporate social responsibility (CSR) is rising back up the agenda, but what are the next steps you should take on behalf of your organisation? (more…)

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Give it up!

15 March 2013 |

Red Nose Day celebrates its 25th anniversary today. Comic Relief has become one of the most successful charity events in the UK calendar with 2011’s effort raising a record breaking £74.3 million.

This year’s escapades should not disappoint. In just one example of what our comedians will do to get you to

give up your cash, British national treasure, Miranda Hart is doing a week of challenges despite a dodgy knee. These have so far included waxing the armpits of rugby players, singing in a girl band, and will culminate today in arranging a wedding in under eight hours. (more…)

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The route to lower emissions

27 February 2013 |

As an express delivery company, by our very nature we spend a lot of time on the road so reducing our impact on the environment is very important to us. We set ourselves stringent goals to ensure we play our part to help reduce the UK’s carbon footprint as a whole. (more…)

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Choosing that perfect Valentine’s Day present just gets trickier

14 February 2013 |

If finding the perfect Valentine’s Day present was not tricky enough already, a number of organisations are prompting Romeos (and Juliets) to make sure they consider the ethical dimension of the gifts they plan to give today. (more…)

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