We regularly distribute media releases to keep our wide network up-to-date with our work and activities in corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability and governance. Explore the links below to read our recent CSR media releases...
Wolseley, the European and North American building products wholesaler, has established the Sustainable Building Centre to raise awareness of more sustainable options within the construction sector.
Our latest website feature looks at current and emerging trends in the areas of lower emission carbon production, recycling and transportation. It includes a View from the Field on barriers to market entry for green technologies by Toby Radcliffe, sustainability consultant and Article 13 associate.
FedEx is featured in Article 13's latest batch of CSR case studies with a review of the logistics company's EarthSmart sustainability programme. EarthSmart has enabled FedEx to cut carbon emissions and costs and improve its reputation amongst customers, employees and shareholders.
Article 13 disseminates information as part of our support for World Habitat Day, and our broader focus on the human rights principles of the UN Global Compact. This year's theme is "Better City, Better Life", which aims to highlight a collective vision for sustainable urban communities.
Article 13 promoted examples of businesses supporting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in time for the International Day of Peace. This year's theme is "Youth, Peace and Development" and activities are designed to remind people and business about the urgent need to address the MDGs.
Article 13 highlighted web-based climate change resources in support of support efforts to reduce the business sector's carbon footprint. This message coincided with the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, which commemorates the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, the protocol that successfully lead to a drastic reduction of substances that deplete the ozone layer in the late 1980s.
Article 13 has suggested that criticism of last year's Copenhagen conference and the resultant Copenhagen Accord may have been premature. In recent months, we have witnessed a growing trend in investment in technologies for climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as an increasing variety of businesses focusing on energy efficiency, carbon management, business reporting, carbon finance, and marketing of climate change issues.
Article 13's name came from the thirteenth article of the Convention on Biological Diversity and provides a constant reminder of our objective to raise awareness of biodiversity and ecosystems, and to draw business attention to the issues at stake. That's why the annual Internation Day of Biodiversity is a significant date in our annual calendar.
Article 13 has published a feature about the role of Ken Wilbur's integral model in helping organisations achieve genuine sustainability. The feature provides visitors to www.article13.com with a detailed overview of the four quadrants of integral sustainability and delves into practical examples of how it is being applied.
Article 13's latest batch of CSR case studies profiles the environmental sustainability initiatives being undertaken by AGL and Alara Wholefoods. AGL is improving business performance by responding to energy-related climate change issues and Alara Wholefoods has become the first zero waste manufacturer in the UK by taking a whole of supply chain approach to waste management.
This World Water Day, Article 13 calls on all businesses to drive improvements in their water management practices. Water scarcity is not just an issue for politicians; business must take a leadership role as well. Article 13 provides free access on its website to a range of resources on sustainability initiatives, including innovation in reducing water consumption.
Neela Bettridge has recently launched her new website (www.neelabettridge.co.uk) which showcases her experience and services as an executive coach and sustainability advisor for business and clean technology.
Article 13 has released a free feature on combating climate change through business innovation. The feature profiles five best practice examples of climate change action from five quite different sectors. It looks at environmental sustainability in residential and commercial developments, the leaders in the financial sector, leaders in influencing behavioural change, the electronics sector and the role of biogas.
Article 13 has published its annual UNGC Communication on Progress to showcase and report our United Nations Global Compact actions. Over the last 12 months, Article 13 has made a considerable effort to advocate and take practical steps which contribute towards the goals espoused in the ten UNGC principles, as well as the Millennium Development Goals. These have included preparation of a research report on the lifecycle of the paper we use in our office, as well as disseminating best practice case studies on business and sustainability.
Article 13 has published its annual Environmental Report outlining performance against agreed targets in 2009. Thanks to a concerted effort by individuals, teams and the organisation as a whole, reductions have been achieved in fuel, electricity and paper consumption as well as business-related air travel emissions.
This year's International Anti-Corruption Day is focused on how corruption affects the Millennium Development Goals, human rights, economies and life quality, as well as the way it can encourage organised crime and terrorism. Article 13, a UNGC signatory, is marking the day by raising awareness of the issues amongst its wide networks and improving access to its resources on business transparency and accountability.
As part of our commitment to work actively against corruption and share best practice of building transparency, Article 13 has developed the fifth of five best practice case studies looking at building transparency and combating corruption in business. This case study focuses on Suez Environment's integration of transparency and anti-corruption throughout its water operations and activities.
This year, the team at Article 13 has chosen to support Care International as part of our Regional Support Programme. Article 13 is selecting a range of different gifts with a view to tackling poverty through avenues such as education, health and human rights. Article 13 frequently releases expert opinion pieces on issues of poverty and social exclusion and a number of the most popular articles can be accessed through this media release.
As part of our commitment to work actively against corruption and share best practice of building transparency, Article 13 has developed the fourth of five best practice case studies looking at building transparency and combating corruption in business. This case study focuses on Vodafone's integration of transparency and anti-corruption throughout the business.
World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty was started by the UN in 1992 and represents a social movement, which strives to end world poverty. This year, the Article 13 team is drawing attention to the day by including information and a web link in their email signatures and releasing a media release online.
World Water Monitoring Day serves to raise awareness and increase involvement in the protection of water resources and the quality of water around the world. You can order your own water testing toolkit on the World Water Monitoring Day website to sample your own local water bodies. Article 13 is informing its networks of this notable day and educating people on water footprinting.
Article 13, the consultancy and think tank focused on achieving real behaviour change in the CSR and sustainability agendas, has released a new batch of case studies profiling three organisations' efforts to embed and integrate responsible organisational practices in their mainstream strategies. The organisations showcased in this edition are very diverse: 3M, The Medical Fair & Ethical Trade Group and the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.
As an active member of the UN Global Compact, Article 13 supports the Copenhagen Seal the Deal campaign, which is calling for a fair, balanced and effective post-Kyoto climate agreement at the UN Climate Change Conference to be held from 7-18 December 2009 in Copenhagen.
As part of our commitment to work actively against corruption and share best practice of building transparency, Article 13 has developed the third of five best practice case studies looking at building transparency and combating corruption in business. This case study focuses on Siemens's integration of transparency and anti-corruption throughout the business.
Article 13 advocates the planting of trees and integration of green spaces into urban areas. As part of this belief, a team from Article 13 has again registered to participate in the Trees for Cities Tree-athlon, a 5 km run taking place in London, Leeds and Manchester. The Article 13 participants are also raising funds for this worthwhile cause.
Water, one of our planet's most valuable resources, is a key focus area of Article 13's sustainability program and advocacy work. This World Water week, we are sharing information about the various water-related resources available on our website and reminding our networks of the expertise we have available in this area through our pool of highly skilled associates.
Article 13 advocates the adoption of sustainable water technologies in organisations as part of our active participation in the UN Global Compact. The benefits of using green water technology include cost and water consumption reductions, as well as providing a source of competitive advantage. This media release outlines Article 13's expertise in the area of water resources management and links readers to relevant articles and case studies.
As part of our commitment to work actively against corruption and share best practice of building transparency, Article 13 has developed the second of five best practice case studies looking at building transparency and combating corruption in business. This case study focuses on Shell's transparency and anti-corruption policies in Nigeria.
The Article 13 team has pledged support to the West London Mission Day Centre for a period of 12 months, commencing June 2009. As part of our efforts, we have produced and published a case study on the Day Centre and the specialist support and services it provides to homeless people in the Marylebone region of London.
Green waste technologies are among the environmentally friendly technologies that Article 13 supports through our advocacy initiatives and client work. The business case is clear with companies who integrate green waste technologies reporting a reduction in transportation costs and lower taxes and operational costs, as well as achieving a competitive advantage against their competitors. Article 13 is privileged to have a number of leading specialists in the field of green waste technology in our associate network.
Article 13 supported World Population Day and its 2009 theme of building awareness of the importance of a wide range of development issues, including poverty, human rights and gender equality by including the UNFPA logo and website link in their email signatures. We also released this media release online to draw attention to the relevant resources on our website.
Article 13 encouraged staff to share a lift to work on National Liftshare Day and raised awareness among our networks of the environmental, social and economic benefits of sharing transport. We did this by including a reference to National Liftshare Day in our email signatures and disseminating information on the benefits of car pooling.
World Ocean Day is an initiative used to celebrate and support the protection of our world's oceans through sustainable actions, events and activities. At Article 13, we believe that natural resource management, water governance and sustainable stewardship are critical to sustainable development and, as such, we communicated information about World Ocean Day among our networks and informed them of the various water-related resources and case studies available on our website.
Article 13 is reinforcing our commitment to environmental sustainability by celebrating World Environment Day, the UN's initiative held annually to raise awareness of environmental issues including climate change. This year's World Environment Day theme is 'Your Planet Needs You! UNite to Combat Climate Change'. We are marking the day by releasing information on our own efforts to reduce our impact on the environment, along with links to the various climate change resources accessible on our website.
As part of our commitment to work actively against corruption and share best practice of building transparency, Article 13 has developed the first of five best practice case studies looking at building transparency and combating corruption in business. This case study focuses on Ford's transparency and anti-corruption policies and includes input from David Berdish, Manager of Sustainable Business Development for Ford Motor Company.
Water and environmental management play a critical part in ensuring our long-term future by offering sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing issues on our planet, e.g. water shortages and climate change. Article 13's latest media release highlighted a conference exploring water and environmental management, organised by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management.
As part of our advocacy work, Article 13 is committed to following the issues related to climate change and disseminating up-to-date information and resources amongst our wide networks. In this fact file, we highlight climate change, what it is, its potential impacts and some of the efforts that are being made to tackle it through legislation and voluntary corporate citizenship initiatives.
Article 13 focuses on emerging trends within the scope of business responsibility. In this update, we identify the current issues surrounding sustainable investment, also known as 'socially responsible' investment (SRI) or 'responsible' investment'. This form of investment has grown enormously in the past decade, with an increase in sustainable funds and sustainable options. Sustainable investment has been interlinked with developments in areas such as corporate governance, corporate accountability and sustainable development.
World Water Day aims to lower world water consumption and build an information network centre in support of world water resources. The Article 13 team monitors and, where possible, reduces our water consumption in keeping with our company values. In 2009, we are reinforcing these efforts by linking our conscious focus on minimising water use and advocacy of responsible water management by business with our approach to UNGC, principle 8.
In line with our UNGC commitment to encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies, this fact sheet introduces the concept of 'environmental technology', otherwise known as 'green' and 'clean' technology. It also outlines reasons for business to focus on environmental technology, some current and used environmental technologies - including paper thin displays, desalination and green rooves - and provides links to related resources.
Article 13 has published a new batch of case studies profiling the initiatives being undertaken by two members of the CBI to embed and integrate corporat social responsibility in their mainstream business strategies. The CBI members showcased in this edition are: Barclays and BMW Group.
This summary of the UK Energy Act highlights some of the issues addressed in respect of climate change, energy supply and waste management. It mentions offshore gas supply infrastructure, carbon capture and storage, renewables, nuclear waste and decommissioning financing, to name a few. The Act is seen as a step in the right direction, but it is emphasised that Governmental statutory instruments are required to ensure that its true impact is felt.
Article 13 has released a feature on CSR and sustainability reporting. The feature takes an in-depth look at recent trends in CSR and sustainability reporting both in the UK and internationally. It also profiles ACCA and GRI sustainability reporting award winners and explores what the recent economic downturn means for reporting.
As part of our UNGC commitments to respect human rights and labour rights, Article 13 supports Fairtrade Fortnight which runs from 23 February to 8 March 2009. Fairtrade advocates fairer conditions for workers, suppliers and producers in less developed areas, has a critical role in alleviating poverty conditions and working towards a more sustainable and fairer world. Read our press release to learn more about fair trade and what you can do to mark Fairtrade Fortnight.
In our latest press release, Article 13 focuses on two pertinent natural resource management (NRM) issues - water management and land management, and briefly explores the technological and organisational responses from business to help combat environmental degradation. NRM is becoming an increasingly pressing issue as we are being confronted with increasing climate unpredictability in the shape of droughts, floods and fires, to name a few, as well as a growing global population and urban development.
Article 13 is pleased to announce the release of our annual UNGC Communication on Progress (CoP), which reports on the initiatives and actions we have undertaken as part of our commitment to the ten principles on labour rights, human rights, environment and anti-corruption. Our local actions have included supporting local business and community through our procurement choices and environmental practice. On a national scale we have signed up to the Prime Minister's Call to Action on the Millennium Development Goals, whilst on a global scale we have participated in a range of initiatives supporting human rights, the fight against poverty and hunger, and a number of international current affair causes.
Article 13 is pleased to announce the release of our 2008 environmental report, which details our efforts to reduce our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental footprint and information about how the remaining carbon emissions are offset. The report looks at monthly usage of fuel, electricity, paper, air travel and use of private and public transport and highlights changes since the previous year.
As part of our UNGC commitment to respect human rights, Article 13 supports Poverty and Homeless Action Week, which runs from 31 January to 8 February 2009. This year, we marked the week with one of our team volunteering at St Paul's homeless drop-in shelter in Kensington.
Article 13 is keeping a watchful eye on leaders in CSR and sustainability to see how they are impacted by the global financial crisis in 2009. We advocate building sustainability and responsibility into corporate cultures and, for those who haven't already done so, remind them of the cost cutting and efficiencies that can be achieved through a structured approach to CSR.
This year Article 13 is joining in the celebrations for the Council of Europe's European Day of Languages (EDL) by promoting the event in a variety of European languages on our website. We have also raised awareness and encouraged our network to join the celebration by placing the logo and link on our email signatures in the lead up to the day.
Article 13's latest research reveals the critical role coaching can play in the shift towards sustainable and profitable business. Most large organisations are making moves towards sustainability. Leading organisations are integrating ecological and social factors into strategy. But what about their cultures? Is sustainability truly integrated? Are there opportunities for game-changing innovation to be driven by a shift in the values and attitudes of indviduals and teams.
Article 13 has compiled a brief but comprehensive resource centre on its website to provide subjective information on areas of climate change. The resources cover general topics ranging from 'what is climate change?' and 'what are government, NGOs and business doing?' through to case studies, resources and overviews of organisations and their initiatives.
Article 13 is celebrating its 10th birthday in September. Rather than throwing an extravagant birthday party to celebrate our achievements in the business responsibility arena, we are sending out a special birthday card to our vast array of clients, associates, suppliers and network members. The money we would have spent on a party is being donated to a ChildReach project in India and we encourage you to join us in supporting this worthy cause. Make your donation now at https://secure.efundraising.org.uk/tailored/donation.asp?charity=73394 (select Article 13 from the drop down box).
As part of our commitment to environmental management and the protection of natural resources, reinforced by our active membership of the UN Global Compact, Article 13 is supporting World Water Week (17 to 23 August 2008). This involves Article 13 donating its unused mobile phones through WaterAid's recycling scheme and advocating water conservation amongst its networks.
Article 13, the leading corporate social responsibility consultancy, is profiling examples of Chinese organisations applying CSR principles on its website. These case studies are part of the company's latest feature exploring sustainability risks presented by the burgeoning Chinese economy and show that some companies are addressing sustainability issues, despite the gloom and doom predictions.
CSR experts, Article 13, today announced successful completion of phase 1 and 2 of their website accessibility programme. Article 13 reviewed accessibility standards and enhanced the design, navigation and editorial content of the company's website to ensure access by the widest possible audience.
This year in one of our many efforts to support local social and environmental initiatives, Article 13 are sponsoring team members Jim Ormond, Fiona Banyard, Monika Balcerzak and Plamen Raychev in London's Tree-athlon. The event takes place on 20 September 2008 and resonates with our values of protecting the environment and raising awareness of the need for urban regeneration. If you are interested in joining Article 13 in their endeavour, please visit www.justgiving.com/article_13 and give an amount that you think is appropriate for protecting our environment.
Many companies stress the desire for their employees to live their values, but how can companies take this further and align corporate and personal values? Equally how can an organisation get employees to accomplish more and innovate differently? These questions are part of a new research project, undertaken and published by Article 13, in which the authors take an in-depth look at the growing importance of employer-employee engagement.
Article 13 in partnership with the CBI has published a new batch of case studies profiling the initiatives being undertaken by four members of the CBI to embed and integrate corporate social responsibility in their mainstream business strategies. The CBI members showcased in this edition are: Arup, DHL Express UK, HMG Paints and National Grid.
CSR experts, Article 13, have launched a new feature on their website exploring sustainability risks presented by the burgeoning Chinese economy as well as some of the activities already underway to try and enhance the sustainability of this growth.
Article 13 has released its half year UN Global Compact Communication on Progress this week, detailing actions and commitment to human rights, labour rights, the environment and anti-corruption.
Article 13 in partnership with Reed Learning plc is running the successful 'Green Learning' programme for individuals at all levels, who want to reduce the negative impact of their business' operations on the environment, whilst positively affecting the companys' financial bottom line.
Article 13, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) experts and signatory to the UN Global Compact (UNGC), celebrated World Environment Day on 5 June 2008.
Article 13 is making a special effort in 2008, the 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, to promote the freedom of all peoples regardless of race, religion, origin or ethnicity. The company's human rights initiatives and advocacy work is being communicated widely to encourage other businesses to take action on human rights abuses.
In August 2007, SmartWorks (a Global Action Plan initiative) conducted an Environmental Audit and Assessment of Article 13 Group. The programme was recently followed up in March 2008 to see what changes or improvement had been made.
As part of Article 13's commitment to the transparent and accountable integrity of its business operations, an integrity clause has been added to all legal agreements with internal and external stakeholders. The clause seeks to ensure the ethical integrity of the individuals and organisations working with, for or under the name of Article 13 Group and their commitment to advocate transparent and accountable business dealings and promote anti-corruption in all its forms.
Article 13's latest stakeholder event was held last week in central London. The evening was a huge success, which allowed the Article 13 team, clients, associates and suppliers to come together and discuss the future of CSR into the year 2020 and global implications for, and of, sustainability.
Once again, the Article 13 team is taking action in support of Fairtrade Fortnight. As a company, we already choose fair trade of our caffeine fixes and other standard grocery needs. As individuals outside the office, we are not always so diligent. So, this Fairtrade Fortnight, we have pledged to make the fair trade choice a conscious one each time we walk down the aisles of our local supermarkets or add items to our virtual shopping baskets.
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