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Welcome to the Easter Edition of MOSS News Views and Events
Easter is traditionally a time of transformation and across the world there is a growing sentiment that its time for fresh beginnings, systemic change, more responsibility and accountability - improved leadership and transparency both individually and corporately.
I hope that we as players in the CSR and Sustainability arena, can use this time to review both our individual and corporate values to determine what no longer serves us - to create a new future - one of greater justice, equality, fairness and responsibility. Let's use this time to review CSR and ESG policies, and embed CSR and sustainability to gain financial, environmental and social returns as we transform and build a solid sustainable foundation for the future.
We recognise some business needs assistance right now to do this and MOSS is here to help this process.
Last week we brought together industry specialists and more than 180 businesses to look at the obligations, risks and opportunities around the changing legislatory landcape with the introduction of the National Greenhouse Energy Reporting Act (NGERs) and the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). We will follow up with Masterclasses on Carbon Permit Auctions and half day workshops to help energy and fuel intense business and local councils measure their scope one and scope two emissions, and build a carbon profile to determine whether they should be reporting into NGERs.
We'll also roll out Series Two workshop on Licence to Operate and Series Three on Market Advantage as well as workshops on how to build a CSR Roadmap. We'll also soon launch a new tool that will help build sustainability maturity across business, government and community.
We hope this edition of MOSS News Views and Events will help keep you informed on the issues, and that through our events we can help aid your professional development and assist your company meet it's obligations as we transition into a low carbon economy.
Good luck with your transformation this Easter Season!
Anne-Maree Huxley
MOSS Founder & CEO
MOSS Industry News
MOSS Sustainability Series helps companies understand obligations, risks and opportunities of the CPRS and NGERs. We are delighted to say the first series of the 2009 MOSS Sustainability Series has been a great success. Over 180 companies from across Australia joined us to look at the obligations, risks and opportunities that the CPRS and NGERs have to offer. With outstanding presentations from Minter Ellison, Rob Cawthorne MD of the Carbon Reduction Institute, Jesco d'Alquen and Anthony du Preez of tradeslot (tradeslot advised the government on the scope and function of the Carbon Permit Auction System) - all took away great take home value.
It was probably best summed up by Andrew Crane Finance Director of SCA Hygiene Australasia who said "It really helped me understand the pending issues and action our business needs to address. For me personally, it gave me a chance to get up to speed in this area. I greatly appreciated the quality of the speakers and the view of the upcoming issues".
If you missed Series One and would like to be brought up to date on issues relating to Carbon including reporting and trading, podcasts along with speaker notes and references from Series One are now available. 
Click here to download the order form. Also check out interviews with some of the speakers on www.evotv.com.au
The flourishing of CR. Corporate social responsibility has put forth a new shoot which is growing strong. But how does CR differs from its parent? To be effective it is more about how you bring these principles of being a responsible business into the heart and soul of the organisation. Read on...
Green Tracker Findings. LOHAS research specialists Mobium finds that the environment is suffering as the global and financial crisis hits home. The number of Australians concerned by the impacts of global warming and climate change has dropped by almost 20% since 2007. 
Check our more Green Tracker findings here.
To learn more about Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS), refer here where evoTV talks to Nick Bez from Mobium to explain how LOHAS is a different way of looking at consumer behaviour. Nick gives some insight into the research where only 10% of consumers are dedicated to a low environmental impact and sustainable lifestyle including the items they purchase and consume.
MOSS also conducted research on CSR trends as part of the Green Tracker which concludes that looking after staff is seen as the most important aspect of a companys operations if they wish to be seen as a responsible operation. There is a strong view across all segments of the community that staff welfare is the most important priority as the present time. Read on...
Forrester Research predicts spending on green initiatives will increase in 2009.
Ethisphere advances ethics through their institute dedicated to development and advancement of individuals through increased efficiency, innovation, tools, mentoring, advice, and unique career opportunities. The Institute's associated membership group the Ethisphere Council, is a forum for business ethics that includes over 200 leading corporations, universities and institutions. click here to learn more.
CAll for papers - APABIS Conference Series. This November event aims to bring together business and research perspectives on the nature of strategic alliances in the Asia Pacific region, to add to the international debate and practice of alliances for sustainable developement. APABIS is currently calling for submissions of both practitioner and academic papers. click here for more
EC3 SEED Award Program. If you've got a short video to share on how your organization has improved its sustainability performance, EC3 Global would like to hear from you. Your videos will help plant the seed for sustainable practices around the globe & show how organizations are positively influencing the way they impact the world environmentally, socially and economicaly. For full details click here.
NY Times talks Greenwash and Image Management. In a world growing weary of greenwash, reputation management would seem, as never before, to be cutting both ways-particularly as environmental groups nurture ever-closer relationships with the businesses whose behavior they seek to improve. more
Celebrating 40 Years of Tidy Towns. The national finalists in the Keep Australia Beautiful, Australian Tidy Towns Awards have been announced and will now compete to become Australia's Tidiest Town 2009. Who will be the winners 40 years on? find our more here...
Measuring Wellbeing - Time for a Change. Economic achievements are often reported as the definitive record of a government's success and economic indicators such as the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are often seen to be the overarching measure of a nation's health. More economic growth is assumed to automatically improve our common wellbeing, but there is reason to doubt this received wisdom. read on...
Govt Inquiry Recommends 80 per cent cuts by 2050. The Australian Conservation Foundation supports a parliamentary committee recommendation that Australia strengthen its 2050 emission reduction target to 80 per cent. This should prompt the Government to also review its inadequate proposed 2020 target. on...
What are the Americans doing about climate change? Major changes are underway in America right now under the new Obama Administration. In many ways, the Americans are currently leaving Australia behind while we still hang onto a weak 5 per cent emissions reduction target. A bill called the American Clean Energy and Security Act is currently before the US Congress. click here for all the details.
UNFCCC in Copenhagen. ACF Executive Director Don Henry has described the Copenhagen climate meeting as the best and possibly last chance the world will have to avoid dangerous climate change.click here for more. MOSS will take a delegation to Copenhagen in December, would you like to join us? If so, email us at info@moss.org.au with your details.
List your business in the Environmental Industry Capability Directory. This directory promotes Queensland businesses that supply environmental technologies or services. You must be quick to respond as applications close on April 14th. Download the application form here. It's free to register.
Banksia Announces Inaugural $10,000 Community Grant. The Banksia Foundation announced that all community entrants into Banksia award categories will automatically be eligible for consideration to recieve the inaugural Banksia community grant, supported by the GPT Group. Read more...
Installing a solar system is not only environmentally friendly, but will save you money every month. Read on...
MOSS Reports
New survey reveals the importance of corporate responsibility to consumers in a downturn. It suggests companies must communicate what they are doing to consumers regarding social and environmental responsibility. Read on...
Ethisphere releases 100 Most Influencial People in Business Ethics. Nearly every week we see headlines of an individual (or business) who pushes the envelope in legal compliance, business ethics, sustainability or social responsibility. Most of the time, these headlines are for negative actions. But not all was bad in 2008. To see the 100 most Influencial People in Business Ethics click here
How to run your business the right way? Want to know more about Ethics? Click here to download the Business Ethical Guide by Blue Rocket and the Good Folk.
AT Kearney releases Green Winners: The Preformance of Sustainability-focused Companies in the Financial Crisis. In the current economic crisis, businesses with the most effective green strategies tend to outperform their rivals financially. Download here...
Want to know the latest consumer attitudes and trends? Mobium Group's Living LOHAS 2 report is considered the benchmark in Australia on consumer attitudes and purchasing trends in the green sector. If you want a summary of findings or more information about Green Tracker, Click here and mention MOSS as MOSS Member & MOSS News Views & Events subscriber discounts apply.
Real Not Speil - CSR Communications
Cavill + Co's report features 26 best practice guidelines for communicating CSR. Purchasers of the full report who mention MOSS also receive a FREE face to face Seminar at your Sydney or Melbourne office for colleagues and partners. Learn more via FREE Webinars April 16 or April 30. Refer here for more information.
HP publishes Global Citizenship Performance & Goals for Fiscal Year 2008. Among the focus areas detailed in the report are ethics, compliance, human rights, labor practices, environmental sustainability, privacy, and social investment. here
Microsoft publishes 2009 Corporate Responsibility Report. This report outlines milestones reached in 2008 & program focus for 2009. The report provides an overview of Microsoft's worldwide citizenship programs and activities, underscoring the company's commitment to advancing social and economic opportunity through partnerships with governments, NGOs, educational institutions and others in industry. download here
Standard Chartered publishes Sustainability Review 2008. Highlighs include $385 million provided in credit and financial instruments to 52 microfinance institution partners in 14 countries, that will make a difference in the lives of 2.6 million people. Also, $3.2 billion renewable energy and clean technology projects financed since 2007. ** Resource Download not found in tag {resource id_538628841:sustainability_review_standard_chartered_2008.pdf Download here.} **
BG Group, a leading natural gas company, has published its 2008 Sustainability Report. Highlighs include 244,00 tonnes of annualised sustainable GHG emission reductions achieved in 2008 against the 2012 GHG targt; 6%( 534,000 tonnes) decrease in absolute carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from operations under BG Group's control and a 75% increase in Speak Up cases following an awareness-raising campaign. Download here.
Corporate Knights has published the Top 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the world. Read all about it here.
Sun Microsystems has released an update of their 2008 CSR Report here.
Industry Surveys
Reputation not advertising generates green product sales. According to a new US survey, four out of five people say they are still buying green products and services today. But it's brand reputation not advertising that's the trigger. Read more...
Booz & Co survey reveals recession delays sustainability spending. While this may be the case there is still a strong focus on sustainability in the manufacturing sector. More...
Buck Consultants conducted a survey which revealed that employee involvement in green issues increases when one person is put in charge. More...
Views
Has sustainability become a cliche? Robert B Pojasek thinks so and I tend to agree.Read on...
Jeff Swartz, President and CEO The Timberland Company suggests in this time of green there is so much gray.
Timberland wants to turn the tide of eco-enlightenment into eco-action, arming consumers with information that is not just nice to know, but critical in making thier purchasing decisions. He wants to move them beyond demanding transparent data from one company to demanding comparative data from every company, in order to make truly informed purchasing decison and, for perhaps the first time, leverage thier marketplace influence for substantial environmental impact. Read on...
Tradable Usage Rights are a Good Tool for Tackling the World's Water Problems- Many water problems have global causes - Population growth, climate change, urbanisation and, especially, changing diets. It takes 2,000 litres of water to grow a kilo of vegetables but 15,000 litres to produce a kilo of beef, and more people are eating more meat. These water issues are having global implications. Read on...
Time for Action! We've just experienced Earth Hour when possibly one person in every seven around the world is believed to have followed Sydney's lead and switched off lights on 28 March to call for strong action against climate change. Ken Hickson of ABC Carbon suggests however it's time for greater action...Read on...
Bill Gates talks with Bill Clinton. Click here to hear what Bill Gates has to say about giving in an interview with Bill Clinton. He says companies can gain a long term edge by choosing a narrow field and supporting it in a deep way.
What motivates Bill Clinton? Find out why he works to end poverty here.
Is business an unreliable guardian of social good? Westpac CEO Gail Kelly thinks so. In this story, find out why Ethical Investor Magazine suggests the CSR industry needs to rethink its place and purpose in business. Read on...
MOSS Events
2009 MOSS Sustainability Series
Series Two - Licence to Operate: Trust and reputation, CSR, Green-washing, green marketing and communication, stakeholder mapping, changing consumer trends, community investment and engagement, how to measure your ROI on CSR. Half day workshops to be held:
Perth: Monday 11th May
Melbourne: Wednesday 13th May
Sydney: Thursday 14th May
Brisbane: Friday 15th May
Adelaide: Full day event - Wednesday 20th May covering the The A-Z of what it takes to survive and prosper in a low carbon economy.
Series Three - Market Advantage: Ethics, Change Management, how to embed sustainability into corporate DNS and Best Practice
Learn how to improve CSR and corporate sustainability within you orgainsation.[unrecognized tag: {link http://www.moss.org.au/servlet/Web?s=1999965&action=changePage&pageID=952274957 Click here for programs and registration.}]
And if you missed Series One on Carbon - don't worry, Podcasts and speaker notes are now available. Find out more here.
Animal Law Lecture Series
Commencing May 5th leading US animal protection litigator Bruce Wagman will travel to 11 leading universities, law firms and legal professional associations across Australia to share his experiences seeking justice for animals in the courtroom. Read on...
10th National Business Leaders on Sustainable Development
Parliament House Canberra Thursday 28th and Friday 29th May
Refer www.nblf.com.au for more information.
CSR Drinks - Sydney
Martin Place Bar 6pm - 8.30pm last Tuesday of each month
CSR Drinks is an opportunity for all people with an interest or job in CR or sustainability. Join NSW MOSSketeers to network, socialise, change ideas, lively debate or just meet new friends.
For more information, contact Lauren Stern CSRdrinks@gmail.com or join the CSR Drinks Facebook group [unrecognized tag: {link http://www.facebook.com/group.phpgrid=39273713637 here.}]
Lessons in Climate Change - Employee Engagement Program
November 25 - December 1 Great Barrier Reef
Send your staff to spend a week at Heron Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef immersed in coral reef research and learning about how reefs work and about climate change. The reef is the perfect environment to learn about climate change as staff will see first hand the effects of climate change and understand what could be lost and why. Staff will learn how to reduce their carbon footprints in their home and work life and will prepare presentations to share with their colleagues on their return. They will take part in vital field and laboratory based research on coral reefs with coral reef scientists from The University of Queensland.
For more information contact Dr Selina Ward s.ward@cms.uq.edu.au or 07 38761474 or 0434 011 988.
MOSS Members
Each month MOSS continues to expand its membership. We'd like to welcome the following new members...
Andrew Ford-Special Counsel, Clarke Kann Lawyers
Alexandra Meldrum-Trainer & Consultant, Lifeline
Lynora Brooks, Director - Redefinity(specialising in capacity building and conflict management)
Gina De George, Foundation Manager - OneSight Foundation
William Tien, Managing Director - Alpha Auctus
...and suggest that you support those who support our industry. For more information on members check out the MOSS Directory.
And if you're not a current member, become a CSR leader in you industry and join MOSS today. Let us add value to your professional development and save you money in these tough economic times. Click here for all the details.
That's it for another edition. Hope you had a great Easter!
Good luck on your journey to a more sustainable future.
Anne-Maree, Allison and the MOSS Events Team.
