New resources for local renewable energy

The recent challenging economic situation has contributed to increased awareness of our over-dependence on burning fossil fuels. The EU target is to generate 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. Communities in Europe and beyond are already investing in renewable energy and taking responsibility for their own energy needs. Such projects are a source of inspiration for those of us who want to get directly involved in mitigating climate change effects.

We’ve Joined 1% For the Planet

More than 1,400 companies around the world are donating 1% of their annual sales to environmental non-profits, contributing so far over €55 million euro ($70 million). And now Sustainability Consult is also part of the 1% for the Planet business alliance whose aim is to contribute in a responsible way to a better environment.

Happy Holidays from Sustainability Consult

We would like to wish you a very happy holiday season and all the best for a happy, healthy 2012.

From Kathryn and all the Sustainability Consult Team 

Speed dating on.... sustainable food!

Everybody is aware that eating better means not only improving our health, but also reducing the impact of our food production in the environment. But who exactly is out there to helps us, consumers, on this? That's what I found out last Friday, when I 'speed dated' a group of fascinating and diverse people, all related to sustainable food.

Actual Progress on Climate at Durban?

In the early hours of this morning, the United Nations climate negotiations COP17 got behind the EU plan for a binding roadmap for the second period of the Kyoto Protocol. Over 120 countries (out of 194 present) agreed a legally-binding deal. After three all-nighters and going 36 hours over deadline, the talks concluded. The additional time is a classic COP tactic to wear people down until they agree. I remember journalists crashed out in the press room in Bonn ten years ago as the discussions went through the night*.

Thoughtshower Wordcloud, 8 December 2011

Best Belgian Sustainability Report Awards

Over the past 20 years, interest in measuring and reporting organisations’ progress towards sustainability has been increasing, thanks in part to the development of well-established guidelines, such as those provided by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Beyond just transparent and accountable data reports, the latest trends demand a more concise and creative presentation, with an emphasis on the contribution of new interactive media tools.  This seemed to be the key takeaway from the 2011 Best Belgian Sustainability Report Awards on 23 November.