In This Issue:

President's Message

CBSR News

CBSR in the News

Member News

Trends & Issues

Upcoming CSR Events

CBSR is a non-profit CSR consultancy and peer-to-peer learning organization with 13 years of CSR experience.

Did you know?

CBSR reviews dozens of CSR reports on a regular basis and we have served on the judging panel of the ACCA - Ceres North American Sustainability Reporting Awards.

CBSR's 2008 annual summit on CSR is set for October 20, 2008. Don't forget to mark your calendar! 
 

GoodCompany 
A Quarterly CSR Newsletter                                                   June 2008

President's Message

Sometimes it takes a bold move to achieve a significant result. This was beautifully illustrated during my recent visit to the United Kingdom where I attended HRH, The Prince of Wales' second annual May Day Business Summit on Climate Change. Building on a highly successful 2007 event, the strong 'May Day' crisis call made by HRH to UK business leaders was heard and the response was immediate and impressive. An energetic and inspired group of 1,327 senior business leaders made 7,468 pledges to reduce their carbon footprint. The numbers speak for themselves:

• 56% of companies present were already calculating their carbon footprint, and 29% pledged to do so in the next year (total 85%).
• 35% are setting absolute carbon reduction targets and 26% pledged to do so in the next year (total 61%).

I am thrilled to announce that we will build on this enthusiasm and bring Canada into the HRH The Prince of Wales' leadership circle in 2009. We have plans underway already to host a Canadian satellite event connected to the London group next May, and will keep you informed as we move towards the date. If you are interested in becoming a part of this early on, please do not hesitate to give me a call.  We will look to our members and partners to make this a successful and equally impressive event.

Awareness of the challenge of climate change is at an all time high but there are still significant gaps in knowledge and room for improved education. While no one sector can make change happen on its own, we know that business - by engaging its supply chain, employees and customers - can rally its resources and mobilize efforts in a highly efficient and effective manner.

In 2007 CBSR launched the Climate Change Guide as a tool for responsible business action on climate change. If you have yet to tap into this resource, I encourage you to visit cbsr.ca to view a copy. If you are seeking guidance and counsel, join our members who are engaging our Advisory Services group to measure your company's carbon footprint, determine the right reduction strategy and access reputable offsets.

As the world comes to grips with the climate crisis, attention will be focused on countries with strong environmental records for examples of leadership on the issue. Living up to Canada's reputation in the world will require bold commitments and actions - the kind that legacies are built on.

Adine Mees
President and CEO

CBSR News

Ray Anderson of Interface to Speak at CBSR Expert Event 
Chairman of Interface Inc., Ray Anderson is one of the most admired, innovative, responsible and forward thinking leaders in sustainable business. In 2006 Globescan recognized Interface as the #1 company in the world for corporate sustainability. Mr. Anderson will address CBSR members at a breakfast event on June 12 in Toronto, discussing his journey with the group.

6th Annual CBSR Summit
Linking Stakeholders to the Bottom Line, October 20, 2008 - Toronto, Canada

Book this date in your agenda. The 6^th Annual Summit on Corporate Social Responsibility is confirmed for October 20, 2008 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, Canada.

Last year's Summit was a big success, requiring us to cap attendance three weeks in advance. We expect the 2008 Summit will continue the trend, attracting 200 senior executives and CSR practitioners from organizations across North America.

The focus will be on the business imperative of engaging with key stakeholder groups to ensure strong strategy and continual improvement. You will gain new insight into the relationships/challenges/opportunities that companies can realize when working with stakeholders.

In addition to hosting morning and afternoon keynote presentations and a CEO panel discussion, we will continue last year's Summit tradition of hosting two open space sessions where attendees will have an opportunity to join sessions and discuss issues that are focused on key stakeholder groups including: customers, employees, communities, shareholders, supply chain and the environment.

CBSR will also be hosting two optional, half-day workshops on October 21, to present effective tools, practices and case studies associated with CSR/non-financial reporting and stakeholder mapping/engagement.

Many thanks go to the current Summit sponsors:
Syncrude Canada, Nexen Inc, Honda Canada and Hunter Dickinson.

For more information on Summit speaking and sponsorship opportunities please contact Wesley Gee at wesley@cbsr.ca. Online registration will be available by late June and early bird rates will be available until the end of August. Stay abreast of the Summit program and register online soon by visiting www.cbsr.ca.

CBSR Participates in Canada-Russia CSR Roundtables
In September,CBSR was honoured to be invited by Canada's Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) to participate in a Canada-Russia Roundtable on CSR and Public-Private Partnership (PPP), held in Moscow on May 12-13, 2008. The gathering provided an opportunity for Canadian and Russian organizations and companies to discuss CSR and PPPs as two of many ways to support the development of Aboriginal and Northern Peoples. Read more.

Advisory Services at CBSR
Did you know that Canadian Business for Social Responsibility offers customized consulting services on a range of CSR activities? We work with our clients to develop policies, programs and performance metrics that strengthen the effectiveness and impact of their CSR initiatives. We leverage our deep subject matter expertise, and the collective learning of our members and international partners, to provide candid counsel to help companies move forward. Read more.

CBSR is Growing!
CBSR has welcomed five new staff members over the past two months--and is looking for new staff to support its increasing membership base. Welcome to Vidya Rangayyan, CSR Advisor focused on climate change, Robyn Hall, Communications Manager, Aaron Steeghs, CSR Advisor focused on natural resources, Andrea Damiani, Administrative Assistant and Jim Cooney, Senior Associate focused on natural resources. We are currently looking to fill the following positions: CSR Advisor (Toronto), and Directors of Advisory Services and Member Services (Toronto or Vancouver). Please find the job postings here and pass them on to those who may be interested.

Join the Leading Edge Debate
CBSR is on the leading edge of the CSR debate, actively working with firms on the issues they are facing, sharing knowledge and best practices. If you know of any companies who are working in this area and would benefit from our services, please ask them to contact us. With continued growth in membership, Canadian corporations can become global leaders in responsible business practices.

Shopping on Trial
On March 20, 2008, Lorraine Smith, Senior CSR Advisor at CBSR, participated in a broadcast on CBC Radio's The Current that put shopping on trial, including a look at supply chain issues.

Business People Get a Closer Look at Poverty, Homelessness
On May 14, 2008, the Victoria Times Colonist reported on a speech by Lloyd Craig, President and CEO of Coast Capital Savings, to the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Craig spoke about CBSR's Seeing is Believing Program and its positive impact in the community. The program allows business executives to experience social challenges first-hand and leverage their businesses to create solutions. Full story.

Scotiabank Launches Climate Change Fund
In February, Scotia Securities Inc. launched the Scotia Global Climate Change Fund, a first of its kind in Canada. "The Scotia Global Climate Change Fund is designed for investors looking for exposure to companies that are developing strategies to adapt to or mitigate the effects of climate change without compromising solid returns, " said Glen Gowland, Managing Director and Head, Scotia Mutual Funds and President & CEO SSI. Read more.

GlobeScan's 2008 Canadian Corporate Social Responsiblity Monitor Now Available
GlobeScan is pleased to announce that the 2008 Canadian Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Monitor is now available. The Canadian CSR Monitor has been tracking the changing expectations of consumers, shareholders, employees, and informal Opinion Leaders annually since 1999, and is available to clients on a subscription basis. The 2008 report includes, among others, a review of Canadian CSR leading and lagging companies, public definitions of CSR, interest in socially responsible investing, the impact of various CSR initiatives and partnerships on corporate reputation, and an in-depth look at CSR communications - including public awareness of corporate CSR efforts and perceived credibility, interest in learning more about CSR, and channels of information for learning about socially responsible and irresponsible companies. For more information, please contact Femke de Man, Director CSR Research at femke.deman@globescan.com.

DDB and Junxion Strategy Launch New Strategic Sustainability Consultancy
DDB Canada has formed a business alliance with Junxion Strategy creating a new sustainability consultancy called DDB Echology. Headquartered within DDB Canada's Vancouver office, DDB Echology is being jointly run by Managing Director Steve Kennedy and Peter ter Weeme from Junxion Strategy. "The impetus behind the launch of the consultancy came from our view that having invested considerably in becoming an integrated sustainable organization at DDB, we could share that learning with others," said Steve Kennedy, Managing Director. "The nature of the alliance between DDB and Junxion Strategy in the creation of DDB Echology, puts us in the unique position of offering clients an end to end service starting with Junxion's expertise in sustainability consulting and followed by DDB's leadership in brand stewardship and creativity."

He notes: "More and more consumers are showing they have a genuine interest in supporting companies that have environmental and social values and performance standards. While some organizations doing good are embracing this and communicating it, others seem to be reluctant to talk about what they are doing good, for fear of being targeted for scrutiny by consumer advocate groups. Our position is that no person or organization is going to be perfectly sustainable (yet), and if your heart is in the right place and your organization has made a holistic commitment to move down the sustainable path, your efforts should be promoted, because consumers want to know." For more information visit ddbechology.com.

Alterna Savings Wins Consumers' Choice Awards
Alterna Savings is pleased to announce the receipt of two CONSUMERS' CHOICE AWARDS for excellence in the areas of Financial Planning (chosen by Greater Toronto Area consumers as the 2008 winner) and Loan Company (chosen by Ottawa area consumers as the 2008 winner). "Alterna Savings' mission is to develop and share an exceptional level of financial expertise that is; tailored to member needs, accessible to all, supportive of local communities and delivered by caring and professional employees. These awards represent independent support for our view that Alterna employees are second to none when it comes to providing outstanding service to our member-owners and the communities we serve," said John Lahey, President & CEO of Alterna Savings.

Co-operators Embeds Sustainability Throughout Operation
With a goal to become a catalyst for sustainability in the insurance industry and the co-operative sector, The Co-operators Group has launched a journey to embed sustainability into every business process and department of its 11 companies. The organization has established a Sustainability Steering Committee (comprised of representatives from each organization); embedded sustainability in the corporate mission, vision and values statements; and adopted a sustainability strategy and policy. The strategy relates to climate change, implementation of sustainable practices in all operations, development of sustainable products and services, and engagement of strategic stakeholders in the process.

In mid-April, the organization released "Designing for Sustainability: The Co-operators Sustainability Report 2007" (formerly the Corporate Responsibility Report) and the 2007 Community Economic Development Report. The Co-operators also has undertaken a Greenhouse Gas Emissions study; and in 2007 joined 160 other members in a global voluntary partnership with UNEP-Financial Initiative between the United Nations and the international financial sector. For the fifth consecutive year, The Co-operators earned a spot on the Report on Business list of 50 Best Employers in Canada. In 2007, The Co-operators directed total donations of $4.2 million toward community economic development, charities and community organizations, co-operative development and other community related support.

Trends & Issues

Readers agree: sustainability reporting enhances brand reputation - new proof from GRI survey
Ninety percent of sustainability report readers agreed that their views of a company had been influenced by reading its report - of these, 85% reported a more positive perception of the company, according to a new report. Read more.

Eco-promising: Communicating the environmental credentials of your products and services
This BSR report outlines the history of eco-labelling and where to go next in terms of communicating with your customers. Read more.

CERES-ACCA Reporting Awards Announced
CERES and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants announced the winners of the 2007 Sustainability Reporting Awards at the end of April. For details on the winners and to read the judges report, click here. 

Executive Briefing on Climate Change and Related Disclosures
The Chartered Accountants of Canada has produced an executive document discussing the business implications of climate change and the ways climate change matters will be reflected in financial statements and other disclosures. For details, click here. 

Taming That Monster Under the Bed: Exploring Critical Relationships Between Supply Chains and the Environment
June 9-10, 2008, Calgary
This conference was developed to offer a solutions-based, environmental approach to supply chain logistics that will demonstrate both the relationship and impact of supply chain logistics practices on the environment and the relationship and impact of environmental disturbances on the Canadian supply chain. Specifically, issues that related to sustainability, population skill and adaptability, reduction of waste, lean logistics, energy efficiencies and emergency preparedness will be explored along with leading edge supply chain practices that reduce waste, and create energy efficiencies within and across all aspects of the Canadian economy. Keynote speakers include Nobel Peace Prize nominee, author and citizen advocate Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Dr. Roger Gibbins, President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation and Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon, Chair of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Toronto. The conference is led by partners of the Joint Learning Initiative, specifically, the City of Calgary, the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council, the Van Horne Institute, and Mount Royal College. For more information, and to register, click here.

Shifting Into the Mainstream, Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) National Summit
June 11-12, 2008, Toronto
Shifting Into the Mainstream is where building industry decision makers will learn about how LEED® Canada is evolving from one-time certification to a life-cycle building performance management system. The next generation tool could play a central role in reducing the country's overall greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 50 per cent by 2015. Co-chaired by Alan Greenberg, president, Minto Urban Communities and Michael Brooks, executive director, Real Property Association of Canada (RealPAC), Shifting Into the Mainstream will feature leading green building experts from across the country including keynote speakers Dr. David Suzuki, Ray Anderson, Chairman and CEO, InterfaceFLOR, and Peter Busby, Managing Director, Busby Perkins + Will. For more information and to register click here.

Growing Inclusive Markets: Sustainable Private Sector Development Forum
June 20-21, 2008, Halifax
Organizers of the Growing Inclusive Markets Forum are delighted to announce confirmed plenary speakers from Ashoka, IDRC, the UK Department for International Development, Développement International Desjardins, SNV, Trust Africa/Ford Foundation, CIDA and the UN Commission on Legal Empowerment of the Poor at this unique two-day conference hosted by Dalhousie University's Faculty of Management.  Former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, former President of Tanzania Benjamin Mkapa, former Finance Minister of Chile Dr Eduardo Aninat and Dr Bruce Jenks of the UNDP will provide keynote addresses. This Forum will bring into being a unique 'network of networks' of academics and practitioners from more than 30 developing countries working on genuinely inclusive, pro-poor markets, from the perspective of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise and entrepreneurship.  The Forum features many presentations from participants living and working in the Global South. Delegates from the Global North are also strongly encouraged to participate in a spirit of genuine mutual learning.  For more information and to attend, please visit www.gim2008.ca.   

Ethical Corporation, The Green Supply Chain Summit 2008
The bottom line: greening your supply chain is not an act of sentimentality. It is pure good business
June 24-25, 2008, London
Hear from the Vice Presidents of Unilever, Philips, Kodak and senior directors from SABMiller, Vodafone ASDA and Cadbury's. This conference promises to go beyond carbon footprint, covering other issues including water and energy efficiency, and management of toxic chemicals. Achieving a green supply chain isn't simply about measuring your carbon footprint and reducing emissions, it's also about water and energy efficiency, and management of toxic chemicals.

This is a one stop shop event for supply chain and procurement professionals concerned about finding a holistic approach to supply chain management and getting the right balance between your social and environmental agenda. For the full programme and the latest speaker line-up click here.  

4th Annual - Ethical Sourcing Forum Europe 2008
October 2, 2008, Paris
Interested in strengthening your ability to reach organizational supply chain goals?  Mark your calendars for 2 October to attend the 4th Annual ESF Europe.  Presenters from Marks & Spencer, The Gap Europe, LVMH, L'Oreal, Alcan, MeadWestvaco, The China Center, FLA, SNCF, WWF, FSC, CIES, Acona Ltd., CBSR, Open SRI (and many more) will take delegates "behind the scenes" to demonstrate effective "Models and Tools of Practice" presently used for Sustainable Purchasing, Carbon Foot Print, Remediation, Supply Chain Rating/Reporting, Capacity Development and other practices. Discover practical solutions to systemic challenges and exchange ideas to bring your demands into focus. For more information click here.

Sustainable Enterprise Academy (SEA) - Business Leaders Seminar
October 26-30, 2008, Toronto
SEA provides Executive Seminars on Corporate Sustainable Development featuring leading-edge thinkers and practitioners. The Business Leader Seminars are 4 day residential programs offered twice a year. The next Seminar will be held in Toronto, Ontario at the Executive Learning Centre at the Schulich School of Business on October 26-30, 2008. The Seminars are designed for senior executives and leaders in business, government and civil society and delivered by internationally acclaimed speakers and an international faculty.

Senior staff and members of CBSR regularly attend and participate in these seminars, as they are an ideal opportunity to learn new leadership techniques, hear recent business case studies and engage with forward thinking executives and thought leaders. Note that all CBSR members are entitled to $1000 off the registration fee. For more information on the Business Leaders Seminar or to register please visit http://www.sustainableenterpriseacademy.com.