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Greening MBAs

How environmentally conscious are the nation’s top 50 business schools? Almost nine in 10 have one elective course in environmental management – but only 16 percent have integrated the topic into core requirements. Only 21 percent offer a degree in environmental management (as a dual degree with natural resources or forestry). Those are the findings of a study by the Management Institute for Environment and Business (MEB), a program of the World Resources Institute. The study ranked eight schools as offering the best environmental focus: George Washington University New York University (Stern) Northwestern University (Kellogg) University of Michigan University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler) University of Tennessee/Knoxville University of Virginia (Darden) University of Washington To order the report, Grey Pinstripes With Green Ties: [sorry this link is no longer available] To see the survey results: [sorry this link is no longer available] FROM Business Ethics

Honda Motor Co. will be offering the Civic model, the best selling small car in the U.S., as a hybrid-electric. It will first be sold overseas and is expected to enter the U.S. market in model year 2002 or 2003. All Honda four-cylinder gasoline engines worldwide will meet California’s super-ultra-low-emission (SULEV) vehicle standard worldwide by 2005. Beginning in the 2002 model year, General Motors will build full-size sport utility vehicles with the E85 engine, giving it flexible fuel capability. All Chevrolet Suburbans, Tahoes, Yukons and Yukon XL’s will be able to run on varying blends of ethanol and gasoline – from 100 percent gasoline to 85 percent ethanol. The Chevy S-10 and GMC Sonoma – small pickups – went into production with flexible fuel capacity in late 1999. By the end of the 2004 model year, GM will have produced over one million trucks with flex-fuel capability. On the fuel cell front, General Motors made an announcement in May that it is partnering with Giner Inc., a fuel cell technology research firm to facilitate commercial introduction of GM’s fuel cells. DaimlerChrysler promises that 20-30 fuel cell buses will be on the road by 2002, followed by passenger cars in 2004. […]

Sustainable Development Moves Up the Ladder in UK

Tony Blair, UK Prime Minister, appointed Jonathon Porritt, one of the country’s best known environmentalists, to chair the new Sustainable Development Commission. The Commission will be charged with integrating sustainable development throughout the economy. Porritt was formerly director of the UK Friends of the Earth and co-chair of the Green Party, and most recently founded Forum for the Future, a respected sustainable business NGO. His first order of business in his new role will be to appoint 15 commissioners who reflect the range of stakeholder interests throughout the country.

Interface Introduces First Biodegradable Carpet Product

Interface Inc. is introducing a carpet tile made from poly lactic acid (PLA), a renewable resource derived from corn. John Wells, president of Interface Americas, predicts that plant-derived products could make up as much as 10 percent of Interface’s business over the next three years. Interface, Inc., has exclusive rights to develop floorcovering products with PLA, which has been developed through a joint venture between Dow Chemical and Cargill at their new plant in Nebraska. The new floorcovering products will available to customers fourth quarter 2000.

New York Passes First Green Buildings Credit Bill

In May, Gov. George Pataki made history when he signed New York State’s Green Building Tax Credit – the first in the nation – into law. It provides $25 million in credits over the next five years to encourage owners and tenants of commercial and residential buildings to incorporate environmental features into buildings. The credits are intended to offset some of the additional upfront costs associated with high performance buildings. Buildings that meet the program’s minimum requirements will be 35 percent more energy efficient than required by state energy code; renovated buildings will be 25 percent more efficient. Qualifying buildings will meet standards on indoor air quality, waste disposal, energy and water use, and will be eligible for additional credits for incorporating renewable energy. For detailed information, contact Wayne Tusa, chair of Green Building Tax Credit task force of Environmental Business Association of NY State.

Peru Stops Unauthorized Logging

In an amazing action, Peru’s President, Alberto Fujimori, deployed the military to stop unauthorized logging by a U.S. company in the Amazon and ordered that 15.6 million acres be protected. He declared an “environmental state of emergency.” Newman Lumber Company of Mississippi was caught taking mahogany valued between $37-$40 million. Quoted in an article by the Associated Press, Fujimori said, “The exploitation of resources will take place under certain conditions. That is to say, in a sustainable manner, which means that with time the resources will be renovated and our forests will not be depleted.” The president of the lumber company countered that his company won a ruling from Peru’s Supreme Court to begin logging after the government shut down the operation nine months ago.

EPA Launches Performance Track Program for Business

Late last month, the U.S. EPA launched the National Environmental Performance Track program which rewards businesses for beyond-compliance environmental performance. The program rewards top performers – companies with a proven record of regulatory compliance, an operational Environmental Management System, and a demonstrated commitment to continued improvement and outreach to stakeholders. Participating companies will benefit through regulatory and administrative flexibility, a reduction in record keeping and reporting requirements, and national recognition. The EPA is accepting applications for charter applicants through September 30. track@indecon.com http://www.epa.gov/performancetrack

Common Sense Construction Means Reduced Emissions in UK

As of January 1, 2001, British homeowners and developers will be required to integrate standard energy efficient products into construction and renovation projects. The proposed standards for attic insulation, windows, and other common energy efficient products will save homeowners money and reduce emissions by 25 percent. This act alone will fulfill the country’s commitment to the Kyoto Protocol. There are standards for insulation in new or repaired roofs and walls, boiler efficiency, windows, and requirements for compact fluorescent bulbs in new construction. Presently, 46 percent of Britain’s carbon dioxide emissions come from heating and hot water, cooling and lighting.

Reducing Greenhouse Emissions Can Be Quite Profitable

According to a recently released report by USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development), environmental technologies and services that assist in reducing greenhouse emissions will be a rapidly growing market over the next ten years. The authors predict the market will grow from its present $29.9 billion today to between $52 -$65 billion by 2010. The report, “Market Opportunities for Climate Change Technologies and Services in Developing Countries,” explains that the energy sector is among the fastest growing sectors in most developing countries and also generates the largest proportion of greenhouse gas emissions. Energy suppliers will acquire over half of the market for climate change services – energy efficiency and clean fuel technologies.

160 of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. (70 percent of visits) have endorsed the Environmental Charter for Ski Areas, produced by the National Ski Areas Association. It was developed with support from the U.S. EPA and in consultation from environmental NGOs. Its’ 24 pages commit the industry to ongoing environmental performance assessments, to setting goals for improvement, and providing guidance on best practices. The Charter outlines elements of sustainable planning and design, stakeholder relations, environmental facility management, wildlife and forest management, and ways to integrate visitor environmental awareness with the resort experience. Ski resorts that follow the principles may display a “Sustainable Slopes” logo. SKI Magazine printed thousands of copies of the charter for ski areas to distribute to visitors. NSAA will collect data from resorts annually and issue a progress report. The EPA is providing technical assistance through its Water Alliance for Voluntary Efficiency, WasteWise, Energy Star, and Smart Growth programs. NSAA: [sorry this link is no longer available]

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