Antonio Pasolini's blogshttp://www.justmeans.com/editorials/corporatesocialresponsibility/4.htmlWed, 22 May 2013 00:13:36 GMThttp://www.justmeans.com en hourly 1http://www.justmeans.com/Scotiabank-EcoLiving-Awards-Finalists-Announced/59485.htmlTue, 21 May 2013 14:10:33 GMTAntonio Pasolini Nine companies that shine a new light on home energy efficiency products, services and solutions have been shortlisted for the 2013 Scotiabank EcoLiving Awards, a partnership between Scotiabank and Green Living Enterprises. The total prize is $75,000 in award incentives and the winners will be announced on June 6 during a gala ceremony at the Art Gallery in Toronto.The finalists were chosen from 89 entries, up 28 percent from last year's edition of the award. As part of the selection criteria, a Read Full Article ]]> Nine companies that shine a new light on home energy efficiency products, services and solutions have been shortlisted for the 2013 Scotiabank EcoLiving Awards, a partnership between Scotiabank and Green Living Enterprises. The total prize is $75,000 in award incentives and the winners will be announced on June 6 during a gala ceremony at the Art Gallery in Toronto.The finalists were chosen from 89 entries, up 28 percent from last year's edition of the award. As part of the selection criteria, all awards recipients must show they can attract the public's interest in energy efficiency through their submitted products or solutions.Judges include some luminaries of the sustainability community in Canada, including Valerie Becaert, Executive Director of the FQRNT/FQRSC; Thomas Mueller, Founding Director of the Canada Green Building Council; Yves Perrier, Architect and Sustainable Building consultant; Ed Whittingham, Executive Director of the Pembina Institute; and Tyler Hamilton, Editor-in-Chief and associate publisher of Corporate Knights."More Canadian homeowners are looking for energy saving solutions in response to rising costs," says Laurie Simmonds, CEO and President, Green Living Enterprises. "Scotiabank is taking a leadership role by recognizing businesses, innovators and students implementing and developing energy-saving ideas that are also end-user friendly, and hold the potential for mass adoption."Besides the award incentives, the 2013 winners will receive an inspiring sculpture created by award-winning goldsmith, crystal artist and designer Mark Raynes Roberts.The finalists are:Category: Scotiabank EcoLiving Business Leadership Award ($50,000) Ecobee (Toronto, ON) for Home IQ - A Wi-Fi thermostat, online web portal and smart phone app that integrate directly with Smart Meters and time-of-use electricity rates to help people understand, manage and reduce their energy consumption without sacrificing comfort. Enerpro Systems Corp./Olympic International Agencies (North Vancouver, BC) for SMARTFORME - An efficient and cost effective building energy system that is integrated with advanced metering technology to measure and manage resource consumption to serve the needs of the development industry, municipal authorities and the real estate consumer. Lanefab Design/Build (Vancouver, BC) for Net-Positive Urban Infill, laneway houses - Integrated design and construction of small scale fully independent homes with energy efficiency, design quality, and scalable-sustainability, while adding density to neighbourhoods and preserving existing community homes.Category: Scotiabank EcoLiving Innovators Award ($15,000) CircuitMeter Inc. (Ajax, ON) for CircuitMeter Residential Sub-metering Technology - A simple and affordable sub-metering system that identifies energy waste, operational anomalies, and off-spec behavior of equipment, to drive down energy costs by 27-34% in non metered multi-residential buildings, and save provincial terawatt-hours annually. Quinzee (Toronto, ON) - A web and mobile application that is gamifying and socializing energy use and enabling Ontarians with smart meters to be smarter homeowners. Utilizing consumer social benchmarking as a motivator for influencing efficient energy choices and behaviors consumers can easily track and compare energy use free of charge. Toronto Atmospheric Fund (Toronto, ON) for Energy Saving Performance Agreement - A customized non-debt financing product for building owners to demonstrate the viability of earning both financial and greenhouse gas reduction return on energy efficiency investments.Category: Scotiabank EcoLiving Student Leadership Award ($10,000) Benjamin Gillies (Winnipeg, MB) for FAACE Apartment Complex - FAACE (Functional, Affordable, Attractive, Compact and Efficient) Apartment Complex is a prototype for a new apartment complex that uses the best in modern design and furnishing innovation to provide more compact and efficient apartments that offer functionality, attractiveness and the ability to reduce each occupant's carbon footprint in a number of significant ways. McGill University (Montreal, QC) for The McGill Energy Project - A collaboration of students, faculty, and staff that combined research, innovative technologies and team work to create targeted savings in residence buildings, laboratories, and in heat and water networks to reduce McGill's 20 million dollar annual energy bill. Universite de Montreal, Faculte de l'amenagement, Ecole de design industriel (Montreal, QC) for Boltzmann Residential Energy Storage - A thermodynamic water heater designed to be operated in synergy with a split system air conditioner that provides an ingenious energy recovery system that allows for a significant reduction and leveling of electric consumption.Image credit: 2013 Scotiabank EcoLiving Awards]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Chrysler-Foundation-Helps-Flood-Victims-in-Howard-and-Tipton-Counties/59479.htmlMon, 20 May 2013 08:45:55 GMTAntonio Pasolini As a consequence of recent floods, almost 1,500 people have been affected by the flood in Howard and Tipton Counties in Indiana. Authorities say it's the worst flood on record. The Chrysler Foundation has announced grants amounting to $50,000 to help United Way of Howard County and Tipton County Foundation in their efforts to move residents into permanent housing."The Chrysler Foundation recognizes that natural disasters such as this can have overwhelming social and economic impact on both indiv Read Full Article ]]> As a consequence of recent floods, almost 1,500 people have been affected by the flood in Howard and Tipton Counties in Indiana. Authorities say it's the worst flood on record. The Chrysler Foundation has announced grants amounting to $50,000 to help United Way of Howard County and Tipton County Foundation in their efforts to move residents into permanent housing."The Chrysler Foundation recognizes that natural disasters such as this can have overwhelming social and economic impact on both individuals and communities," said Brian Harlow, Vice President, Head of NAFTA Powertrain Operations and Global Powertrain Manufacturing Engineering - Chrysler Group LLC. "Chrysler hopes that by joining hands with United Way of Howard County and the Tipton County Foundation, we can help area residents get back on their feet and into their homes."Earlier this month the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved Gov. Mike Pence's request for assistance and made local people and businesses eligible for low-interest loans. Besides Howard and Tipton, flood victims in Grant, Blackford, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Delaware, Hamilton, Huntington, Madison, Miami, Wabash and Wells are eligible.Those interested in making donations can do soonline or send checks to 210 W Walnut, Kokomo, IN 46901. Write: HoCoFlood in the memo line. Checks of any amount should be made to "Tipton County Foundation," and for the memo state "Disaster Relief." Mail donations to: TCF at P.O. Box 412, Tipton, IN 46072.For further information, call the Foundation at 765-675-1940.Image credit: Chrysler Group]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Air-Travel-Takes-On-Environmental-Challenges-the-Industry-Faces/59442.htmlFri, 17 May 2013 08:39:35 GMTAntonio Pasolini Scientists from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have issued a release saying the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has reached the feared milestone of 400 ppm (parts per million). The last time there was this level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was three million years ago when the Arctic region was 8C (46.4 F) warmer. The scientists say more needs to be done to prevent the release of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which comes mainly from the burning of fossil fu Read Full Article ]]> Scientists from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have issued a release saying the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has reached the feared milestone of 400 ppm (parts per million). The last time there was this level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was three million years ago when the Arctic region was 8C (46.4 F) warmer. The scientists say more needs to be done to prevent the release of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which comes mainly from the burning of fossil fuels.In the United States, electricity is the biggest source of emissions because the generation of electricity there requires the burning of fossil fuels. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2011 it accounted for about 38 percent of the total. Transportation comes second, since it also depends on fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel. It amounts to 31 percent of the U.S. CO2 emissions. This includes all transportation industries, such as land and marine transportation, rail and air travel.Air travel deserves special attention since, as far as transportation is concerned, it is where frequent travelers clock up most of their carbon footprint. The industry as a whole accounts for only five percent of the total (or 677 million tonnes in 2012, according to IATA), well behind the livestock industry which, according to a UN report from 2006, is responsible for 18 percent of the total. But air travel's share of CO2 emissions is set to grow because volume is outpacing gains in flight fuel efficiency. Meanwhile emissions from other sectors are falling, said the New York Times.The air travel sector is taking steps to mitigate its impact on the environment, though. Bloomberg reported this week that Airbus SAS, Air Canada (AC/A) and BioFuelNet Canada have entered an agreement to study clean jet fuel, said Business Week. The aim is to eventually supply the Canadian carrier and reduce its emissions. The agreement was signed in Montreal on Monday 13. The first step is a study due to be completed by the end of the year. The study will look at different processes and raw materials available for biofuel production.Algae has emerged as a viable candidate for sustainable raw material for jet fuel. Back in 2010, the Pentagon announced that U.S. jets would soon use a new type algae-based fuel. It contracted, Solazyme, a bioproduct company in San Francisco, to provide 100% algae-based jet fuel. Solazyme sent 1,500 gallons of Soladiesel to the Navy for testing in July, and in September the company announced it satisfied its contract with the Navy by providing 20,000 gallons. It was the largest microbial shipboard fuel delivery in history.Biofuels are definitely where the air transport sector will be looking at to reduce its emissions. However, the biofuel industry first needs to be scale up to commercial production in order to reach competitive levels. For now, they are several times more expensive than fossil jet fuels.But it's not only on fuels that airlines are working to boost their green credentials. Earlier this week Southwest Airlines released its latest triple bottom line report outlining the actions it has taken and the results achieved. The company said in 2012 it diverted nearly 2,900 tons of material, or the weight equivalent of more than 69 Boeing 737-700s, from landfills and into recycling facilities with its co-mingled recycling program. This is a seven percent increase over 2011 figures, exceeding the goal of a 2.5 percent improvement.Last week at IATA's Fuel Forum in Berlin, CEO Tony Tyler made some remarks that signal industry concerns over its future and its relationship to the environment. The industry has set goals reduce its environmental impact that include improving fuel efficiency by 1.5% annually until 2020; achieving carbon-neutral growth from 2020 (CNG2020); cutting our net emissions in half by 2050 compared to 2005 levels; investing in new technology."Aviation is committed to the use of biofuels. They represent a tremendous opportunity for sustainable growth as well as employment and economic development and we encourage governments to take the next steps toward enabling industrial scale production so that they may be made affordable over the long term," he said.Image credit: Southwest Airlines]]>http://www.justmeans.com/National-PTA-and-Discovery-Education-Hit-the-Road-to-Fight-Bullying/59359.htmlWed, 15 May 2013 06:41:13 GMTAntonio Pasolini Bullying is not a new problem but it's one that has escalated and gained visibility in the last decades. It can destroy lives and cause untold misery to people who find themselves targeted by bullies. School children are the biggest victims of bullying, which results in a complex challenge to parents and education professionals.National PTA and Discovery Education have joined the efforts to prevent bullying with a series of town halls that launched last week. Besides prevention, the halls will d Read Full Article ]]> Bullying is not a new problem but it's one that has escalated and gained visibility in the last decades. It can destroy lives and cause untold misery to people who find themselves targeted by bullies. School children are the biggest victims of bullying, which results in a complex challenge to parents and education professionals.National PTA and Discovery Education have joined the efforts to prevent bullying with a series of town halls that launched last week. Besides prevention, the halls will discuss mental health assistance with students, parents, educators and other community members across the nation. The program was developed to create a meaningful response to President Obama's call for action on the issue.The project kicked off in Charlotte on May 9 and will move to Cincinatti on June 20, plus other cities throughout the year. Of these, some of the town halls will focus on family-school partnerships while others will focus on student interventions. All conferences will feature a taped message from Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden, in addition to an experienced panel of experts who will provide information on and solutions to bullying behaviors and on how to access mental health assistance.The Cincinnati town hall will be part of the 2013 National PTA Convention and Youth Summit this June. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Kari Byron, co-host of MythBusters, will be featured speakers at the town hall. Discoveryeducation.com also will host a wide assortment of content that addresses contemporary issues students face around bullying."The students in our nation have a right to receive a high-quality education to prepare for their futures, and if they cannot go to school without fearing for their safety, they cannot exercise that right," said Bill Goodwyn, CEO, Discovery Education.Image credit: National PTA]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Canadian-Retailers-to-Ban-Sow-Gestation-Crates/59270.htmlFri, 10 May 2013 18:02:09 GMTAntonio Pasolini Sow gestation crates are one of the cruelest components of intensive animal farming. An increasing number of retailers are dropping suppliers who use them. The latest announcement related to the topic was made by the Retail Council of Canada, who said that eight of the largest Canadian supermarket chains, including Walmart Canada, Costco Canada, Metro, Loblaw, Safeway Canada, Federated Co-operatives, Sobeys and Co-op Atlantic, will move away from this method of confinement in their supply system Read Full Article ]]> Sow gestation crates are one of the cruelest components of intensive animal farming. An increasing number of retailers are dropping suppliers who use them. The latest announcement related to the topic was made by the Retail Council of Canada, who said that eight of the largest Canadian supermarket chains, including Walmart Canada, Costco Canada, Metro, Loblaw, Safeway Canada, Federated Co-operatives, Sobeys and Co-op Atlantic, will move away from this method of confinement in their supply systems over the next nine years. Humane Society International/Canada and The Humane Society of the United States welcomed the announcement.More than one million breeding sows are kept on Canadian farms, the majority of them confined in cages known as gestation crates. These are cages used to tightly confine breeding pigs to the point where the animals can't even turn around for nearly their entire lives. The animals are subsequently transferred into another crate to give birth, re-impregnated, and put back into a gestation crate. This happens pregnancy after pregnancy for their entire lives, adding up to years of virtual immobilization. This confinement system has come under fire from veterinarians, farmers, animal welfare advocates, animal scientists, consumers and others.The announcement comes at a time when the National Farm Animal Care Council, a governmental funded organization, is reviewing and revising its Codes of Practice and considering a nationwide phase-out of gestation crates."Increasingly, stakeholder expectations have been changing and industry is being encouraged to shift towards alternative [gestation crate-free] housing practices. The Retail Council of Canada believes that sows should be housed in an environment where their pregnancy, health and well-being are taken into highest consideration," the Retail Council of Canada said in a press release.Similar announcements were made recently by other food companies, signaling a reversal in a three-decade-old trend in the pork industry that leaves most breeding pigs confined day and night in gestation crates during their four-month pregnancy.Image credit: Humane Society International/Canada]]>http://www.justmeans.com/TerraPass-Helps-VivaTerra-Green-Up-its-Shipping/59261.htmlThu, 09 May 2013 19:37:59 GMTAntonio Pasolini Online and catalog green lifestyle retailer VivaTerra will make its operations even greener by purchasing carbon offsets and renewable energy credits (RECs) from TerraPass, a leading provider of such products.Customers will be given the choice to purchase carbon offsets during check-out in order to mitigate the carbon footprint of their packages, similarly to airline passengers who choose this option before flying.The $1 carbon offset add-on ?reduces greenhouse gas emissions ?that equal to ?turn Read Full Article ]]> Online and catalog green lifestyle retailer VivaTerra will make its operations even greener by purchasing carbon offsets and renewable energy credits (RECs) from TerraPass, a leading provider of such products.Customers will be given the choice to purchase carbon offsets during check-out in order to mitigate the carbon footprint of their packages, similarly to airline passengers who choose this option before flying.The $1 carbon offset add-on ?reduces greenhouse gas emissions ?that equal to ?turning off a laptop for about ?four? months and goes to support the Red Hills Wind Farm in Oklahoma. This project puts renewable energy on the grid in an area that is predominantly powered by coal.Recently?,? TerraPass helped Colby College boost its sustainability credentials when it helped the organization to invest in greenhouse gas reduction at the City of Presque Isle Landfill. The investment helped Colby reach its carbon neutrality, a projected that spanned a decade. Revenue from these offsets directly funds reduction in the landfill's greenhouse gas emissions.TerraPass's carbon offsets are 100% verified against accepted standards by independent third party verifiers. The company's primary standards are the Verified Carbon Standard and the Climate Action Reserve.Image credit: TerraPass]]>http://www.justmeans.com/New-Paper-Shows-Fracking-Drilling-Concentrates-in-Water-Pressed-Areas/59220.htmlTue, 07 May 2013 14:52:10 GMTAntonio Pasolini A new paper sends an extra word of environmental caution to policy makers and industry leaders regarding hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, a type of gas drilling. A new Ceres research paper on water use in areas with fracking operations shows that a significant portion of this activity is happening in water stressed regions of the United States, especially in Texas and Colorado. Both states are in the midst of prolonged drought conditions.The report was compiled with data on well dri Read Full Article ]]> A new paper sends an extra word of environmental caution to policy makers and industry leaders regarding hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, a type of gas drilling. A new Ceres research paper on water use in areas with fracking operations shows that a significant portion of this activity is happening in water stressed regions of the United States, especially in Texas and Colorado. Both states are in the midst of prolonged drought conditions.The report was compiled with data on well drilling and water use provided by FracFocus.org, and water stress indicator maps developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI). The research shows that nearly 47 percent of the wells were developed in water basins with high or extremely high water stress. The FracFocus' data was collected on 25,450 wells in operation from January 2011 through September 2012.FracFocus.org, launched in 2011 as a voluntary national hydraulic fracturing chemical registry, is a database that provides the location and date that each oil and gas well was developed and the chemical additives and total volume of water injected down each well. WRI's water stress indicator maps are part of a recently launched Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas, which provides a comprehensive, high-resolution picture of water-related risks worldwide. By linking the two datasets together through matching latitude and longitude coordinates, the report provides insights about the extent and distribution of well production activity in regions with water competition challenges.The paper concludes that industry efforts underway, such as expanded use of recycled water and non-freshwater resources, need to be scaled up along with better water management planning if shale energy production is to grow as projected.Among the recommendations for companies and regulators are requirements for companies to set quantifiable water use targets, including recycling and non-freshwater use targets; comprehensive mandatory disclosure by companies of how much freshwater, non-freshwater and recycled water they are using region by region as well as how much water is returning to the surface and where it is ending up; ensure that companies have a local stakeholder engagement process in place on water issues.Image credit: Ceres]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Sappi-Fine-Paper-Launches-Socially-Responsible-Design-Grant-Program/59181.htmlMon, 06 May 2013 20:26:07 GMTAntonio Pasolini Sappi Fine Paper North America has launched the 2013 edition of its grant program to give socially-inclined designers an opportunity to contribute to social good. Called Ideas That Matter, the grant was launched 14 years ago and is aimed at designers who use their skills to improve communications for various charitable activities.Since its inception in 1999, Sappi has funded over 500 nonprofit projects, contributing more than $12 million worldwide to causes that benefit people and the planet. Sa Read Full Article ]]> Sappi Fine Paper North America has launched the 2013 edition of its grant program to give socially-inclined designers an opportunity to contribute to social good. Called Ideas That Matter, the grant was launched 14 years ago and is aimed at designers who use their skills to improve communications for various charitable activities.Since its inception in 1999, Sappi has funded over 500 nonprofit projects, contributing more than $12 million worldwide to causes that benefit people and the planet. Sappi estimates that these projects have directly impacted people and communities across 24 states and 15 countries."Sappi understands that the lasting legacy of the Ideas that Matter program are the individual lives that are positively impacted and forever changed because of the grant-funded projects," said Jennifer Miller, Executive Vice President, Coated Business and Chief Sustainability Officer, Sappi Fine Paper North America."The projects are assessed on their creativity and practical outcomes. They are selected by an independent panel of judges comprised of leaders and influencers in the design industry. For the 2013 edition, Sappi has invited Bill Drenttel, President of Winterhouse Institute based in Connecticut; Erin Huizenga, Director of New Business Development at Remedy in Chicago; Jennifer Kinon, Founding Partner at Original Champions of Design/OCD based in New York City; Michael Lejeune, Creative Director at Metro in Los Angeles; Alissa Walker, freelance design writer in Los Angeles.Individual designers, design firms, agencies, in-house corporate design departments, design instructors, individual design students and design student groups can apply for an Ideas that Matter grant. The designer or the nonprofit must be based in North America. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $50,000 per project. At least a portion of the project must be printed, though additional elements may include a variety of communication mediums.The grant application process for Ideas that Matter is similar to submitting a client creative brief or strategic plan. Basic information is required including the mission statement of the benefiting nonprofit organization and a copy of its 501(c)(3) designation; a written description of the proposed project, including a list of elements to be part of the program; a brief description of the project's objectives; a visual presentation of the proposed idea; a project timeline and proposed budget; a summary of information about the applicant; the applicant's resume; and samples of the applicant's previous work.One novelty being introduced in 2013 is that proposals may include up to 10% of the total budget as an honorarium for the applying designer or design firm.To find out more and apply, follow the link or call 800-882-4332. Applications for proposals must be postmarked by July 19, 2013. The winners will be announced in September 2013.Image credit: Sappi Fine Paper]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Kaiser-Permanente-Earns-Green-Awards-for-Sustainability-Efforts/59085.htmlFri, 03 May 2013 13:43:29 GMTAntonio Pasolini The health care sector, due to the very nature of its operations, is a major user of energy and generator of waste. Many institutions in the sector are working to reduce their environmental impact by making their operations more energy-efficient, reducing waste and designing more efficient processes.Kaiser Permanente is one of them and the company is celebrating 29 environmental excellence awards it received this year from Practice Greenhealth, the national membership organization for hospitals Read Full Article ]]> The health care sector, due to the very nature of its operations, is a major user of energy and generator of waste. Many institutions in the sector are working to reduce their environmental impact by making their operations more energy-efficient, reducing waste and designing more efficient processes.Kaiser Permanente is one of them and the company is celebrating 29 environmental excellence awards it received this year from Practice Greenhealth, the national membership organization for hospitals and health systems committed to environmentally responsible operations and care.For the fourth time the organization has received the System for Change Award, which recognizes health systems that are working to gather data, set system goals, benchmark and share successes in environmental performance.Besides, its Roseville Medical Center in California has received the highest possible hospital award, becoming a member of Practice Greenhealth's Environmental Leadership Circle for setting an example in how to address its environmental impact and implementing long-term sustainability features into its facilities."Kaiser Permanente understands that the health of the environment is inextricably linked to human health and the overall health of communities," said Raymond J. Baxter, PhD, senior vice president for Community Benefit, Research and Health Policy. "This award recognizes the tremendous efforts by Kaiser Permanente employees and physicians who work tirelessly to assure that our medical facilities and services are delivering health care in a manner that benefits our members, our communities and the environment."Among the actions Kaiser Permanente takes to mitigate its environmental impact are setting ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through on-site renewable energy use and energy conservation measures, providing sustainable food for its patient meals, safe recycling of single-use medical devices to eliminate waste, and eliminating toxins such as DEHP and PVC from many of its medical supplies.Altogether, Kaiser Permanente has won 171 awards from Practice Greenhealth in the last 11 years.Image credit: Practice Greenhealth]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Canadians-Challenged-to-Save-Energy/59076.htmlThu, 02 May 2013 14:25:00 GMTAntonio Pasolini Developed, rich countries are quite efficient, in most economic activities, but one field where they fall short is energy. According to WWF, cheap and abundant fossil fuels have spawned bad habits that generate a great deal of waste. Besides, methods of producing, distributing and using energy are very inefficient.Canada is one of the most wasteful countries in the world when it comes to energy, behind the U.S. who started to lead the ranking in 2013. In order to tackle the problem, the Canadian Read Full Article ]]> Developed, rich countries are quite efficient, in most economic activities, but one field where they fall short is energy. According to WWF, cheap and abundant fossil fuels have spawned bad habits that generate a great deal of waste. Besides, methods of producing, distributing and using energy are very inefficient.Canada is one of the most wasteful countries in the world when it comes to energy, behind the U.S. who started to lead the ranking in 2013. In order to tackle the problem, the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance has launched the Eco-City Community Challenge, whose aim is to capture and reward the energy savings deeds that Canadian do in their homes, and encourage them to achieve more."We are excited about launching the Eco-City Community Challenge, and thrilled that Scotiabank EcoLiving has partnered with us to bring this initiative to Canadians," said Elizabeth McDonald, President and CEO of the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance. "Our recent survey of Canadians conducted by The Gandalf Group indicated that over 60% of Canadians want to do more in terms of energy efficiency."To enter the contest, eligible participants have to fill out a form that can be found here. One grand-prize winner will take home a package of five energy-efficient Whirlpool appliances from The Home Depot Canada. In total their retail value adds up to more $8,000. They include the Whirlpool Duet Front Load Washer, Whirlpool Duet Dryer, Whirlpool 36-inch French Door Bottom Mount Refrigerator, Whirlpool Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Interior and PowerScourTM Option, and a Whirlpool Electric Range. The winner will be selected in a draw conducted from all eligible electronic entries received during the contest period (already open) and will be chosen at random by the program manager, Green Living Enterprises, no later than December 1, 2013.Not only individuals will have their energy-saving efforts recognized. The Pembina Institute will use data generated from the Eco-City Community Challenge website to make calculations to find the biggest energy saver in one city or town per province or territory. Image credit: Eco-City Community Challenge]]>http://www.justmeans.com/New-App-Promotes-Sustainability-Through-Carpooling/59065.htmlWed, 01 May 2013 19:02:34 GMTAntonio Pasolini SAP has launched a new software product to help its employees save emissions during commuting. Called TwoGo, the app allows the company's employees to engage in ride-sharing to work, besides reducing costs for corporate fleets, parking infrastructure and travel expenses. TwoGo has been deployed internally at SAP since July 2011, and the company estimates it has generated more than $5 million invalue.Cloud-based TwoGo can be used by any organization who would like to give their employees an oppor Read Full Article ]]> SAP has launched a new software product to help its employees save emissions during commuting. Called TwoGo, the app allows the company's employees to engage in ride-sharing to work, besides reducing costs for corporate fleets, parking infrastructure and travel expenses. TwoGo has been deployed internally at SAP since July 2011, and the company estimates it has generated more than $5 million invalue.Cloud-based TwoGo can be used by any organization who would like to give their employees an opportunity to be matched into carpools automatically and according to their individual preferences. Moreover, TwoGo features unique capabilities to help drive employee participation in a company's ride-sharing program."TwoGo by SAP is another great example of how our innovations help the world run better. We've combined our mobile and cloud technologies into a carpooling solution to help provide immediate economic, environmental and social benefits to companies and their employees," said Peter Graf, chief sustainability officer, SAP.Companies with corporate fleets can benefit from the solution by minimizing maintenance costs and preserving vehicle resale value. It also supports companies looking for a way to make vanpooling more affordable and effective by seeking riders to find and regularly fill the van. Finally, TwoGo helps organizations demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and engaging employees in that mission.For individuals, there are also significant ecological and economic benefits. In very large U.S. urban areas, the average commuter spends $16 and 52 minutes going 32 miles round trip to work each day. TwoGocan help people save money and time. By carpooling, employees may recoup some of this lost productivity by encouraging networking and brainstorming on the road. In addition, TwoGo may create a morenetworked culture, helping employees to feel better informed and involved with their peers.To encourage employee adoption, TwoGo can be used on various mobile devices, the Web as well as calendar applications. Once a company licenses the solution, employees can sign up online and enter ride-sharing preferences such as proximity, timing to and from work and willingness to leave the highway to pick up passengers.Unlike some other solutions, where would-be carpoolers must go through lists to find the right partner, withTwoGo, once preferences are entered, rides are instantly matched and communication is handledautomatically via email or SMS. Moreover, TwoGo employs sophisticated algorithms designed to ensure that employees do not get stranded at work. To help locate desirable matches in an easy and clear way, TwoGois powered by HERE, Nokia's location cloud, which delivers one of the leading map and location experiences across multiple screens and operating systems.Thomas Cook is one example of a company using TwoGo with great results. "TwoGo by SAP encourages employees to participate in reaching our goal to create a more sustainable future. As a member of the beta program and long-time SAP customer, we are happy to work with SAP to develop an application that helps us meet our sustainability targets, reduce costs for our company and employees and build a more social, connected company," said Dr. Julian Clemenz, head of sustainability management, Thomas Cook Central Europe."We are excited to partner with SAP on this new venture that we anticipate will bring accurate and comprehensive global maps, traffic information and routing capabilities to enterprise customers," said Christof Hellmis, vice president of Nokia's Map Platform.Companies of all sizes can benefit from TwoGo, including allowing employees to carpool with people working at neighboring companies that use TwoGo. It works with any iCal-compatible corporate calendarapplication, such as Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes or Google. This enables users to create and change rides within the context of their daily work schedule.It's available in several languages (English, German, Spanish or French) and accommodates international time zones, maps and measurement units. The mobile app can also provide administrators with reports on employees' commuting habits and usage trends.Image credit: SAP]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Ecolab-Aims-at-New-Sustainability-Targets/59062.htmlMon, 29 Apr 2013 09:31:08 GMTAntonio Pasolini Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies, has announced a new five-year plan make its operations more sustainable. Based on the company's 2012 metrics Ecolab will work to achieve a five percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a 10 percent reduction in water use and wastewater discharge, and a 10 percent reduction in solid waste. These targets are per million dollars in sales.Since Ecolab merged with Nalco Company 2011, the combined company has strengthened i Read Full Article ]]> Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies, has announced a new five-year plan make its operations more sustainable. Based on the company's 2012 metrics Ecolab will work to achieve a five percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a 10 percent reduction in water use and wastewater discharge, and a 10 percent reduction in solid waste. These targets are per million dollars in sales.Since Ecolab merged with Nalco Company 2011, the combined company has strengthened its ecological footprint by combining their respective expertise and reach. Ecolab achieved a 19 percent reduction in U.S. GHG emissions from the 2006 baseline, attaining 95 percent of its stated goal within 83 percent of the time frame. The company also reduced waste by 20 percent between 2009 and 2012, against a target of 18 percent. In 2007, Nalco set a target of reducing its total energy use 10 percent globally by the end of 2012, and achieved 84 percent of its goal within 80 percent of the planned time frame."Sustainability is core to our purpose of making the world cleaner, safer and healthier," said Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab chairman and chief executive officer. "Through our total impact approach, we consider the economic, social and environmental impacts of our products and services to deliver sustainable results for our customers and improve our own operations."All those sustainability efforts have resulted in recognition for Ecolab. In 2012, the company was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, the FTSE4Good Index, the Carbon Disclosure Project's Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index for the third consecutive year and to the Maplecroft Climate Innovation Index for the third consecutive year.It also received the American Chemistry Council Responsible Care Energy Efficiency Award, the NAFA Fleet Management Association Sustainable Fleet Award and was named to Ethisphere Institute's list of the world's most ethical companies for the seventh consecutive year.Image credit: Ecolab]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Despite-Troubled-Markets--Just-Green-Expands-its-Portfolio-of-Carbon-Offsetting-Services/59039.htmlFri, 26 Apr 2013 15:50:46 GMTAntonio Pasolini Recent news headlines are proclaiming trouble in carbon markets. Questions are being raised about the world's global system of carbon trading, the United Nations' backed Clean Development Mechanism, due to the lack of firm guarantees by governments to support the system beyond this year. And the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme, the oldest and largest carbon market in the world, has been roiled by drastically falling prices. Despite these difficulties, some companies are growing their successful st Read Full Article ]]> Recent news headlines are proclaiming trouble in carbon markets. Questions are being raised about the world's global system of carbon trading, the United Nations' backed Clean Development Mechanism, due to the lack of firm guarantees by governments to support the system beyond this year. And the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme, the oldest and largest carbon market in the world, has been roiled by drastically falling prices. Despite these difficulties, some companies are growing their successful strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Just Green Community, Just Energy Group's green energy initiative, hasadded a new service to its portfolio. Called JustGreen BusinessAdvantage, it is a new green energy initiative designed to help businessesneutralize their carbon output and do their share to slow globalwarming and climate change. The service allows customers to pursuerenewable and sustainable energy solutions that support green energyprojects across North America.The program offers three participation levels: Select, Plus and Elite.Each one of them comprises a monthly membership plan designed toassist companies of all sizes reduce their carbon footprint throughinvestment in carbon offsets. Members will benefit from a host ofmarketing assets designed to help them promote to employees andcustomers their commitment to environmental sustainability."We are excited to offer JustGreen Business Advantage as a carbonoffset product for businesses large and small who desire a simple andeffective solution to reduce and neutralize their carbon emissions inthe battle against global warming", says GP Manalac, JustGreenExecutive VP. "More and more, companies are noting the competitiveadvantage to be gained by environmental stewardship through enhancedcorporate reputation among a growing number of environmentallyconscious consumers."Participants also have the option to allocate the carbon offsets to agreen energy project that is meaningful to them. This way they cansupport local communities and economies through job creation andreduced greenhouse gas emissions. Green projects include solar, hydro,wind power, and methane capture facilities. Third party verified, thecarbon offset products meet the highest industry standards available.On behalf of its customers, the company has invested over $70 millionon green energy projects to date. This investment has enabled clients to offset over 1.23 million metric tons of carbon emissions, the equivalent to taking 240,000 cars off the road for an entire year. It has also generated 4 million MWh of renewable energy, which is enough to power over 380,000 homes for an entire year.Image credit: Just Green Business Advantage]]>http://www.justmeans.com/American-Carbon-Registry-Recognizes-GM-s-Sustainability-Efforts/59028.htmlThu, 25 Apr 2013 16:54:36 GMTAntonio Pasolini Thanks to its sustainability efforts that have seen a reduction in manufacturing emissions by 60 percent since 1990 and boosted its recycling rate of manufacturing waste to 90 percent, General Motors has been recognized by the American Carbon Registry, a leading carbon offset non-profit.Other initiatives include reducing water and fossil fuel use and large investments in fuel-efficient vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt. "Our commitment to the environment is company-wide and broad in scope," sa Read Full Article ]]> Thanks to its sustainability efforts that have seen a reduction in manufacturing emissions by 60 percent since 1990 and boosted its recycling rate of manufacturing waste to 90 percent, General Motors has been recognized by the American Carbon Registry, a leading carbon offset non-profit.Other initiatives include reducing water and fossil fuel use and large investments in fuel-efficient vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt. "Our commitment to the environment is company-wide and broad in scope," said GM Director of Sustainability David Tulauskas. "Every day our 200,000-plus GM employees around the world make progress in our efforts to improve the sustainability of our vehicles and the plants that build them."One of GM's sustainability projects is the Chevrolet Carbon Reduction Initiative. Through it, Chevrolet invests in local, community-based carbon-reduction projects throughout the United States with a goal to reducing up to 8 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. This is equivalent to the estimated CO2 emissions in 2011 from driving the 1.9 million vehicles it sold in the United States between Nov. 18, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2011."The Chevy Carbon Reduction Initiative takes Chevrolet's commitment to the environment a step beyond providing fuel-efficient and electrified vehicles from plants that do not send any wastes to landfills," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. "It's about connecting with our customers in a different way, a way that directly impacts them and the communities in which they live and work."The initiative will retire carbon credits from a variety of projects, including a National Forest Foundation project to restore 250 acres of the San Juan National Forest in Colorado, as well as the IdleAir project helping long-haul truckers avoid running their engines to power accessories during rest breaks at truck stops.Solar power and birdsGM recently became a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association to highlight its commitment to clean energy. The company's solar arrays in the United States generated enough electricity in 2012 to power 800 U.S. homes; that figure is expected to double in 2013.The company recently was commended by the Detroit Audubon Society for its efforts to protect migrating birds. The organization praised the auto company for its continuous support for its Safe Passage Great Lakes which co-organized with Michigan Audubon. Safe Passage Great Lakes, launched in 2006, was the first state-wide effort in the nation aimed at protecting migratory birds. It was inspired by projects such as the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors and the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) in Toronto. GM has been supporting the project from the beginning.Source: GM]]>http://www.justmeans.com/ING-Stretches-Earth-Day-to-Week-Long-Celebration/59000.htmlWed, 24 Apr 2013 06:19:33 GMTAntonio Pasolini Yesterday, 192 nations - plus Google - celebrated Earth Day, a date inaugurated in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson to raise awareness about the need to preserve our planet. The truth is, every day is Earth Day and to make the celebrations last longer personal finance company ING U.S. has launched a week-long campaign that kicked off last Friday and will continue until the coming Friday.All through this week, ING U.S. employees are participating in a wide range of activities, including sustai Read Full Article ]]> Yesterday, 192 nations - plus Google - celebrated Earth Day, a date inaugurated in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson to raise awareness about the need to preserve our planet. The truth is, every day is Earth Day and to make the celebrations last longer personal finance company ING U.S. has launched a week-long campaign that kicked off last Friday and will continue until the coming Friday.All through this week, ING U.S. employees are participating in a wide range of activities, including sustainable transportation surveys, energy pledges, photo contests, brown-bag learning sessions, lights-out hours, planting, cleanups and recycling collections."Our focus on environmental sustainability requires a corporate commitment as well as cultural integration that includes continuous improvement, awareness and, most importantly, action. We pride ourselves on providing opportunities for employees to participate and learn about preserving the environment," said Rhonda Mims, president of the ING Foundation and head of the ING U.S. Office of Corporate Responsibility. "As part of that process, we recognize Earth Day with a week's worth of earth-friendly events so our employees learn about using less and recycling more, not just on April 22, but every day."Among the activities planned for this is a Garden Volunteer Activity, which will be held in association with Take Your Kids to Work Day and Chester County Food Bank. It will take place on Thursday in West Chester (PA), where the company has implemented onsite composting programs to divert over 70% of waste from landfills.The company has also installed electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its sites in Atlanta, West Chester and Scottsdale. It says those efforts have resulted in reductions of energy use (31%), paper consumption (59%), landfill waste (57%), and water use (18%).Image credit: ING]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Finalists-Listed-for--5K-AWEARNESS-Grants/58958.htmlFri, 19 Apr 2013 12:57:33 GMTAntonio Pasolini The six student finalists for the AWEARNESS Grants have been announced. The awards go to support student-led social enterprises and are distributed by The Kenneth Cole Foundation and Compass Partners, an international social entrepreneurship program on college campuses. Fashion designer and social activist Kenneth Cole will award three $5,000 grants to members of The Compass Fellowship."There is a global shortage of committed, impassioned and determined young social entrepreneurs, and community Read Full Article ]]> The six student finalists for the AWEARNESS Grants have been announced. The awards go to support student-led social enterprises and are distributed by The Kenneth Cole Foundation and Compass Partners, an international social entrepreneurship program on college campuses. Fashion designer and social activist Kenneth Cole will award three $5,000 grants to members of The Compass Fellowship."There is a global shortage of committed, impassioned and determined young social entrepreneurs, and community builders. The AWEARNESS grant will directly support the Fellows in their individual quests to make a difference," said Kenneth Cole, founder and CEO of Kenneth Cole Productions.Finalists for the grants were determined based on their awareness of the problem they are trying to solve, the sustainable model for their venture, and their plan to use the AWEARNESS Grant to make tangible progress.The finalists are Rachel Acree (Georgetown University) of Clothes Connection, Catherine Mitchell (Stanford University) of Love-In-A-Box, Emily Raleigh (Fordham University) of The Smart Girls Group, Adrian Rodriguez (Stanford University) of The Dynamic Speaking Label, Alexander Shirley (American University) of Green Eggs Urban Agriculture and Alice Wang (University of California: Berkeley) of CA$HFLOW.The announcement of the three winners of the AWEARNESS Grants was made on during Shift Series, the annual conference of The Compass Fellowship held in Washington, DC last week. ? ?The Shift Series brings together nearly 150 students from across the United States to share their social venture ideas and network with mentors who will help accelerate their entrepreneurial work. During the conference, attendees focus on one central question: How can we prepare the world today to address tomorrow's social problems? Students from 13 universities in, New York, Washington, Boston, North Carolina, San Francisco, Connecticut and Indiana were in attendance.Image credit: Kenneth Cole ]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Possible-New-Treatment-Brings-New-Hope-for-Alcohol-dependent-Individuals/58949.htmlFri, 19 Apr 2013 06:58:44 GMTAntonio Pasolini A study published this week in Biologic Psychiatry says that nalmefene could be effective against alcohol addiction. The finding could signal a shift in treatment, which so far focuses on abstinence as the primary choice, followed by chemical treatments in cases of relapse. The problem is that relapse rates are high andfor many patients abstinence is a difficult goal.?Nalmefene is a newer opioid receptor but it was studied for having previously shown potential for reducing alcohol consumption. I Read Full Article ]]> A study published this week in Biologic Psychiatry says that nalmefene could be effective against alcohol addiction. The finding could signal a shift in treatment, which so far focuses on abstinence as the primary choice, followed by chemical treatments in cases of relapse. The problem is that relapse rates are high andfor many patients abstinence is a difficult goal.?Nalmefene is a newer opioid receptor but it was studied for having previously shown potential for reducing alcohol consumption. It has a subtly different profile at opioid receptor subtypes, with increased relative potency for kappa opiate receptors compared to its potency at mu opiate receptors."Our new findings may mark a true paradigm shift in the treatment of men and women who suffer from alcohol related disorders. While abstinence should be the best bet, a reduction in consumption may be a valuable alternative for the many patients who cannot attain abstinence or are not (yet) capable of doing so," said Dr. Karl Mann at Central Institute of Mental Health in Germany, who led the research.Mann and his colleagues conducted a clinical trial to investigate the effectiveness of nalmefene in reducing alcohol consumption. They recruited 604 alcohol-dependent patients, half of whom were randomized to receive nalmefene, while the other half received visually-identical placebo pills. Neither patients nor their doctors knew which treatment they were receiving. Patients were instructed to take one tablet on each day they perceived a risk of drinking alcohol, and were followed by the study investigators for 24 weeks.The findings? of the study? showed promise. Nalmefene was significantly better than placebo in reducing alcohol consumption and it improved patients' clinical status and liver enzymes. It was also generally well-tolerated, with most side effects characterized as mild or moderate and quickly resolved."With nalmefene, we seem to be able to 'block the buzz' which makes people continue to drink larger amounts. With such a harm reduction approach, a new chapter in treating alcoholism could be opened," said Mann.Researchers believe the findings suggest that an "as-needed" prescription of nalmefene could be an effective treatment for alcohol dependence. The as-needed approach, that is, ?the medication doesn't have to ?be ?taken every day, targets medication administration to periods where alcohol use is more likely."It is encouraging to see the efficacy of nalmefene in this clinical trial. There is a need for more treatment options for the pharmacotherapy of alcoholism," said Dr. John Krystal, Biological Psychiatry's editor "This study also provides support for 'as-needed' treatment, an approach that may be attractive to many patients. However, it flies in the face of the notion that daily treatment may protect people who are either ambivalent about treatment or unaware when they are particularly at risk for relapse."?The researchers say further studies are needed to ?confirm? nalmefene as ?a safe ?chemical therapy for individuals negatively affected by alcohol consumption, who in the U.S. alone can amount to 18 million people.Image credit: Elsevier]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Campbell-Soup-Company-Features-in-Top-Ten-CSR-List/58930.htmlWed, 17 Apr 2013 12:21:51 GMTAntonio Pasolini The Campbell Soup Company is in celebratory mood for having appeared, for the third consecutive year, in the top ten list of all large-cap Russell 1000 companies on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens List. The list is regarded as the top corporate responsibility ranking based on publicly-available information.Sustainability and CSR are important pillars of the Campbell Soup's corporate culture and its related strategies are designed to generate value for custo Read Full Article ]]> The Campbell Soup Company is in celebratory mood for having appeared, for the third consecutive year, in the top ten list of all large-cap Russell 1000 companies on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's annual 100 Best Corporate Citizens List. The list is regarded as the top corporate responsibility ranking based on publicly-available information.Sustainability and CSR are important pillars of the Campbell Soup's corporate culture and its related strategies are designed to generate value for customers, the planet, employees and the community at large."We are honored to be recognized for our corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts in the communities where we live and work," said Dave Stangis, Campbell's Vice President, Public Affairs and Corporate Responsibility. "At Campbell, we are focused on delivering business value by reducing our carbon footprint, promoting a sustainable environment and making a meaningful contribution to the workplace, marketplace and community."Launched in 2000, the 100 Best Corporate Citizens List is based on over 318 data points of publicly available information in seven categories: environment, climate change, human rights, employee relations, governance, philanthropy and financial performance. Its open and transparent methodology is governed by a Methodology Committee of the Corporate Responsibility Officers Association.Other companies that appear in the latest top ten list include AT&T, Mattel and Bristol-Myers Squib.Image credit: Campbell Soup Company]]>http://www.justmeans.com/Children-Are-Tupperware-Indonesia-s-Main-CSR-Clients/58853.htmlTue, 16 Apr 2013 12:15:02 GMTAntonio Pasolini With a population of 240 million people spread over 735,358 square miles (Brazil is five times bigger and its population is 190 million people), Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world. It suffers from unequal wealth distribution and natural disasters. Among those who suffer most from those man-made and natural difficulties are children.Tupperware has been in Indonesia for 22 years. During this time, the iconic company has been doing much more than business: it has helped econ Read Full Article ]]> With a population of 240 million people spread over 735,358 square miles (Brazil is five times bigger and its population is 190 million people), Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world. It suffers from unequal wealth distribution and natural disasters. Among those who suffer most from those man-made and natural difficulties are children.Tupperware has been in Indonesia for 22 years. During this time, the iconic company has been doing much more than business: it has helped economically excluded children to build a better future for themselves. The company has established the Tupperware Children's Fund (TCF), whereby children get help in their education, classroom renovations, textbooks, school uniforms and other materials that enable them to study.Tupperware also provides help in cases of floods and earthquakes. In December 2012, for example, the company helped 615 children in West Java, where 301 houses were flooded. It cooperated with a NGO called Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT), donating school bags and uniforms.Earlier this year, the company also helped 1,500 flood victims in several locations, giving them free health checkups through another NGO known as Yayasan Obor Berkat Indonesia (OBI).As part of the TCF, the company carries out the THC program, whose main activity is carrying out writing and drawing competitions. Based on each child's writing or drawing received, Tupperware Indonesia, on behalf of the child's name will donate Rp 10,000 (around $1), to be distributed through schools, community or foundation which supports education of disadvantaged children, such as those who are homeless or are victims of disasters.In 2012, a total of 43,158 children across all Indonesia submitted their writings and drawings. This means those children have donated Rp 431,580,000.00 (approximately$45,500). Such donated funds have been used for computers, printers, knowledge books, and school bags. The program distributed them to 21 schools or foundations throughout the country.Image credit: Tupperware]]>http://www.justmeans.com/The-Real-Food-Challenge-and-Sodexo-Join-Hands-for-Quality-Campus-Food/58813.htmlFri, 12 Apr 2013 06:23:36 GMTAntonio Pasolini College students have created the Real Food Challenge, a campaign to increase the procurement of real, quality food on college and university campuses. Their objective is to reach 20% "real" food by 2020. The campaign has drafted the support of Quality of Life services company Sodexo, which has made an agreement with the students to advance supply chain transparency on Sodexo-contracted campuses.The Real Food Challenge provides the tools that define the standards Sodexo will adhere to in terms o Read Full Article ]]> College students have created the Real Food Challenge, a campaign to increase the procurement of real, quality food on college and university campuses. Their objective is to reach 20% "real" food by 2020. The campaign has drafted the support of Quality of Life services company Sodexo, which has made an agreement with the students to advance supply chain transparency on Sodexo-contracted campuses.The Real Food Challenge provides the tools that define the standards Sodexo will adhere to in terms of social responsibility and sustainability. Called the Real Food Calculator, it establishes four key criteria areas of "real food" assessment, including local and community-based, fair, ecologically sound and humane.As part of the agreement, students will collaborate with Sodexo managers, collecting and analyzing purchasing data using the Real Food Calculator's web-based application and tracking tool. The resulting statistics will be used to demonstrate actual purchases of "real food" and new opportunities for increasing them. Students and universities will be able to make more informed food-related decisions by gaining more access to Sodexo."Transparency and sustainability go hand-in-hand. Increasing transparency is something we want to model for this generation of interested consumers and for our industry. Working with the Real Food Challenge is great way to do just that," said Sodexo's Stephen Cox.Sodexo supports several initiatives to achieve its sustainability goals, be it sustainable seafood, cage-free eggs and now this partnership with the Real Food Challenge, which is campaigning to get more college presidents to sign its Real Food Campus Commitment, a pledge to meet its ambitious real food purchasing targets. Ten leading universities, including Macalester College, Oberlin College and University of Vermont, have recently signed on.Image credit: Real Food Challenge]]>