Services
We provide a full scope of services to support strategic environmental management and sustainability.
Vision & Strategic Planning
- What value could SEM or sustainability provide for us?
- How can we best identify and use the strategic SEM and sustainability challenges and opportunities facing us?
- How can we increase internal support, at all levels, for SEM and sustainability?
Systems Performance & Integration
- How can our company gain value from integrating our environmental program into other operations, such as supply chain, design, and human resources?
- What’s the ROI for an environmental information management system?
- Have we accurately identified, prioritized, and mitigated our environmental risks?
Metrics Benchmarking & Reporting
- What matters most in choosing internal performance metrics?
- What are appropriate metrics to benchmark our performance with competitors, suppliers and customers?
- Should we publish a corporate environmental report?
Training & Capacity Building
- What tools can we provide to our managers to build upon our existing EMS framework?
- Do our employees need a better general awareness of our strategic environmental goals?
- Could our board, senior management team, and institutional investors benefit from a briefing on the “triple bottom line” approach?
Stakeholder Engagement
- What are our options to get internal and external value from relationships with local and national media?
- What tools are available to build stronger, win-win relationships with our company’s stakeholder groups?
- Can we benefit from a sustainable community initiative?
Download Business Value
brochure in PDF format! (152 KB)
Publications
Ira R. Feldman — Selected Publications
Ira Feldman, “Business & Industry: Transitioning to Sustainability” in J. Dernbach (ed.), Agenda for a Sustainable America, Island Press/ELI, 2009
Ira Feldman & Joshua Kahan, “Last to the Party: The Hill Takes Up Climate Change Adaptation,” 11 Climate Change, Sustainable Development & Ecosystems (ABA/SEER Committee) 1, August 2008
Ira Feldman & Sarah Jensen, “Preparing for the Day After Tomorrow: Frameworks for Climate Change Adaptation,” 8 Sustainable Development Law & Policy 61, Fall 2007.
Ira Feldman & Richard Blaustein, “Ecosystem Services as a Framework for Law and Policy,” 37 Environmental Law Reporter 10756, October 2007.
William Blackburn and Ira Feldman, “Update: International Standards Relating to Sustainability,” ABA/SEER Sustainable Development, Ecosystems & Climate Change Committee Newsletter, December 2006, reprinted in Inside Green Business, February 2007.
Ira Feldman & Adam Saslow, “Sorting Tools: Enhancing Environmental Performance,” summary and synthesis report prepared for Multistate Working Group on Environmental Performance, proceedings of a February 2005 event at Pace Law School, November 2007.
Ira Feldman & Adam Saslow, “Sustainability Assessment: West Virginia,” report prepared for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, commissioned by the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS), February 2005.
Ira Feldman, “The Stakeholder Convergence: Enhanced Public Participation and Sustainable Business Practices,” chapter in C. Bruch (ed.), The New Public: the Globalization of Public Participation. (ELI, 2002), updated and reprinted in 33 Environmental Law Reporter (ELR) 10495, July 2003.
Dernbach, J. and I. Feldman, “Beyond Johannesburg: Sustainable Development Begins at Home,” TRENDS (ABA Environmental Section), Jan 2003, reprinted in Sustainability Outlook, n. 20, February 2003, and reprinted in Environmental Quality Management, Winter 2003.
Lutz, R. et al. (7 co-authors), “Report of the American Bar Association Delegation to the World Summit on Sustainable Development,” September 2002, reprinted in FELSEF Journal, November 2002.
Ira Feldman & Douglas Weinfield. “Understanding the Emergence of Environmental Management Systems: Policy, Regulatory, and Management Uses of the EMS Framework.” Trends (ABA Environmental Section), January 2002.
Ira Feldman, “Strategic Environmental Management: A New Playing Field,” chapter in P. Allen. (ed.), Metaphors for Change: Partnerships, Tools and Civic Action for Sustainability. (Greenleaf 2001)
Ira Feldman & Douglas Weinfield. “Environmental Management Systems: Policy, Regulatory, and Management Implications of EMS and Related Standards,” chapter in M. Gerrard, Environmental Law (Matthew Bender 2001).
Ira Feldman & Ann MacNaughton. “A Model MDP - Environmental Practice,” chapter in G. Munneke & A. MacNaughton (eds.), Multidisciplinary Practice: Staying Competitive and Adapting to Change. (ABA 2001).
Ira Feldman “Environmental Management Systems and Public Policy: The ‘Major Country’ Report,” (report prepared for the Government of Jamaica and USAID), January 2000.
Ira Feldman, “The Inevitability of Multidisciplinary Practice,” Environmental Law & Practice, Fall 1999.
Ira Feldman & Michelle Wyman, “Environmental Management Systems and Regulatory Substitution in Bavaria,” International Environmental Systems Update, November 1998.
Ira Feldman, “Strategic Environmental Management,” (article version of May 1998 presentation), reprinted in FELSEF Jounal, January 1999.
Ira Feldman, “ISO 14000 Can Underpin a New ‘Dual Track’ Regulatory System,” Environmental Business Journal, January 1997, reprinted in FELSEF Journal, January 1999.
Fred Hart & Ira Feldman. “ISO 14000: A Business Opportunity,” Missouri Environmental Compliance Update, Spring 1997, reprinted in Horizon, Spring 1997.
Ira Feldman, “The Future of Environmental Management,” introductory chapter in T. Tibor & I. Feldman (eds.), Implementing ISO 14000 (McGraw Hill 1997).
Tom Tibor & Ira Feldman (contributing eds.), Implementing ISO 14000: A Practical, Comprehensive Guide to the ISO 14000 Environmental Management Standards (McGraw Hill 1997).
Ira Feldman, “Beyond Compliance: Escape from Command and Control,” chapter in J. Cascio, ISO 14000 Handbook (CEEM and ASQC 1996) at 402.
Ira Feldman, “What is the Relationship Between ‘Micro’ and ‘Macro’ Performance Indicators?” International Environmental Systems Update, August 1996.
Ira Feldman, “ISO 14000: A Component of a Management Systems Alternative to ‘Command and Control’ Regulation,” Environmental Forum (Environmental Law Institute), November 1995.
Ira Feldman & Michael Schiavo, “Non-Mandatory Pollution Reduction: Moving Beyond Command & Control,” in National Environmental Policy Institute (NEPI), Reinventing the Vehicle for Environmental Management (1995).
Tom Tibor & Ira Feldman. “ISO 14000,” American Papermaker, 1995.
Tom Tibor & Ira Feldman. “ISO 14000 and the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme,” European Community Marketing Guide (1995).
Tom Tibor & Ira Feldman. ISO 14000: A Guide to the New Environmental Management Standards (Irwin 1995).
Ira Feldman and Michael Schiavo, “A Private Road to Environmental Excellence: The Working of Green Track,” Corporate Environmental Strategy, Summer 1995.
Ira Feldman and Michael Schiavo, “Developing an Environmental Excellence Program: Lessons Learned from the Environmental Leadership Program,” Total Quality Environmental Management, Summer 1995.
Ira Feldman and Michael Schiavo, “EPA’s Environmental Leadership Pilot Projects,” in J. Willig (ed.) Auditing for Environmental Quality Leadership (Wiley 1995).
Ira Feldman and Michael Schiavo, “Incentives and Certainty: EPA Introduces New Audit Policy,” SONREEL News (ABA), May-June 1995.
Gordon Davidson and Ira Feldman. “The Greening of Corporate America.” Legal Times (special report), April 17, 1995.
Ira Feldman and Michael Schiavo, “Environmental Leadership: EPA’s Beyond Compliance Program,” in Environmental Auditing Handbook, (Executive Enterprises 1994), reprinted in Total Quality Environmental Management, May 1994.
[earlier articles not included in this list]
==============
To add with citations:
- Peter Soyka, Mark Bateman & Ira Feldman, “ESG Factors in the Capital Markets: US v. European Perspectives, report prepared for EPA EMS Capital Markets Working Group, IDS-US, 2008.
- Ira Feldman, “Microfinance and the Environment: The Role of Voluntary Standards,” paper presented at World Microfinance Summit, Halifax, 2007.
- Ira Feldman, “Quality Management and Financial Performance: Relevance for EMS Research,” paper prepared for US EPA Environmental Financial Advisory Board, Spring 2007.
- Peter Soyka, Mark Bateman & Ira Feldman, EPA EMS Capital Markets Working Group report, Casals, 2006
- Larry Buc, Peter Soyka & Ira Feldman, EMS and Sustainability, presentation prepared for USPS, URS, 2006
Organizations
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Maryland Climate Change Commission
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Washington College of Law at American University
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Earth Legacy
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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Sustainability of the Planet
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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Sustainability Now!
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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UNEP Best Practices Network for Sustainability
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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AccountAbility
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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ISO 26000 — ISO/WG/SR
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Natural Resources Council
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ABA/SIL (international section)
| Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus.Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus. |
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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INSEAD - Centre for Social Entrepreneurship
| Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus.Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus. |
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Mauris eu neque vel purus posuere mollis. Integer consectetuer |
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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University of Pennsylvania
| Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus.Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus. |
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Mauris eu neque vel purus posuere mollis. Integer consectetuer |
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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Environment Caucus
| Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus.Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus. |
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Mauris eu neque vel purus posuere mollis. Integer consectetuer |
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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Prince of Wales’ Business & Environment Programme
| Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus.Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus. |
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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International Society for Sustainability Professionals
| Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus.Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus. |
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Mauris eu neque vel purus posuere mollis. Integer consectetuer |
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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Multi-state Working Group on Environmental Performance
| Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus.Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus. |
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Mauris eu neque vel purus posuere mollis. Integer consectetuer |
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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Global Reporting
| Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus.Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus. |
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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ISO 26000 - US TAG
| Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus.Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus. |
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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Environmental Law Institute
| Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus.Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus. |
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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American Bar Association
| Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus.Curabitur urna orci, pellentesque quis, fermentum in, ultrices eu, sapien. Vivamus vitae lorem et dolor posuere malesuada. Cras sapien orci, cursus non, vestibulum vel, blandit non, arcu. Praesent pulvinar egestas tellus. Nulla facilisi. Sed euismod congue nibh. Sed mauris. Pellentesque ultricies. Vestibulum eu diam. In nulla. Suspendisse vitae metus. |
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| Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio.Donec porta pede non massa. Vestibulum rutrum varius elit. Etiam faucibus urna ut nisl. Duis condimentum pharetra tellus. In metus. Aliquam commodo tristique risus. Quisque rutrum pharetra nulla. Phasellus sed odio. Aenean vel diam facilisis tortor dapibus congue. Aenean sodales congue odio. |
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Soft Law, generally
“My point is that this distinction between enforceable “hard” law and unenforceable, but normatively significant, “soft” law is not limited to international law questions and thus helps us understand how powerful concepts like sustainable development grow in relevance to domestic law practitioners.”
J. B. Ruhl,“The Seven Degrees of Relevance: Why Should Real-World Environmental Attorneys Care Now About Sustainable Development Policy?”
Soft law is a term used to describe a quasi-legal function. Soft law can be found in documents, statements, guidelines, codes of conduct, principles, action plans, declarations, resolutions, and codes of ethics traditionally found in the international arena, although it is surfacing in domestic instances as well. The terminology evolved because of the particular function it served. Essentially providing a framework of guidelines and expectations, soft law lacks the “teeth” that real law, or “hard law,” can have. Soft law has the potential of becoming “hard law” and morphing into a treaty, contract, or rule of law.
Societal norms and expectations play a large role in law. In common law systems, many laws are self-perpetuating. A law is placed into existence and is then reinforced by interpretations of existing factual circumstances, which also reinforce the norms. If an individual varies from the norms and disobeys the law, the injured party can bring enforcement of these norms through a regulatory agency or a court of law. Soft law, on the other hand, is a set of expectations and norms with neither a formalized framework nor a threat of enforcement.
Therefore, soft law has become important in the fields of international environmental law, international economics law, and international sustainable development law, where consideration of varying approaches to balancing environmental initiatives with socioeconomic factors in divergent cultures and governments is critical to the formulation and promulgation of initiatives.
Hard Choices, Soft Law: Voluntary Standards in Global Trade, Environment and Social Governance, by John J. Kirton and Michael J. Trebilcock is a collection of essays on how soft law works in international politics. The book’s 18 essays cover a range of topics, some of which include: setting standards for sustainable forestry, corporate conduct codes and labor regulation in developing countries, trade policy and labor standards, the role of nongovernmental organizations and social movements in developing countries, and integrating environment and labor into the World Trade Organization.
Environmental law has been affected by the use of soft law, especially in the European Union. In the article, “Soft Law, Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation in European Law: Where Do They Meet?,” Linda Senden notes that the European Union has embraced a model of “do less in order to do better,” whereby deregulation, simplification, and voluntary agreements are utilized. The EU is attempting to achieve harmony by trying to be flexible and diverse and not necessarily uniform, but merely coordinating national policies. In the EU context, variations of soft law aid in the development of self-regulation and co-regulation. A communication may be written from the government instructing all parties in voluntary environmental agreements that the objectives of a particular treaty must be met. In some cases, voluntary self-regulation has ensued, as when a group of interested parties has reached voluntary agreement on some topic and informed a governmental authority, which then performs the non-binding act of sending a recommendation.
Further Resources
Senden, Linda. “SOFT LAW, SELF-REGULATION AND CO-REGULATION IN EUROPEAN LAW: Where Do They Meet?” Electronic Journal of Comparative Law, vol. 9.1 (January 2005). http://www.ejcl.org
Gralf-Peter Calliess & Mortiz Renner; “From Soft Law to Hard Core: The Juridification of Global Governance.” This paper is based on a presentation given at the workshop “Law after Luhmann: Critical Reflections on Niklas Luhmann’s Contribution to Legal Doctrine and Theory” in Oñati (Spain), July 5-6, 2007.
Hillgenberg, Hartmut. “A Fresh Look at Soft Law.” EJIL (1999), Vol. 10 No. 3, 499-515
Shelton, Dinah L. “Soft Law.” The George Washington University Law School Public Law and Legal Theory Working Paper No. 322. http://ssrn.com/abstract=1003387
John J. Kirton and Michael J. Trebilcock (editors) Hard Choices, Soft Law: Voluntary Standards in Global Trade, Environment and Social Governance
Sustainable Business Practices/Triple Bottom Line
“We believe that corporations must conduct their business as responsible stewards of the environment and seek profits only in a manner that leaves the Earth healthy and safe. We believe that corporations must not compromise the ability of future generations to sustain their needs.”
from the CERES pledge
“In its broadest sense, the triple bottom line captures the spectrum of values that organizations must embrace—economic, environmental and social. In practical terms, triple bottom line accounting means expanding the traditional company reporting framework to take into account not just financial outcomes but also environmental and social performance.”
John Elkington, Cannibals with Forks: The Triple Bottom Line of 21st Century Business.
Sustainability in business has come into prominence in the last two decades; as sustainable development becomes a concern for communities around the globe, the cry has gone out for sustainable policies in every aspect of life. As the public becomes better educated about environmental concerns, the expectations grow for the corporate world to answer to those concerns. The driving force behind sustainable communities is integration, and people are starting to seek that out in corporate culture as well. They want to see companies that are reaching out to their communities and their employees.
One way of looking at the goal of sustainable businesses is an idea known as the “Triple Bottom Line,” which is the idea of companies shifting their priorities and expanding their emphasis from profit to include environmental and social growth as well—combining economy with ecology. This means not only adopting more environmentally sound practices, like reducing carbon emissions and improving recycling, but also dealing with social issues, like corporate corruption and fair labor practices. The public is increasingly interested in being associates, as employees and customers, of companies whose values and priorities they share. Adapting a company’s philosophy to accommodate sustainability is not just a trend or a way to appease public opinion, but a genuinely valuable and necessary investment in the future health of a company.
There are many resources for companies that are beginning to adopt sustainable business practices. The ISO 14000 standards, a result of the UN Rio Summit in 1992, are a set of environmental measures and standards for companies to measure their progress in becoming more environmentally viable. Shortly after the publication of the World Commission on Environment and Development report written by the United Nation’s Brundtland Commission in 1987, the International Chamber of Commerce developed a “Business Charter for Sustainable Development,” which sets out 16 principles for environmental management.
There are many non-profit organizations and consulting companies (e.g., the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies, Businesses for Social Responsibility) dedicated to sustainable practices. Corporations that are well known for years of interest in sustainable business policies include Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and Starbucks. Ben & Jerry’s, a member of CERES organization, has published a Social and Environmental Assessment report every year since 1989, which includes reviews of their sustainability-promoting activities each year. Starbucks has made a shift to buying certified organic and shade grown coffee. They have also taken stewardship of many small coffee growing communities, implementing social programs such as the building of health clinics and schools, and creating loan programs so local farmers can retain ownership of their farms.
Further Resources
United Nations: General Assembly. “Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development.” http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/42/ares42‑187.htm
The International Chamber of Commerce. “Business Charter for Sustainable Development.” http://www.bsdglobal.com/tools/principles_icc.asp
User Forum for the ISO 14000 Standards. http://www.14000.org/
Ceres (investors and environmentalists for sustainable prosperity). http://www.ceres.org/NetCommunity/page.aspx?pid=705
“Businesses and Sustainable Development: a global guide” http://www.bsdglobal.com/tools/principles_sbp.asp
Businesses for Social Responsibility (a consulting firm for businesses to advise them and help implement more sustainable practices). http://www.bsr.org/
International Fair Trade Organization. http://www.ifat.org/
http://www.greenbiz.com/ (A website dedicated to articles on green business, sustainability in business, climate concerns, and other related issues; updated daily.)
Collaborative Governance & Institutions
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Disclosure and Reporting
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“ESG” in the Financial Sectors
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ISO 14000 Series
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Ecosystem Services & Markets
“Only by understanding the environment and know how it works, can we make the necessary decisions to protect it. Only by valuing all our precious natural and human resources can we hope to build a sustainable future.”
Kofi Annan, in a message launching the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) reports.
What are Ecosystem Services?
Ecosystem services are those which transform earth’s natural resources into elements that are essential to sustain human life and civilization both now and in the future. Earth’s most basic and life-essential bounties—fresh water, clean air, and nutrients—are obtained from the many diverse and complex ecosystems that support unique economical, ecological, and geographical communities. The provisioning of ecosystem services is often taken for granted, yet should be considered with value and care, as these services are part of the delicate balance of preservation and sustainability.
In March 2005, The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA)—a landmark study on the impact of ecosystem change on the human species—released its findings and, in doing so, made clear the impact of the rapidly accelerating ecosystem degradation that has occurred over the last 50 years. Also, according to the International Finance Corporation World Bank Group, “humans have changed ecosystems more rapidly and extensively in the last 50 years than in any documented period of Earth’s history.”
The MA, conducted by 1,360 experts from 95 countries, assessed the global status and trends of 24 critical services, breaking them into categories of “provisioning,” “regulating,” “supporting,” and “cultural” services. It concluded that approximately two-thirds of the assessed ecosystems and their services were being degraded.
Examples of ecosystem services include:
- <!–[if !supportLists]–> <!–[endif]–>Supply of fresh water, food, fuel, and fiber (provisioning services).
- <!–[if !supportLists]–> <!–[endif]–>Climate, water, disease control, pollination (regulating services).
- <!–[endif]–>Soil formation, nutrient cycling (supporting services).
- <!–[endif]–>Aesthetics, recreation, and tourism (cultural services).
Markets and Ecosystem Services Value
The MA assessment also brought to light the direct impact of declining ecosystem services on community economics. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development noted, “at a fundamental level, all economies and businesses depend directly or indirectly on the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable supply of ecosystem services.”
“The degradation of ecosystems and the services they provide…destroys business value and limits future growth opportunities” (World Business Council for Sustainable Development, 2005).
Beyond conventional conservation efforts lies the marketplace—the buying and selling of goods and services.
There exist unexplored and untapped market opportunities in ecosystem services. Only in the last several years has there been a shift towards examining the context of these services in the market domain and towards measuring, quantifying, and placing value upon these services. But the fragility of these systems’ services and potential for further damage should be carefully considered in market valuation and market trade. Ecosystem impact, sustainability, and human life are critical components in exploring, creating, and opening markets for these services.
To avoid further degradation and help create a healthy ecosystem service market, it is essential to measure, quantify, and place value on ecosystem services. Value, need, buyers, and sellers are at the crux of the simplest market concept.
Policies and Regulations
This new “market” will require unprecedented regulation and policy making to balance conservation and consumption. In their article, Ecosystem Services as a Framework for Law and Policy, Ira R. Feldman and Richard J. Blaustein discuss the disconnect between law and ecosystem services, noting that law and policy framework have lagged behind the disciplines of economics and ecology in contributions to improved concepts for the value and protection of ecosystem services. The authors partly contribute this lag to the historical absences of common-law linkages for ecological goals. When the major environmental laws concerning clean air and clean water were drafted in the 1970s, they did not take into account ecosystem decline. Given the critical state of ecosystems today, policymakers need to be informed as expediently as possible.
Further Resources
Feldman, Ira J. and Blaustein, Richard J., “Ecosystem Services as a Framework for Law and Policy”. Environmental Law Institute, ELR News & Analysis. 37 ELR 10756. 10-2007.
Millennium Assessment Report - Findings on Ecosystems: http://www.millenniumassessment.org/documents/document.356.aspx.pdf
World Business Council for Sustainable Development , “Business and Ecosystems - Markets for Ecosystem Services - New Challenges and Opportunities for Business and the Environment.” http://www.wbcsd.org/DocRoot/Qx4WB0UOE0IZ4HgOTtrh/market4ecosystem-services.pdf
Salzman, James E., “Creating Markets for Ecosystem Services: Notes from the Field”. New York University Law Review, Vol. 80, No. 6, 2005. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=796772
“Market for Ecosystem Services”. Pushpam Kumar. June 2005.
International Institute for Sustainable Development (iisd) (PDF DOCUMENT)
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PROJECT
http://www.ecosystemservicesproject.org/index.htm
Transboundary Issues
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National Sustainability Policies Other countries
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Regulatory Innovation & Next Generation
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Sustainable Communities
“Sustainable Development is a broad concept that recognizes the linkages between actions and their impact on economic development, the environment, and social well-being. While it is generally accepted that development should be sustainable in all three of these dimensions, practical application of the concept is complex and challenging.”
from “Sustainability Assessment for West Virginia”
Sustainable communities are communities of any size, from large metropolitan areas to college campuses and rural villages, that are dedicated to using natural resources in the most efficient and beneficial way possible. The goal is to be able to create a community that provides for all the needs of every member while maintaining a healthy balance with the environment, reducing the carbon-footprint, and cleaning up existing resources like air, water, and soil. Government regulations on factory emissions, farming education programs, and the use of “green” energy sources such as solar power are just some of the various means to sustaining healthy communities.
Sustainable development was first introduced as a global concept by “Our Common Future,” a report prepared by the United Nation’s Brundtland Commission in 1987. It presented a number of growing global issues such as population increase, urbanization and industrial development, endangered species, and ecosystem imbalances. The 1987 report was the first global request for governments at every level to begin assessing their capabilities for change towards a more sustainable community model. The central idea behind sustainable community building is to create a community in which environmental and social responsibility is integrated into every aspect of that community. This means creating more local jobs, allowing less industrialization, and encouraging people to take active roles in their own communities. Ownership and education are key. People are encouraged to develop their own solutions instead of waiting for someone to do it for them, which gets ordinary people involved in problem-solving in conjunction with their local government and non-profit organizations.
Many small communities around the globe are working towards sustainability, and are reducing their negative impact on the environment. For example: the village of Ashton Hayes in Cheshire is aiming to become the first carbon neutral village in England; the EcoVillage in Ithaca, NY employs all organic farming and has restored more than 80% of its land to green space; and the small village of Gaviotas in Columbia, South America farms using wind and solar energy and has planted extensively, reviving acres of indigenous rainforest. These communities, and many like them, employ a variety of resources made available by non-profit organizations such as the Institute for Sustainable Communities, the Global Development Research Center, and ICLEI’s Local Governments for Sustainability. These and other organizations provide tools such as community planning guides, environmental studies, education programs, technical expertise, and leadership training.
Further Resources
United Nations: General Assembly. “Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development.” http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/42/ares42-187.htm
Information regarding Local Agenda 21, a plan formulated and signed at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. http://www.gdrc.org/uem/la21/la21.html
UN Education. “Framework for a Draft International Implementation Scheme.” http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=23365&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
Davis, Thomas. “What is Sustainable Development.” http://www.menominee.edu/sdi/whatis.htm
A list and brief descriptions of sustainable communities in the US and around the world. http://www.ecobusinesslinks.com/sustainable_communities.htm
Institute for Sustainable Communities. http://www.iscvt.org/
ICLEI. Local Governments for Sustainability. http://www.iclei.org/index.php?id=global-about-iclei
Global Development Research Center. http://www.gdrc.org/
United Nations. “Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.” Homepage. http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=27234&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201
Multi-stakeholder Dialogue & Partnerships
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Environmental Performance & Sustainability Metrics
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ISO 26000 & CSR
Sustainable business for organizations means not only providing products and services that satisfy the customer, and doing so without jeopardizing the environment, but also operating in a socially responsible manner. Pressure to do so comes from customers, consumers, governments, associations and the public at large.
“ISO and Social Responsibility”
What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a model in which an organization acknowledges its accountability to its stakeholders and environment. In this context, the term “stakeholder” encompasses everyone the organization affects, including the traditional investor and customer corporate stakeholders, as well as employees, communities, suppliers, regulators, and society as a whole. Without external enforcement, socially responsible corporations seek to reduce the negative impact of their activities. Core issues that are usually addressed in CSR include:
- Environment
- Human rights
- Labor Practices
- Fair Operating Practices
- Organizational Governance
- Consumer Issues
- Community and Society
Proponents of CSR note that the long-term strategizing that goes into implementing CSR practices can enhance an organization’s overall efficacy. With the public increasingly expecting socially responsible practices, an organization can boost its image by engaging in CSR planning. However, critics of CSR suggest that some businesses may be adopting superficial changes to capitalize on the public relations boost of appearing socially responsible. Although corporate social practices may encounter government or other external oversight during instances of extremely negative activities (e.g., human rights violations or environmental crises such as an oil-spill), there is not yet a clearly established set of guidelines for implementing effective CSR.
ISO 26000 will add value to existing initiatives for Social Responsibility by providing harmonized, globally relevant guidance based on international consensus among expert representatives of the main stakeholder groups and so encourage the implementation of best practice in Social Responsibility worldwide.
“ISO and Social Responsibility”
Establishing Global Standards: ISO 26000
In 2005, ISO established a Working Group to develop ISO 26000, a new set of standards and guidance for implementing socially responsible practices. The core issues being addressed in these standards reflect the same core issues that comprise CSR, with the scope widened to also address social responsibility in non-corporate organizations (e.g., governments, NGOs, etc). ISO 26000 will comply with existing SR standards (e.g., ILO, SA8000, Declaration of Human Rights), while accounting for the range of definitions of “Social Responsibility” already being implemented by independent SR programs across the world.
The goal of ISO 26000 is to enhance and encourage SR efforts in organizations across the world by establishing common means of evaluation, defining SR concepts, and sharing examples of best practices. The practices set forth in ISO 26000 will be voluntary standards and guidance for achieving socially responsible practices, rather than certification requirements.
ISO 26000 is being developed through a multi-stakeholder process—ISO’s first utilization of this approach. The Working Group includes participants from across the world, representing developed and developing nations, and the six stakeholder categories of industry; government; consumer; labor; NGOs; and service, support, and research. To facilitate effective participation by the stakeholders, six Task Groups have been created within the Working Group. Three Task Groups focus on administrative strategy tasks, while the other three Task Groups focus on writing the standards (see figure) [insert “Organization of the WG” figure from PPT or web].
ISO 26000 is still under development, with a final publication date slated for mid-2010. In keeping with that timeline, the fourth Working Draft of ISO 26000 is scheduled to be released in June 2008. At this point in the process some key issues, such as establishing a standardized definition of “sustainability,” are not yet resolved.
Further Resources
“Executive summary on ISO and social responsibility”
“ISO and Social Responsibility” (PDF)
“SAI Home.” Social Accountability International.
“Corporate Sustainability.” Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes.
“ILO Home.” International Labour Organization.
Strategic Environmental Management Tools
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Mandatory Regulation & Voluntary Standards
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Climate Change Adaptation
To date, the international community has dealt with climate change principally by promoting the mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHG). The rationale for mitigation efforts is that the severity of climate change can be alleviated by stabilizing or reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases. Mitigation activities are clearly necessary to the long-term well-being and stability of the global environment. However, the level of attention given to mitigation-oriented science, technology, methodology, and policy—by the popular press, practitioners, regulators, and Congress—has served to obscure the pressing need to address adaptation to climate change.
Climate Change is Inevitable
According to Ira Feldman, the reality is that, even if the most optimistic mitigation plans were adopted and all greenhouse gases were stabilized immediately, residual concentrations within the atmosphere will continue to create adverse consequences well into the future. A stable climate can no longer be assumed. Mitigation of greenhouse gases can minimize the long-term impact to the climate, but cannot halt or avoid all impacts. Human-induced climate change is going to proceed and perhaps worsen with time. Adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change is a reality.
It is clearly necessary to continue to pursue GHG mitigation strategies as aggressively as possible. However, at the same time, we should begin to implement adaptation strategies as a complement to mitigation efforts. The IPCC Fourth Assessment Report-Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability suggests “a portfolio of adaptation and mitigation can diminish the risks associated with climate change.” The report recommends that a portfolio or mix of strategies should include “mitigation, adaptation, technological development (to enhance both adaptation and mitigation) and research (on climate science, impacts, adaptation, and mitigation). Such portfolios could combine policies with incentive-based approaches and actions at all levels from the individual citizen through to national governments and international organizations.
Adaptation – Reactive or Anticipatory (Proactive)
Adaptation can be reactive or proactive. Given the exponential rate of climate change and the impacts that are currently being observed, reactive adaptation is understandable and necessary. However, reactive approaches can be costly. This is why long-term strategies for adaptation need to be considered now and integrated into current climate action plans or addressed in concert with these action plans.
Adaptation actions and strategies present a complementary approach to mitigation. While mitigation can be viewed as reducing the likelihood of adverse conditions, adaptation can be viewed as reducing the severity of many impacts if adverse conditions prevail. However, adaptation is a risk-management strategy that is not free of cost nor foolproof, and the worthiness of any specific actions must therefore carefully weigh the expected value of the avoided damages against the real costs of implementing the adaptation strategy. (Pew Center Report on Coping with Global Climate Change – the Role of Adaptation in the United States.)
Adaptation Planning at the State and Local Levels in the U.S.
Some states are already considering climate change adaptation issues and either are creating separate adaptation commissions or committees to complement mitigation efforts or are integrating adaptation into the state’s action plan. As of 2007, 35 states have created or are in the process of creating climate action plans, with 14 new plans due to emerge in 2008. A number of these states have added adaptation considerations into the scope of their climate action plans.
A few examples of adaptation tools and/or strategies already being considered are:
- Translocating crops
- Switching crops and cultivers
- Adjusting planting seasons
- Changing land use allocations
- Changing water storage, supply and distribution methods
- Improving water conservation
- Water transfer strategies
- Changing coastal development
- Redefining flood plains
National Sustainability Policy - US
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ELI Council of Partners profiles Ira Feldman
“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe,” wrote John Muir of his first summer in the Sierras. Ira Feldman’s interdisciplinary approach to his work in strategic environmental management and sustainability policy exemplifies this connectedness. Cutting across “big picture” policy issues; legal and regulatory innovations; and organizational best practices, Ira’s practice defies conventional categorization. “Intentionally so!” exclaims the president and senior counsel of Greentrack Strategies.
A long-time proponent of multi- disciplinary practice, Ira routinely works on teams with lawyers and non-lawyers. “I’m drawn to cutting-edge issues and alternate approaches, especially those utilizing voluntary standards as a complement to mandatory regulation.” He asserts that traditional environmental legal practice will gradually morph into a sustainability and a corporate social responsibility practice, bundling a broader range of issues. Ira is already there with Greentrack Strategies.
Investing in a Green Future
Baltimore’s Sustainability Commission Holds First Meeting
by Joe Tropea
BALTIMORE CITY PAPER | 6/18/2008
Casciani and members of the commission fielded tough questions throughout the night. One sharp criticism came from Ira Feldman, president and senior counsel of Greentrack Strategies, a company specializing in environmental management and sustainable business systems. He said that much of the commission’s framework–addressing air, water, waste, and other issues independently of one another– seemed to be based on outdated approaches to environmental policy.
“How are crosscutting issues going to be dealt with?” he asked. Casciani admitted that the commission’s structure does seem based on an outdated model but assured Feldman that “crosscutting issues will
get precedence as [the plan] comes together.”
After the meeting, Feldman said he felt hopeful about the project. Another question Casciani and others had to answer was about employment: How many new jobs does Baltimore think it can create by becoming a more sustainable city? “Each group is charged with assessing the creation of green jobs,” Casciani told the audience.
Contact Us
greentrack strategies
Ira Feldman
president & senior counsel
7523 Bradley Boulevard
Bethesda, MD 20817 USA
ira@greentrack.com
www.greentrack.com
Bio
Ira Robert Feldman
Ira Feldman, president and senior counsel of greentrack strategies, cuts an interdisciplinary swath across three usually distinct spheres: “big picture” environmental policy; environmental law and regulation; and environmental management. He originated the “greentrack” or dual track approach to environmental regulation and management, championed the implementation of a new generation of environmental management tools, created voluntary environmental excellence initiatives, and advanced the state of the art in environmental auditing and disclosure. Today, he is widely recognized as a thought leader in linking the regulatory and non-regulatory trends that form the basis of strategic environmental management (SEM) and sustainable business practices. Mr. Feldman’s presentations at conferences and international policy events reflect his focus on the interrelated concepts of environmental management systems, environmental performance metrics, regulatory innovation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development.
In the US, Mr. Feldman has played a leading role in defining future domestic policy directions through his participation as a member of the Environmental Management Task Force of the President’s Council on Sustainable Development (PCSD); the Multistate Working Group on EMS (MSWG); and the advisory board of the National Environmental Policy Institute (NEPI). Around the world — in Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia — Mr. Feldman has worked with governmental entities, multilateral organizations, NGO’s, and industry organizations (from large multinationals to SME’s) on a wide range of implementation, policy development, and training activities. He has served as a peer reviewer on sustainability issues for organizations as diverse as DuPont, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the Resource Renewal Institute. Mr. Feldman attended the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) representing the Environmental Law Institute and the American Bar Association; his paper presented at this event in Johannesburg offered the business perspective on stakeholder engagement in environmental decision-making.
Until December 1994, Mr. Feldman was Special Counsel in the Office of Compliance at US EPA Headquarters in Washington, DC. In that position he developed and directed the Environmental Leadership Program, EPA’s first program on corporate environmental excellence, and he led the revision of the Agency’s policies on environmental auditing and self-disclosure. Among other responsibilities, Mr. Feldman was EPA’s liaison to the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). Before joining EPA, Mr. Feldman practiced environmental law in the private sector in New York and Washington, with particular emphasis on the environmental aspects of large-scale merger, acquisition, and real estate transactions.
Mr. Feldman is perhaps best known for his leadership role in the development of the ISO 14000 series of standards in the US and at the international level, and for his early recognition of the policy and regulatory implications of voluntary environmental management standards. In the US Technical Advisory Group’s (USTAG), he served for six years as the vice chairman of the ST4 on “environmental performance evaluation” (EPE) relating to performance metrics. Mr. Feldman founded and co-chaired the ISO 14000 Legal Issues Forum (LIF to consider legal, policy, and implementation issues related to environmental management systems. Mr. Feldman has also played a prominent role in the development of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and in raising awareness of the importance of GRI in outreach to various stakeholder groups and competing standards organizations. He served as a member of its initial metrics work group which developed the GRI exposure draft, and more recently as a member of the metrics task group which developed the current version of the GRI protocol for sustainability reporting. He participated in the UNCTAD expert group which developed an international standard for accounting and reporting of environmental liabilities (ISAR); he currently serves on the North American steering committee for the UNEP Financial Initiatives, which focuses on the interface between the financial sector and the environmental management world; and, he is an active participant in the Corporate Responsibility task group of the US Council for International Business (USCIB), which monitors developments across numerous corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
An active member of the American Bar Association’s Section on Environment, Energy and Resources (SEER), Mr. Feldman is currently the Chairman of SEER’S Sustainable Development, Ecosystems & Climate Change Committee. He leads the Section-wide Sustainable Development Initiative, a multi-Committee awareness-raising effort which is intended to weave sustainability concepts into the activities of the ABA. He has also served as Vice Chair of the Section’s “Second Generation” and “International Environmental Law” Committees. He is a leading participant in the ongoing consideration of multidisciplinary practice (MDP) issues in environmental law. Mr. Feldman is a member of the Environmental Law Institute’s Council of Partners.
Mr. Feldman has both a legal and a technical background in environmental issues. He completed an interdisciplinary B.A./M.S. program magna cum laude at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia where he was a Benjamin Franklin Scholar. Mr. Feldman completed additional graduate work in environmental risk assessment and toxicology at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in Baltimore, and he received his doctorate in law from the Columbia Law School in New York where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. Recently, Mr. Feldman has returned to Penn as a visiting professor affiliated with the Institute for Environmental Studies to promote interdisciplinary approaches and sustainability concepts in environmental policy, law, and management.
Mission + Philosophy
Increasingly, companies are finding that a traditional, compliance-oriented environmental management program doesn’t yield strategic value. This makes sense, because compliance is a reactive goal, not a strategic goal. An integrated, proactive, systems approach to environmental management can improve competitiveness; increase internal efficiency; provide regulatory advantage; and, enhance stakeholder relationships.
An environmental management system (EMS) is a powerful framework for understanding the four drivers of business value an environmental management program can deliver. An EMS, whether based on ISO 14001 or a sector-specific model, can identify the company’s real or potential environmental impacts, and these impacts determine all of the company’s environmental opportunities, costs and risks, far beyond compliance. As illustrated in the adjacent diagram, companies cannot move directly from a compliance-only focus to the sustainability level — the environmental management program must first develop expertise and credibility in implementing a proactive, systems-based SEM approach. With this experience and success, the company will optimize value from sustainable business practices, if there are appropriate business drivers.
As companies proceed further down the environmental management continuum towards sustainability, they increasingly are broadening the scope of their efforts to include social as well as environmental and economic considerations. Many people refer to this perspective as the “triple bottom line.”
According to the World Business Council on Sustainable Development, one definition of sustainability that appears to have more resonance with the general public is: Sustainable development is about ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come. This focus on improving quality of life is becoming more widely accepted by governments, companies, and civil society organizations; it makes the sustainability concept more aspirational and changes the emphasis of the sustainable development debate towards solutions rather than problems.
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