Environment
Principle 7:
Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges.
Principle 8:
Businesses should undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.
Principle 9:
Businesses should encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
"It's no longer a zero-sum game -- things that are good for the environment are also good for business."
Jeffrey Immelt, Chair and CEO of General Electric, 10 May 2005
Click here for a PDF version of a brief Powerpoint presentation outlining the Labour Principles.
Today's unique environmental challenges include:
- Record loss of biodiversity and long-term damage to ecosystems
- Pollution of the atmosphere and the consequences of climate change
- Waste production & disposal
- Natural resource depletion
- Impacts of chemicals use and toxic substance disposal
- Damaged aquatic ecosystems
- Land degradation
Why should businesses care about the environment?
- Financial markets are leery of businesses exposure to environmental risks.
- Sustainability reporting is becoming Business as Usual.
- Consumers are increasingly responsive to environmental issues.
- Cost Savings and productivity increases can be uncovered by engaging in sound integrated
- quality management process that include environmental issues.
- Business Schools are legitimizing environmental sustainability strategies.
"Man has the fundamental right to freedom, equality, and adequate conditions of life, in an environment of a quality that permits a life of dignity and well-being, and he bears a solemn responsibility to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations."
Principle 1 of the Stockholm Declaration. UN Conference on the Human Environment, 1972