India on the road to Rio: New leadership for a greener future

The fast-approaching Rio+20 Earth Summit should be a critical moment in the construction of a greener future. It is actually a replay of the 1992 Conference on the same topic, twenty years ago. Bringing together more than 172 countries, the 1992 UNCED (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development) is still considered as a landmark event in the development of global environmental governance, with the introduction of the broad concept of ‘sustainable development’ for the first time, the signature of two major conventions (on Climate Change and Biodiversity) and the rollout of an action plan (Agenda 21).

Though the legacy of the first Rio Summit is hardly rosy (or, more appropriately, green), it addressed issues that have become increasingly relevant over the past two decades. However, while the issues are still the same overall, the situation has changed dramatically, especially in the matter of international governance. Twenty years ago, developed countries were the growth engines, while developing countries were the growth seekers. This situation has now virtually been reversed. Then the United States and Europe were spearheading negotiations, now China and India are looked upon as key decision makers.

Among emerging countries, India has stepped up, asserting itself as a lead figure for the conference. Just last year, at the Durban Climate Change Conference, Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan’s role proved instrumental in concluding a new deal. For the Rio+20 Summit, India is expected to play an even greater role. The country has already conducted some preliminary work. In October 2011, it hosted the New Delhi Ministerial Dialogue on Green Economy and Inclusive Growth, raising several points that have already found their way into the ‘zero draft’ that will serve as a basis for Rio+20 discussions.

The situation is interesting not only because new voices should be leading the debate, but also new outlooks on the problem of global environmental preservation should emerge. India’s main focus has already been stated, hinging on holding developed countries accountable for their ecological footprints and urging them to reduce it, while leaving enough room for developing countries to grow. With this shift in the balance of power and fresh outlooks, the new summit will certainly be a defining moment for the environment as great, if not greater, as the last summit.

Sustainability Reporting Gaining Momentum

More and more companies are touting their contribution to sustainable development via Corporate Social Responsibility actions, their environmental commitment and their social awareness. Nevertheless, civil society is hardly satisfied with lip service, now demanding proofs of their engagement, beyond the mere listing of a series of vague actions. As the matter is serious, invoking responsibility entails accountability. This is where reporting has a significant role to play.

A growing number of companies, professional organizations and experts (Confederation of Indian Industry, TERI, Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs) are considering reporting an essential way to ensure that companies are engaging in sustainable development and that their action has a real impact. Voluntary commitment is slowly moving toward mandatory requirement applying first to listed companies (SEBI decision in November 2011) and maybe soon to others.

Sustainability reporting is not easy, given that it serves to assess the outcome of actions on variables that are not easily measurable. Too go beyond mere ‘green-washing’, this kind of reporting must take the various stakeholders’ seriously, by being sincere and accurate when presenting the outcome of actions. Citizens, shareholders and others can surely be trusted to judge actions whose main goal is to make the world they live in better.

What do you think? Would you be interested in receiving detailed information about what companies are doing to care for a better world? Would that impact your consumer behavior?

The Planning Commission of India : “Help us plan India better!”

It is no easy task to strive for sustainable development and economic growth at the same time! However, the new trend of getting citizens more involved is a good indicator that the participatory approach is increasingly being viewed as the key to sustainable development.

For the first time, the Planning Commission of India has managed to set up a web-based consultation during the preparation of the Approach Paper to the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-2017). An Interactive website has been created to enable all interested stakeholders to voice their opinions. The new web-based approach has completed the on-site consultations conducted across the country by organizations representing the various groups of citizens such as women, dalits and youth. All stakeholders have been encouraged to give their comments on the Twelve Strategy Challenges that refer to some core areas for sustainable development. Twelve challenges that all stakeholders interested in building a sustainable future should address.
For more details please see the above link.

CII-ITC rewards best practices in corporate-led sustainability efforts

Sustainable development is not only a matter of consumer awareness and policy initiatives, but is also a matter involving industrial movers’ efforts. Not only because providing products compatible with a sustainable development increases their value for consumers, but also because achieving sustainability will ensure better long-term perspectives for industry.

With this in mind and for the sixth time since its creation, the CII-ITC (CII-ITC website) has handed out its Sustainability Awards for sustainable industry efforts. The grand winner of this year’s ceremony was Tata Steel, which won the Sustainability Prize in Category A for Large Business Organizations for the fourth time since the award’s creation. The prize rewards leadership and excellence for work to improve economic, environmental and social performance.

Aside from acknowledging best efforts in sustainability, the advantage of the CII-ITC Sustainability Award is that, during the process, the center conducts a thorough due-diligence, provides extensive feedback to participants, thus allowing them to improve their existing model. Not only does the center spotlight best examples of sustainable industrial developments, but it also provides a platform for sharing best practices, enabling other companies interested in sustainable development to implement the most effective processes easily. This has made the award a cutting- edge tool in promoting sustainability, raising the bar year after year while sharing key knowledge. We tip our hat to this remarkable initiative.