International Singapore Compact CSR Summit 2010

October 6, 2010toOctober 7, 2010

International Singapore Compact CSR Summit 2010

This timely summit organized by the Singapore Compact for CSR brings together experts from various sectors to discuss on how to plan, measure, and implement CSR strategies for sustainable business success.

The Inaugural International Singapore Compact CSR Summit of last year was a great success, attracting about 400 delegates from multinational corporations, small and medium enterprises, unions, government, academia and the general public.

Let’s join other business leaders, CSR professionals and many other stakeholders to hear and learn from the experts, local and overseas, to address the following challenges:-

HOW TO PLAN     |     HOW TO MEASURE     |     HOW TO IMPLEMENT

  • How can my organisation make CSR an effective strategy for sustainable business success?
  • How can my organisation keep pace with the ever changing energy challenge?
  • How government policies shape along with the global impetus?
  • How can my organisation effectively respond to the global trends which affect my organisation?
  • How can I measure my organisation’s response to the climate change challenge and sustainability developments?
  • How is the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) relevant to my organisation and where shall I start with?
  • How can I measure the social impact of my organsiation?
  • How can I start with my first sustainability report with a universally accepted standard?
  • What are the cost and time-effective ways to do sustainability reporting?

*Fees reflected above are based on per delegate.

Please visit www.singaporecsrsummit.org for more information about the International Singapore Compact CSR Summit 2010.

For registration, please download the form from http://www.singaporecsrsummit.org/registration.php and fax the completed form to 6471 1278.

Please feel free to contact Mr Cedric Miranda or Ms Fion Tsang at 6827 6825, or email to enquiry@singaporecsrsummit.org for any enquiries or the sponsorship opportunity for the International Singapore Compact CSR Summit 2010.

Measure Your Organisation’s Carbon Footprint or Greenhouse Gas Inventory

emissionsFor an organisation, the term carbon footprint or greenhouse gas inventory includes the carbon emissions and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated directly from the organisation’s activities or use of fuels, and also indirectly from the use of electricity and from the use and disposal of materials, products and services.

By measuring its carbon footprint or GHG inventory, the organisation can manage and reduce emissions over time, and also use it for disclosure to stakeholders or for marketing and corporate social responsibility (CSR) purposes.

After calculating the carbon footprint, it is then possible for the organisation to take active steps to manage the emissions. The organisation can:

  • Set emissions reduction targets
  • Identify opportunities for energy efficiency and reduction of emissions
  • Take action to implement emissions reduction projects
  • Monitor the performance of the projects and improve accordingly

footprint1The approach to an organisation’s carbon footprint usually involves five steps:

  1. Define a consistent methodology
  2. Specify the boundary and scope involved
  3. Obtain the emissions data and calculate the carbon footprint
  4. Verify the results with a third party
  5. Disclose the carbon footprint in a report and to stakeholders

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GHG Protocol

If your organisation wishes to calculate your carbon footprint or GHG inventory, you can follow the GHG Protocol produced by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD):

The GHG Protocol Corporate Standard provides standards and guidance for companies and other organizations preparing a GHG emissions inventory. It covers the accounting and reporting of the six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol — carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).

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ISO 14064

You can also follow the ISO 14064 from the International Organization for Standardization, which comprises three standards on specifications and guidance for the organisational and project levels, and for validation and verification. Read more about the standard here.

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Carbon Footprint Calculators

Or you can use these online carbon footprint calculators to estimate your carbon emissions:

Some of the above websites provide carbon offsets to help your organisation become carbon neutral.

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Carbon Disclosure Project

If you wish to study how companies disclose their greenhouse gas emissions, visit the Carbon Disclosure Project website:

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an independent not-for-profit organisation which holds the largest database of corporate climate change information in the world. The data is obtained from responses to CDP’s annual Information Requests, issued on behalf of institutional investors, purchasing organisations and government bodies. Since its formation in 2000, CDP has become the gold standard for carbon disclosure methodology and process, providing primary climate change data to the global market place.

Image credit: CMSeter; Plusverde.

P&G Wins at the 7th Annual International Business Awards with its Live, Learn and Thrive Corporate Cause Program in Asia

July 13, 2010 by Editor  
Filed under News

Awarded Stevie Winner for CSR Program of the Year in Asia (Subcontinent, Australia and New Zealand)

Awarded Stevie Distinguished Honoree for CSR Program of the Year in Asia (China, Japan and Korea)

SINGAPORE, July 13, 2010 – The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) today won the Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year in Asia (Subcontinent, Australia and New Zealand) category and was named a Stevie Distinguished Honoree in the Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year in Asia (China, Japan and Korea) category at the 2010 International Business AwardsSM for its Live, Learn and Thrive™ (LLT) corporate cause program.

The International Business Awards are the only global, all-encompassing business awards program honoring great performances in business and is nicknamed the Stevie® for the Greek word “crowned”. Honorees were selected through two rounds of judging by business professionals worldwide, and winners selected from more than 1,700 entries received from organizations and individuals in more than 40 countries. Read more

Global CSR Summit 2010

June 14, 2010 by Editor  
Filed under Events

June 29, 2010toJune 30, 2010

Green Business Times is the Media Partner for Global CSR Summit 2010.

The present environmental, political and financial issues confronting business, governments and people today have pushed Corporate Social and Responsibility (CSR) as one of the top priorities in organisations today. Prior to the global financial crisis, CSR has not been widely embraced by organisations and often been seen as adding unnecessary cost or simply lip service.

Customers, governments, investors and NGOs are now demanding that companies act responsibly and adopt and implement CSR practices within the corporate culture and activities.

In the post crisis world, it is no longer possible to continue “business as usual”. Business shrouded in secrecy, lacking accountability and transparency with unsustainable business models will eventually be exposed and brought down like a pack of cards as seen in the infamous Madoff Scandal. In this new business environment, a company’s reputation has become one of its most valuable assets, and CSR is one of the main key component of corporate reputation.

Emerging from global recession and limited financial resources, many companies are charting a new course. As business leaders navigate this evolving and challenging terrain, they must satisfy the demands of customers, employees, investors and governments. At the same time, the need to develop new strategies that address the economic, social, and environmental impact of their business practices remains imperative.

In spite of the variety of approaches to CSR, there is wide consensus as to its main characteristics. Companies that adopt socially responsible behaviour go beyond their legal obligations to choose this voluntary course of action, because they believe these to be in their long-term interests. CSR is also intrinsically linked to the concept of sustainable development in which companies must integrate economic, social and environmental results in their management systems.

Therefore, CSR is not an option to be ‘added’ to the principle activities of the company but it is an integral part of corporate management. It is about building on existing practice, maximising its impact and making a link between social responsibilities and best business practices.

At this year’s 2nd Annual Global CSR Summit 2010 & Awards, we celebrate and salute the resilience of companies that have not only weathered the financial storm but remained resolute in trying times, to continuously uphold the highest stan-dards in CSR while developing innovative and sustainable solutions and products for greater profitability and improving the welfare of societies.

Visit the Global CSR Summit 2010 website for details and registration.

Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability 2010

April 7, 2010 by Editor  
Filed under Events

June 21, 2010toJune 22, 2010

Location: Prince Hotel, KL, Malaysia

In today’ challenging economic conditions and competing environment, the focus on corporate responsibility is crucial because it will ensure companies are making the right decisions in leading to positive investments for their long term viability. Good corporate citizenship in good businesses also argues the importance of corporate responsibility as a good will and will ensure success in the long term.

The CR trend is being driven by many factors which include the erosion of trusts in large organisation, the evolution of corporate governance movement, the globalisation of businesses, competitive pressure to be more socially responsible and the rise of socially responsible funds. Barriers to implementation cite cost implications, awareness and unproven benefits. The main objectives of organisations moving towards a responsible business do not only limit within long term objectives but also has become critical for corporate reputation, business success and sustainable investments as a survivor strategy.

marcus evans ‘Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability 2010’ conference will address challenges in today’s challenging economic conditions as there has been an increase in attention to social obligations, economic and environment aspect of business activity and performance from key decision makers such as the investors, suppliers, customers, employees, pressure groups and the community. The “tone from the top” has adopted Corporate Responsibility as a significant theme by recognising it as a major corporate driver. This two-day quality-driven conference will revolutionize debate on real-life experiences and cultivate innovative solutions to reshape the quality of your corporate responsibility process. Delegates will value information in regard to financial risk, environmental impacts, sustainability assessment, CR measurement, and employee engagement to upscale standards in their organization. For full brochure and registration, kindly contact Ms Catherine at CatherineF@marcusevanskl.com

Why should you attend?

  • Enhancing skills in handling CSR issues within your organisation to increase performance and productivity
  • Projecting company profitability / ROI by venturing into outstanding sociallyresponsible investments through measurement and reports
  • Boosting moral enhancement by identifying the gap in your organisation’s behavioral analysis through corporate responsibility
  • Mastering communication in CR efforts to influence stakeholders and policy makers in their decision making
  • Building brand enhancement through impressive social media initiatives
  • Aligning CSR initiatives with business goals to create awareness, both internally and externally
  • Networking with CR experts to explore cutting edge CSR initiatives that is crucial to your business advancement

Key Topics

  • Identifying CR indicators that justify ROI/ budgets in business operations
  • Recognising climate change to reduce its impact on an organisation
  • Incorporating CR as part of the corporate culture to leverage future business survivability
  • Positioning virtual communication and creating awareness through Digital CSR

Green Business Times is a media partner of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability 2010.

CSR – Its Place in Business and the World

March 3, 2010 by Editor  
Filed under Events

March 19, 2010
8:30 amto4:30 pm

Venue: Orchard Hotel, Orchard Ballroom 3, 442 Orchard Road, Singapore 238879

Jointly organized by ISEAS and the EU Delegation to Singapore, the aim of the seminar is to examine the notion of CSR and the importance of involving all stakeholders. The seminar will also identify the real challenges a company might face when implementing a CSR strategy and, more broadly, facilitate an exchange of views from companies from Asia and Europe. This would allow businesses to take advantage of the diversity of views and experiences so as to further enhance their companies’ global strategies.

For details and registration, visit the European Union Delegation to Singapore website.

Source: European Union Delegation to Singapore

New Book on CSR for Sustainability and Success

October 12, 2009 by Editor  
Filed under Features, Operations & Management

CSR bookThe new book “CSR for Sustainability and Success” by Singapore Compact was launched during the International Singapore Compact CSR Summit held last week. The book features the CSR journey and experiences of 10 local and global companies with operations in Singapore.

The 10 companies (listed below) are in the following industries: food and beverage, retail, financial services, telecommunications, property development and management, construction, steel and energy.

  • Cerebos Pacific Limited
  • Citi
  • City Developments Limited
  • Holcim (Singapore) Pte Ltd
  • NatSteel Holdings Pte Ltd
  • NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited
  • PowerSeraya Ltd
  • SembCorp Industries Limited
  • Shell Group of Companies
  • Singapore Telcommunications Limited

In the book, each company shares its insight on adopting CSR – the company’s motivation, process, programmes, results, impacts, challenges and opportunities during the CSR journey. The business case for CSR was mentioned by the companies and they find that CSR provides business opportunities and is critical to business success.

The book also highlights 3 key challenges and suggests what can be done for each challenge:

1. Getting Started

Companies may face a lack of understanding and knowledge on CSR, lack of interest within the organisation and by stakeholders, and also resource constraints to get started.

Some solutions:

  • Form a cross-functional CSR working group with commitment and leadership from top management
  • Refer to relevant national programmes and policies, and what other companies are doing in the same industry
  • Define what is important to the company and stakeholders, and form clear targets and milestones
  • Discuss and develop the CSR policy and strategy at the department and group levels

2. Operationalising CSR

Companies may find it difficult to translate vision and mission into CSR policies and actions throughout the company and stakeholders.

Some solutions:

  • Require top management to lead, drive change and be role models
  • Ensure perseverance to embed policies and practices across the organisation
  • Have clear roles and responsibility and a reporting structure
  • Include tools, policies and processes for stakeholders to act
  • Include measures and channels to communicate and engage with stakeholders

3. Sustaining the CSR Journey

Companies may find it difficult to maintain management commitment, employee awareness and buy-in, meet the needs and expectations of diverse stakeholders, ensuring focused efforts and measuring impacts.

Some solutions:

  • Emphasize the importance of ongoing engagement and sharing of info among employees and stakeholders
  • Educate, involve and empower stakeholders in the CSR and sustainability journey

If your company or organisation is starting on your CSR journey, this book gives useful examples and case studies on CSR strategies, policies and practices based on the Singapore context.

Corporate Social Responsibility in Singapore: Awareness and Implementation

October 2, 2009 by Editor  
Filed under Strategy & Leadership

The awareness and implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Singapore has been increasing over the past four years since the formation of the Singapore Compact, a national society promoting CSR in Singapore.

What is CSR? Some companies associate CSR with charity and philanthropy, but CSR actually goes beyond that. According to Singapore Compact:

Corporate Social Responsibility is essentially about businesses doing well and doing good at the same time. CSR is about the long term strategy of aligning business strategy and operations with universal values to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes for customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, communities, other stakeholders and as well as the environment.

Through the implementation of CSR, companies can reap benefits and improve profits. Mr Koh Juan Kiat, Vice-President of Singapore Compact and Executive Director of Singapore National Employers’ Federation explains:

Adopting CSR brings intangible benefits such as a good reputation for the company, high morale among employees and improved performance and attracts investors. Employees will also take greater pride in their company and this will affect productivity.

In 2008, survey findings by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) show that out of the 507 Singapore-based enterprises surveyed, 40% of the respondents were aware of the term CSR. Of the CSR-aware respondents, two-thirds have implemented CSR activities.

To date, 240 organisations have joined Singapore Compact and are implementing CSR practices. These organisations include large corporations, SMEs, co-operatives, unions, federations and NGOs. In addition, 70 companies have signed up as signatories to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) network in Singapore.

Despite the growing awareness and implementation, CSR in Singapore is still in its infant stage and more needs to be done. As such, Singapore Compact will hold an inaugural International Singapore Compact CSR Summit from 6 to 7 October at Orchard Hotel. The conference will cover topics such as:

  • CSR and the Community: The Role of Corporate Foundations
  • CSR Global Trends
  • CSR: Strategy for Sustainability and Success
  • Investor’s Perspectives on CSR
  • CSR and Sustainable Development – The Environment and Beyond
  • CSR – what can be done?

This is a good and timely opportunity for your company to understand more about CSR and how to implement CSR in your organisation. Visit http://csrsummit.csrsingapore.org/ for details and registration.

Interview with Thomas Thomas, Executive Director, Singapore Compact for CSR

September 25, 2009 by Editor  
Filed under Marketing & Communications

Mr Thomas PhotoThis interview with Thomas Thomas, Executive Director, Singapore Compact for CSR, is submitted by the organisers of the International Singapore Compact CSR Summit.

1. What are your hopes for International Singapore Compact CSR Summit that will be taking place from 6-7 October 2009 at Orchard Hotel?

I hope that there will be a surge in CSR awareness and implementation in Singapore and this will in turn act as an impetus for the region. The ideas and discussions leading from the Summit will motivate and ingrain the values and principles of CSR. It will result in better managed companies that take into account the interest of stakeholders and a better world for all. Read more

International Singapore Compact CSR Summit

September 9, 2009 by Editor  
Filed under Events

October 6, 2009toOctober 7, 2009

Held at Orchard Hotel, Singapore from 6-7 October, the inaugural International Singapore Compact CSR Summit is the region’s premier educational and networking platform for leading professionals in raising the awareness and understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for sustainability and success in their organisation.

With the theme “Strategy for Sustainability and Success”, the event will explore on learning how to plan measure and implement Corporate Social Responsibility strategies in your organisation and discover best practices, sustainable development and excellence.

This timely conference brings together experts from various sectors to address regional and international trends in CSR, and also provide an opportunity for participants to network amongst professionals and thought leaders, and benchmark against proven best practices.

Who Should Attend:

  • Business leaders
  • Decision and policy makers
  • Directors/managers
  • CSR and HSE professionals
  • Senior management executives
  • Management consultants
  • Union leaders
  • Co-operative leaders
  • Academics/researchers who are interested in elements of CSR and relevant international standards: corporate governance, environment, labour, supply chain, community investment, health and safety and many more

For more information, please visit http://csrsummit.csrsingapore.org.

Singapore Compact

10 Hoe Chiang Road

#22-01 Keppel Towers

Singapore 089315

Tel: +65-6827-6825

Fax: +65-6827-6802

Email: summit@csrsingapore.org

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