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Carbon challenge sparks debate at csrnetwork’s first US roundtable
17/12/2008

HP, McKesson, Juniper Networks, Cisco and Allied Waste were among the major corporations who took part in csrnetwork's inaugural roundtable event in the United States.

Half of the day-long event was devoted to a discussion of corporate responses to the challenge of reducing carbon emissions. Experts from csrnetwork and partner firm Cameron-Cole gave a detailed overview of the regulatory and voluntary landscape in the US. Mark Line, csrnetwork director from the UK, also gave an insight into carbon-reduction work in Europe.

The discussion then turned to implementing a carbon program - specifically, assessing carbon footprint. Key learning points included:

  • Get a clear understanding of boundary and scope early in the process.
  • Most carbon inventory standards are based on the WBCSD/WRI GHG Protocol. This is a good place to start when evaluating carbon footprint.
  • Increased regulation of carbon emissions in the US is very likely in the short term. Although not all sectors will be directly regulated, all companies will be affected.

Also during the day, csrnetwork teamed with AccountAbility to present the results from the 2008 Accountability Rating. Delegates learned about trends in reporting among the world's 100 largest companies, and shared experiences of reporting.

Among the issues discussed was how to produce a concise report while still providing enough detail for a wide range of stakeholders. Delegates also debated how to achieve internal agreement on the material issues for the company.

Other talking points included:

  • The value and limitations of rating methodologies.
  • Balancing information between web-based and hard-copy reports.
  • Securing external assurance.

Todd Cort, director of csrnetwork Inc and host of the event, says: "It was a valuable day and a good start to our roundtable events in the US. Some very good ideas were exchanged, and everyone walked away with ideas for improving their own organizations. We plan to run similar events at least every quarter."

csrnetwork's roundtable events are for CSR managers and others from large companies who are interested in corporate sustainability. They provide opportunities for delegates to learn from each other and hear a variety of perspectives in a confidential and creative setting. Two roundtable events have already been held in the UK.

  • Limited places are available at each event. To request an e-mail alert about future events in the United States, e-mail jenn.rosenberg@csrnetwork.com.

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