Environmental sustainability
Big companies can leave big footprints.
As an investor we can urge them to reduce their environmental impact. And because we speak from the position of shareholder they are obliged to listen us.
We can use our influence in a broader sense too -
For example, asking the companies in which we invest to support us in lobbying the government on environmental issues.
We also investigate areas that concern our customers, such as the wider environmental implications of biofuels, which was the focus of an extensive report in 2007.
Our policy statement on environmental sustainability
We will encourage businesses to reduce pollution and their environmental impact, and, in particular:
- reduce reliance on fossil fuels – which contribute to climate change – and increase their use of renewable energies and energy efficiency.
- end the production of chemicals that nature cannot easily break down and which build up and contaminate plants and animals.
- end the exploitation of nature – which results in the loss of plants and animals and their surroundings – and consider more sustainable natural products and services.
Our policy in practice…
Putting the wind behind green intentions
The Government has set a target of securing 10% of the UK's energy from renewable sources by 2010, but may struggle to meet this. Ironically, far from being reluctant to go green, many companies are crying out for renewable energy. There's plenty of wind power potential backed up in the system, but for various reasons, including planning and regulatory issues, it is not getting to customers. We have summarised the problems and solutions proposed by companies into a one page document, which we sent to Government. This 'wish list' is endorsed by 10 major UK companies, including many household names such as Alliance Boots and Sainsbury's.
Biofuels: Risks and Opportunities of an Emerging Industry
Biofuels have been hailed as the answer to two major issues facing humanity: climate change and our reliance on fossil fuels. However, they may not be the panacea they have been made out to be. Although biofuels are in theory 'carbon neutral', the energy and chemicals needed to grow, transport and refine them can often mean they save very little greenhouse gas emissions and in some cases may even make climate change worse! The growth of some biofuel crops has led to rainforest destruction and in some places people may be forced from their land. We have been working with the biofuels industry, charities, government and the investment community to promote a more sustainable approach to biofuels.
For a copy of the full report on biofuels please contact: responsibleshareholding@cfs.coop
