Day: 23 August 2002

UK Business Briefs: Excellent sustainable business practices, and training

In this week’s UK Business Briefs, a hospitality company and a chemicals company celebrate their sustainable development practices, and a new training package for reducing pollution incidents in the construction industry.

Safe to eat, but safe to breed? GM animals on trial

Could genetically engineered farm animals release genes into wild populations? The question heads the list of concerns in a new report on biotechnology which, conversely, argues that there is no evidence as yet that cloned livestock are unsafe to eat.

Stormwater retention ponds could spread deadly mosquito virus

Stormwater retention ponds that are increasingly used in the US to reduce contaminants from roads and pavements being washed into water courses - and to prevent flooding, could be aiding the spread of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus that has claimed 12 lives so far this summer.

France’s environment under great pressure

France is “highly vulnerable” to natural and technological disasters, says a report issued by a leading French Institute. Increasing international traffic through France coupled with a rise in national energy consumption, CO2 emissions and air and road transport means that the country is placing greater pressures on its environment.

Acid rain harming song birds?

Acid rain may be responsible for declining numbers of songbirds, claims a new study published by US scientists. The study shows a clear link between acid rain and a change in the breeding habits of the North American wood thrush. Ecologists suggest that calcium depletion in the soil is affecting the bird’s food supply.

REACH for sound science, says chemicals industry group

Politicians should base their decisions on science, not political expediency or pressure from special interests groups, says the chief executive of a group representing the chlorine industry. “In seeking to protect the environment and the consumer, EU regulators all too often place excessive burdens on manufacturing industry. Politicians have a duty to stand up for sound science and legislate accordingly,” says Dr Barrie Gilliatt in a review published by Euro Chlor on behalf of 93 companies.

Biological diversity could have greater role in environmental impact assessments

Biodiversity considerations are to feature more prominently in environmental impact assessment guidelines, following the signing of a memorandum of co-operation by senior officials at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA).

Green Groups urge Johannesburg leaders to regulate Corporate Social Responsibility

Green groups across Europe are calling for a legally binding international framework on corporate accountability and liability, and plan to make the World Summit on Sustainable Development their stage for this demand.

Climate change threatens marine ecosystems

Climate change threatens the survival of marine ecosystems, says a new report by US climatologists. Fragile coastal systems already stressed by human activity may lose species unable to migrate or adapt to changes in sea level and circulation patterns.

Plastic bag levy a success in Ireland

The success of the Irish plastic bag tax should see Britain following suite. With €3.5 million already earned from the levy introduced in March this year, Ireland’s Minister for the Environment Martin Cullen is delighted with the scheme’s success. The “mindset is changing,” says Cullen, adding that “implementation of similar strategies must continue if we are to tackle Ireland's waste problem.”

IEA reports on ways to achieve sustainability in urban transport

Transport is the fastest-growing energy-consuming sector worldwide. Rapidly increasing populations and vehicle usage have created gridlock and sprawl, even in very poor cities, as well as unacceptably high levels of air pollution, noise, and accident rates. But improvements can be made.

Sustainability at BASF

Balancing the economy, the environment and society

BASF has committed itself to the principle of sustainable development as one of its corporate goals. Realizing this principle on a day-to-day basis at a global company is a major challenge because the economic, environmental, social and cultural framework differs from country to country.