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Transportation

About this sector

Transportation through land, air and sea result in emissions of carbon dioxide as well as issues such as water, waste, noise. Shipping moves approximatly 80% of the worlds commodites.

Impacts

  • Infrastructure for transportation like roads, harbours and airports can threaten natural and important habitats.
  • Climate change through use of energy

Opportunities/Risks

  • Shipping transfers approximately three to five tons of ballast water internationally each year, this poses a threat to ecological stability by transferring harmful organisms.

Case Studies


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African magic mixed with cutting edge green technology

African magic mixed with cutting edge green technology

Elizabeth Dlamini, herbalist and skincare adviser to a whole of local women, has skin that glows. She beams as she explains why. “Here in the Royal Kingdom of Swaziland we proud of our plants that we use in our traditional beauty regimes. Our grandmothers taught us how to prepare cosmetics from the oil of the Marula nut”. Now, Ubuntu Natural is bringing Swaziland’s best-kept beauty secret to the international cosmetics market.

Biodiversity and Access to Affordable medicines

Biodiversity and Access to Affordable medicines

Recognizing the importance of medicinal plants offers a unique opportunity to link biodiversity, health and sustainable development. Biodiversity is the source of primary health care for the majority of the world’s population. The research and development of medicinal plants is thus a way to safeguard and advance health care, which is essential for much of the population. Moreover, the ethical sourcing of medicinal plants can play an important role in the conservation and sustainable use of these species and their ecosystems, as well as provide a significant avenue for local sustainable development.

Building local plant nurseries for the rehabilitation of quarries

Building local plant nurseries for the rehabilitation of quarries

As part of its quarry rehabilitation process, Lafarge has developed local plant nurseries that respect indigenous species and are adapted to the local environment. This initiative is part of broader methodologies and best practices 
developed by the company to optimize its quarry reclamation, with the final objective of strengthening the acceptability of its operations in the long run.

Implementing “zero impact” invoices

Implementing “zero impact” invoices

Committed to neutralize the environmental impacts associated with its paper invoicing process, EDP has engaged in a compensation program based on (1) life cycle assessment and (2) externalities compensation through agroforestry good practices that restore the ecosystem service originally impacted by invoicing activities.

Setting private natural heritage reserves

Setting private natural heritage reserves

Owning large natural reserves as part of its forestry activities in Brazil, Fibria has chosen to register its most biodiverse lands as part of the Brazilian-specific Private Natural Heritage Reserves scheme. Recognition of Fibria’s conservation efforts is expected to further increase public and stakeholder awareness on company conservation activities.


Tools and Mechanisms


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Brands for Life

Brands for Life

http://www.life.aim.be/

The branded goods industry aims to ensure the continual improvement of the quality of life enjoyed by consumers, employees and the communities in which they operate. The organization believes that the branded goods industry can lead in the following ways: develop and market innovative goods and services that have a more sustainable life-cycle; further optimize the economic and environmental efficiency as well as the social impact of current products and activities; and communicate their efforts on sustainable development based on proven science. Brands can play a role in shaping consumer behaviour towards more sustainable choices.
Build Up

Build Up

http://www.buildup.eu/

This initiative supports EU Member States in implementing the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). It provides information on best practices, technologies and legislation for energy reduction.
National Wind Coordinating Collaborative

National Wind Coordinating Collaborative

http://www.nationalwind.org/

The US Wind Coordinating Collaborative (NWCC) provides a neutral forum for a wide range of stakeholders to pursue the shared objective of developing environmentally, economically, and politically sustainable commercial markets for wind power in the United States.
National Business Initiative (NBI)

National Business Initiative (NBI)

http://www.nbi.org.za/

The NBI is a voluntary group of leading national and multi-national companies working together towards sustainable growth and development in South Africa through partnerships, practical programmes, and policy engagement. As one of close to 60 global regional partners to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the NBI provides a platform for business leadership and a vision of how companies can contribute to shaping and achieving a sustainable society.
Oree

Oree

http://www.oree.org/

Orée is a French organisation working on environmental issues and has published a major guide book on biodiversity for businesses.  This organisation has set up a "Business and Biodiversity” working group dedicated to developing guidance and best practices related to the introduction of biodiversity conservation into business operations.

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Transportation

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