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Sectors

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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Aluminium For Future Generations

Aluminium For Future Generations

http://www.world-aluminium.org/Sustainability/Envi...

The Aluminium for Future Generations initiative is a programme of continuous improvement on the part of the global aluminium industry, overseen by the International Aluminium Institute.  It comprises thirteen voluntary objectives, covering all key phases of aluminium’s life cycle. 

Reports of note include:
  • Life Cycle Assessment of Aluminium: Inventory Data for the Primary Aluminium Industry (2007).
  • Sustainable Bauxite mining report (2008).
See also:
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)

http://www.wttc.org/

The WTTC is a major forum for business leaders in the Travel & Tourism industry.  Based on the following principles, the WTTC advocates partnerships between the public and private sectors to deliver results that match the needs of economies, local and regional authorities, and local communities:
  1. Governments recognising Travel & Tourism as a top priority
  2. Business balancing economics with people, culture and environment
  3. A shared pursuit of long-term growth and prosperity
Additionally, the WTTC's Best Practice Gateway provides in-depth insight into the industry’s actions towards sustainable Travel & Tourism development.
WWF Finance Lab

WWF Finance Lab

http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_...

WWF has come together with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Reos Partners, and the Said Business School to launch an exciting new programme – the Finance Lab.  The Finance Lab is a collaborative initiative endeavouring to re-think the financial system and take practical action to stimulate transformational change, so that finance serves the interests of society and the environment.
The Foundation for Sustainable Development

The Foundation for Sustainable Development

http://www.ypb.or.id/index.php?option=com_frontpag...

The Foundation  for Sustainable Development, or Yayasan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan, was established in line with the spirit of Rio Summit 1992, which committed to sustainable development.

The Foundation has three core activities:
  • Sharing: training, consultation, and public discourse.
  • Knowledge: research, developing case study, and policy recommendations.
  • Strategic Partnership: supporting sustainable development in practice through strategic partnerships.
Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)

Better Cotton Initiative (BCI)

http://www.bettercotton.org/

BCI provides principles and criteria for cotton production that include general biodiversity considerations, and works with farmers and other stakeholders in the supply chain to share best practices and knowledge. BCI aims to promote measurable improvements in the key environmental and social impacts of cotton cultivation worldwide to make it more economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable

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Transportation

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