Sustainable Business Certification
Sustainable Business Certification (SBC)
•
•
•
A comprehensive, intensive offering that brings the corporate
professional or executive up to date on a global basis
The certification gives credibility to newly formed businesses that
support sustainability
Serves as top ranking certification in the field of sustainable
business worldwide
Sustainable Business Certification
Factors driving demand
•
•
•
•
•
•
Macro environment
Global standards
Business
Corporate “need to know”
Government and regulation
Consumers
SBC - SWOT
• Strengths:
– USQ has the expertise
– Partnership has ‘mix’ of
theory & practice
– SB Center
• Weaknesses:
– “Untested” field
– Standardization
– Varying standards,
laws, & local issues
• Opportunities:
– First to market with
global certification
– USQ has the expertise
– Local & global offerings
• Threats:
– No global standards
– Green fatigue / Fad
– ACMI (AU Cleantech
Mgmt. Institute)
Sustainable Business Certification
• Sustainable Business Modules
1. Environmental Responsibility
–
–
The new (green) economy
Carbon Foot Print
2. Sustainable Accounting
–
3.
4.
5.
6.
Triple bottom line
Sustainability Business Opportunities
Social Responsibility with Marketing
Education & Behavioral Responsibilities
Capstone Module (final session to qualify for SBC)
– Responsibilities of Global Citizenship, Leadership & Ethics
Sustainable Business Certification
Details:
• The certification is sponsored by The Centre
• Individual ‘modules’ are offered via The Institute or another vehicle
offering ‘intensives’ for the corporate consumer & can stand alone
• Modules are a minimum 8 hour day up to a 2-3 day weekend
offered over 1 year
• Certification could be offered in 1 captive weekend
• Subsequent ‘continuing education credits’ or updates would be
offered annually to keep the certification ‘fresh’
• Pricing is what the market will bear – approx. $5K pp per module
Conscious Consumers care
Survey Data
Studies by three independent surveys found:
 College students ranked social responsibility
higher than celebrity endorsement for brand
Harris Interactive 2006
 80% of teens are concerned about
the environment and the role of the
US in causing pollution. JWT 2007
 In fact, 76% of consumers, assuming
no difference in quality or cost, would
switch to a brand with a good cause.”
Environics International Survey
Erik Sass, Media Daily News 2007
Investor Pressure
Shareholders – Many institutional investors are pushing companies to
address climate change in their business strategies.
– First CF for Mutual Fund released July 22nd
CARBON DISCLOSURE PROJECT
– CDP asked for info from the largest 2,000 companies
including the world’s 500 largest public companies3
– Those asking the questions about climate change represent over $55
trillion in assets. For comparison, US Economy=$12T
Management Knows it’s Important
Climate Change is a top 3 priority
Regulation is Coming
Unpredictable Policy Environment
– International (Kyoto): Copenhagen Dec. ‘09
– G8: 50% reduction of global emissions by 2050
– Federal : Cap and Trade Legislation Passed in June
– EPA 13,000 largest emitters (> 25,000 MT CO2e) report in ‘11
Other Regulation
•
•
•
•
•
Higher Fuel Efficiency Standards at 35.5 mpg
Renewable Portfolio Standards – 28 states
E-Waste Laws – 10 cities
Toxic Waste Limits – REACH ACCORDS
Others ……
…and greater reporting
Equity Investing
EMS
Climate
Governance
All
Debt/Multinational
Workers
Labeling & 3rd party
Verification
• Calvert, DJSI SAM’s, Domini, Social Funds
• ISO 14001 & ISO 26000
• Climate Counts, EPA Climate Leaders,
Corporate Register, CERES
• AccountAbility 1000
• GRI, Climate Registry, CR Reporting Awards
• IFC Funding, Equator Principles
• SA 8000
• Green Seal, FSC, B Corp
Sustainable Business Certification
Summary:
• SBC revenues allow for 1/3 of income to cover cost of
expert panel members
• 1/3 income to support certification platform
– Marketing
– Corporate entertaining
– Travel expenses
• Remaining 1/3 to split between the Uni partnership or
prorated
Questions?