News & Views

Clarity of purpose is becoming critical to business success. How can you ensure your purpose is authentic, robust and embraced by your workforce? Explore why clarity of purpose is now critical to business success and the purpose statements of Australia's Top 50 companies. REGISTER HERE

Eco-Business suggest that in the coming year we should expect to see stricter laws around greenwashing, and a rising demand for clear disclosure and reporting standards. Specifically, they say that as net zero becomes more fashionable, data disclosure and net zero pledges must be put to the test; the "Social" factor in ESG must be strengthened; deforestation and illegal fishing must be addressed; energy generation, sustainable transport and innovative natural solutions must be considered. Read their article HERE.

The UN Environment Programme marks its 50th anniversary this year and suggests that despite the world grappling with the continued COVID pandemic, resurgent wildfires and enduring environmental crises, a number of high level events and conferences hope to re-energise international cooperation and collective action. Last year, the UN Secretary-General reminded us that we were at the environmental crossroads - we break down or we break through. See the planned UN events HERE.

There is a lot of terminology around understanding carbon emissions and Sustainability Network edie, provides a good explanation about Scope 3 emissions. Scope 3 accounts for all of the other emissions which an organisation produces when fossil fuels are burnt within its value chain. Sounds complicated?. edie have simplified it for you HERE

Corporate Giving Australia's latest report shows that community contributions from corporate Australia remain at an all time high, despite fears that this may recede with the pandemic. It demonstrates that companies held their Community budget positions, demonstrating that when Australian's are doing it tough there is still a commitment to provide community support.Even with such pleasing results, there is room for growth ensuring that corporate leaders retain strategy and focus. Read the article from Pro Bono Australia HERE.

Workplace Giving Australia (WGA) and Good2Give (G2G) announce their merger in December as part of an ambitious plan to dramatically increase workplace giving across the country.

Their merger aims to dramatically increase workplace donations through investment in more advance workplace giving technologies, creating greater awareness of workplace giving and motivating more corporate leaders to get involved. Read about the merger in Pro Bono Australia News HERE

The lack of a standardised framework and methodology on corporate carbon neutrality or net zero is certainly an obstacle to effective communication. Faced with the pitfalls of corporate greenwashing, communicating about your climate efforts can feel like a minefield! , Yet stakeholders are increasingly demanding and sometimes require transparent and thoughtful communication. EcoAct have prepared a list of considerations READ MORE 

The Centre for Social Impact has released is second Pulse - Wave 2 report that tracks how the for-purpose sector is faring, and examines areas issues and challenges these sectors faces, and areas that need to be supported for it to thrive - such as financial backing, technological capability, human capital, and the ability to adapt. These issues have become even more essential since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which has caused major disruption to almost all areas of life. Read the report HERE 

Over the last 2 years COVID has forced law firms to adapt quickly and without a safety net. The impact of COVID on the 2021 sustainability metrics from Australia’s most successful law firms has been understandingly dramatic but it is also thought provoking as we contemplate how to address the ongoing challenges of climate change and social equality. READ MORE 

DLA Piper International LLP has set a science-based target (SBT) to halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2019/20 pre-pandemic levels. Approved by the Science Based Target initiative, the target spans DLA Piper’s entire value chain, including indirect emissions from the firm’s supply chain. and covers all International offices. To support the 50% target reduction, DLA Piper is making a number of operational changes and has introduced several initiatives. These include sustainable procurement, a thoughtful travel policy, carbon accounting, cloud-based data management for every office and an internal engagement campaign. The firm has also committed to sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030, up from 61% at present. This will be achieved in stages, with the UK and mainland Europe sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2025, and remaining offices by 2030. READ MORE