Sustainability Practice Network: 2009-10 Meeting Program

September 16, 2009
Copenhagen - Beyond the Kyoto Protocol

October 20, 2009
Smart Grid Technology - Enabling the Economy, Protecting the Environment

November 17, 2009
Sustainable Finance

December 8, 2009
Can 'Big Food' Embrace the 'Sustainable Agriculture' Movement

January 19, 2010
From the Mustang to the Volt: Cars, Economy, and Changing
American Iconography

February 16, 2010
High Performing Supply Chains

March 16, 2010
Clean Tech and the New Economy

April 20, 2010
Water Use, Water Supply and Climate Change

May 18, 2010
How Does Being A "Good" Corporate Citizen Impact Brand Equity?

June 15, 2009
Innovative business Models


September 16 2009, 6-8 pm
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Copenhagen - Beyond the Kyoto Protocol
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Venue: New York Open Center 22 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016

Panelists: Doug Cogan Director of Climate Change Research, Risk Metrics;
Kate Cecys, International Fellow, Pew Center on Global Climate Change;
Stephen Kass Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP;

Moderator: Nat Keohane nvironmental Defense Fund, Director of Economic Policy and Analysis

The first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol will end in 2012 and negotiations for a post-Kyoto agreement have been taking place since 2007. A final treaty is expected to be adopted in Copenhagen in December 2009. What improvements will be proposed to the Kyoto Protocol? What will be the major obstacles to an agreement? What lessons have been learned from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Joint Implementation JI), the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and other trading schemes, such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX)? What is the future of the growing multi-billion dollar annual emissions trading market? This panel will provide insight into the major provisions of the international post-Kyoto climate change agreement, how the major obstacles to agreement may be overcome, and the future of emissions trading markets.

Please RSVP events@sustainabilitypractice.net

  Risk Metrics
832k Powerpoint download

  Environmental Defense Fund
4.5Mb Powerpoint download

  Pew Center
932k Powerpoint download




October 20, 2009, 6-8 pm
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Smart Grid Technology - Enabling the Economy, Protecting the Environment
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Venue: New York University Law School, Vanderbilt Hall, 40 Washington Square South, Room 204 (between MacDougal and Sullivan Sts)

Panelists: Dr. Martin Fleming, Vice President, Corporate Strategy, IBM Corp.; Katherine Hamilton, President, GridWise Alliance; David Gmach, Director NYC Public Affairs, Con Edison.

Moderator: Ashley C. Brown, Executive Director, Harvard Electricity Policy Group, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

According to the US DOE Office of Electrical Distribution, the US electricity grid is "aging, inefficient, and congested, and incapable of meeting the future energy needs of the Information Economy without operational changes and substantial capital investment over the next several decades."

Leading states like California and Texas have been working towards modernizing their electricity system, and to that end, the 2009 economic stimulus bill earmarked $4 billion in its clean technology provisions. In order to transform the electric power business, information technologies must be deployed such as those that have transformed telecommunications, another "network" industry.

While the transformation process has begun, there exist technological limitations and market barriers to complete integration. The panelists will discuss the technological, political and economic changes that need to happen for a complete modernization of the US electric system.

  Gridwise Alliance/Smart Grid
816k Powerpoint download

  Con Edision/Smart Grid
8MB Powerpoint download

  Smart Grid Spending Slideshow
192k Powerpoint download

Please RSVP events@sustainabilitypractice.net




November 17, 2009, 6-8 pm
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Sustainable Finance
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Venue: Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity - Newman Vertical Campus Room 14220 - 55 Lexington Avenue between 24 / 25 Sts.

Panelists: Gina Harman, Chief Executive, Accion USA; Gregory Larkin, Senior Analyst, Banking and Diversified Financials, RiskMetrics Sustainability Solutions Group; Cathie Mahon, Executive Director and Assistant Commissioner, Office of Financial Empowerment NYC Department of Consumer Affairs

Moderator: Ben Levisohn, Staff Editor, BusinessWeek

While there is much uncertainty about the future of banking one thing is certain: lending to underserved/low income consumers will never be the same. On this panel we hear how it is changing. If subprime was a bad (or sub-optimal) model for extending finance to underserved, underbanked demographics in the US what is the right way? How will the underbanked get access to the capital they deserve? Who will provide that capital?

  Accion/SustFinance
688k Powerpoint download

  NYCDCA/SustFinance
412k Powerpoint download

Please RSVP events@sustainabilitypractice.net




December 8, 2009, 6-8 pm
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Can 'Big Food' Embrace the 'Sustainable Agriculture' Movement
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Venue: RiskMetrics Group, One Chase Manhattan Plaza, 44th Fl.,
New York, NY

Panelists: Michael Doane, Agricultural Economics and Sustainability, Monsanto; Ani Gulati, Assistant General Counsel and Sustainability, General Mills; Chip Jones, SVP Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, Dean Foods; Jake Baker, Climate Change Investment Research, Deutsche Bank; Tensie Whelan, President, Rainforest Alliance; Josh Viertel, President, Slow Food USA

Moderator: Linda-Eling Lee, Sustainability Research, RiskMetrics Group

Capital-intensive and chemical-intensive agricultural methods have been widely adopted by Big Food companies because of their ability to increase production as well as profits. The long-term economic and environmental sustainability of conventional large-scale agriculture, however, is increasingly being called into question. A counter trend of community-based local food production, including growing demand for local and organic products, rising number of farmers markets, CSAs and urban agriculture initiatives has taken hold around the country in recent years. The Obama administration has helped extend growing public interest for fresh, local and sustainably grown food through official appointments at the Department of Agriculture and the unofficial cultural cache of a White House organic garden. This 'civic agriculture' movement, however, focuses on small farmers and food producers but neglects the role that global agribusinesses, food manufacturers and retailers must inevitably play in feeding the world's growing population.

How can we reconcile the innovation and progress made on a small scale in local communities with the necessity of large-scale farming and distribution? Is it possible or desirable for Big Food companies to circulate resources at the local level and replicate community-based models when catering to national and international markets? What would spur corporations to provide incentives to farmers to improve sustainable crop production methods? Efforts to develop voluntary national 'Sustainable Agriculture' standards are currently underway; is developing a "sustainable agriculture" label even a good idea for Big Food?

Please RSVP events@sustainabilitypractice.net

  Can 'Big Food' Embrace Sustainable Agriculture?
120k PDF download



January 19, 2010, 6-8 pm
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From the Mustang to the Volt: Cars, Economy, and Changing
American Iconography

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Venue: TBA

Panelists: TBA

Moderator: TBA

Every generation has its car, whether it is a Mustang, VW van or Hummer. The cars that Americans can afford to drive and the car brands that Americans can relate to are undergoing a revolution. In this panel we ask: What will America's next car be? Which cars will sell if gas is $4, $5 or $20 a gallon? Which car brand will be the next American icon? As America's auto industry digs itself out of bankruptcy, who will make America's next car?

Panelists from the industry will discuss these issues and explore how prudent ESG risk management can protect or enhance an automaker's strategic positioning in a leaner and tougher market environment.

Please RSVP events@sustainabilitypractice.net




February 16, 2010, 6-8 pm
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High Performing Supply Chains
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Venue: NYU Center for Global Affairs Woolworth Building - 15 Barclay Street (Enter on Barclay Street) New York, NY
(Please present ID at Ground Floor Reception.) Subways - 2,3 at Park Place 4,5,6 at City Hall

Panelists: Sabrina Vigilante, Director, Rainforest Alliance, Americas & Asia Pacific Sustainable Value Chains, Sustainable Agriculture Division; Shayne McQuade, CEO, Voltaic Systems; Mary White, Sr. Manager, Environmental Supplier Outreach, PepsiCo;

Moderator: Chrystina Gastelum, Manager, Carbon Disclosure Project, Supply Chain

In July 2009, the NYT reported the launch of Wal-Mart's supplier sustainability index: "As the world's largest retailer, Wal-Mart Stores is on a mission to determine the social and environmental impact of every item it puts on its shelves."

This is a daunting task given that a company's supply chain is composed of a complex network of people, organizations and technologies and its management involves coordinating and integrating these flows both within and among companies. With its focus on the social and environmental impacts, supply chain performance measurement can range from GHG emissions, waste and water, to labor conditions, human rights and animal welfare. It has been argued, however, that there is a human cost to the "green" movement as suppliers are being asked to reduce costs while improve their environmental performance.

This panel will discuss how companies are working on improving the sustainability performance of their supply chains and working to achieve a truly sustainable supply chain.

Please RSVP events@sustainabilitypractice.net




March 16, 2010, 6-8 pm
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Clean Tech and the New Economy
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Venue: TBD

Panelists: TBD

Moderators: TBD

Imagine a world where store shelves are filled with toxic products that no one will buy, product lines are shut down because of new EPA regulation, and environmental toxicity is a costly financial mistake rather than just an ethical lapse. In many respects that moment has already arrived. Baby bottles are pulled off shelves as consumer concerns drive regulation. European REACH regulation is driving industry players toward costly reformulations. The companies that will win in this new financial landscape are not waiting. They are innovating themselves for the future now. And profits are already booming. Tonight we hear from some of these companies about the role of clean tech in a new economy.

Please RSVP events@sustainabilitypractice.net




April 21, 2010, 6-8 pm
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Water Use, Water Supply and Climate Change
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Venue: TBA

Panelists: TBA

Moderator: TBA

Water is a basic human right, but potable water has become increasingly scarce due to pollution, industrial development and climate change. We are in the midst of serious energy and water problems; the two issues are closely linked. The water supply sector uses large amounts of energy to transport, treat, and deliver water. For the energy sector, water is used in all energy creation stages including: extraction, processing, refining and transporting the fuels to power-generation sources. As cities continue to grow, water-use efficiency and conservation are needed to ensure adequate protection of water supply for these growing populations. The panel will examine what water conservation measures are being implemented by governments and corporations. In addition, it will address what citizens can do to ensure that this important resource is being preserved and protected for the public good.

Please RSVP events@sustainabilitypractice.net




May 18, 2010, 6-8 pm
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How Does Being A "Good" Corporate Citizen Impact Brand Equity?
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Venue: TBD

Panelists: TBD

Moderator: TBD

Companies large and small, from Wal-Mart to Green Mountain Coffee, are investing heavily in developing a sustainability strategy as well as a "green" brand image. Under the tutelage of consultants and NGOs, consumer product companies have managed to "make the business case for sustainability," particularly by cutting costs through waste reduction, energy management, and other supply chain efficiencies. However, many more companies are primarily concerned with the reputational risks and opportunities arising from their sustainability practices. Are PR efforts that promote public-private partnerships, corporate philanthropy and "going green" sufficient to enhance brand equity, given that consumers may not respond to more expensive investments in a strategic overhaul? Are these investments aimed at risk management or upside opportunity? How are companies using financial metrics, market research, or other data to determine whether sustainability-related investments are paying off? How are 24/7 news cycles and flourishing social networking channels impacting stakeholder demand for greater transparency and a more sophisticated understanding of sustainability? What do consumers really want to know about the companies they buy products from, and what is the most promising medium for this information flow? Panelists from consumer/retail companies, advertising and marketing, and social media will discuss these issues.

Please RSVP events@sustainabilitypractice.net




June 15, 2010, 6-8 pm
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Innovative Business Models
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Venue: TBD

Panelists: TBD

Moderator: TBD

Sustainability can help create innovative opportunities to improve environmental and social performance while making a profit. Companies, start-ups and nonprofits are focusing on new business models to achieve this. A panel of entrepreneurs and sustainability leaders will discuss how their businesses and organizations are using innovation to drive sustainability. The speakers will discuss their challenges - from developing business plans, securing investors and recruiting fellow entrepreneurs all while maintaining their sustainability mission and vision.

Please RSVP events@sustainabilitypractice.net