Sustainability Indexes Launch, But What's the Formula, Kenneth?

by Mike Smith · 2009-08-31 06:29:00 UTC
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From German scientists to Walmart's PR department, everyone is pushing sustainability formulae and indexes. As German researchers attempt to quantify sustainability, the important point is made that the word sustainability needs to be quantified, and not left a void and meaningless idea. We are told that "researchers are now able to describe agricultural enterprises as systems based on their material and energy flows." The German Agricultural Society have put their weight behind the formula that assesses emissions, erosion, and use of pesticides, agreeing to set up a certification system to pass sustainability info on to consumers.

This may sound familiar as Walmart recently created a sustainability index that asks suppliers questions, measures emissions, and makes producers explain where their own supplies come from. The next step involves working with experts to produce carbon footprint data for all their products. It shows that investment in sustainability is happening, and that sustainability can help reduce costs. It's up to us to ensure that Walmart's formulas remain impartial.

[Photo credit: Lucian Venutian]

Mike Smith
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