December 6, 2007

"In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught."

— Baba Dioum (1937-present), Senegalese conservationist

Deadline Extended--Environmental Defense's Business Innovations Report 2008

NAEM has partnered with Environmental Defense to support the launch of a new annaul assessment of envrionmental business innovations in order to shine a spotlight on the most effective new best practices being developed by companies. . If your company is taking action to reduce its footprint, please take 5 minutes to fill out the short online nominations form. Please note that this is not just geared toward new technologies or products. Innovations can take a variety of forms--from human resource policies to supply chain efficiencies to streamlined packaging to facilities management enhancements. Shine a spotlight on the good work you’ve done this year by filling in the nomination form today! For more information on the process or the report due out in early 2008, contact Beth Trask.

Summary:

1. Can LEED Survive the Carbon-Neutral Era?
2. HP Expands Renewable Energy Use
3. Diversity on a Global Scale
4. FTC Fast-Tracks Review of Green Marketing Claims
5. 150 Global Firms Seek Mandatory Cuts in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
6. Toxins in Toys: Holiday Purchasers Beware
7. Job Opportunities

Can LEED Survive the Carbon-Neutral Era? –article
The rating system is beginning to gain wide acceptance, but critics now wonder whether the checklist approach can meet the daunting challenges ahead.

HP Expands Renewable Energy Use –news article
In an effort to cut costs and reduce the company's carbon footprint, HP is installing a roof-mounted solar power installation at its San Diego facility and securing wind-produced electricity for its operations in Ireland. HP signed an agreement with SunPower Corp. for the installation of a 1-megawatt solar electric power system. Initial estimates indicate that the project will save HP approximately $750,000 in energy costs during the next 15 years, and allow HP to earn renewable energy credits.

Diversity on a Global Scale –article
HRM’s Leslie Knudson speaks with Ron Glover, VP for Global Workforce Diversity at IBM, about what it means to retain a true culture of diversity and why it’s IBM’s greatest competitive advantage. For a company with 355,000 employees serving more than 170 countries, diversity comes with the territory. “What makes IBM unique is we aren’t trying to build a culture of inclusion and diversity. That is inherently a part of our culture – and not just our culture from an employee perspective but in terms of how we operate the business,” Glover says. “We are truly a global enterprise.”

FTC Fast-Tracks Review of Green Marketing Claims –hearing announcement
Thanks to a slew of new green marketing claims, the Federal Trade Commission has bumped up regulatory review of its environmental marketing guidelines. As part of the Green Guides review, the FTC will be holding public meetings or workshops on various green marketing topics. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) seeks to prevent deception and unfairness in the marketplace. The FTC Act gives the Commission the power to bring law enforcement actions against false or misleading marketing claims, including environmental or "green" marketing claims. The FTC issued its Environmental Guides, often referred to as the "Green Guides," in 1992, and revised them most recently in 1998. The Guides indicate how the Commission will apply Section 5 of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices, to environmental marketing claims.

150 Global Firms Seek Mandatory Cuts in Greenhouse Gas Emissions–news article
A sizable fraction of the international business community launched an effort to press for mandatory cuts in greenhouse gas emissions yesterday, on the eve of a major round of climate negotiations set to begin Monday in Bali. In an unprecedented show of solidarity, leaders from 150 global companies endorsed the idea of a legally binding framework in a statement published in the Financial Times newspaper.

Toxins in Toys: Holiday Purchasers Beware –article
This holiday season, buy your toys from green manufacturers - you won't have to worry about recalls and you'll support the green economy.

Job Opportunities

EHS Manager, Research & Development for Hospira located in Lake Forest, IL. In this role you will manage the development and implementation of programs, systems, processes, structure and strategy to ensure that organizations in the R&D facility (Building H3) conduct their business in a manner designed to be protective of human health, safety and the environment. You will additionally interface with corporate EHS, review EHS policies and procedures and with corporate oversight, maintain communications with regulatory agencies. M.S. Degree with 5+ years experience or a B.S. Degree with 10+ years experience is required. Minimum of 10 years experience in the field of EH&S with a minimum of 5 years management responsibility that required total coordination, oversight and responsibility for EHS matters. Contact: EHSCareers.com

Environmental Specialist-Waste/Water for BP located in Oregon, OH. As part of the refinery’s HSSE team, the Environmental Specialist - Waste/Water works with the Waste/Water Engineer to ensure the refinery is operating in compliance with the applicable waste/water rules and regulations. The position must maintain a satisfactory understanding and interpretive capabilities for waste and wastewater regulations impacting the refinery at state and federal levels. The Environmental Specialist - Waste/Water will also address the day-to-day refinery issues related to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (wastewater) compliance and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act compliance, including special waste and hazardous waste transport and disposal. A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental, Chemical and/or Civil Engineering or in an equivalent discipline. A minimum of 5 years of environmental experience. Contact: EHSCareers.com

Environmental Health and Safety Manager for Cargill located in Wayzata, MN. Lead, advise, support and promote Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) management and improve awareness, measure and ensure compliance with internal policy and procedures and external regulatory requirements and best practices. Assure compliance with all regulatory laws, regulations, and permit requirements. Create reports and documentation as necessary and ensure compliance with record keeping standards for regulators. Measure EHS performance. 4+ years of occupational safety and environmental experience in a manufacturing environment, Ability to travel 25-35% of the time. Contact: EHSCareers.com

Have a safe, healthy and environmental week!

Carol Singer Neuvelt

NAEM Executive Director

202-986-6616

Check out our website www.NAEM.org for up-to-date information about NAEM's Forum, EHS management workshops and training seminars!