Message to Policy Makers: BICEP Companies Have Your Back
We could not have said it better.
On Thursday, January 16th, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse conveyed a message that has been 5+ years in the making.
As you can see in this video clip , Senator Whitehouse not only highlights the leadership of BICEP companies stepping up to the plate to call for climate action, he specifically notes the vision of two of our notable members, VF Brands of North Carolina and Mars, Inc. based in Virginia. It was no accident that Senator Whitehouse mentioned companies headquartered in red states in his effort to bridge the partisan divide on the most transformative and controversial issue of our time.
At your next business gathering make sure to share his speech while reminding your peers of the need to support those law makers who are seeking solutions.
As the Senator notes, those special interests who act as a “barricade” to action can no longer rule the day…or the future.
Onward,
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Anne Kelly
Director
BICEP (a project of Ceres)
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Climate Champions in Congress Highlight Business Support
Leaders in Congress are highlighting the Climate Declaration and business support for climate action.In an op-ed calling for a price on carbon , Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) began with the 700 companies that have signed the Climate Declaration. “This is a remarkable shift in how some of the nation’s biggest corporations view the threat posed by climate change,” they wrote. “Policymakers should take notice.”
A week later, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) appealed to colleagues BICEP in Action
#MoreSnowDays Video
Outdoor industry companies, including Eagle Creek, Horny Toad Activewear, Klean Kanteen, Gregory Mountain Packs, and Black Diamond Equipment, issued a tailored version of the Climate Declaration. The companies helped launch a video that calls for more snow days and highlights the economic impact of the outdoor industry. “We must tackle climate change to ensure #MoreSnowDays, for the strength of our economy and the good of our planet.”
BICEP Testifies in Support of Carbon Pollution Standards
During a listening session on carbon pollution standards hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Boston, Ceres staff testified in support of limiting carbon pollution from power plants. “Leading businesses need the support of policymakers who can help us move toward a low-carbon economy” the statement said. “Carbon pollution standards will set clear market signals that will drive long-term investments, spur technological innovation, and create jobs. We encourage the EPA to create and implement strong existing source standards.” BICEP Attends International Climate Talks
At the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP) in Warsaw Poland, Ceres mobilized companies that support an international climate change agreement. Ceres coauthored and released theGuide for Responsible Corporate Engagement on Climate Policy .
Ceres also hosted a panel of leading companies Unilever, IKEA, and Philips on what companies are doing to reduce their own emissions and why companies must engage in supporting BICEP Companies in Action
Gap Inc. Beats Greenhouse Gas Goal
Gap Inc. has reached its greenhouse gas reduction goal ahead of schedule, reducing emissions more than 20% below a 2008 baseline a year ahead of schedule. The company has reduced emissions through a power purchase agreement of a 1MW solar array, one of the largest in Northern California, and switching to LED lights in its 350 stores. In the next year, Gap will be looking to develop a new, more ambitious goal for 2015. Read more.
Portland Trail Blazers’ Justin Zeulner Recognized as Leader in Green Sports
The Portland Trail Blazers are holding true to their namesake and blazing a trail for sustainability in the sports industry. The Trail Blazers’ Sustainability Director Justin Zeulner has lead the effort to reduce the impact of the Trail Blazers and its home, the Moda Center. The Blazers have reduced energy use by 30%, increased landfill diversion by about 55%, and more than 90% of the food served is local and organic. The Moda Center is also the first major sports-league facility to have LEED Gold status. While the team has invested $650,000 on sustainability projects, the projects have saved more than $3 million in energy, water, and waste costs. Read more.
New Belgium Brewing’s Fat Tire has a Slim Footprint
New belgium Brewing’s Director of Strategy & Sustainability, Jenn Vervier, spoke at Yale University about the craft brewery’s sustainability initiatives. The Brewery is fully employee owned and has published the carbon life cycle analysis of one Fat Tire, one of its most popular beers. Jenn Vervier spoke about how the company engages on policy, highlighting bicep and saying, “I’m passionate about advocacy”. Watch the recording of her panel.
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