CSR - Evidence of Failure to “Walk the Talk” when it comes to Carbon?

Some great research evidence in this topical article in the Guardian - particularly for students wanting an example or two of firms that have translated concern for environmental protection into hard-nosed objectives.

The Guardian reports a new survey by the Carbon Trust, which has found that nearly half of the UK’s top companies do not have targets on greenhouse gas emissions, despite years of legislation and campaigning on the issue. Forty of the FTSE 100 either lack numerical targets on carbon dioxide, or their targets are for previous years and have now expired, without being renewed.

Some useful insights into the nature of the carbon objectives of these big firms (where they have been set). For example, most are short-term objectives (1-3 years) rather than long-term

The case of B&Q parent group Kingfisher is highlighted as an example of how setting carbon targets can lead to business benefits. Kingfisher value the importance of measurable targets rather than setting vague goals - and they link part of the pay of senior management to these objectives.

The business case for setting and achieving carbon emission targets is supported by another finding of the Carbon Trust - namely that a large percentage of consumers would actively avoid brands that did not take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.