On April 23, Wells Fargo announced an “enhanced commitment to environmental leadership through a series of goals to be achieved by 2020 including: $30 billion in loans and investments in support of a “greener” economy, $100 million in community grants for grassroots environmental initiatives, and a 40% increase in the company’s energy efficiency.  With these ambitious targets, Wells’ is indeed showing a commitment to investing in a green economy.

Underlying these targets, however, is the signal of a much larger shift in how the bank approaches its lending practices; one that is both strategic and transparent in nature.

Although Wells Fargo has never been seen as a major culprit in financing strip mining and dirty coal energy (PNC, Citi and UBS take the title on that front), they have nonetheless identified the need to modify their approach to what is increasingly becoming a poster child for global climate change.   To this end, the company earns modest points for what it calls environmental and socially responsible lending (PDF).

The new approach outlined for coal and metal mining, for instance, requires an “enhanced due diligence process, including evaluation of a company’s track record regarding litigation, regulatory compliance, worker safety and environmental compliance; and the degree of organizational capacity and commitment the company dedicates to these concerns.”

This signals a more head-on approach to what has traditionally been considered a taboo subject.  Sure coal is dirty and bad for the climate, but the reality of having any renewable energy source take its place in the near term is illogical.  What Wells is attempting to do is say, “OK, we realize that there are certain negative drawbacks to financing coal, so we’ll take more precautions, but there is still enough of a business case for us to do it.”

In a report released late last year entitled Bankrolling Climate Change: A Look into the Portfolios of the World’s Largest Banks, Wells Fargo was ranked 19 out of 93 major banks with $5.9 billion of financing in coal mining and coal fired electricity from 2005 to 2011.

To whatever degree Wells has invested in coal fired energy in the past, however, there seems to be a conscious change of tact in how they go about it with their latest environmental commitments. In a statement regarding their environmental affairs, the company has stated that “Wells Fargo seeks to ensure that as we do business, natural resources are protected and environmental, social and economic needs are part of our everyday decisions. In this integrated approach to sustainability, we are committed to finding new ways to minimize our energy consumption, address climate change, use renewable sources, and inspire others to do the same so we can lower our impact on the planet.”

Climate Counts most recently scored Wells Fargo at a “starting” 49 out of 100 points.

In terms of sniff test, Wells Fargo may not smell the best, but their investments in a green economy are absolutely a step in the right direction.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing’s going to get better. It’s not.”  - A changed Once-ler from Dr. Seuss’s children’s book, The Lorax

Each year since 1970, people around the world have united on Earth Day (April 22) to promote appreciation of the planet’s natural environment.

This year, Climate Counts is asking consumers and companies alike to “be the change” by going beyond the one day Earth Day celebration.  We’re asking our followers to commit to at least one new habit that will reduce your climate impact over the course of the year.

Here are some ways you can do your part:

Shop Right! Download the Climate Counts iPhone App or bookmark our company climate scores in your web browser to know which companies have committed to measuring, reducing and reporting their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  Make a commitment to buying what you need from companies that are leading by example.

Reduce Energy for FREE - Changing out light bulbs is a no-brainer, but there are some cool technologies out there that don’t cost a thing.   ePlusGreen offers free software that can help minimize energy from computer usage by up to 30%. Click here to download ePlusGreen’s free technology or visit:  www.eplusgreen.com/

Set Goals for Yourself - Want to live healthy, green, and sustainably but not sure where to start?  Join Practically Green to see your score, get personalized suggestion for steps to take and products to use.  Compare and share points earned with friends and family. Stay motivated and have fun doing it:  www.practicallygreen.com

Engage Others - Constructive debate can be a great tool for education.  When discussing climate change, make sure you are armed with facts and unbiased information: 

United States Global Change Research Program

Businesses for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy

GreenBiz.com

Instead of feeling guilty about what you’re not doing to save the world, take pride in something that you can do day in and day out.

Remember, earth day is every day!

Pop Quiz: What do the following companies all have in common?

• Amtrak
• Annie’s Homegrown
• Ben & Jerry’s
• ClifBar
• Kohl’s
• Levi’s
• REI
• Shaklee
• Timberland

Answer: These companies are all members of the Climate Counts Industry Innovators (i2) program.   i2 companies support Climate Counts mission of educating consumers while holding themselves to the highest standard of climate leadership.

As a way of saying thanks to these companies, the winner of our Climate Counts i2 Challenge will win a $50 gift card to the i2 company of their choice.

How do you win???

Simple: email us a picture of a time you supported an i2 company. It could be a photo of you atop a mountain decked out in REI gear, a shot of your friends boarding the Amtrak to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., or perhaps your neighbors enjoying a refreshing cone of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream.  The person with the coolest picture (as judged by your peers) wins!

You can send pictures with a brief explanation to us at info@climatecounts.org with “Climate Counts i2 Challenge” in the subject line.  All photos will be compiled and added to our Facebook page and blog, with judging to be completed by May 7, 2012.

Deadline for submissions is Tuesday May 1, 2012.

The winner will receive one $50 gift card to the i2 company of choice.   If you’re one of the top 5 pictures we pick, we’ll send you a FREE Climate Counts t-shirt to show our appreciation!

Cheers!

Susan Torman

Climate Counts, Communications Intern

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If climate change is humanity’s greatest challenge, a close second must be uniting people around the common goal of overcoming it.

As a country, the U.S. has proven inept at tuning out pundits, skeptics and even presidential hopefuls intent on clouding the climate issue. It has reached the point that there is neither an esteemed enough scientist, nor a concrete enough climate model to withstand the calls of dubiousness from a politically-riled opposition.

While the debate languishes on in the U.S. about the reality of climate change, other members of the global community have already transitioned into the next phase of the process: tweaking market-based models and emissions trading mechanisms to better level the competitive playing field. These efforts are often accomplished in collaboration with (rather than in spite of) members of the private sector.

In England, Sony, Vodafone and Unilever recently pledged support for the greening efforts of the country’s energy and climate change secretary, Ed Davey. Last July, Australia implemented a price on carbon pollution backed by corporate players such as Ikea and GE. In Germany, there have been continued boasts of economic growth on the road to greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. To be sure, these countries have all experienced some measure of difficulty in finding the right balance of government involvement in the process, but such is the case when acting as pioneers for the global good.

All the while, the U.S. ranks 121^st out of 132 countries on Yale’s climate change performance indicator – even lower than developing nations like 93^rd ranked China (see Angel Hsu’s article for more on this).

Washington Post opinion writer Michal Gerson recently likened the climate argument in the U.S. to a culture war in which “scientific debate has been sucked into a broader national argument about the role of government.” To lump the long-term health of the planet with the debate on whether or not contraception should be covered by healthcare seems a gross distortion of national priorities, no?

But, even as the polarizing nature of the climate conversation has stymied level-headed discussion in congress, awareness on the issue continues to mount from the unlikeliest of sources: most notably fiscally conservative republicans in New Hampshire and god-fearing members of the Southern Baptist church.

Another cause for optimism (at least what counts for optimism in the battle of climate messaging) is how the recent spate of record-breaking temperatures triggered a wave of media coverage showcasing the expertise of climate scientists. Although we’re constantly reminded that undulating weather patterns don’t always represent changing climate patterns, it is encouraging to see mainstream exposure in what has proven to be an ever-declining market for climate publicity.

Indeed, perhaps all that is needed to overcome humanity’s greatest challenge is more extreme weather and a better media relations team.

-Mike Bellamente, Project Director - Climate Counts

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-bellamente/climate-messaging_b_1386393.html

Recently, the Environmental Leader brought to light a blog post from a member of  Amazon’s Web Services team in which he concluded, “[I] find myself wondering if [...] large solar farms are really somewhere between a bad idea and pure marketing, where the environmental impact is purely optical.” One of the author’s examples was Apple’s iDataCenter facility at Maiden, North Carolina.  After running the figures on a number of variables, the author determined that solar projects are both space and cost inefficient.

While the author raises several valid points, he fails to mention the strides that Apple is making to reduce their overall climate impact- a concept that Amazon has been woefully slow to embrace.  Climate Counts, a nonprofit that rates companies on their climate leadership, most recently scored Apple at a striding 60 out of 100 points, while Amazon remained stuck with 11 points, dead last in the internet/software sector.

When visiting the sustainability section of Apple’s web site, it is clear to consumers that they have taken responsibility and are working to reduce the impact of their carbon footprint.  In fact, even as their revenue has grown, their greenhouse gas emissions per dollar of revenue has decreased by 15.4 percent since 2008.

Amazon, in contrast, has made seemingly little effort to measure and reduce their companywide greenhouse gas emissions while providing only cursory level commitments to reducing their overall environmental impact.  When compared against other Internet and software companies, Amazon sustainability initiatives are sub-par.

For example, eBay, another e-commerce company, scored 64 points based on CC’s scorecard.  Upon visiting eBay’s sustainability webpage, consumers are provided with information on a variety of sustainability initiatives, from advancing transparency through the Carbon Disclosure Project to Green eBay, which was created by 40 eBay employees who wanted to make their company a truly green place to work. eBay has distinguished itself by strongly advocating for comprehensive public policy that addresses climate change and would lead to market-wide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the growth of renewable energy capacity.

Another example of a software company making strides to reduce their carbon footprint is Microsoft.  Leading the way in CC’s internet/software scorecard sector with 68 points, Microsoft is strongly committed to developing solutions that address environmental challenges while encouraging policymakers to stimulate technology innovation. They provide ways for both their buyers and their employees to reduce their environmental impact from recycling electronics to participating in their corporate campus transit system.

Leading by example, eBay and Microsoft integrate sustainability into their business plans seamlessly.  It is the responsibility of other companies in their sector, such as Amazon, to follow suit and take action to reduce their climate impact.

- Susan Torman, Communications Intern- Climate Counts

The Center for Science and Technology Policy Research recently released their findings on the cycle of world newspaper coverage on climate change or global warming since 2004. As evidenced by the graph below, there has been a shockingly low rate of coverage in the past two years. So where has all the buzz about climate change and global warming disappeared to?

In though economic times, the only thing that seems to be on anyone’s minds is the state of the economy and the creation of jobs. Understandably, saving the environment is a luxury that becomes secondary when a person’s livelihood is at risk. But should the state of the economy necessarily change what one believes to be scientifically true?

Even in tough economic times, major corporations prove their commitment to mitigating climate change. Let’s take a look at a few of these corporations.

According to IBM’s climate protection plan, “between 1990 and 2010, IBM saved 5.4 billion kWh of electricity consumption avoided nearly 3.6 million metric tons of CO2 emissions (equal to 52 percent of the company’s 1990 global CO2 emissions) and saved $399 million through its annual energy conservation actions.”

In 2007, Nike moved beyond focusing solely on their own operational impact by cofounding Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP), a coalition of businesses to advocate for climate change legislation.

Bank of America has made a 10-year, $20 billion commitment in lending, investments, products and services focused on addressing climate change. Guided by their business goals, they have set and are continually pursuing meaningful targets and actions toward a low-carbon future.

Even former CEO of Xcel Energy Dick Kelly recognizes that we need to shift away from fossil fuels and quit denying climate science. In an interview for Think Progress, Kelly stated “I don’t know how [congress] can deny the science. I really don’t.”

While these corporations are proud to be making strides to reduce their carbon emissions, some multi-national companies are shifting how they market to the American public for fear of backlash.  For example, Coca-cola’s Canadian Arctic Home campaign more overtly discussed climate issues, while their American version took a softer approach for fear of alienating a divided American public on the issue of climate change.

But big corporations aren’t the only ones who recognize the urgency of climate change action. The Catholic Church created the Catholic Climate Covenant, which urges fellow Catholic to take action to reduce their carbon footprint, care for “the least of these” (Matthew 25) and raise their voice on behalf of Creation and the poor. In addition, Pope Benedict XVI pressed delegates of 194 countries gathering in Durban, South Africa during the international climate change negotiations to reach a strong global agreement to address the challenge of climate change.

Even the U.N.’s climate chief is looking to the private sector in the US to lead the way forward to a low-carbon future. The U.N. has realized that high-powered companies have a push-factor on decision-makers that should be utilized, recognizing world leaders such as Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Wal-Mart as example companies.

If members of the international business community have accepted climate science and taken action to reduce their carbon admissions, why have Americans proven to stubborn about being so singularly focused on the economy? The answer isn’t simple. People believe that addressing climate change will hinder economic growth and the creation of jobs when in fact, the opposite is more like to be true. Climate change action can drive our economy and create jobs simultaneously. Following the lead of major corporations like Unilever, Nike and IBM, it is time for America to see the challenge of mitigating climate change as an ingredient to regaining our status as a dominant global economic power.

- Susan Torman, Communications Intern- Climate Counts

Last month, GreenBiz.com released its annual State of Green Business report which observed the widening gap between corporate sustainability trends and a growing sense of indifference on the part of the consumer. To borrow from the report: consumers are more preoccupied with saving their jobs and homes than with “saving the planet.” Indeed, in tough times few have the capacity to care about social issues.

Last year a report entitled Mainstream Green found that 85% of Americans would rather be given guidelines on how to live a green and sustainable life and do it themselves, rather than have it legislated through government regulations and policies.

So why is there a gap between consumer intentions and their actions when it comes to sustainability? The answer lies in the unintended consequences of green marketing. This niche marketing has bumbled its way into the mainstream where the consumer audience is largely uninterested in being lectured on the importance of sustainability. Human nature inclines us to resist change in favor of the status quo, whereas sustainability means buying less and re-using more. Sustainability is edgy and different and generally not something John Q Public is clamoring for. Marketers of environmentally responsible products and services must come to the realization that “normal” is not a dirty word, but rather that it is the key to true sustainability.

One way to close this gap between unbridled consumerism and conscious consumption is to provide high performing sustainable choices. Some companies who are embracing this version of the new normal are Unilever and Levis.

Under their Sustainable Living Plan, Unilever’s Persil Small & Mighty concentrated laundry detergent saves 35 million liters of water a year in Europe. Similarly, Levi is now promoting Water>Less jeans collection, which reduces Levi’s water usage by an average of 28% per pair. Both companies are known and trusted; therefore consumers are not sacrificing quality for sustainable options.

So how do these companies rank according to Climate Counts? Unilever improved five points in 2011 to become the highest scored of nearly 150 major corporations. By embedding resource efficiency and emissions reduction targets into every layer of their value chain, Unilever has proven that true sustainability can only come from getting everyone involved from product development to product disposal.

Levi Strauss is up thirteen points from 2010 and is now striding at 74 points with a gold star*. Climate Count’s 2011Scoring Report notes two of Levi’s best practices regarding consumer engagement: Care Tag for the Environment and their Water>Less Jeans product.

Although Unilever and Levi Strauss are among the leaders in shifting consumer perceptions on sustainability, not enough consumer-facing companies are following suit. Consumers are looking for a normal and mainstream approach to “going green” without having to expend much effort to get it. It is up to the companies they buy from to better convey the importance of sustainability and nudge consumers in the right direction by offering green alternatives that don’t compromise cost or performance. To this end, perhaps it is better for companies to ditch green niche marketing and incorporate sustainability into their corporate strategy from the ground up.

- Susan Torman, Communications Intern- Climate Counts

*Gold star represents companies showing strong support for comprehensive climate energy policy.

Of those named to Ethisphere’s “2011 100 Most Influential People in Business Ethics” last month, readily apparent is the occupational diversity of the field.  Rare is the occasion that one sees the likes of Michelle Obama (#53) and Stephen Colbert (#48) listed alongside the Annie Kishens (#36 - Director of CSR for PepsiCo India) and Mike Bellamentes (#45 – Director of nonprofit Climate Counts) of the world.

The more subtle point to be drawn, however, is the unique cross-section of environmental thought leaders represented in the rankings.  A sign that eco-consciousness has become a mainstay in what is deemed ethical business practices, the 2011 list included several professionals either loosely or intricately tied to corporate sustainability trends.

While former Timberland CEO, Jeff Swartz (#24) made it his mission to embed resource conservation into his company’s psyche, sustainability blogger Marc Gunther (#66) was keeping companies honest through the written word.  Joe Keefe (#82), President and CEO of Pax World Investments, made his mark by way of innovative sustainable investing solutions, while Annie Kishen pioneered a pledge to make Pepsi’s operations in India water positive by replenishing more water than is consumed.

Although few operatives of environmental stewardship penetrated the top-quartile of the list of 100 –not surprising when up against the likes of corruption activist and hunger striker Anna Hazare- the increasing visibility environmental movers and shakers is cause enough for optimism.

Below is a list of honorees recognized for ethical contributions related to the environment.  To view the complete list of the 2011 100 Most Influential People in Business Ethics, click here.

The Ethisphere Institute is a leading international think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability.

·      #24 Jeffrey Swartz – CEO, Timberland
Category: Business Leadership

·         #36 Annie Kishen – Director of CSR, PepsiCo India
Category: Business Leadership

·         #45 Mike Bellamente – Project Director, Climate Counts
Category: Thought Leadership

·         #50 (tie) Yalmaz Siddiqui – Director, Environmental Strategy, Office Depot
Category: Design and Sustainability

·         #50 (tie) Leo Bonanni – CEO, Sourcemap
Category: Design and Sustainability

·         #66 Marc Gunther – Blogger, MarcGunther.com
Category: Media and Whistleblowers

·         #82 (tie) Joseph Keefe – President and CEO, Pax World Investments
Category: Investment and Research

·         #92 Jacquelynn Henke – Real Estate Green Strategy Officer, TD Bank
Category: Design and Sustainability

·         #94 Dennis Smith – National Clean Cities Director, Department of Energy
Category: Government and Regulatory

·         #100 Dan Phillips – Contractor and Home Builder, Independent
Category: Design and Sustainability

-Mike Bellamente, Project Director - Climate Counts

Climate Counts is once again honored to be a beneficiary of TWO amazing climate rides – Climate Ride NYC to DC (May 19 - 23) and Climate Ride California (September 9 - 13).

This year, not only is it possible to donate and commit to fundraising on behalf of your favorite environmental organizations, but you can also sign up to RIDE for the Climate Counts Team.

For more details on how you can help support Climate Counts, contact project director Mike Bellamente at 603.862.0121 or mbellamente@climatecounts.org.

Thank you for in advance for supporting the cause!

-The Climate Counts Team

So visibly absent is the subject of climate change from ongoing stump speeches that New Hampshire scientists –representing institutions such as the University of New Hampshire and Dartmouth–have banded together in a plea for republican candidates to, at the very least, accept the reality of shifting global temperatures.

In reviewing the front-running republican websites, not one even mentions climate change, let alone sets out a plan to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) we emit as a nation (U.S. being the second largest emitter of GHGs worldwide).

This signals a prime opportunity for leading-edge U.S. corporations to ordain themselves as the voice of reason.   While iconic symbols of American industry (IBM, Bank of America, Nike, and Levi’s for starters) are taking progressive action on climate change, candidates who purport themselves as 21^st century businessmen refuse to even acknowledge the science of humanity’s biggest challenge.  This leaves one to wonder just how much of a lagging indicator politicians truly are to the status quo.

Major corporations are no longer just playing to the green crowd because of its popularity.  Climate change is being addressed at the highest levels of business because it poses an immediate risk to operations, supply chains and future investments.  A look at the 2011 Carbon Disclosure Project Global 500 report reveals that 85% of respondents to last year’s survey reported business risks associated with climate change.

So why isn’t there more coordinated vocalization from the private sector demanding that presidential candidates address the issue?

To be sure, groups such as Ceres’ Businesses for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP) are valiantly attempting to move the needle on Capitol Hill, but perhaps it is time to bring corporate activism to the level of campaign contributions.  Since the U.S. Supreme Court removed the ceiling in 2010 on the amount corporations are legally allowed to spend on campaign donations, the next logical step, it would seem, is for businesses affected by climate change risk to invest in presidential candidates who reflect those interests.

It is well understood that this country is in need of an economic kick-start, and that any plans for job creation will appeal equally to the left, the right and the coveted independent swing vote in this year’s election.   What has become less clear, however, is why the quest for clean energy and a low-carbon future has become such a source of vitriol for the conservative agenda.

Climate change is no longer an issue of activism or alarmism.  It is a simple fact that deserves the attention of anyone vying for the position of Commander in Chief.

Mike Bellamente is the project director of Climate Counts, a New Hampshire-based nonprofit that annually ranks major corporations on their climate leadership.

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