Building Sustainable Development in Myanmar

Farnam Bidgoli - Sustainalytics

Kris Douma - MN

Anna Pot - APG Asset Management

Farnam Bidgoli Analyst, Advisory Services

On May 1, Sustainalytics analyst Farnam Bidgoli visited Yangon, Myanmar for the launch of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in that country. Given the recent developments there was much excitement about the potential business and investment opportunities in Myanmar. Although there are a number of challenges, many in the international community remain "cautiously optimistic" about Myanmar's future.

Institutional investors Kris Douma of MN and Anna Pot of AGP Asset Management also attended the event and, along with Farnam, have shared their perspective in a recent article which was featured on Responsible Investor. Follow the link to read the full article - Building Sustainable Investment in Myanmar: Institutional Investors Report Back.

 Are Apple's supply chain commitments enough to sway the industry?

Matthew Barg Associate Analyst

Matthew Barg

Technology leader Apple has recently announced that third-party audits of its supply chain will be conducted by the Fair Labour Association. The company has also recently released a list of its suppliers. Though a step in the right direction, civil society and some investors are skeptical about Apple's motives and whether it will follow through on its commitments. Sustainalytics' associate analyst Matthew Barg shares his insight on Apple's supply chain commitments. Follow the link to read the full article.

For the fourth consecutive year Maclean's magazine, Canada's most popular current affairs publication and Sustainalytics have collaborated to determine the top 50 socially responsible corporations in Canada. The companies selected are among the leaders in their sectors and show strong performance in areas such as environmental initiatives, impact on local communities, treatment of employees and supply chain management. This year's list hits newsstands on June 14 and will also be available online at macleans.com.

Green Rankings Methodology Webinar - June 11

Newsweek, Sustainalytics and Trucost will be holding an online workshop for the companies being researched for the 2012 Green Rankings. The hour-long webinar will cover the methodology and research process as well as answer any questions companies might have. Anyone affiliated with or representing a company that will be researched for the Green Rankings is invited to attend.

Click to register for the workshop.
Click here to find out which companies will be researched this year.

Learn more about this year's green rankings by visiting our webpage: http://www.sustainalytics.com/NWGR2012

Ceres/Sustainalytics report finds improvement is needed in U.S. corporate sustainability

Canadian Responsible Investment Conference - June 18-20, Montreal  

The focus of this year's conference is SRI +20; a look at the future opportunities and challenges of responsible investing. Among the list of distinguished guest speakers are former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin and Chair of the Principles for Responisible Investment Wolfgang Engshuber, live via video link from the Rio +20 conference. The Canadian Responsible Investment Conference promises to be a great opportunity to learn about the latest SRI developments and examine the future of responsible investment.

Don't forget to vote for the Canadian SRI Distinguished Service Award. The winner will be announced at the conference gala dinner on June 19. Previous winners include Sustainalytics CEO Michael Jantzi and Jane Ambachtsheer of Mercer. 

Sustainalytics and Responsible Investment Group Inc. will also be co-hosting the conference party following the awards dinner. Stay tuned for more details. 

Check out a host of other videos featuring Sustainalytics team members on our new Youtube channel: Sustainalytics Live

Road to 2020 Coverage

The Ceres and Sustainalytics joint report received wide coverage when it was released at the Ceres conference in April. Articles written by Ceres President Mindy Lubber were featured on Forbes.com. You can read her thoughts on U.S. corporate sustainability here and here.