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Notes and Thoughts Stemming from EPA's Final Climate Leaders Meeting

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-10-11T20:08:00Z

As many of you know, the EPA recently announced that it would be phasing out the Climate Leaders program. This announcement comes at a time when Congress has failed to pass meaningful climate legislation, the Administration is struggling with its approach to leading climate change response, and significant challenges are pending to AB 32 in California.

This past week, the EPA hosted its final Climate Leaders meeting in New Orleans. I was invited to participate in and speak at the program and wanted to share some of the comments that were made by attendees with my perspectives on those comments:

A large number of attendees expressed concern about replacing the technical support and expertise that had been offered by EPA through this program.

My thoughts: While EPA’s technical support was obviously invaluable to its partners, it’s clear to me that member companies can obtain that expertise by collaborating with peers in industry, government, academia and the non-profit community. In particular, NGOs such as The Climate Registry, World Resources Institute and the Carbon Disclosure Project have been working with numerous companies in this regard.

Given the resource constraints that EPA is apparently under and its intent to regulate under the Clean Air Act, it’s not realistic to expect that the technical support offered under this program continue. While this means that industry is going to have to foot the bill for this support, expecting that it come at no cost from government is not practical.

The luster of the program to executives was associated with EPA’s involvement, which significantly enhanced the program brand’s value.

My thoughts: The credibility that government brings in these sorts of programs is undeniable. EPA’s ENERGY STAR program and the USDA’s “Organic” certification have become cornerstones for retailers moving toward carrying more progressive product lines.

That said, it’s worth pointing there are numerous instances where comparable brands have been established without government involvement. Some examples that come to mind include the LEED certification for buildings, which clearly has dominated EPA’s ENERGY STAR for Buildings in brand value. Other examples of brands that have become dominant players for professionals and companies include Martindale Hubbell’s ratings for attorneys (who are peer-reviewed), the Better Business Bureau, American Hospital Association’s certification programs and Michelin ratings for hotels.

A combination of stakeholders from industry, government and the non-profit community could clearly come together to develop solutions for ensuring that a highly credible brand (whether EPA or not) survives this ordeal.

EPA Plans to issue an RFP to ensure that certain aspects of the Climate Leaders program are continued.

My thoughts: It is unclear as to what EPA plans to cover through this RFP, though a recognition program for climate leadership was referenced. I commented publicly (and in private to several EPA officials) that a good start would be to reinstate the EPA Climate Protection Award program, which went unfunded this year. That said, it could be at least a month or two (if not longer) before this RFP is issued, and the results of the RFP (winners and impacts from the “new programs”) could be at least 6-12 months away.

Many attendees expressed a desire to have access to one another by way of a community of peers and expressed disappointment that they would not be able to collaborate at future Climate Leaders events.

My thoughts: Collaboration and community development is not a primary function of a regulatory body. While I recognize the importance of EPA using its power and resources to convene thought and action leaders, the establishment and nourishment of peer-to-peer organizations is not their function. It is incumbent on all sectors to work together to establish and nourish a community of climate professionals.

Companies asked how they would message this internally, in particular, referencing that executive support had come because of EPA’s involvement in the program.

My thoughts: SAP’s Jim Sullivan (an ACCO Board member and formerly manager of the EPA Climate Leaders program) shared a concern that this transition might result in the pushing downward of focus within organizations from senior and chief executives to technical and middle management. This is clearly an important concern. ACCO has endeavored to bring together senior executives looking at climate change from a business and economic perspective to collaborate with one another. It’s imperative that EPA develop a solution to the risk of losing the interest and involvement of this level of executive in industry.

How Should Members Convey the Phase Out of the Program and the Transition to Leadership in Their Companies

My thoughts: It was clear from this past week’s meeting that members felt the program had provided significant value to them over the past 8 years. There was a collective sigh or groan that could be heard miles away when it became clear that there would be no recourse to continue or revive the program. Additionally, the message from EPA was not clear, so a substantial guidance from EPA on the transition will be imperative for members of the program.

While nobody wants to hear this, the program is a closed book. Climate Leaders served its purpose from EPA's perspective in mobilizing industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during an Administration that demonstrated a complete lack of support for establishing climate policy. From industry's perspective, participating in the program has provided significant value in recognition, education and opportunity.

The message to convey to leadership is that this program has helped organizations quantify emissions, set goals and recognize that climate change and greenhouse gas emissions impact the company's bottom line. Now, it's time for companies to ask broader questions such as "What does climate change mean for my company?" and "What do we need to do to respond to climate change?" Identifying and participating in communities and programs that help with strategies for responding to climate change (including, but not limited to inventory quantification and reduction) is the next step.

A Time for Action

All of the areas of concern expressed by members of the program are valid and should not be disregarded or diminished in importance. However, a vibrant community of thought and action leaders from industry, government, academia and the non-profit community could clearly create a community and related programs that not only covered the gaps being created by the phase out of the Climate Leaders program, but frankly, could go much further than the program ever endeavored.

Imagine a community of climate professionals collaborating to develop best practices and methodologies, establishing standards and strategies for operationalizing supply chain programs, aggregating interests on emerging technologies, setting standards for energy efficiency and clean energy consumption, collaborating on adaptation, developing strategies for managing waste, assessing lifecycles of products and operations, and advancing the profession and function of climate change leadership in organizations …

This is the vision we had when we launched the Association of Climate Change Officers two years ago. This community can exist … it does exist … it needs to exist … and it will only realize its full potential if climate professionals across sectors take ownership and responsibility in building this community.

So I put it back to you the reader … are you going to wait on EPA or someone else to build YOUR community, or are you going to be a leader in establishing it yourself?

If you read the last question and felt motivated to help us build this community, please join us on November 8-9 at our Climate Change Leadership Summit for the first event for climate professionals featuring more than 25 working group sessions and designed to launch collaboration not just at the event, but going forward as well.

ACCO Announces Speakers for Healthy Hospitals Workshop (Sept. 29 in DC) -- Governor Howard Dean to Keynote Event Co-Presented by Practice Greenhealth, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and George Washington University

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-08-09T13:48:00Z

Healthy Hospitals: Changing Climate in Healthcare Facilities and Institutions
September 29, 2010 – 8:30am - 5:00pm (eastern)
George Washington University – Washington, DC

Featuring Special Guest Speaker Governor Howard Dean

Register by August 20, 2010 for a $50 early bird discount. Click here to register!

Industry and government organizations in the healthcare sector are increasingly addressing the impacts of climate change and energy on operations. The sector is amongst the more intensive users of energy and natural resources in support of its operations. As energy costs rise and availability of natural resources declines, the healthcare community will face significant challenges and opportunities related to procurement, facilities management and design.

Recent studies indicate a convergence of interests related to climate change, energy, and medical and global health. This workshop will examine the role of supply chain programs, green building design and retrofits, and facilities management in improving patient health and response to treatment, and reducing energy consumption, operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

On September 29, the Association of Climate Change Officers invites you to a full-day workshop examining opportunities to modernize healthcare institutions and facilities with respect to energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and improved patient response.

SPEAKERS

Gov. Howard Dean – Former Governor, Vermont
Jim Sullivan – Senior Sustainability Officer and Director, Asset Management, U.S. Veterans Administration
Clayton Boenecke – Chief, Capital Planning Office, Office of Asst. Sec. of Defense, Health Affairs
Valerie Patrick – Sustainability Coordinator, Bayer Corporation
Linde Lee – Director of Operations, Waste Management
Kathy Gerwig – Vice President, Environmental Stewardship, Kaiser Permanente
Robin Guenther – Principal, Perkins & Will and co-author "Sustainable Healthcare Architecture"
Roni Neff, PhD, MS – Research and Policy Director at the Center for a Livable Future (Assistant Scientist at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health)
Rich Tauberman – Executive Vice President, MWW Group
Jessica Abrahams – Partner, McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP
Summer Martin – Partner, McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP
Katherine O'Dea – Senior Fellow, GreenBlue / Sustainable Packaging Coalition
Gary Cohen – President, Health Care Without Harm

Additional speakers and program agenda will be announced shortly

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Case studies on developing metrics related to the supply chain, establishing value chain management systems, achieving ROIs, engaging vendors and modernizing evaluation criteria
Examination of trends and identification of best practices related to food and beverage, facilities management, building design and the value chain
Exploration of opportunities for cross-sector working groups

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Corporate - $345 / Academia/Non-Profit - $245 / Government - $145
EARLY BIRD: Register by August 20 for a $50 reduction at registration.
ACCO MEMBERS: Receive a 25% discount on registration (please refer to your e-mail invitation).
PRACTICE GREENHEALTH and SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING COALITION MEMBERS: Receive a 20% discount on registration -- please contact your membership organization for more information.

Eligible registrants paying the full fee will be offered a 15% discount off individual membership in ACCO for the first year of membership.

VENUE & LODGING INFORMATION

The event will be hosted by George Washington University. Specific building information will be announced shortly.
A preferred nightly rate of $239 has been arranged for at the Hotel Lombardy, 2019 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006 (rooms are subject to availability). Hotel reservation instructions will be provided in our event registration confirmations.

Interested in attending?
Click here to Register

ACCO Executive Director Featured on Time Magazine's The Detroit Blog

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-06-09T17:51:00Z

Time Magazine's "The Detroit Blog" published a blog this morning authored by ACCO Executive Director Dan Kreeger. The following is an excerpt and link to the full blog ...

Unfiltered: Dan Kreeger on an Environment of Change

Posted by Karen Dybis Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 10:57 am

There's been lots of conversation locally and nationally about the “green”movement. One question I continue to wonder is whether Detroit could tap intothis opportunity – and grow new jobs as a result.

Last month, Dan Kreeger was in town to talk about just that. He is co-founderand executive director of the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO), agroup of environmental executives of major Fortune 500 companies includingFedEx, Bayer and Applied Materials. Together with the University of Michigan,ACCO held an executive education course to help local and multinationalcompanies create strategies that focus on climate-related changes in the marketand public policy.

Here are some of his thoughts on how companies, communities and more aremaking climate change profitable. Maybe Detroiters can find some gold at the endof this rainbow.

Modernizing the Workforce: A Look at HowIndustry is Addressing Energy and Climate Change in a Tough Economy
By Daniel Kreeger, Executive Director, Association of Climate ChangeOfficers

As corporate America digs out of one of the most significant recessions inAmerican history, a wealth of significant risks and opportunities lie aheadrelated to managing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Energycosts are on the rise, and at some point, presumably, a Federal greenhouse gasregulatory regime will be passed by Congress.

However, industry need not wait for a milestone in that regard. I amfrequently asked whether I believe that climate change is real -- my answer isalways quite simply, “the business case for responding to climate change andenergy considerations is here … now.” In fact, one could argue that industry isdecades past due for a complete overhaul in how business is conducted,professionals are educated and trained, management is structured and how energyand environmental considerations are factored into the business bottom line.

In the past few decades, extraordinary changes have taken place in areas thathave an enormous impact on business considerations. Those include:

Technology – Developed and emerging technologies in the areas of computing, the Internet and renewable energy alone are so significant that they fundamentally alter the opportunities (and risks) of any business.
Cost and Availability of Natural Resources – The volatility of oil prices in the past few years are a reflection of how a wide range of factors (natural disasters, war, increasing demand due to rapidly developing nations, droughts, etc.) can make sourcing incredibly chaotic.
National Security – The increased threat of terrorism, wars in the Middle East and other national security considerations related to countries who are funded by international dependence on oil have led numerous high-ranking defense officials to conclude that energy independence must be a priority for the United States.
Environmental Impacts Related to Climate Change – Our understanding of how climate change is already and will continue to impact us is changing by the day. While there continues to be a large percentage of the population that is skeptical about the published findings related to climate change impacts, basic risks assessment principles should necessitate developing sophisticated mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Investor and Stakeholder Forces – An unprecedented surge in pressure from investors and stakeholders of corporations (e.g. Carbon Disclosure Project, Walmart's supply chain initiatives, President Obama's Executive Order 13514 to Federal agencies on sustainability, etc.) require a company to assess the market risks of ignoring energy and climate change considerations.
Evolving Markets – Businesses and government are greening their supply chains. Walmart and President Obama's Executive Order No. 13514 exemplify the challenges and opportunities for industry in this respect. Are you going to be able to supply these potential clients, or will you miss out to the competition who can prove they're “greener” than you? Additionally, there's unprecedented policy support – and stimulus money – geared toward moving toward a clean energy (and greener) economy: these efforts are helping to create new markets and moneymaking opportunities.

To address some of these considerations, industry leaders are increasingly trying to augment their current governance and operational approach by addingcapable professionals to their teams. However, most companies have not madesignificant changes to governance structures, education and training for middleand senior management, or how their middle management and executives engage oneanother.

ACCO Announces Speakers for Operation Supply Chain (June 22 in Chicago)

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-05-24T15:59:00Z

Operation Supply Chain: Assessing Material Risks and
Opportunities Related to Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
June 22, 2010 | 1:30 pm -5:30 pm (central)
Renaissance Blackstone Hotel | Chicago, Illinois
(click here to register)

Co-Presented by:

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

ACCO Webinar Series:
Climate Change and Alternative Energy Under NEPA and its State Counterparts
Thursday, June 10, 2010
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm (eastern)

Click here for more information.

Don't miss the
North American Climate Policy Forum ...

June 23, 2010
Chicago, Illinois

Join industry, government, academic and NGO leaders in Chicago on June 23rd for The Registry's Annual North American Policy Forum. The Forum will feature a series of engaging panels and speakers who will focus on the rapidly evolving climate policy landscape and provide practical and innovative ways to prepare for - and thrive - in the low carbon world.

Registrants to ACCO's Operation Supply Chain workshop will be offered a $100 discount off registration to this full-day program.

For more information on
the program or to register,
please click here.

Changes taking place in the regulatory and economic business landscapes require companies to understand and take action on GHG emissions. Physical shifts in the climate are driving increased adaptation measures, and regulation is mounting on all levels. According to a 2008 McKinsey study, as much as80% of a company's climate-related risk and opportunity resides in the supply chain. Leading companies and governmental organizations are collecting and acting on this information to prepare for competition in a low-carbon economy.

ACCO and The Climate Registry invite you to series of case studies and discussions on developing a sound operational approach to assessing risk and opportunity throughout the value chain. This half-day workshop is being hosted in conjunction with the North America Climate Policy Forum at the Renaissance Blackstone Hotel Chicago.

Program Highlights

Case studies on developing metrics related to the supply chain, establishing supply chain management systems, achieving returns on investment, engaging vendors and modernizing evaluation criteria.
Examination of trends and identification of best practices in the retail, food/beverage, appliance and electronics, and transportation sectors.
Exploration of opportunities for cross-sector working groups focused on developing best practices related to procurement, facilities management, education and training.

Speakers and Agenda

Ahmad Soltani - Chief Procurement Officer, Bayer Corporation
Bill Olson - Director, Office of Sustainability & Stewardship, Motorola
Rick Love - Manager of Environmental Programs, United Technologies
Just Added: Jill Gravender - Director, Western Region Climate Change Services, SAIC
Just Added: Rob Meyer - Group Manager, Environmental Sustainability and Resource Conservation, PepsiCo
Just Added: David Shepps - Logistics Value Engineering Supervisor, Ford

Please visit http://www.ACCOonline.org/ccls/supplychain-june2010.html to stay up-to-date on event information.

Topics Addressed

What investments are being made into supply chain programs? How should returns be quantified?
What are some of the sweet spots or low hanging fruit industry is seeing and what are the more significant challenges?
How does a company educate and train internal and external stakeholders to incorporate modernized principles and approaches related to procurement?
Is your existing infrastructure (organizational structures, information technology systems, etc.) equipped to handle this shift? If not, how should it be revamped?

Registration Fees

Full fee: $295
Discounted fee for members of ACCO and the Climate Registry: $195
Discount packages available for registrants attending the Climate Registry’s Annual North America Climate Policy Forum

Eligible registrants paying the full fee will be offered a 25% discount off individual membership in ACCO for the first year of membership.

Venue, Lodging and Other Logistical Information

The workshop will be hosted at the Renaissance Blackstone Hotel Chicago, 636 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60605
A preferred rate of $139 per night will be arranged for overnight guests at the Renaissance Blackstone Hotel (click here or call 312-447-0955 and ask for "The Climate Registry" room block -- discount code "tcrtcra")

Interested in attending?

Click here to Register

ACCO Announces June 10 Webinar on Climate and Alternative Energy Under NEPA and State Counterparts

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-05-17T15:52:00Z

Climate Change and Alternative Energy Under NEPA and its State Counterparts
Thursday, June 10, 2010
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm (eastern)
(Click here to register)

Speakers:

Norman F. Carlin – Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Geraldine E. Edens – Partner, McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP
Fred R. Wagner – Principal, Beveridge & Diamond PC
Moderator: Howard Learner – Executive Director, Environmental Law & Policy Center

As Federal and state government agencies explore various approaches to regulating climate change and energy, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its state counterparts are increasingly playing a key role in the debate.

A recent statement issued by CEQ Chairwoman Nancy Sutley suggested that while greenhouse gas emissions could not be regulated under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), "NEPA compels Federal agencies to consider environmental effects before undertaking significant actions or policies [and that] CEQ sees no basis for excluding greenhouse gas emissions from that consideration."

Additionally, high profile alternative energy projects have been held up in the courts and in the permitting process as part of the environmental impact analyses under NEPA and state counterparts. The controversial Cape Wind project exemplifies one of such matters.

On June 10, the Association of Climate Change Officers and BNA invite you to a discussion featuring leading NEPA practitioners who will discuss recent NEPA and state counterpart activity related to climate change and alternative energy.

Registration Fees:

Standard Fee: $224
Early Bird Special (before May 21, 2010): $174
BNA Subscribers: $149
ACCO Members: Complimentary

Interested in attending?
Click here to Register

ACCO Announces April 29 Webinar on the Role of the Department of Defense in Addressing Energy, Climate Change and National Security Considerations

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-04-19T00:05:00Z

Addressing Energy, Climate Change and National Security:
Opportunities for Innovation Through Public / Private Partnerships
April 29, 2010
12:00pm - 1:30pm (eastern)

The Department of Defense (DoD) is the largest consumer of energy in the US. Defense officials have suggested that cutting energy consumption and adopting renewable energy solutions are critical both to improving the energy security of our military forces and to address climate change. Leadership in the Department of Energy has asserted that US energy goals cannot be met without leadership by DoD, because of its history of innovation and because the energy problems that face the nation also create operational challenges for the military. This webinar brings together 3 visionary leaders from the Defense Department who are building programs to address these issues and are reaching out to the private sector for both partners and solutions.

On April 29, 2010, the Association of Climate Change Officers and BNA invite you to a discussion on the role of DoD in developing and testing new energy technologies to solve our common problems of energy and climate security. This 90-minute program will highlight existing DoD efforts and opportunities for the defense community to collaborate with industry and the NGO community.

SPEAKERS:

Dorothy Robyn – Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Installations and Environment, Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense
Dr. Kevin Geiss – Program Director for Energy Security, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army
Rear Admiral Philip Hart Cullom – Director of Task Force Energy, U.S. Navy
Tom Morehouse – Consultant, U.S. Department of Defense (ACCO Advisory Board member)

Please click here to register for this complimentary webinar.

ACCO Announces April 27 Webinar on Climate Change in the Courts Featuring Leading Environmental Law Scholars from Columbia University, Georgetown University and the Environmental Law Institute

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-04-07T14:40:00Z

Climate Change in the Courts: A Look at How Litigation is Shaping Policy and Business Risks
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm (Eastern)

Speakers:

Vicki Arroyo – Executive Director, Georgetown Climate Center
Michael Gerrard – Director, Center for Climate Change Law, Columbia Law School
Scott Schang – Vice President, Environmental Law Institute

As Federal policymakers debate the merits of prospective climate change and energy legislation, an emerging series of battles is taking placein state and Federal courts. A combination of common law nuisance litigation matters, policy measures emanating from the Supreme Court’s ruling in Massachusetts vs. EPA, and questions concerning the appropriate roles of state and federal government entities.

On April 27, the Association of Climate Change Officers and BNA invite you to a discussion featuring leading climate change environmental law scholars from the Columbia Law School Center for Climate Change Law, Georgetown Climate Center and the Environmental Law Institute. Our panelists will discuss:

the nature and status of pending cases,
recent rulings,
challenges faced by litigants, and
consequences if litigation is successful.

FEES:

$50 (full fee)
Complimentary for ACCO members

Please click here to register for this webinar.

ACCO to Make April 14 Workshop on Disclosures Available by Webinar Simulcast

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-03-31T22:11:00Z

In response to inquiries regarding participating in our upcoming April 14 workshop by web conference, we have arranged for this event to be simulcast as a webinar for interested persons outside of the San Francisco Bay Area. Thus, please note the updated registration offering below.

Disclosing the Business Impacts of Climate Change: Case Studies
from Industry Leaders and Analyses of Trends and Future Requirements
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 | 2:00pm - 6:00pm (pacific)
Webinar Simulcast | San Francisco Marriott Marquis

ACCO and the Center for Climate Action invite you to series of case studies and discussions on developing a sound process for assessing and disclosing business impacts related to climate change.

Program Highlights

Case studies on the process of assessing and disclosing business impacts related to climate change from Cisco Systems, Applied Materials, Johnson & Johnson, and Public Service Enterprise Group
Examination of trends and identification of best practices for future disclosures
Analyses of the SEC's recent ruling regarding disclosure requirements
Sneak peek at the 2010 Carbon Disclosure Project questionnaire
Exploration of opportunities for cross-sector working groups focused on developing model disclosures, reports/white papers and/or a call to action

Co-Presented by:

Sponsored by:

Speakers

Darrel Stickler – Sustainable Business Practices, Cisco Systems
Bruce Klafter – Head of EHS & Sustainability, Applied Materials
Mark Scorsolini – Environmental Policy Manager, Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG)
Dan Usas – Global Energy Manager, Johnson & Johnson
Leah Stern – Project Officer, Carbon Disclosure Project
Cary Krosinsky – Vice President, Trucost
Tony Georgis – Project Manager, RW Beck (an SAIC company)
Rich Tauberman – Executive Vice President, MWW Group
Eric Olson – Senior Vice President of Advisory Services, BSR

Registration Fees

In person attendance: $295 / $195 (members of ACCO and the Center for Climate Action)
Webinar simulcast: $145 / $95 (members of ACCO and the Center for Climate Action)
Eligible registrants attending the event in person and paying the full fee will be offered a 25% discount off individual membership in ACCO for the first year of membership.

Venue, Lodging and Other Logistical Information

The workshop will be hosted at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, 55 Fourth Street, San Francisco, California 94103 (415-896-1600) ... more information available on the NACW web site.
A cocktail reception will be hosted immediately following the workshop for attendees (a separate invitation will be sent to registrants once logistics have been finalized).

For more information about ACCO or the contents of this announcement,
please contact Daniel Kreeger at 202-496-7390.

University of Michigan and the Association of Climate Change Officers Announce Partnership for Executive Education Courses Focused on Business Impacts of Climate Change

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-03-09T20:34:00Z

For Immediate Release

Media Contacts:

Kristin Tyll

248.824.8200

ktyll@stratacomm.net

Daniel Kreeger

202.496.7390

dkreeger@ACCOonline.org

University of Michigan and the Association of Climate Change Officers Announce Partnership
for Executive Education Courses Focused on Business Impacts of Climate Change

Partners create hybrid course featuring lectures from thought leaders
at the University of Michigan, FedEx, Bayer and Applied Materials

Ann Arbor, Mich. – March 10, 2010 – The University of Michigan Ross School of Business Executive Education (U-M) announced today that it has joined forces with the Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) to bring industry experts into its executive education programs focused on climate change. U-M will hold its first executive education program on climate change, “Climate Change: What’s Your Business Strategy?,” on May 17-18, 2010.

This first of its kind partnership in the climate change sector will enhance the resources made available to course attendees and will bolster U-M’s outreach to industry. U-M will leverage the considerable thought leadership and experience amongst ACCO’s members to include in the curriculum. The May course is designed to provide business leaders with a greater understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with climate change and provide critical tools to craft a forward-looking strategy for their organizations.

“The focus in recent years has been from managing risk and protecting the bottom-line, to realizing that climate change is a market shift that every organization must address,” said Andrew Hoffman, Holcim (US) Professor of Sustainable Enterprise at the University of Michigan. “This course was created to help companies identify ways that climate strategies can add value to their business. If done well, a strategy around climate change can provide an organization a compelling competitive advantage.”

“Businesses that ignore the debate over climate change do so at their peril,” said Hoffman. “Climate change policies are imminent, and they will alter key aspects of business strategy, including production economics, cost competitiveness and investment decisions.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the University of Michigan Ross School of Business to establish our first executive education course as part of our recently launched Climate Change Leadership Series,” said Daniel Kreeger, ACCO’s co-founder and executive director. “Climate change represents an incredibly broad range of challenges and opportunities for industry -- addressing it successfully will require, amongst other important actions, developing sophisticated education and training for industry executives. This course brings together the best and brightest in academia and industry, who will work together to educate industry executives on business impacts related to climate change.”

ACCO board members Mitch Jackson, Staff Director of Environmental Affairs at FedEx, and Valerie Patrick, Sustainability Coordinator, Bayer Corporation, and ACCO advisory board member Bruce Klafter, Head of Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) and Sustainability at Applied Materials will be amongst industry leaders who will provide case studies at the course, offering insights from recognized experts from organizations that are amongst the most accredited thought and action leaders on climate change.

“Climate Change: What’s Your Business Strategy?,” presented by Andrew J. Hoffman, Thomas P. Lyon, Knute Nadelhoffer and 2007 Nobel Peace Prize co-recipient, Henry Pollack, will draw upon real-world examples from Fortune 500 companies including FedEx, Bayer and Applied Materials to provide tomorrow’s business leaders with strategies to both minimize bottom-line risk and begin to enhance top-line opportunities. The course is designed for multinational companies facing significant challenges to conducting business in more environmentally sustainable ways. Participates of the program will walk away with:

· A scientific basis for taking action on climate change;

· An understanding of the myriad of policies that are being considered for addressing climate change, including a cap-and-trade program (versus a tax), renewable portfolio standards, feed-in tariffs and others;

· Practical, sector-specific tools needed to set effective strategies for managing the business of climate change;

· An understanding of market implications including changes in legislation, voluntary industry initiatives, and associated market drivers;

· Strategies to gain “a seat at the table” of policy development;

· A clear sense of the systemic risks and opportunities associated with climate change; and

· Opportunities for ongoing collaborations with fellow classmates.

The program, developed in partnership with U-M’s nationally-recognized Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise and the world’s leading global climate change experts, is designed to help companies develop adaptation strategies that focus on climate-related changes in the market and public policy.

“It is vital that companies take the necessary steps to mitigate their impact on global warming,” said Henry Pollack, program faculty member and professor of geophysics at the University of Michigan. “Reducing carbon dioxide emissions should not be seen as an economic penalty, but rather an economic opportunity that will be seized by early responders.”

For more information about the course, please visit: “Climate Change: What’s Your Business Strategy?”

About Executive Education at University of Michigan Ross School of Business

Through its unique model of thought leadership and action-based learning, Executive Education at University of Michigan Ross School of Business partners with leaders to co-create personalized learning experiences to help them realize meaningful results. Ross faculty includes some of the world’s best known and most respected thought leaders, expert at integrating knowledge with competitive insights and practical application. A unique, results-driven approach is one reason that thousands of executives from more than 70 countries around the globe have chosen Ross for Executive Education. The University of Michigan’s worldwide presence includes offices in Hong Kong, Dubai and India. Learn more about Ross Executive Education programs at http://execed.bus.umich.edu/.

About the Association of Climate Change Officers

The Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) was founded in August 2008 and incorporated in Washington, DC in January 2009 as a 501(c) (6) non-profit corporation. ACCO’s mission is to advance the knowledge and skills of those dedicated to developing and directing climate change strategies in the public and private sectors, and to establish a flexible and robust forum for collaboration between climate change officers. ACCO members work to assist in developing, promoting and implementing best practices and standards in the private and public sectors regarding climate change strategies; and educate industry and government on the importance of employing qualified professionals, developing sound organizational structures and inducing culture change at all levels. For more information about ACCO, please visit http://www.ACCOonline.org.

About ACCO’s Climate Change Leadership Series

ACCO's Climate Change Leadership Series (CCLS) brings together thought leaders in industry, government, academia and the NGO community on a wide range of issues related to climate change. The series features executive education courses, workshops and conferences designed to advance the knowledge and skills of those dedicated to developing and directing climate change strategies in the public and private sectors. For more information about CCLS, please visit http://www.ACCOonline.org/ccls.

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Zoe Tcholak-Antitch, Head of Investor CDP at the Carbon Disclosure Project Joins ACCO Advisory Board (and Steve Frenkel Update)

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-03-03T20:24:00Z

Zoe Tcholak-Antitch (formerly Zoe Riddell), Head of Investor CDP and Interim Head of CDP USA has joined the ACCO Advisory Board to replace Sonal Mahida, who recently left CDP. More information on Zoe is available on our advisory board page.

We're thrilled to have Zoe join the ACCO community, and in the spirit of quick collaboration, she has been working with us to set up the disclosures workshop we'll be announcing shortly for April 14 in San Francisco at the Navigating the American Carbon World conference.

On a related advisory board note, Steve Frenkel, formerly Chief Policy Advisor at Illinois EPA, has taken a role at Renewable Funding. His bio has been updated to reflect his new role and he will remain on the ACCO advisory board.

ACCO Announces March 23 Webinar on Developing Strategies for Engaging Industry, Academia, NGOs and Government Entities

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-03-03T18:13:00Z

External Relations: Developing Strategies for Engaging
Industry, Academia, NGOs and Government Entities
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm (Eastern)

Industry, Academia, NGOs and Government Entities are increasingly realizing the importance and value in partnering with one another to address a broad spectrum of issues related to climate change. These partnerships, whether focused on developing clean energy or energy efficiency measures, addressing water consumption, reducing GHG emissions, or adaptation to climate change impacts, can achieve significant results and improve the organization’s bottom line results.

On March 23, 2010, ACCO and BNA invite you to a discussion on partnerships between organizations across sectors featuring insights from an expert panel that includes a former California Secretary of Environmental Protection, a former Director of Sustainability for the City of Seattle and case studies from Waste Management. Our panelists will discuss:

Key drivers behind partnerships;
Best practices in designing programs (along with implementation and establishing benchmarking);
Specific examples/case studies of partnerships; and
Opportunities for future collaborations.

SPEAKERS:

Steve Nicholas – Vice President of Climate & Environmental Programs, Institute for Sustainable Communities (Formerly Director of the Office of Sustainability, City of Seattle)
Chuck White – Director of Regulatory Affairs/West, Waste Management
Andrea Pinabell – Sustainable Community Development Program Manager, The Home Depot Foundation
Moderator: James Strock – Former Secretary of Environmental Protection, State of California (ACCO Advisory Board Member)

Please click here to register for this complimentary program.

ACCO Announces February 22 Webinar on the SEC's Recent Ruling Regarding Disclosing Climate Change Business Impacts

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-02-10T23:40:00Z

Disclosures of Climate Change Impacts:
A Look at the SEC's Recent Ruling
February 22, 2010 | 12:00pm - 1:30pm (eastern)

Speakers:

Sean Dilweg – Commissioner of Insurance, State of Wisconsin
Peter Gillon – Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP (Co-Founder and Board Member of ACCO)
Julie Fox Gorte – Senior Vice President for Sustainable Investing, PaxWorld (Board Member of Ceres)
Patrick Parenteau – Professor of Law & Senior Counsel, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic, Vermont Law School

Over the past 10 years, investors have increasingly sought to obtain comprehensive information related to the impacts of climate change on publicly traded companies. Groups such as the Carbon Disclosure Project and Ceres have seen a significant increase in disclosures from industry. In early February, the SEC conducted a hearing and published guidance on the its existing disclosure requirements as they relate to climate change matters. While the guidance did not set uniform standards for disclosure, it did highlight examples of areas where climate change may trigger disclosure requirements.

On February 22, 2010, ACCO and BNA invite you to a discussion on the SEC's recent ruling featuring insights from Wisconsin's Commissioner of Insurance and board members of ACCO and Ceres. This 90-minute program will evaluate the SEC's guidance and provide perspectives on disclosing climate change business impacts in mandatory and voluntary reports.

Please click here to register for this complimentary webinar program.

Clean Skies TV Covers ACCO Webinar on COP-15 Successes and Failures and its Impacts on US Policymaking

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-01-27T04:34:00Z

Clean Skies TV sat in on our webinar today to cover perspectives on the successes and failures of COP-15 and its impacts on US policymaking. You can check out their coverage by visiting http://bit.ly/dCh9US and watching from the 20th minute onward. Tom Peterson from the Center for Climate Strategies was interviewed and is featured in this news clip.

Special thanks for Nikki Roy (Pew Center on Global Climate Change) and Howard Learner (Environmental Law & Policy Center) for their participation in the program as well.

ACCO Announces Webinars on the State of Clean Energy in the US (Jan. 25) and COP-15 Debrief (Jan. 26)

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-01-22T02:13:00Z

Earlier this week, ACCO announced back-to-back webinars on clean energy and COP-15 scheduled for next week. The programs are complimentary and as follows:

January 25, 2010 -- Looking Ahead to Clean Energy Week 2010: An Analysis of the State of Clean Energy in the US (presented in conjunction with Clean Energy Week)
January 26, 2010 -- Copenhagen De-Brief: Reflections on the Successes and Failures of COP-15 and Impacts on US Policymaking Efforts

For more information on these programs, please contact Daniel Kreeger at dkreeger@ACCOonline.org.

Looking Ahead to Clean Energy Week 2010:
An Analysis of the State of Clean Energy in the US
January 25, 2010 | 12:00pm - 1:30pm (eastern)

Speakers:

Kateri Callahan – President, Alliance to Save Energy
Jeff Anderson – Executive Director, Clean Economy Network
Cathy Calfo – Executive Director, Apollo Alliance

Following a year of unprecedented policy and economic activity related to clean energy in 2009, leading experts from the Alliance to Save Energy, the Clean Economy Network and the Apollo Alliance will look at the current state of the American clean energy sector, analyze the impacts of impending policy initiatives, and identify challenges that the clean energy sector faces in 2010 and beyond.

As a member of the Clean Energy Week steering committee, ACCO invites you to a discussion that will exemplify the events and thought leadership that will take place from February 1-5 in Washington, DC. During this 90-minute presentation, the panelists will:

Review recent policy initiatives at state and Federal levels, including analyzing the impacts of the 2009 economic stimulus on the clean energy sector;
Discuss anticipated surges in capacity and applicability of clean energy technologies; and
Assess how the activities of industry, academia, and government will play a role in advancing the clean energy sector.

Please click here to register for this complimentary webinar program.

About Clean Energy Week

Clean Energy Week is an unincorporated joint initiative of over 40 NGOs, Nonprofit groups, associations, companies and government agencies that wish to concentrate the voices of climate and clean energy on positive policy development and passage of legislation in 2010. Clean Energy Week takes place February 1-5, 2010. For more information, please seewww.cleanenergyweek.org.

Copenhagen De-Brief: Reflections on the Successes and
Failures of COP-15 and Impacts on US Policymaking Efforts
January 26, 2010 | 12:00pm - 1:30pm (eastern)

Speakers:

Howard Learner – Executive Director, Environmental Law & Policy Center
Thomas Peterson – President & CEO, Center for Climate Change Strategies
Stephen Schneider – Senior Fellow, Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University
Manik "Nikki" Roy – VP, Federal Government Outreach, Pew Center on Global Climate Change

In December 2009, the 15th Conference of Parties assembled in Copenhagen to revisit the Kyoto Protocol and seek to develop a worldwide consensus on regulating greenhouse gas emissions in developed and developing countries. While an international treaty was not achieved, there were significant successes and failures realized through this hallmark event, which saw nearly 50,000 delegates worldwide descend upon Copenhagen to participate.

ACCO and BNA invite you to a discussion on the successes and failures of COP-15, and the impacts this event will have on the US policymaking process at Federal and sub-national levels.

Please click here to register for this complimentary webinar program.

BNA EHS Alliance Director Margery Moore Joins ACCO Advisory Board

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-01-19T02:47:00Z

ACCO proudly announces the addition of Margery Moore to our Advisory Board. Margery is EHS Aliance Director at BNA, where she worked closely with ACCO on our webinar series in 2009. She has over 15 years of experience designing, developing and implementing environmental compliance and sustainability systems for NGO's, governments and corporations. She is a former ISO 14001 auditor and currently is focused on designing online tools to assist organizations as they implement their sustainability strategies. She also serves as a Board member of NAEM, as well as President and co-Founder of the Institute for Sustainability Education & Action (I-SEA).

Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) Announces Participation in Clean Energy Week 2010

Daniel Kreeger — 2010-01-15T17:45:00Z

40 National Organizations Led by the American Council on Renewable Energy Create Clean Energy Week
February 1-5, 2010

ACCO to Unveil Next Week its Webcast and In-Person Events Associated with Clean Energy Week

January 15, 2010 – Over 40 national organizations have expressed interest in declaring February 1-5, 2010 Clean Energy Week. The organizations are joining together to maximize efforts each is doing to move clean energy to the forefront of national policy by working together to produce a high-impact week of powerful and effective activities and events.

ACCO Executive Director Daniel Kreeger will serve on the Steering Committee for Clean Energy Week. “ACCO recognizes the crucial role that clean energy plays in developing sound climate change strategies in the public and private sectors,” said Kreeger. “I was thrilled to receive an invitation to participate in this important effort and look forward to working with my counterparts in the partnering organizations to establish Clean Energy Week as an annual event that brings the best and brightest thought leaders together to address policy and business issues related to clean energy.”

Clean Energy Week will consist of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, receptions, workshops, press conferences, rallies and outreach activities on Capitol Hill and across Washington, DC, sponsored individually by the participating organizations.

“There needs to be a broader discussion about how climate solutions, energy efficiency and renewable energy can work together towards a whole solution for the nation that has positive impacts on the economy,’ said Kateri Callahan, President of the Alliance to Save Energy.

“Business leaders from across the country are coming to Washington DC because they recognize the vital role passing comprehensive climate and energy legislation plays in spurring innovation, creating new jobs, and helping American businesses compete and lead in the global marketplace,” said Jeff Anderson, Executive Director of the Clean Economy Network.

“I would like every climate, energy efficiency and renewable energy organization in the U.S. to participate in Clean Energy Week,” said Chip Comins, President of ARE Day and Coordinating Producer of Clean Energy Week. Chip can be reached at CComins@rof.net.

The specifics of the actions and details on how to participate will be coming early next week on a website that is currently under construction.

About Clean Energy Week:

Clean Energy Week is an unincorporated joint initiative of over 40 NGOs, Nonprofit groups, associations, companies and government agencies that wish to concentrate the voices of climate and clean energy on positive policy development and passage of legislation in 2010. Clean Energy Week takes place February 1-5, 2010. For more information, please see www.cleanenergyweek.org.

COP-15 Report (12/16/09): ACCO takes the stage as the Bella Center shuts down and negotiations stall

Daniel Kreeger — 2009-12-17T04:51:00Z

The weather took a nasty turn this day, as temperatures dropped 10 degrees and several inches of snow came down. Interestingly enough, snow in December in Copenhagen is a rarity, so the city was unequipped to treat the roads and sidewalks. This may have been an interesting parallel for how the large attendance at the COP had been handled by the UN and the Danes.

The day started on a fairly ominous tone with 3,000 protesters marching toward the Bella Center (250 of whom were arrested). The Bella Center was locked down for security reasons ... not even negotiating parties could enter. To put it into perspective, members of the U.S. negotiating team were stuck in a nearby hotel while negotiations were supposed to be taking place. The sad irony is that protesters who were trying to convey a message oriented toward protecting the environment had managed to shut down not only the talks that were aimed at doing just that, but also the business conference at which thousands of subnational leaders, non-profit organizations and businesses had hoped to collaborate with one another to develop solutions and opportunities.

Meanwhile, ACCO prepared for its first international event. In conjunction with Climate Spark (a business forum featuring interviews with more than 50 CEOs over the course of the conference), ACCO had scheduled a panel discussion on organizational structures and the role of the climate change officer. The evening seemed to take on the tone of the day, as the host site miscalendered their opening time, turning away visitors who'd been told to come at 6:30 pm. Flexibility was the theme of the week, however, and we pushed the event back to accommodate a later start time [thanks in large part to the flexibility of guest speakers Alice Madden (Chief Climate Advisor to Colorado Governor Bill Ritter) and Steve Westly (former Controller of California and SVP at eBay), who had commitments later in the evening]. Interviews were conducted with Alice and Steve, as well as Bruce Klafter. Clips of the interviews are available below ... unfortunately, the sound was not working properly for the first minute.

Shortly after concluding the ACCO portion of the program, Climate Spark host Michael Mathres asked me to join their program to interview alongside Carbon Disclosure Project CEO Paul Dickinson, Voluntary Carbon Standards Association CEO David Antonioli and Professor Ray Wills, Chief executive of the Western Australian Sustainable Energy Association. Unfortunately, that footage is not yet available, but it will be posted shortly.

COP-15 Report (12/15/09): Subnational leaders take center stage as UN talks stall

Daniel Kreeger — 2009-12-16T04:26:00Z

Following a day in which the G-77 storm out of negotiations and the Bella Center shut down because the UN's security system had crashed, not much improved in the Bella Center. Lines were multiple hours long, and most non-governmental delegates were not able to get in to the conference center.

I attended a number of off-site programs including the Climate Group's panel on energy efficiency moderated by Steve Westly, who will be speaking at the ACCO event with Climate Spark tomorrow night. His panel was particularly large, but included senior officers and officials from GE, Phillips, Arup, Johnson Controls and a number of subnational leaders from outside the United States. The many technologies and opportunities to improve efficiencies highlighted in the panel were particularly encouraging.

Following the panel, a group of 20 protesters entered the facility and began chanting "We want climate, no more business." Within 2 minutes, a brigade of police officers and soldiers entered the room and surrounded the protesters. After giving the protesters a chance to leave peacefully (which they declined by ignoring the police), they were hauled off unceremoniously from the site. I wish I'd had the sense to record it as it was a surreal experience.

While the UN and the Danes were continuing to grossly mishandle the main conference, subnational leaders took center stage. At a gala hosted by the Climate Action Reserve, the Climate Registry and The Climate Group for governors, premiers and mayors, Climate Group CEO Steve xxxx announced that subnational leaders worldwide had committed to planting 1 billion trees by 2025. They also committed to pair develop countries with developing countries in a mentoring relationship. Gov. Gregoire (Washington) announced that the U.S. would lead the world through the efforts of its governors and mayors and Gov. Schwarzenneger (California) was recognized by his peers for his leadership.

COP-15 Report (12/14/09): Perspectives from the outside of Bella Center

Daniel Kreeger — 2009-12-15T01:46:00Z

I arrived in Copenhagen yesterday morning after 14 hours of travel. Much to my delight, I found that the city of Copenhagen had done an extraordinary job of making it easy to find one's way around. Even better, a simple stroll in the airport made me realize just how significant this event would be.

As Steve Westly said today at a Hara event, the victory may well have been in the 50,000 people who descended upon Copenhagen to witness and/or participate in any of the thousands of activities taking place in association with COP-15. Advertisements, banners, posters, exhibits, displays, etc. are all over town, which is buzzing with the excitement and energy of the huge flock of industry, government and NGO thought leaders who are here to discuss how to address climate change from all perspectives imaginable.

After spending the early afternoon catching up on sleep, I had a fantastic meeting with Amit Chatterjee and Ansje Miller of Hara (who I believe will be amongst out next charter members to sign up). From there, I joined the Climate Action Reserve and Climate Registry delegation at Tivoli Gardens. Walking into this gorgeous "amusement park" was a great start to an evening that featured great conversations with some of the best and brightest perspectives on climate change. It was a fantastic start to my week in Copenhagen.

Unfortunately, the UN brought some snags into our plans for attending activities at the Bella Center. While the UN had anticipated that 15,000 delegates would be attending, rough estimates are coming in at 50,000. With no capacity for the extraordinary number of people who are in attendance this week, as few as 10% of the NGO delegates will be allowed in to the Bella Center to participate in official side events. Members of the NGO community waited outside as long as 9 hours to gain entrance and many others were turned away.

This news came to me as a blessing and a curse.

Curse: I've come 3,000 miles to participate in the most high-profile and important conference on climate change in my lifetime and there's a 90% chance that I won't get into the facility.
Blessing: If you had any question as to whether industry and government understood the magnitude of this issue, this conference ought to be the answer. Whether you question the science or not, the realities of business/market and regulatory forces are here to stay.

The UN will need to do some serious thinking about future COP activities as they were caught unprepared for the exceptional attendance and energy this issue has induced.

Tomorrow morning (in 4.5 hours), I join ACCO Advisory Board member Bruce Klafter, PG&E's Nancy McFadden, HP's Engelina Jaspers and Climate Action Reserve's Margaret Bruce to discuss "The Environment: A Core Corporate Strategy." More to come soon!