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Resources for Companies
Overview of Our Work by Industry
- Recorded Webinar: Accelerated Ambition: WRI Resources for Apparel Companies
- Recorded Webinar: Managing for Tomorrow in the Food and Beverage Industry
Business & Sustainability Strategy
Science Based Targets for Land, Water, and Climate
This 2016 research paper, From Doing Better to Doing Enough: Anchoring Corporate Sustainability Targets in Science, was coauthored by WRI and Mars, Incorporated and examines how a large international company can approach science-based targets for multiple impact areas (land use, water use and greenhouse gas emissions).
In March 2017, WRI published a landmark working paper, The Elephant in the Boardroom: Why Unchecked Consumption is Not an Option in Tomorrow’s Markets. This paper provides scientific evidence that improved resource efficiency will not be enough to achieve sustainable economic development without business model innovation. It examines three types of products—food, clothing and cars—and describes what sustainable business models might look like for each. WRI is now taking a closer look at the apparel industry through a project called Clothing Reuse Market Makers. WRI is working with major clothing brands to create common measurement frameworks for the environmental and social impacts of different business models, including resale, rental and repair.
Climate & Energy
A WRI-led, two-year collaboration comprised of leading U.S. electric utilities and major commercial customers – jointly committed to the rapid deployment of low-carbon energy supply through innovative and mutually beneficial utility sector solutions.
Corporate Renewable Energy Buyers’ Principles
The Buyers’ Principles represent large customers’ renewable energy needs and help them stream-line solutions for buying cost-effective renewable energy.
The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, developed by WRI and World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD), sets the global standard for how to measure, manage, and report greenhouse gas emissions.
This international, multi-stakeholder research project provides independent and authoritative evidence on the economic impacts of climate action.
This joint initiative with World Wildlife Fund International, CDP and UN Global Compact helps companies set emissions targets in-line with the global effort to limit warming to less than 2°C and establish themselves as leaders on corporate climate action.
More research on Climate & Energy:
- U.S. Renewable Energy Map: A Guide for Corporate Buyers, April 2017
- Executive Guide to Carbon Pricing Leadership, November 2015
- Driving Transformative Change: The Role of the Private Sector in Advancing Short-term and Long-term Signals in the Paris Climate Agreement, October 2015
- Guide for Responsible Corporate Engagement in Climate Policy, November 2013
Food
This initiative convenes executives from governments, businesses, international organizations, research institutions, farmer groups, and civil society to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which calls for cutting in half per capita global food waste by 2030.
Food, Loss and Waste (FLW) Protocol
Companies can follow this standard to properly quantify and report on food waste, the first step in reducing the amount of food wasted throughout their supply chain.
This initiative brings together the brightest and best minds from consumer research, behavioral economics and marketing strategy – along with companies in the food industry – to research, test and scale new strategies and plans that help consumers select sustainable foods.
Finance
The mission of WRI’s Finance Center is to promote the shift of finance away from environmentally unsustainable activities and toward sustainable ones. This includes work to "green" private sector finance and strengthen investment in climate adaptation and resilience.
More research in Finance
- Navigating the Sustainable Investment Landscape, December 2016
Forests
Global Forest Watch and Global Forest Watch Pro
This openly accessible, online platform provides the latest and most powerful data available to measure connections between deforestation and climate change, fires, water security and commodity supply chains. Global Forest Watch is set to launch a corporate supply chain management system, GFW Pro, in late 2018. This online platform will use the latest and most powerful data available to help companies and financial institutions analyze how key commodities such as palm oil, beef, and soy production in their own supply chain and portfolios are impacting the world’s forests.
This initiative analyzes scalable and profitable business models for restoring degraded land, leading to economic growth, captured carbon emissions and biodiversity. WRI also helps connect investors to restoration projects through its regional initiatives AFR100 (Africa) and Initiative 20x20 (Latin America)
This initiative helps corporate supply chain managers and compliance officers make informed decisions, exercise due care and manage the risk of illegally sourced forest products in their supply chains.
More research in Forests
- Sustainable Procurement of Forest Products
- The Business of Planting Trees: A Growing Investment Opportunity, January 2018
- PALM Risk Assessment Methodology: Prioritizing Areas, Landscapes, and Mills, June 2016
- Ending Tropical Deforestation: The Elusive Impact of the Deforestation-Free Supply Chain Movement
Water
Aqueduct Aqueduct is a free, online global water risk mapping tool that helps companies, investors, governments and other users understand where and how water risks are emerging worldwide. The platform now includes Aqueduct Food, a mapping tool specially designed for companies with agricultural supply chains.
Context Based Targets for Water This joint research project with WRI, WWF, The Nature Conservancy, CDP and The CEO Mandate examines how companies can set water use targets based on the local context and guided by the best available science.
Natural Infrastructure for Water This research project works across the forest and water programs to scale up innovative “natural (green) infrastructure” approaches such as forest protection, watershed restoration and sustainable management of landscapes. This research can help companies more holistically integrate natural infrastructure concepts into corporate decision-making.
More research in Water
- Water-Energy Nexus: Business Risks and Rewards, January 2016