SMART aims to secure the contribution of business and finance to sustainability. But what do we mean?
News
Even the apparently most sustainable clothing companies lack information about the environmental, social and economic impacts of their business operations, shows a SMART project analysis of the best practices reported by 31 companies in the textile industry.
On December 3 we invited researchers, innovators and activists to an event on sustainability and fashion in Oslo. See the whole event here.
Change in business practice is urgently needed to achieve sustainability. The deterioration of our biosphere has direct impacts on human welfare and political progress towards the realization of human rights. We must ensure business respect for human rights is a minimum standard in the drive for sustainability, say SMART project leader Beate Sjåfjell and researcher Mark B. Taylor.
The SMART project has published a first report presenting its reform proposals aimed to support the transition to sustainability. All feedback is highly welcome, says SMART project leader Beate Sjåfjell.
The constant buying and throwing away of clothes is destroying our planet. Therefore, EU governments should force companies to make clothes that last longer and can be recycled more easily.
The EU-funded SMART project has published the first version of its sustainability assessment guide for companies. The guide is intended to help businesses become more sustainable and will be updated and improved over the next few months.
Businesses need to redefine their purpose to creating sustainable value within the planetary boundaries, argues SMART project leader Beate Sjåfjell.
Introducing regulation that requires companies to act sustainably is crucial because many firms want to be more sustainable, but fear that doing so will be expensive and put them at a competitive disadvantage to less responsible businesses.
"There is no guarantee that the courts are going to open up to the idea of climate justice," says Mark Taylor from the SMART project.
“The EU should reform European company law to ensure that businesses create profit in a way that is not based on destroying the environment or exploiting people,” says law professor and SMART project leader Beate Sjåfjell.
The deadline for application is 7 March 2019.
Would you like be a part of an exciting and important project? We are advertising a position starting in August 2019 as research assistant with the research project Sustainable Market Actors for Responsible Trade (SMART) at the Department of Private Law, University of Oslo.
Contrary to popular belief, maximising returns to shareholders is not a legal obligation. EU law must clarify that it is a requirement for companies to operate sustainably, said professor Beate Sjåfjell in Brussels on 24 January.
Current EU policies for mobile and textile production often let member states shape the laws and their implementation themselves. This leads to more use of chemicals and less sustainable waste management, research by the SMART project shows.
How to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals for people involved in the production of mobile phone was the topic of a SMART stakeholder meeting in Brussels on 27 September.
Glen Peters on some of the biggest challenges concerning climate change and sustainability.
Silo thinking and the lack of understanding of what sustainability actually is prevent progress and cooperation on sustainability in the EU.
WP 3 has presented their provisional findings of an extensive research into rules and regulations concerning the use and effects of chemicals in all phases of the life cycle of a pair of jeans together with the findings of best practices in their case study.
A new committee appointed by the Norwegian government will look at whether an ethics information law is necessary to improve business’ disclosures about corporate social responsibility (CSR), including in their supply chains.
As we move into the second half of the SMART project, we are gradually shifting our focus from research to results. We know that the successful implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires unprecedented collaboration within and beyond academia, and we are ready to play our part.
What are the social and environmental sustainability impacts in the life cycle of your mobile phone? Our analysis suggests that there are small differences between phones when it comes to environmental impact, but more substantial differences in social impact.
Would you like be a part of an exciting and important project? We are advertising a position starting in August 2018 as research assistant with the SMART project. The deadline for application is 8 March 2018.
What can states and businesses do to drive sustainability in global supply chains? What does it take to make sustainability a core part of any business plan or public operation? We are reporting back from a recent international conference on this topic.
Oil nations, those who allow major polluters to pollute and profit from the pollution, are increasingly finding themselves at the receiving end of lawsuits. The ongoing court case in Oslo is the latest example.