Dow and SAM Release 2010 DJSI Changes

First published in 1999, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) is one of the most established and mainstream environmental, social and governance (ESG) indices and sustainability benchmarks in the world.  DJSI is backed by Dow Jones and conducted by SAM, a back-end ESG researcher focused exclusively on Sustainability Investing.  Receiving a spot on the DJSI is one of the most prestigious honors for sustainably-focused companies.

The DJSI/SAM data collection relies upon a comprehensive questionnaire, self-reporting, industry specific factors and media and stakeholder input.  On September 9, 2010 the 2010 DJSI results were announced.  On October 8, 2010 SAM identified a problem with its software, admitted that the issue might affect the 2010 DJSI outcomes and stepped into action to review and mitigate the result discrepancies.  Today, November 4, 2010, SAM announced the newest DJSI additions, deletions and adjustments to global supersector leaders.  Changes to the 2010 DJSI include:

• DJSI World: 8 additions, 3 deletions
• DJSI North America: 2 additions, 1 deletion
• DJSI Europe: 8 additions, 2 deletions
• DJSI Asia Pacific: 2 additions
• DJSI Korea: No changes

Addressing Global Climate Change: From Copenhagen to Sustainability Reporting

As heads around the world are turned towards the Copenhagen Climate Conference, waiting for legislative promises and actions, there is undoubtedly an acute awareness at this point in time of the dangers and opportunities that Climate Change poses to all humans alike.

At BrownFlynn, we think about these challenges and chances on a daily basis.  It’s what we do.  We help organizations of all kinds find ways to fine-tune their environmental, social and economic practices so that what they do aligns with what they believe.

This past year, however, BrownFlynn took a long look inside to find what we can do to become more sustainable environmentally, socially and economically.  And we found room for improvement.

This week, in synch with the international Climate Conference, BrownFlynn is launching our first sustainability report for 2008-2009.  Although it is unique for a sustainability consulting firm of our size (currently 9 women) to publish a sustainability/CSR report, we believe that no matter the size of our impact on this planet and its atmosphere, we have a responsibility to practice what we teach and to help abate the threats of Climate Change.

In our report, we go over the process we went through to engage our stakeholders; to create teams around Environmental Stewardship, Employee Health & Wellness, Community Engagement, Employee Orientation and Business Innovation; and to set goals for future improvement.  In the coming years, we have committed to measuring our progress towards our goals and to transparently reporting that progress in annual sustainability reports.

How can you help take action on Climate Change?