Corporate Social Responsibility

As our global market continues to expand, it seems countries are stressing the need for sustainable development. Sustainable development encourages economic growth by utilizing resources to meet human needs while preserving the environment for present and future generations. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one area where countries are particularly focused when it comes to sustainable development. CSR is a practice that encourages companies to act in a responsible manner, in order to protect social, environmental, and economic interests of the public. There has been a recent progression throughout the world, formally adopting CSR requirements and encouraging companies to practice environmentally responsible decision making. In the U.S. the “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) certification system is utilized to encourage companies to meet specific “environmental benchmarks” in their development and manufacturing process. The U.S. Green Building Council gives a specific certification to companies depending on the level of environmental achievement. The New York Times reports that companies such as Volkswagen have strived to achieve this certification. Volkswagen’s plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee received platinum (the highest) certification in 2011. Other auto companies such as Chrysler, G.M. and Honda have also achieved certification for their plants throughout the U.S. This is just one example of programs in the U.S. encouraging corporations to implement environmental awareness into their business plans. Corporate social responsibility is not just a trend in the U.S., but has seen developments in other areas in the world as well. The LEED system is an internationally recognized certification and G.M. is also seeking to achieve LEED certification for its manufacturing plant in Brazil. The plant seeks to use environmentally innovative automobile manufacturing practices to achieve LEED certification at the end of 2012. The EU has also made progress with their “Renewed EU Strategy 2011-2014 for Corporate Responsibility,” issued by the European Commission. The EU has set objectives that include transparency and reporting requirements for corporations’ environmental activities and information. The EU has also set corporate social responsibility commitments that companies should strive to achieve. The EU, like the U.S. with its LEED program, encourages environmentally friendly behavior by creating an awards program for industries who meet certain objectives. Spain has adopted a law that requires state owned enterprises and businesses with over 1,000 employees to compile and submit an annual sustainability report. China has also shown an interest by issuing a corporate social responsibility guide for state owned enterprises so that these companies can initiate a socially responsible management system. Corporate social responsibility plans are one way in which countries implement sustainable development and these development programs continue to be hot topic issues in the global environment. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development will be held in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012. At this conference over 130 heads of state and government and approximately 50,000 business leaders, mayors, activists and investors will review the progress of sustainable development programs and address the issues countries have faced in implementing these programs. As the New York Times reports, “Rio offers a generational opportunity to hit the reset button: to set a new course toward a future that balances the economic, social and environmental dimensions of prosperity and human well-being.” -Whitney Wilson, Legal Intern

How Green is a Golf Course?

Each May the Jacksonville area becomes the center of the golfing world when the PGA Tour’s flagship event, The Players Championship, makes its annual stop at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course. Golf enthusiasts from around the region descend on Ponte Vedra Beach to get a glimpse of the game’s greats amongst a natural setting of lush pine forests, sparking lakes, and rugged swampland. Although it may appear that golf is a sport dependent on a pristine natural environment, there are many aspects of golf course construction, maintenance, and management that are not very green—regardless of the color of the fairways themselves. The construction of hundreds of new courses across America during the last real estate boom, beginning in the 1990s, required the destruction of thousands of trees located in formerly undeveloped, natural areas. The subsequent installation of non-native grasses preferred by the golfing industry requires heavy maintenance to keep healthy. This means a lot of water. As fresh water becomes scarcer it is becoming more and more difficult to supply the heavy demands of golf course irrigation systems. In addition, course superintendents use large amounts of pesticides, fertilizers, and other contaminants to keep the grasses green. This may lead to pollution of groundwater systems, as well as adverse health effects for those handling the chemicals. Chemical usage may also have negative impacts on wildlife around the course. Fortunately, growing concern for sustainability is starting to bring serious changes in the golf community. Golf course superintendents and the PGA Tour are adjusting practices to help decrease their environmental footprint. “Organic” golf courses that attempt to use no pesticides or fertilizers are emerging. Superintendents have massively changed their irrigation systems to limit freshwater usage on the course. Some courses designed recently have been constructed atop brownfield sites, such as the TPC Scottsdale, which was built over a trash dump. The PGA Tour now provides recycling programs at all its tournaments, and events such as The Players Championship support environmental causes as part of their charitable efforts. TPC Sawgrass is also a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. The program stresses the idea that courses should be used as a place for people and wildlife alike to enjoy the resources of our shared natural surroundings. These green initiatives are a positive step in making golf a sport that adds to, rather than retracts from, a healthy sustainable environment. -Nick Barshel, Legal Intern

Hug a Tree This Earth Day, It's Saving You Money

Urban trees account for millions of dollars in benefits by promoting energy savings, air and water filtering, moderating climate, improving air quality through carbon storage, and conserving water. According to the U.S. Forest Service, a single urban tree in Florida returns over $90,000 of direct benefits during the lifetime of that tree. The city of Jacksonville operates the largest urban park system in the U.S. with roughly 80,000 acres located throughout the City. Given Jacksonville’s extensive park system, its urban trees are doing a lot to give back to citizens. Trees can help us save energy. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the net cooling effect of a healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day and can save 15%-50% in air conditioning and heater costs. Trees can increase residential property values by 20%. Local businesses benefit too. It has been found that the public preferred to patronize commercial establishments and spend up to 12% more where those structures and parking lots were beautified with trees and other landscaping. Urban trees serve as mini retention ponds by helping to control runoff as the rain falls, increasing infiltration and storage of rainwater and reducing soil erosion. Jacksonville's urban trees provide stormwater storage of 928 million cubic feet, as found in a 2002 study by American Forests. Without these trees, the cost of building stormwater retention ponds and other infrastructure to handle the City’s stormwater runoff would be in the billions of dollars. Jacksonville's urban trees are helping to fight climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The National Tree Benefit Calculator (www.treebenefits.com/calculator) indicates that a 12-inch diameter live oak can generate $107 worth of benefits annually. In Jacksonville, trees sequester 69,000 total pounds of carbon a year. This carbon storage may not solve climate change in its entirety, but it shows that trees can be a part of the solution. In 2007, a study commissioned by the city of Jacksonville determined that for every dollar invested in tree planting by the City, there was a $4.51 return in benefits from storm water retention, energy conservation, cleaner air and increased property values. And these valuations don't even consider the aesthetic value of having streets and parks lined with live oaks, dogwoods, and crape myrtles. But, Jacksonville’s urban trees are more than just ornaments. The services they provide are invaluable. -Elizabeth Barron, Legal Intern

The Cinco De Mayo River City Challenge

On Saturday, May 5th 2012, Jacksonville will be holding its first paddle race to benefit the North Florida Land Trust. The event will take place in downtown Jacksonville on the St. Johns River. There will be a three-mile race as well as an eight-mile race, along with a festival and some great music! There are three divisions based on age and six race categories. The cost to paddle in the race is $40 per person which gets you entry into the race along with a T-Shirt and a goodie bag. There will also be a cash prize of $500 awarded to the fastest overall boat, and a cash prize of $200 to the fastest boat in the remaining two age divisions. Not only will there be a race, but there will also be something for everyone, from kids to seniors to bystanders! Friday, May 4th will kick off the celebrations with a captain’s party at River City Brewing Company. The day of the race will be filled with paddle races, festival vendors, fly-fishing clinics, a MOSH kids animal clinic, a stand up paddle board clinic, and a Guana Preserve presentation. After the last racers pass the finish line River City Brewery will feature the sounds of Mobros and the local band Saltwater Grass. There will also be an awards ceremony at the end of the day and a sea kayaking clinic. Parking will also be available at River City Brewing Company so you don’t have to hassle with trying to find a parking spot downtown! Want to get involved but aren’t too keen on joining the racers? Volunteers are always needed! To learn more about the event and to sign up to volunteer or paddle visit http://www.rivercitychallenge.org/ -Ashley Geary, Legal Intern

Earth Day - 2012

When is Earth Day? Every day is Earth Day! But, it’s officially celebrated on April 22nd. It is hard to believe, but prior to 1970 it was perfectly legal for a factory to spew clouds of black smoke into the air or dump toxic waste into a nearby stream. A polluter could not be taken to court because there were no legal or regulatory mechanisms in place to protect the environment. Recognizing the need to force this issue onto the national agenda and inspired by the student anti-war movement and the effects of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, Senator Gaylord Nelson established Earth Day with the intent to create a mass environmental movement. The idea for the day began as a "national teach-in on the environment" and was held on April 22, 1970, to maximize the number of student participants. The intent was to raise public awareness of air and water pollution and bring environmental causes into the national spotlight. As a result, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive nationwide rallies. Senator Gaylord’s efforts to force environmental issues into the national agenda worked. In December 1970, Congress authorized the creation of a new federal agency to tackle environmental issues, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since Earth Day started, environmentalism has moved from a fringe issue to a mainstream concern. The focus of Earth Day now is to “think globally, act locally” as environmental stewards have never been more timely or important. Every person shares the responsibility to ensure that finite natural resources are protected for today and for future generations. So, what can you do for Earth Day? Earth Day is about uniting voices in support of a healthy planet. Make a public commitment to take environmental action and attend an Earth day event, organize your own Earth Day event, organize a day of service, or pledge an act of green on April 22, 2012. Earth Day Jacksonville, a pre-Earth Day event that features more than 80 booths of educational and interactive displays and live entertainment throughout the day, begins at 10:00 a.m. on April 21, 2012, and takes place at the Jacksonville Landing. In coordination with Earth Day Jacksonville, Earth day Inc. will award grants of up to $500 to groups who implement environmental education programs. Visit http://earthdayjax.com/ for more information on both the annual Earth Day event and the Earth Day Mini Grants. -Elizabeth Barron, Legal Intern

Can Affordable Housing Be Green?

In short, yes! Many assume that green homebuilding, which often costs more at the outset, is not appropriate for affordable housing. However, the greening of affordable housing can actually be more economical because over time homeowners will benefit from lower utility bills, fewer maintenance costs, and healthier environments. Affordable housing developers and operators also benefit from higher quality, more efficient, and more durable buildings. Buildings that are integrated to the site, use energy, water and materials wisely, minimize and recycle construction waste, create their own energy, are durable and easily maintained, and promote good health for both workers and residents enhance housing affordability as well.

One of the initial hindrances to affordable housing is that developers of affordable housing face financial hurdles before most homes are built to environmental standards. Housing affordability is usually measured by the initial construction costs. Green building often requires additional upfront costs and so does not appear to promote affordability from the outset. The Natural Resources Defense Council found that the upfront costs of contracting a LEED certified green building project tend to match or only slightly exceed those of comparable non-green buildings.

To assess the true affordability of green building practices, proponents argue for a life-cycle approach that accounts for both upfront capital costs and long-term operating expenses to measure affordability. Case studies conducted by New Ecology found that energy and water costs for green housing were significantly lower than for conventional housing. Total development costs for the green projects reviewed ranged from 18% below to 9% above (about $34,800 less per unit to $9,700 more per unit) the costs for comparable conventional affordable housing. This wide range was mostly attributable to whether the developer retained a long-term ownership interest and whether the owners or residents were responsible for utility costs. From a life-cycle valuation perspective, the studies showed that the benefits of green affordable housing are real and, in some cases, substantial.

For developers to be successful implementing green features into affordable housing they must incorporate and integrate green features into a project early, and assemble an experienced green team which will employ an integrated design approach and utilize life-cycle costs in evaluating the economics of the project. For policymakers, creating innovative funding mechanisms that recognize the long-term value of green projects, instituting higher mandatory standards for energy efficiency in building codes, and adopting a minimum green standard for affordable housing, are the important elements to better implement green, affordable housing. A better understanding of the costs and benefits of green affordable housing projects will ensure that greening affordable housing is cost effective and will be pursued.

-Elizabeth Barron, Legal Intern

Sunshine not just in the Sunshine State: The Freedom of Information Act

In March of 2011 the Department of Justice launched its new website, FOIA.gov, which hopes to make all information about the Freedom of Information Act easy to access and user friendly. This website was launched as part of the Department of Justice’s Open Government Plan and hopes to be “a national initiative to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information.” The Open Government Initiative, commenced during Obama’s first year of office, strives to require federal agencies to become more transparent to the public and to encourage public participation.

FOIA.gov takes Florida’s government in the sunshine law one step further by giving citizens all over the United States access to information at the federal level in an easy to use and easy to understand format. The website includes video lessons, advice to the public concerning use of the Freedom of Information Act, an explanation of the Act, the number of Freedom of Information requests received and how to submit a request. Additionally, the site contains a frequently asked questions page including useful information, as well as compilations regarding each agency’s Freedom of Information Data at a glance or through a detailed report complied by the agency or complied by the user. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the site contains contact information for every federal agency, including which agency to request information from and where that information should be sent.

This website is a milestone for the Freedom of Information Act and for information accessibility in general. By compiling all this information in a single website the Department of Justice has illuminated this previously unknown or impossible to access area of the government and has increased access for not only attorneys and practitioners but for the public as well. Not only is this site innovative and user friendly but it leaves room for improvement and public comments on the accessibility of the website, how easy it is to navigate, and up to date contact information for Federal agencies is welcomed.

-Ashley Geary, Legal Intern