Call for Nominations for the WEC 2024 Gold Medal Award are now OPEN!

As the world moves to rebuild our economies and tackle climate change and systemic injustices, corporate leadership on sustainable development is more important than ever.  The Gold Medal Award, now approaching 40 years, recognizes excellence and provides inspiration to other companies worldwide. Nominations are now being accepted for the World Environment Center’s (WEC) 2024 Gold Medal for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development.  

The Gold Medal Award is presented annually to a global company that demonstrates a deep, organization-wide commitment to sustainability in its business practice and beyond. Learn more about the WEC Gold Medal Award here

Submissions of the 2024 WEC Gold Medal Award Nomination Form must be received by Friday, October 20, 2023. Self-nominations are welcome. WEC membership is not required as a criterion for submitting a nomination nor for receiving the award.  

Now in its 40th year, the WEC Gold Medal Award is the most prestigious recognition of a global company’s contributions to sustainability, as embodied by the winning company’s global engagement and ongoing commitment to sustainable development. An independent jury of international experts in business and sustainability selects the Gold Medal awardee.  

In 2023, the independent Gold Medal Jury selected Jacobs in recognition of their initiatives integrating sustainability across their organization and client solutions. The Jury recognized Jacobs for its sustainable business strategy PlanBeyond 2.0 which proliferates the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals across the entire organization leading to the creation of corporate strategies, programs, and partnerships that deliver positive impact globally.   

Previous recent recipients of the WEC Gold Medal Award include AB InBev (2022), Microsoft (2021), The Ford Motor Company (2020), Ingersoll Rand (now Trane Technologies, 2019) Ecolab (2018), HP (2017), CH2M (now Jacobs, 2016), SC Johnson (2015), Unilever (2013), IBM (2012), Nestlé (2011), Walmart (2010), The Coca-Cola Company (2009), and Marks & Spencer (2008). 

ABOUT WORLD ENVIRONMENT CENTER 

WEC is an independent, global non-profit, non-advocacy organization that promotes sustainable development through the business practices and operations of its member companies and in partnership with governments, multilateral organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities, and other stakeholders. WEC’s mission is to promote business and its social value by advancing solutions to sustainable development-related problems. Learn more about our mission. 

The World Environment Center & its partners launch second round of Empower Innovation Challenge seeking innovative projects in the region 

“Empower Innovation Challenge (EIC), Inspire and Design the Future” is the slogan of a series of competitions that are awarding more than one million dollars to benefit micro, small and medium-sized enterprises owned by women in Latin America. The application period to participate on the second challenge for entries begins on September 1, 2023. 

September. 2023. From September 1st to October 6th of this year, non-profit organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean that are focused on empowering micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) owned by women will have the opportunity to apply for access to funding that will allow them to expand the scope of their initiatives. 

The Empower Innovation Challenge (EIC) is an unique competition that offers opportunities for specific projects that enable the amplification of business through small grants, training, access to networks and partnership opportunities with local and international companies. In this second edition, the organizers are opening the call for proposals with a gender focus specializing in green and blue economies in Latin American and Caribbean countries. 

The invitation to apply is open to 10 Latin American countries: Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. Participating projects will be implemented by private non-profit organizations and  non-governmental non-profit organizations (foundations, civil society organizations, associations, cleaner production centers, among others), universities and private non-profit institutions of higher education. 

The targeted sectors range from agriculture, fisheries, sustainable tourism, creative service technologies, light and small manufacturing, and textiles, among others. This series of competitions aims to award more than US$1 million to 24 winners over a two-year implementation period and is funded by the U.S. Department of State (DoS) through the Office of the Secretary of State for Global Women’s Issues (S/GWI) together with Global Equity and Equality Action (GEEA) and the Office of Policy Planning Coordination for Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA/PPC). 

Interested organizations can learn about the requirements of participation and the required documentation on the official challenge’s website: https://www.eiclared.org/. 

During the first edition of the challenge, 8 organizations from the region were awarded:  

  • Bancalimentos SAS BIC for its project “Creation of green businesses run by rural women” from Colombia; 
  • Ecotarcoles with “Pacific Plastic Wood” from Costa Rica; 
  • PAQOCHA for its initiative ” Connecting knowledge with the Culebrillas community in the province of Bolívar and scaling up the alpaca fiber value chain for Paqocha as part of the Green/Blue economy from Ecuador;  
  • Fundación Centro Nacional de Producción Más Limpia with the “MSME WOMEN Program” from El Salvador; 
  • The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) received funds for the ” Project to Strengthen the Local Institutional Framework for Women and Individual and Collective Microenterprises” from Guatemala;  
  • ALLPA Association for Sustainable Development with its proposal ” Women of Santa Cruz and Andean Grains” from Peru; 
  • Sector3 Social Venture Group‘s “Escala” project from Peru;  
  • Foro Ambiental de Samaná with “Samana Destino del Futuro, Women Entrepreneurs Leading Sustainable Tourism” from the Dominican Republic. 

“The objective of carrying out these types of challenges aimed at organizations that benefit MSMEs managed by women is to generate more inclusive growth in each of the participating countries,” said Ernesto Samayoa, WEC’s Director of Operations for Latin America. 

For additional information on how to apply, please visit: https://www.eiclared.org/  
Ernesto Samayoa, Director of Operations – WEC:press@wec.org 

About La RED de Innovación e Impacto (La RED)  

La RED is an initiative that brings together non-profit and for-profit organizations to support micro, small and medium-sized institutions (MSMEs) in order to promote sustainable economic growth and prosperity in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). La RED was born in 2014 through a selection process of organizations that have been accelerating the development of sustainable business and promoting economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean. The project was funded by the U.S. Department of State (DoS) and implemented by the World Environment Center (WEC) and its partners Le Groupe-conseil Baastel ltée (Baastel) and RioSlum Studio until June 2021. As of July 2021, La RED is supported through the leadership of its own member organizations and coordinated by the Nucleo Biotecnología Curauma (NBC) of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso in Chile.   

https://www.laredinnovacionimpacto.com

About World Environment Center (WEC)  

WEC is an independent, global non-profit, non-advocacy organization that promotes sustainable development through the business practices and operations of its member companies and in partnership with governments, multilateral organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities and other stakeholders. WEC’s mission is to promote business and its social value by advancing solutions to sustainable development related problems. 

https://www.wec.org

About Núcleo de Biotecnología de Curauma (NBC)  

NBC of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso is an R+D+i Center integrated by academics and professionals of excellence, with more than 10 years of experience in technological development, innovation and technology transfer in the area of science and technology. NBC seeks to make companies more productive, sustainable and competitive, visualizing itself in three years as a reference center to support Small and Mid-size Enterprises (SMEs) so they can increase their competitiveness. NBC develops innovative trends to face new economic, social and environmental challenges so we will live in a more sustainable world tomorrow.  

http://nbcpucv.cl 

About Le Groupe-conseil baastel ltée (Baastel)  

Baastel is recognized for its quality services in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Results Based Management (RBM), strategic planning, project and program management, and individual and institutional capacity building in these areas. Baastel’s outstanding reputation in the industry is built on a track record of international and national successes and expertise that is backed by attention to detail, quality, transparency and neutrality.  

https://baastel.com

World Environment Center y sus socios lanzan segunda edición del Empower Innovation Challenge en la búsqueda de proyectos innovadores en la región

“Empower Innovation Challenge” (EIC), Inspira y diseña el futuro” es el lema de una serie de concursos que están otorgando más de un millón de dólares en beneficio de micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas lideradas por mujeres en Latinoamérica. El período de aplicación para participar del segundo llamado inicia este 1 de septiembre de 2023. 

Septiembre. 2023. Desde este próximo 1 de septiembre hasta el 6 de octubre del presente año, aquellas organizaciones sin fines de lucro en Latinoamérica y El Caribe, que estén enfocadas en empoderar a micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas (MIPYMES) lideradas por mujeres tendrán la oportunidad de concursar para tener acceso a financiamiento que les permita ampliar el alcance de sus iniciativas.

El Empower Innovation Challenge (EIC), es un concurso único que ofrece oportunidades para proyectos específicos que posibiliten la amplificación de negocios a través de pequeñas subvenciones, capacitación, acceso a redes de contactos y oportunidades de asociación con empresas locales e internacionales. En esta segunda edición, los organizadores están abriendo la convocatoria para favorecer proyectos con un enfoque de género especializados en economías verdes y azules en países de Latinoamérica y el Caribe.

La invitación a postular está abierta a 10 países de Latinoamérica: Belice, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panamá, República Dominicana, Colombia, Perú y Ecuador. Los proyectos que participen serán ejecutados por Organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro y Organizaciones No Gubernamentales Sin Fines de Lucro (fundaciones, organizaciones de la sociedad civil, asociaciones, centros de producción más limpia, entre otros), Universidades e instituciones de educación superior privadas sin fines de lucro.

Los sectores hacia los cuales va dirigida la convocatoria varían desde la agricultura, pesca, turismo sostenible, tecnologías de servicios creativos, manufactura ligera y pequeña, así como textiles, entre otros. Esta serie de concursos aspira a entregar más de un millón de dólares a 24 ganadores en un espacio de dos años de implementación y son financiados por el Departamento de Estado de Estados Unidos (DOS por sus siglas en inglés) a través de la Oficina de la Secretaría de Asuntos Globales de la Mujer (S/GWI) en conjunto con Global Equity and Equality Action (GEEA) y la Oficina de Coordinación de Planificación de Políticas de Asuntos del Hemisferio Occidental (WHA/PPC).

Las organizaciones interesadas pueden conocer los requisitos para participar, y la documentación requerida en la página oficial del challenge: https://www.eiclared.org/

Durante la primera edición del concurso resultaron ganadoras 8 organizaciones de la región:

  • Bancalimentos SAS BIC por su proyecto “Creación de empresas ecológicas dirigidas por mujeres rurales” de Colombia. 
  • Ecotarcoles con “Pacific Plastic Wood” de Costa Rica. 
  • PAQOCHA por su iniciativa “Conexión de saberes con la comunidad Culebrillas de la provincia de Bolívar y escalamiento en la cadena de valor de la fibra de alpaca para la empresa Paqocha de Ecuador. 
  • Fundación Centro Nacional de Producción Más Limpia de El Salvador con el “Programa MUJER MIPYME” de El Salvador.  
  • El Instituto Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura (IICA) se agenció los fondos con el “Proyecto de Refuerzo del Marco Institucional Local de las Mujeres y de las Microempresas Individuales y Colectivas” de Guatemala. 
  • Asociación ALLPA para el Desarrollo Sostenible con su propuesta “Mujeres de Santa Cruz y Granos Andinos” de Perú. 
  • Sector3 Social Venture Group por su proyecto “Escala”  
  • Foro Ambiental de Samaná con “Samaná Destino del Futuro, Mujeres Emprendedoras Liderando el Turismo Sostenible” de República Dominicana. 

“El objetivo de llevar a cabo este tipo de concursos dirigidos a las organizaciones, que benefician a MiPYMEs administradas por mujeres, es generar un crecimiento más inclusivo en cada uno de los países participantes”, señaló Ernesto Samayoa, Director de Operaciones de WEC para Latinoamérica. 

Para información adicional sobre cómo participar puede visitar: https://www.eiclared.org/  
 
Ernesto Samayoa, Director de operaciones de WEC: press@wec.org

Acerca de La Red de Innovación e Impacto (La Red) 

La Red es una iniciativa que reúne a organizaciones, sin fines de lucro y con fines de lucro, para apoyar a las micro, pequeñas y medianas organizaciones instituciones (MIPYMES) con el fin de promover el crecimiento económico sostenible y la prosperidad en Latinoamérica y el Caribe (ALC). La Red nació en 2014 a través de un proceso de selección de organizaciones que han venido acelerando el desarrollo de negocios sostenibles y promoviendo el crecimiento económico en Latinoamérica y el Caribe. El proyecto fue financiado por el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos y ejecutado por el Centro Mundial del Medio Ambiente (WEC) y sus socios Le Groupe-conseil baastel ltée (Baastel) y RioSlum Studio hasta junio de 2021. A partir de julio 2021, La Red se sustenta a través del liderazgo de sus propias organizaciones miembros y coordinada por el Núcleo de Biotecnología de Curauma (NBC) de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso en Chile. 

Acerca de WEC 

WEC es una organización sin fines de lucro neutral, independiente, global, que fomenta el desarrollo sostenible a través de las operaciones de sus empresas miembros y en alianza con gobiernos, organizaciones multilaterales, organizaciones no gubernamentales, universidades y otras partes interesadas. La misión de WEC es promover los negocios y su valor social fomentando soluciones a problemas relacionados con el desarrollo sostenible. 

Acerca de Núcleo de Biotecnología de Curauma (NBC) 

NBC de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, es un Centro de I+D+i integrado por académicos y profesionales de excelencia, con más de 10 años de experiencia en desarrollo tecnológico, innovación y transferencia tecnológica en el área de ciencia y tecnología. El NBC busca hacer que las empresas sean más productivas, sostenibles y competitivas, visualizándose en tres años como un centro de referencia para apoyar a las pymes para que puedan aumentar su competitividad. NBCWe desarrolla tendencias innovadoras para afrontar los nuevos retos económicos, sociales y medioambientales para que mañana vivamos en un mundo más sostenible. 

http://nbcpucv.cl 

Acerca de Le Groupe-conseil baastel ltée (Baastel) 

Baastel está reconocido por sus servicios de calidad en Monitoreo y Evaluación (M&E), Gestión Basada en Resultados (GBR), planificación estratégica, gestión de proyectos y programas y construcción de capacidad individual e institucional en estas áreas. La reputación sobresaliente de Baastel en la industria se ha estado construyendo sobre un historial de éxitos nacionales e internacionales y experiencia respaldada por la atención al detalle, calidad, transparencia y neutralidad.  

El World Environment Center está en busca de los servicios de consultoría en Género & Empoderamiento de las Mujer.

Washington DC, 23 de agosto del 2023 – El World Environment Center (WEC) se complace en anunciar la publicación de la convocatoria de propuesta (RFP por sus siglas en inglés) en la que podrán participar empresas de consultoría cualificada / consultores especializados en Género & Empoderamiento de la Mujer.  La convocatoria apoyará los esfuerzos de capacitación y asistencia técnica de WEC a las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas (MIPYME) y sus beneficiarias dentro del Empower Innovation Challenge (EIC). Esta iniciativa es impulsada por el World Environment Center (WEC) y sus socios, el Núcleo de Biotecnología de Curauma (NBC), y Baastel a través de La Red de Innovación e Impacto, con el financiamiento del Departamento de Estado de EE. UU.   

  • En el marco de la convocatoria de Género y Empoderamiento de la Mujer, la empresa de consultoría/consultora especializada seleccionada desarrollará e impartirá capacitaciones virtuales y brindará asistencia técnica. Se recomienda a los candidatos de América Latina y el Caribe que dominen el inglés y el español que presenten su candidatura. La decisión se basará en el enfoque técnico de la propuesta, las cualificaciones e historial pertinentes y el costo de la propuesta. Se invita a las partes interesadas a revisar la Convocatoria de Propuesta (RFP por sus siglas) en inglés) para obtener más información. 

WEC está comprometido con la igualdad de oportunidades en el empleo y celebra la diversidad. Es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades, WEC no discrimina por motivos de raza, religión, color, origen nacional, sexo, orientación sexual, edad, condición de veterano, discapacidad u otras características protegidas por la ley. 

Se pide a las partes interesadas que presenten su propuesta antes del 25 de septiembre de 2023 de acuerdo con las directrices proporcionadas en la Convocatoria de Propuesta (RFP) por sus siglas en inglés). Las preguntas relacionadas con las RFP pueden dirigirlas a Smitha Konduri en info@wec.org.  

Acerca del World Environment Center (WEC)  

WEC es una organización sin fines de lucro neutral, independiente, global, que fomenta el desarrollo sostenible a través de las operaciones de sus empresas miembros y en alianza con gobiernos, organizaciones multilaterales, organizaciones no gubernamentales, universidades y otras partes interesadas. La misión de WEC es promover los negocios y su valor social fomentando soluciones a problemas relacionados con el desarrollo sostenible. 

Acerca de La Red de Innovación e Impacto (La Red)  

La Red es una iniciativa que reúne a organizaciones, sin fines de lucro y con fines de lucro, para apoyar a las micro, pequeñas y medianas organizaciones instituciones (MIPYMES) con el fin de promover el crecimiento económico sostenible y la prosperidad en Latinoamérica y el Caribe (ALC). La Red nació en 2014 a través de un proceso de selección de organizaciones que han venido acelerando el desarrollo de negocios sostenibles y promoviendo el crecimiento económico en Latinoamérica y el Caribe. El proyecto fue financiado por el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos y ejecutado por el Centro Mundial del Medio Ambiente (WEC) y sus socios Le Groupe-conseil baastel ltée (Baastel) y RioSlum Studio hasta junio de 2021. A partir de julio 2021, La Red se sustenta a través del liderazgo de sus propias organizaciones miembros y coordinada por el Núcleo de Biotecnología de Curauma (NBC) de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso en Chile. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

World Environment Center is seeking Gender & Women Empowerment Services 

Washington DC, 22-August-2023 – The World Environment Center (WEC) is pleased to announce two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) seeking qualified consulting firms/consultants specializing in Gender & Women Empowerment. This contract will support WEC’s efforts in providing training and technical assistance to small grantees and beneficiaries MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises) within the US Department of State funded grant, Empower Innovation Challenge (EIC). 

  • Under the Gender & Women Empowerment RFP, the selected consulting firm/consultant will deliver comprehensive training and technical assistance on gender-related topics to enhance the capacity of the beneficiaries. Applicants from Latin America and the Caribbean, proficient in both English and Spanish, are strongly encouraged to apply. The decision will be based on the technical approach, qualifications, past performance, and cost of the proposal. For more information, interested parties are invited to review the detailed Request for Proposals. 

WEC is committed to equal employment opportunities and celebrates diversity. As an equal opportunity employer, WEC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. 

Interested parties are requested to submit their proposals by September 25, 2023, in accordance with the guidelines provided in the respective Request for Proposals. Questions regarding the RFPs can be directed to Smitha Konduri at info@wec.org 

About the World Environment Center: 

WEC is an independent, global non-profit, non-advocacy organization that promotes sustainable development through the business practices and operations of its member companies and in partnership with governments, multilateral organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities, and other stakeholders. WEC’s mission is to promote business and its social value by advancing solutions to sustainable development-related problems. 

www.wec.org

About the EMPOWER INNOVATION CHALLENGE (EIC) 

The World Environment Center (WEC) and its partners Nucleo de Biotecnologa de Curauma (NBC) and Baastel will support the expansion of the La Red de Innovacion e Impacto (La RED) network through a new Empower Innovation Challenge (EIC) in the Latin-American and Caribbean (LAC) region. 

The goal of the EIC will be to assist women-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in scaling their businesses through a series of small grants focused on local solutions. With a focus on green and blue economies, the EIC partnership will provide training, access to capital, networking, and partnership opportunities with local and international businesses.

World Environment Center Names Dr. Neil C. Hawkins as Interim President & CEO

Neil Hawkins WEC announcement

The World Environment Center (WEC) announced today that Dr. Neil Hawkins, President of Michigan Sustainability Associates and Research Advisor/Instructor at Harvard, has been appointed interim president and CEO of WEC. 

With over three decades in the field, Dr. Hawkins brings extensive experience and expertise from roles such as Chief Sustainability Officer and Corporate Vice President of Environment, Health, and Safety at The Dow Chemical Company. He has also led initiatives like the breakthrough valuing nature partnership with The Nature Conservancy, integrating sustainability at the core of business strategies, and driving environmental and social action. 

While serving as Interim CEO, Dr. Hawkins will continue his role as a Research Advisor and Instructor at Harvard University in the Master of Sustainability Program, underlining his commitment to bridging academia while bolstering business sustainability efforts. With his multifaceted experiences, from international environmental treaties to advising corporate leaders, Neil is uniquely positioned to help propel WEC forward. 

“It is a great honor to be asked to serve as Interim CEO of World Environment Center. I have great respect for the organization from my prior long-term Board membership and from seeing its great progress with Glenn at the helm. I will support the Board, staff, and members while the Board conducts its process for identifying a permanent CEO.” Hawkins said. 

WEC extends many thanks to outgoing president and CEO, Glenn Prickett, for his dedicated leadership and welcomes Dr. Hawkins, believing that his insights will help amplify WEC’s role in advancing a sustainable future through corporate business practices. 

About the World Environment Center 

WEC is an influential global non-profit organization that fosters sustainable development through business practices. With its member-driven agenda and a legacy dating back to its founding by the United Nations in 1974, WEC accelerates sustainability solutions through innovation, thought leadership, and public-private partnerships. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in China, El Salvador, and Germany, WEC collaborates with various stakeholders to drive tangible change. 

Learn more about WEC programs here

For further information, please contact info@wec.org

WEC Action Forum – Event Summary on Building A 100% Positive Future

WEC Action Forum

WEC and members were joined by industry leaders from WEC member companies in discussing Ecolab’s book Clean. We explored building a sustainability strategy at all levels of the organization.

Authors of Clean: Lessons from Ecolab’s Century of Positive Impact, Paul C. Godfrey, William and Roceil Low Professor of Business Strategy in the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University & Emilio Tenuta, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab led the conversation.

Check out key takeaways from this important discussion below:

Join our next WEC Action Forum by becoming a WEC Member today: https://www.wec.org/membership

Join our next WEC Action Forum by becoming a WEC Member today: https://www.wec.org/membership

WEC & its partners Select the First Cohort of the Empower Innovation Challenge (EIC) “Inspire and Design the Future” 

Click here for Spanish Version

More than US$1 million will be awarded to organizations that manage projects benefiting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises led by women in Latin America. 

July. 2023. The World Environment Center (WEC) and its partners the Núcleo de Biotecnología de Curauma (NBC)and Baastel, are pleased to announce the First Cohort of the “Empower Innovation Challenge” (EIC). The Challenge was open to 10 Latin American countries whose work benefit micro, small and medium-sized enterprises led by women in Latin America. 

The eight winning organizations are:  

  • Bancalimentos SAS BIC, “Creation of green businesses led by rural women” – Colombia. 
  • Ecotarcoles, “Pacific Plastic Wood” – Costa Rica. 
  • PAQOCHA, “Connecting knowledge with the Culebrillas community in the province of Bolivar and scaling up the alpaca fiber value chain for the Paqocha company as part of the Green/Blue economy” – Ecuador. 
  • National Center for Cleaner Production Foundation, “MSME WOMEN Program” – El Salvador. 
  • Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), “Project to Strengthen the Local Institutional Framework for Women and Individual and Collective Microenterprises” – Guatemala. 
  • ALLPA Association for Sustainable Development, “Women of Santa Cruz and Andean Grains” – Peru. 
  • Sector3 Social Venture Group, “Escala” – Peru. 
  • Foro Ambiental de Samaná, “Samana Destino del Futuro, Mujeres Emprendedoras Liderando el Turismo Sostenible” – Dominican Republic. 

Women’s ability to access markets, including financial services, credit, capital, insurance, digital technologies and networks, is critical to fostering women’s entrepreneurship and their overall economic security. The Global Equity and Equality (GEEA) (managed by U.S. Department of State’s Global Women’s Issues office (S/GW)) Fund promotes the economic security of women and girls by facilitating their access to resources, services and leadership opportunities, and addressing barriers that limit their ability to fully participate in the economy. 

The organizers will hold three online competitions, this being the first, with the aim of choosing innovative solutions to enhance the development of MSMEs managed by women and generate more inclusive growth in each of the participating countries. In this case, the winning projects came from civil society organizations, educational institutions, centers focused on small business development, as well as organizations dedicated to implementing and promoting sustainable solutions, especially pollution prevention.  

The awardees were selected by an independent jury comprising a multidisciplinary jury of experts in the region. These eight organizations make up the first cohort of a total of 24 organizations that the donor plans to benefit. Each organization will receive $50,000 in non-reimbursable funding for their one-year projects. In addition, the winners will become new members of the La Red de Innovación e Impacto (La Red), where they will be able to connect with other organizations in the region, share challenges and lessons learned, while strengthening their capacities and expanding their networks. 

Each EIC competition will be held once a year, until 2025, where at the end 24 organizations dedicated to fostering the growth of women’s economic security in the region will have benefited. This initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of State through the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues 2021 Global Equity and Equality Action Fund. Fund and implemented by the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Policy Planning Coordination Office (WHA/PPC) 

For additional information please contact:  

Ernesto Samayoa, WEC Director of Operations: esamayoa@wec.org 

Brief description of the awardees’ projects:  

  • Asociación ALLPA para el Desarrollo Sostenible, “Women of Santa Cruz and Andean Grains” – Peru. 

The purpose of this project is to create the necessary conditions so that the member families of the Cooandina cooperative can sell their Andean grains -Kiwicha and Quinoa- in a more equitable way in the commercial circuits. This will be achieved by eliminating the dependence on the collectors who pay low prices to the producers and keep most of the profits generated by the value chain, increasing the family income that will allow them to satisfy their personal and collective needs and aspirations. 

  • Bancalimentos SAS BIC, “Creation of green businesses run by rural women” – Colombia. 

Provide financial and technical resources and support to women to achieve socioeconomic mobility through the co-creation and implementation of productive units that manufacture and market products based on recycled raw materials from the recycling that Bancalimentos users deposit in their food savings accounts. 

  • Ecotarcoles, “Pacific Plastic Wood” – Costa Rica. 

Through the ¨Pacific Plastic Wood¨ program, a new system is established within coastal communities, which reintegrates marine plastic waste into the value chain under a circular and regenerative approach. They specialize in the design and production of 100% recycled plastic wood for the construction, agricultural and industrial fields. With the implementation of this project, they hope to scale the impact to other regions, diversify local products and services, and encourage better consumption habits that reduce pollution in the oceans. 

  • Foro Ambiental de Samaná, “Samana Destino del Futuro, Women Entrepreneurs Leading Sustainable Tourism” – Dominican Republic. 

This project seeks to support 36 MSMEs led by women entrepreneurs who offer products or services to national and international tourists in the province of Samaná in the Dominican Republic. The overall objective is for the women owners and employees of the 36 MSMEs to increase their income and sell quality products and services to domestic and foreign tourists using sustainability criteria and increasing their sense of collectivity. 

  • Fundación Centro Nacional de Producción Más Limpia, “MSME WOMEN Program” – El Salvador. 

The MSME WOMEN Program accompanies and empowers MSMEs led by women, through training, information, and personalized advice, which allows them to improve the management, performance and competitiveness of their businesses. The methodology is through practical learning and creative spaces that help promote innovative thinking. Through this project they propose to train women who lead MSMEs in financial education, cleaner production, business improvement techniques, digital marketing, among others. 

  • Instituto Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura (IICA), “Project to Strengthen the Local Institutional Framework for Women and Individual and Collective Microenterprises” – Guatemala. 

For this specific proposal, the Federation of Artexco Cooperatives, the Tikonel Association and the Itzacoope Cooperative will work together, focusing on women’s development. They will focus on the need to add value to products, especially handicrafts, and facilitate access to working capital, using the community bank methodology. They will also work on identifying markets in which they can place their products on a regular basis. 

  • PAQOCHA, “Connecting knowledge with the Culebrillas community in the province of Bolívar and scaling up the alpaca fiber value chain for the Paqocha company as part of the Green/Blue economy” – Ecuador.  

The project will work with the Sumak LLama association (Chimborazo) and the Culebrilllas community (Bolívar) on spinning techniques, natural dyeing, weaving design and commercial strengthening of PAQOCHA garments. The objective of this project is to strengthen the alpaca fiber value chain actors linked to the PAQOCHA company and increase sales. Capacity building will be generated to connect knowledge and increase the company’s production volume. 

  • Sector3 Social Venture Group, “Escala” – Perú. 

The ESCALA program will reach 60 women entrepreneurs with business training combining virtual workshops and face-to-face sessions. It will also seek to enhance the technological platform that Escala manages to provide more and better functionalities to these students as well as future generations of Escala. 

About La RED de Innovación e Impacto (La RED)  

La RED is an initiative that brings together non-profit and for-profit organizations to support micro, small and medium-sized institutions (MSMEs) in order to promote sustainable economic growth and prosperity in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). La RED was born in 2014 through a selection process of organizations that have been accelerating the development of sustainable business and promoting economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean. The project was funded by the U.S. Department of State (DoS) and implemented by the World Environment Center (WEC) and its partners Le Groupe-conseil Baastel ltée (Baastel) and RioSlum Studio until June 2021. As of July 2021, La RED is supported through the leadership of its own member organizations and coordinated by the Nucleo Biotecnología Curauma (NBC) of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso in Chile.   

www.laredinnovacionimpacto.com

About World Environment Center (WEC)  

WEC is an independent, global non-profit, non-advocacy organization that promotes sustainable development through the business practices and operations of its member companies and in partnership with governments, multilateral organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities and other stakeholders. WEC’s mission is to promote business and its social value by advancing solutions to sustainable development related problems. 

www.wec.org 

About Núcleo de Biotecnología de Curauma (NBC)  

NBC of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso is an R+D+i Center integrated by academics and professionals of excellence, with more than 10 years of experience in technological development, innovation and technology transfer in the area of science and technology. NBC seeks to make companies more productive, sustainable and competitive, visualizing itself in three years as a reference center to support Small and Mid-size Enterprises (SMEs) so they can increase their competitiveness. NBC develops innovative trends to face new economic, social and environmental challenges so we will live in a more sustainable world tomorrow.  

http://nbcpucv.cl 

About Le Groupe-conseil baastel ltée (Baastel)  

Baastel is recognized for its quality services in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Results Based Management (RBM), strategic planning, project and program management, and individual and institutional capacity building in these areas. Baastel’s outstanding reputation in the industry is built on a track record of international and national successes and expertise that is backed by attention to detail, quality, transparency and neutrality.  

baastel.com

WEC y sus socios seleccionan a la Primera Cohorte del “Empower Innovation Challenge” (EIC) Inspira y diseña el futuro

Más de un millón de dólares se entregarán entre organizaciones que gestionan proyectos a beneficio de micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas lideradas por mujeres en Latinoamérica.  

Click here for English Version

Julio. 2023. Representantes del Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos, el World Environment Center (WEC) y sus socios el Núcleo de Biotecnología de Curauma (NBC) y Baastel, realizaron la ceremonia de premiación de la primera edición del concurso “Empower Innovation Challenge” (EIC). Este concurso estuvo abierto a 10 países de Latinoamérica con el fin de apoyar la expansión de “La RED de Innovación e Impacto” (La RED). 

Las ocho organizaciones ganadoras fueron:  

  • Bancalimentos SAS BIC, “Creación de empresas ecológicas dirigidas por mujeres rurales” – Colombia. 
  • Ecotarcoles, “Pacific Plastic Wood” - Costa Rica. 
  • PAQOCHA, “Conexión de saberes con la comunidad Culebrillas de la provincia de Bolívar y escalamiento en la cadena de valor de la fibra de alpaca para la empresa Paqocha como parte de la economía Verde/Azul” – Ecuador. 
  • Fundación Centro Nacional de Producción Más Limpia, “Programa MUJER MIPYME” – El Salvador. 
  • Instituto Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura (IICA), “Proyecto de Refuerzo del Marco Institucional Local de las Mujeres y de las Microempresas Individuales y Colectivas” – Guatemala. 
  • Asociación ALLPA para el Desarrollo Sostenible, “Mujeres de Santa Cruz y Granos Andinos” – Perú. 
  • Sector3 Social Venture Group, “Escala” – Perú. 
  • Foro Ambiental de Samaná, “Samana Destino del Futuro, Mujeres Emprendedoras Liderando el Turismo Sostenible” – República Dominicana. 

La capacidad de las mujeres para acceder a los mercados, incluidos los servicios financieros, el crédito, el capital, los seguros, las tecnologías digitales y las redes, es fundamental para fomentar el espíritu empresarial de las mujeres y su seguridad económica general. El Global Equity and Equality Fund (GEEA) (gestionado por la Oficina de la Secretaría de Asuntos Globales de la Mujer del Departamento de Estado de EE.UU.) promueve la seguridad económica de las mujeres y las niñas facilitando su acceso a recursos, servicios y oportunidades de liderazgo, y abordando las barreras que limitan su capacidad para participar plenamente en la economía.   

Los organizadores realizarán tres concursos online, siendo este el primero, con el fin de elegir soluciones innovadoras para potenciar el desarrollo de MIPYMEs administradas por mujeres y que generen un crecimiento más inclusivo en cada uno de los países participantes. En este caso los proyectos ganadores surgieron de organizaciones de la sociedad civil, instituciones educativas, centros enfocados en el desarrollo de pequeños negocios, así como de organizaciones dedicadas a implementar y promover soluciones sustentables en especial la prevención de la contaminación.  

El proceso de selección de las organizaciones ganadoras fue liderado por un jurado multidisciplinario de expertos en la región. Estas ocho organizaciones conforman la primera cohorte de un total de 24 organizaciones que tiene proyectado beneficiar el donante. Cada organización va a recibir fondos no reembolsables para sus proyectos (de un año de duración) por un monto de de $50,000. Además, las galardonadas además se integrarán como nuevos miembros de la La Red de Innovación de Impacto, donde podrán conectarse con otras organizaciones de la región, compartir retos y aprendizajes, al tiempo que fortalecen sus capacidades ampliando sus redes de contacto. 

Cada concurso del EIC se realizará una vez al año, hasta el año 2025, donde al finalizar se habrán beneficiado 24 organizaciones dedicadas a fomentar el crecimiento de la seguridad económica de la mujer en la región. Esta iniciativa está financiada por el Departamento de Estado de EE.UU. a través de la Oficina de la Secretaría de Asuntos Globales de la Mujer (S/GWI) 2021 Global Equity and Equality Action Fund. Financiada e implementada por la Oficina de Coordinación de Planificación de Políticas de Asuntos del Hemisferio Occidental (WHA/PPC). 

Para información adicional puede contactar:  
Ernesto Samayoa, Director de operaciones de WEC: esamayoa@wec.org 

Breve descripción de los proyectos ganadores:  

  • Asociación ALLPA para el Desarrollo Sostenible, “Mujeres de Santa Cruz y Granos Andinos” – Perú. 

El presente proyecto tiene por finalidad generar las condiciones necesarias, para que las familias socias de la cooperativa Cooandina puedan articular sus granos andinos -Kiwicha y Quinua- de manera más equitativa en los circuitos comerciales. Esto se logrará eliminando la dependencia de las personas acopiadoras que pagan precios bajos a las y los productores y se quedan con la mayor parte de las utilidades que genera la cadena de valor, incrementando los ingresos familiares que les permitirán satisfacer sus necesidades y aspiraciones personales y colectivas. 

  • Bancalimentos SAS BIC, “Creación de empresas ecológicas dirigidas por mujeres rurales” – Colombia. 

Brindar recursos financieros, técnicos y acompañamiento a mujeres para que logren una movilidad socioeconómica a partir de la co-creación y ejecución de unidades productivas que fabrican y comercializan productos con base en materia prima reciclada proveniente del reciclaje que los usuarios de Bancalimentos depositan en sus cuentas de ahorro alimenticias. 

  • Ecotarcoles, “Pacific Plastic Wood” - Costa Rica. 

A través del programa ¨Pacific Plastic Wood¨, se establece un nuevo sistema dentro de comunidades costeras, que reintegra los residuos plásticos marinos a la cadena de valor bajo un enfoque circular y regenerativo. Se especializan en el diseño y producción de madera plástica 100% reciclada para el campo de construcción, agrícola e industrial. Con la realización de este proyecto se espera escalar el impacto a otras regiones, diversificar los productos y servicios locales, y fomentar mejores hábitos de consumo que disminuyan la contaminación en los océanos. 

  • Foro Ambiental de Samaná, “Samana Destino del Futuro, Mujeres Emprededoras Liderando el Turismo Sostenible” – República Dominicana. 

A través de este proyecto se busca apoyar a 36 MIPyMES lideradas por mujeres emprendedoras, que ofrecen productos o servicios a turistas nacionales e internacionales de la provincia de Samaná en la República Dominicana. El objetivo general es que las mujeres dueñas y empleadas de las 36 MIPyMES aumenten sus ingresos y vendan productos y servicios de calidad a turistas nacionales y extranjeros usando criterios de sostenibilidad y aumentando su sentido de colectividad. 

  • Fundación Centro Nacional de Producción Más Limpia, “Programa MUJER MIPYME” – El Salvador. 

Desde el Programa MUJER MIPYME acompañan y empoderan a MIPYMES lideradas por mujeres, a través de formación, información, y asesorías personalizadas, que les permita mejorar la gestión, el desempeño y la competitividad de sus negocios. La metodología es a través de un aprendizaje práctico y espacios creativos que ayudan a promover el pensamiento innovador. A través de este proyecto se proponen capacitar a mujeres que lideran MiPYMEs en educación financiera, producción más limpia, técnicas de mejora empresarial, marketing digital, entre otros.  

  • Instituto Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura (IICA), “Proyecto de Refuerzo del Marco Institucional Local de las Mujeres y de las Microempresas Individuales y Colectivas” – Guatemala. 

Para esta propuesta en específico, trabajarán de forma conjunta la Federación de Cooperativas Artexco, la Asociación Tikonel y la Cooperativa Itzacoope, con foco en el desarrollo de las mujeres. Se enfocarán en la necesidad de agregar valor a los productos especialmente artesanales y facilitar el acceso a capital de trabajo, utilizando la metodología de bancos comunales. También se trabajará en la identificación de mercados en los que puedan colocar de forma periódica sus productos. 

  • PAQOCHA, “Conexión de saberes con la comunidad Culebrillas de la provincia de Bolívar y escalamiento en la cadena de valor de la fibra de alpaca para la empresa Paqocha como parte de la economía Verde/Azul” – Ecuador. 

Se trabajará junto a la asociación Sumak LLama (Chimborazo) y la comunidad Culebrilllas (Bolívar) en; técnicas de hilado, tintura natural, diseño de tejidos y fortalecimiento comercial de las prendas PAQOCHA. Este proyecto tiene como objetivo fortalecer a los actores de la cadena de valor de la fibra de alpaca vinculados con la empresa PAQOCHA y aumentar las ventas. Se generará fortalecimiento de capacidades para conectar saberes, y escalar el volúmen de producción de la empresa. 

  • Sector3 Social Venture Group, “Escala” – Perú. 

Desde el programa ESCALA se alcanzará a 60 mujeres empresarias con capacitación empresarial combinando talleres virtuales y sesiones presenciales. Asimismo, se buscará potenciar la plataforma tecnológica que Escala maneja para brindar más y mejores funcionalidades a estas estudiantes así como futuras generaciones de Escala. 

Acerca de La Red de Innovación e Impacto (La Red) 

La Red es una iniciativa que reúne a organizaciones, sin fines de lucro y con fines de lucro, para apoyar a las micro, pequeñas y medianas organizaciones instituciones (MIPYMES) con el fin de promover el crecimiento económico sostenible y la prosperidad en Latinoamérica y el Caribe (ALC). La Red nació en 2014 a través de un proceso de selección de organizaciones que han venido acelerando el desarrollo de negocios sostenibles y promoviendo el crecimiento económico en Latinoamérica y el Caribe. El proyecto fue financiado por el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos y ejecutado por el Centro Mundial del Medio Ambiente (WEC) y sus socios Le Groupe-conseil baastel ltée (Baastel) y RioSlum Studio hasta junio de 2021. A partir de julio 2021, La Red se sustenta a través del liderazgo de sus propias organizaciones miembros y coordinada por el Núcleo de Biotecnología de Curauma (NBC) de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso en Chile. 

https://www.laredinnovacionimpacto.com

Acerca del World Environment Center (WEC) 

WEC es una organización sin fines de lucro neutral, independiente, global, que fomenta el desarrollo sostenible a través de las operaciones de sus empresas miembros y en alianza con gobiernos, organizaciones multilaterales, organizaciones no gubernamentales, universidades y otras partes interesadas. La misión de WEC es promover los negocios y su valor social fomentando soluciones a problemas relacionados con el desarrollo sostenible. 

www.wec.org

Acerca de Núcleo de Biotecnología de Curauma (NBC) 

NBC de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, es un Centro de I+D+i integrado por académicos y profesionales de excelencia, con más de 10 años de experiencia en desarrollo tecnológico, innovación y transferencia tecnológica en el área de ciencia y tecnología. El NBC busca hacer que las empresas sean más productivas, sostenibles y competitivas, visualizándose en tres años como un centro de referencia para apoyar a las pymes para que puedan aumentar su competitividad. NBCWe desarrolla tendencias innovadoras para afrontar los nuevos retos económicos, sociales y medioambientales para que mañana vivamos en un mundo más sostenible. 

http://nbcpucv.cl 

Acerca de Le Groupe-conseil baastel ltée (Baastel) 

Baastel está reconocido por sus servicios de calidad en Monitoreo y Evaluación (M&E), Gestión Basada en Resultados (GBR), planificación estratégica, gestión de proyectos y programas y construcción de capacidad individual e institucional en estas áreas. La reputación sobresaliente de Baastel en la industria se ha estado construyendo sobre un historial de éxitos nacionales e internacionales y experiencia respaldada por la atención al detalle, calidad, transparencia y neutralidad.  

https://baastel.com

WEC Executive Roundtables – Working with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Practical Experience of Global Companies. WEC’s SDG Workshop # 5

The World Environment Center, in collaboration with Ricoh, convened a virtual one-day Executive Roundtable in June 2023. WEC members along with other global companies discussed effective policies and practices in SDGs, and shared best practices on how companies can incorporate them into their sustainability initiatives.

25 participants from business and academia/NGOs in ten industries and eight countries shared their advances on working with the SDGs, i.e. how they collaborate with peers to increase impact. The roundtable was held under the Chatham House Rule to encourage open dialogue, and so none of the quotes or company examples in the report are attributed to anyone.

In case you missed it, check out the summary of this important discussion below.

Join our next WEC WEC Executive Roundtable by becoming a WEC Member today: https://www.wec.org/membership

Join our next WEC Executive Roundtable by becoming a WEC Member today: https://www.wec.org/membership

World Environment Center Announces CEO Transition

Glenn Prickett to leave WEC in September for new role at Gulf of Maine Research Institute 

Washington, DC, June 15, 2023 – The World Environment Center announced today that President & CEO Glenn Prickett will step down in September to take a new role the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.   

“I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together at WEC,” said Prickett. “While I am sad to leave the staff team, I am confident that the organization will continue to drive positive change in the world of business and sustainability.” 

Since Prickett joined WEC in 2019, even during the global pandemic, the organization bolstered the climate and sustainability initiatives of its global member companies and built the capacity of small entrepreneurs in the green and blue economies in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. WEC awarded its annual Gold Medal Award for Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development to Ford Motor Company, Microsoft, AB InBev, and Jacobs.    

WEC’s Board of Directors, under the leadership of Chair Emilio Tenuta, Ecolab’s Chief Sustainability Officer, and Vice Chair Eunice Heath, CRH’s Chief Sustainability Officer, has formed a search committee to select the next CEO of WEC.  

“We are grateful for Glenn’s service and dedication to WEC,” said Tenuta. “He built the team and put the organization on a path to real impact at a challenging time. We look forward to selecting a talented leader to continue the work and lead WEC to even greater impact.” 

Prickett will serve as WEC’s CEO through the end of August. He will support the WEC board as they search for the next CEO and work closely with WEC’s staff, members, and partners to ensure the health and forward momentum of the organization’s programs after his departure.   

In September, Prickett and his family will move to Portland, Maine where he will be CEO of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI), a non-governmental organization that develops collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges.   

“I am excited to take on a new challenge with GMRI,” said Prickett. “The Gulf of Maine is a rapidly warming ocean ecosystem, and GMRI’s work to find effective solutions for climate change and sustainable development has much to offer the world. I know the WEC team will drive our mission forward with unwavering dedication. I look forward to seeing WEC’s growth and impact in the years ahead!” 

Contact: Smitha Konduri | Press@wec.org 

Can AI Help Supply Chains Be More Environmentally Conscious?

By Ariadnna Garcia 

Pixabay. December 20, 2016. Boat in body of water 

I am pleased to introduce this WEC blog post by Ariadnna Garcia. As we explore challenging issues for sustainable development, we want to feature diverse perspectives. Ariadnna is an undergraduate at UC San Diego and one of our first Climate Ambassadors in partnership with the University of California Alianza Mexico. Ariadnna explores the potential of AI as a tool for sustainability in supply chains. We hope you find her ideas thought-provoking!  

– Glenn Prickett, President and CEO of WEC  

Supply chain sustainability, which refers to the management of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of goods and services throughout their lifecycle, is a pressing challenge facing businesses today due to the worsening condition of our planet. As the climate crisis approaches the point of no return, it becomes essential for corporations to ensure their business practices are sustainable and protect the environment from further harm.  

Supply chains are complex and global in nature. Thus, it is no surprise that businesses may struggle with measuring their sustainability performance, managing their carbon footprint, and reducing their waste. Also challenging is ensuring that their ethical and social responsibility mitigate their environmental impact. According to a report conducted by McKinsey in 2016, 80% of a business’s emissions are produced from the supply chain. Businesses understand the cruciality of sustainability within their supply chains and rank this among their most urgent concerns.  

Can AI address sustainability challenges in supply chains? 

A solution that may address these challenges is that of artificial intelligence (AI) which is the future of data organization, analysis, and complex decision-making. By incorporating AI into the process of supply chain sustainability, businesses may contribute to a more equitable and environmentally conscious global economy by further developing tech-smart approaches to corporate sustainability. 

Mikhail Nilov. May 2, 2021. Men looking at the code on the board 

Sustainability with AI- collecting and synthesizing sustainability data 

One of the most significant barriers facing businesses in achieving supply chain sustainability is the complexity of modern supply chains. With hundreds of thousands of suppliers spanning worldwide, it is difficult to track, collect, and measure environmental data, specifically their sustainability performance.  

The increased number of regulations implemented by governments adds additional complexity in the management of supply chain data. All this data must be synthesized into a human-readable format so that businesses make data-driven decisions, implement the most effective sustainability initiatives, and analyze their current progress.  

This is where AI has the potential to transform the way in which businesses interact with data. Such uses include:  

AI works quickly, frequently outperforming humans and accomplishing tasks that might take minutes in a matter of seconds. The complexity and globality of supply chains can benefit from technology like AI that can sort and process through large data sets, producing insights and visualizations with fewer errors than those committed by humans.  

AlphaTradeZone. November 8, 2020. Man in blue dress shirt holding black digital tablet beside a person writing  

Tracking data- advanced technologies can decrease environmental harm 

This transformative technology can monitor a business’s current sustainability performance by providing continuous feedback on highly polluting actions executed by businesses daily, such as: 

  • carbon emissions 
  • waste generation 
  • water consumption 
  • energy usage 

Using AI may improve communication among the supply chain networks as businesses share their real-time data providing fast feedback to decision-makers so that errors can be addressed, and improvements implemented.  

The scope of AI insights and suggestions can extend to assessments of risks and opportunities. AI may be programmed with technology that can advise where a business can improve its sustainability performance and flag areas where a business may be failing. For example, AI can provide businesses with options for the most optimal transport routes based on traffic and other data, suggestions on the most sustainable suppliers and materials, and methods for the most efficient way to package items – all of which improve supply chain sustainability.  

AI may also have the ability, through its analysis of patterns and trends, to predict future risks and ways in which a business can best mitigate or eliminate these sustainability endangerments. The collection and synthesis of this data can then be used to boost a company’s sustainability transparency and communicate to stakeholders their commitment to mitigating their environmental impact.  

Ella Ivanescu. January 9, 2020. Shooting steam at the sky 

Maximizing profit while reducing environmental footprint through AI 

AI can also be a valuable tool for optimizing supply chain sustainability, and one prominent way is through predicting and managing inventory levels. With projective capabilities, AI can analyze inventory levels, sale patterns, and supply chain trends to help predict the supply and demand a business requires and should expect.  

Such insights may help with the overproduction of items, reducing waste, and ensuring that products are delivered to customers safely through its analysis of transport routes. According to the company, Avery Dennison, overproduction and waste can account for approximately $163 billion worth of lost inventory. If businesses wish to maximize their profits while simultaneously losing fewer products and increasing customer satisfaction, AI can potentially help achieve this.  

Navigating the risks of AI integration 

Although AI brings substantial benefits to supply chain sustainability, the risks and challenges of working with large language models should not be ignored. Companies should consider the risk before implementing this sophisticated technology. These risks can arise from how AI is implemented within a business to the technology itself.  

Discrimination expands to AI-powered supply chain sustainability 

The most prominent issue that has gained international attention is that of biases and discrimination within AI technology. AI works by taking in copious amounts of data, sifting through them, and generating an output. Because AIs are training on large, unfiltered data sets from the internet, biased language in the AI output may occur.  

According to McKinsey, even the most perfectly crafted AI systems can generate biases despite efforts to avoid it during development. For example, if using AI for hiring new suppliers, biases present in the language model may favor certain demographics of candidates as opposed to others who may have more sustainability qualifiers. Businesses should be aware of these risks, rigorously assess the data used to train the AI systems, and develop alternate approaches in case of biases or output errors. 

Mitigating security risks and privacy concerns of AI technologies 

Another potential risk of using AI technology is the impact on IT security and data privacy. AI systems may collect a sizable amount of confidential data and IT infrastructure that must be adequately protected. If the data security systems fail or if the AI system is poorly designed, data breaches could occur and negatively impact businesses. Security and privacy measures, like bias and discrimination checks, should be rigorously implemented to ensure that the AI system is appropriately designed to protect the vast amount of information collected and mitigate the occurrence of breaches. 

Understanding the limitations and fallibility of sophisticated technologies 

A third risk is that of over-relying on the AI system and fully entrusting it to produce infallible information. Although AI produces fewer mistakes than humans, a business cannot without review expect the technology to produce no errors. Implementation of an AI system should ensure that human decision-makers work alongside the programs to provide quality assurance checks that data and outputs are accurate.  

Tara Winstead. May 16, 2021. Person reaching out to a robot 

Recognizing the possibility of job displacement  

On this same note, an issue that also prominently is discussed is the rise of unemployment due to the integration of AI systems. While using an AI tool does not directly translate into job losses, new jobs can even be created while old jobs can be improved. AI requires input from humans, especially to inspect its accuracy; therefore, companies should be inspired to create these new jobs and train their employees to handle these machines instead of simply dismissing them. Training programs for employees can equip the evolving workforce with the skills to use AI to increase productivity and decrease time wasting administrative tasks. Job losses are a valid concern for individuals, and optimistically, with the right approach and design of AI, the potential job losses can be partially offset.  

Exploring the future of AI in supply chain sustainability 

Supply chain sustainability is an urgent and complex challenge facing businesses. Those challenges should be met with technology that is equipped with the correct tools to handle the complicated and international nature of supply chains. Fortunately, AI is the current technology available that may be able to live up to the responsibility of ensuring companies are on a sustainable route placing the betterment of the environment at the forefront of their agenda.  

An AI system can 

  • Gather, analyze, and simplify a significant amount of data collected through the supply chain   
  • Generate insights, patterns, and projections along with suggestions for sustainability improvements. 
  • constant reporting of information gathered coupled with the predictive analysis performed provides AI the ability to spot ways in which a business can improve as well as where it is failing 
  • can assess future risks that pose a threat to the business 
  • Optimize supply chain sustainability through data-driven decision making  
  • Enhance production and increase efficiencies that reduce overproduction and the production of waste 

AI does include potential risks, such as the presence of bias and discrimination, security and privacy breaches, fallible technology, and job losses. Companies can mitigate these risks through a series of strategies that focus on human-reviewed safety and security features along with fallback systems.  

Final Thoughts on How Businesses Can Use AI to be More Environmentally Conscious

In this era of widespread technological advancements, the prevalent use of sophisticated technologies, like AI, is bound to affect our lives. Therefore, here I start the conversation about the potential effects of AI in sustainable supply chains. Become a WEC member and join the discussion on AI with industry leaders. Already a member? Log into the forum now to join the conversation.  

References 

“Artificial Intelligence vs. Human Intelligence.” Simplilearn, November 17, 2022. https://www.simplilearn.com/artificial-intelligence-vs-human-intelligence-article#:~:text=The%20processing%20of%20data%20and,operation%20of%20AI%2Dpowered%20devices.&text=When%20it%20comes%20to%20speed,for%20artificial%20intelligence%20or%20robots

Atsmon, Yuval. “Artificial Intelligence in Strategy.” McKinsey & Company. McKinsey & Company, January 11, 2023. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/artificial-intelligence-in-strategy

“Big Data Analytics.” IBM. Accessed April 25, 2023. https://www.ibm.com/analytics/big-data-analytics

Blšták, Miroslav. “Even Artificial Intelligence Can Make Mistakes.” KInIT, May 9, 2022. https://kinit.sk/even-artificial-intelligence-can-make-mistakes/

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