Innovation in Environment & Sustainability

While sustainability and environmental protection are often addressed in CSR strategies, they are broad topics with many definitions, regulations, interpretations, and approaches. From climate change to clean water, Diamond Head Research tracks CSR activities in this space and identifies the innovative solutions and best practices that bring the highest value to both citizens and shareholders. We’re identifying new, innovative approaches to energy and environment initiative in CSR strategies in categories such as:

•Accessible, reliable energy sources for all

•Sustainable management of water and sanitation

•Sustainable consumption, reuse, recycling, upcycling

•Protection of ecosystems and biodiversity

•Circular economies

•Carbon emission reduction

•Climate change

•Sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources

•Renewable Energy

Examples of CSR Innovation in Environment & Sustainability

  • Samsung Electronics Up-cycling of Galaxy Smart Phones

    Samsung Electronics engages in many activities to address environmental issues. However, we’ve identified a very innovative approach to reuse/recycle/up-cycle used Galaxy smart phones to deliver better healthcare to underserved communities. By up-cycling and repurposing the used devices, they can be transformed into specialized medical devices used for screening eye diseases. So far, the program has delivered 90 devices to Vietnam, 200 devices to India, 60 devices to Morocco, and 40 devices to Papua New Guinea.

  • The Target Forward Program

    We like Target’s new Target Forward program, and its focus on creating a “regenerative” future. The program’s goals are ambitious but attainable, with 100% of brand owned products to be designed for a circular future by 2040. The company also aims to be a net zero enterprise by 2040, with net zero emissions in both Target operations as well as their supply chain. By 2030, 100% of the company’s electricity will come from renewable sources.

  • Walmart's Project Gigaton

    A keystone to Walmart’s sustainability strategy is their “Project Gigaton” initiative, having the goal of reducing supply chain emissions by 1 billion metric tons by 2030. We’ve reviewed their progress since the program launched in 2017, and appreciate the company’s innovative approach engage the entire supply chain to support their environmental strategy. Walmart targets 2040 to achieve zero emissions, with more than 3,100 suppliers participating in the Project Gigaton program, making it one of the largest private sector consortiums for climate action.