I’m looking forward to speaking on Avery’s Green business panel at Business 2012 on Monday 19th March at the O2 Arena. Hope to see some of you there. Come and say hi if you make it!

Some titbits:

• Gutting – apparently Universal’s movie of Dr Seuss’s classic eco-tale the Lorax misses the point entirely. Good Guardian article by Climb the Green Ladder case study Jo Confino: http://bit.ly/ycNUgr

• ‘Ipsos MORI data suggests it is actually frontline workers who are driving the CSR agenda in businesses, not corporate boardrooms. Governed by social conscience and core values, employees increasingly want to feel that they are doing the right thing…There are pioneering examples of businesses practising responsible capitalism in the communities in which they are based.

  Using a selection of stores across the country, M&S has been offering placements to homeless people that include training and other support. More than 20% of participants ended the scheme with a job either at M&S or with other employers. At B&Q, local stores work directly with social landlords to provide repair materials and support local independent businesses through the Tradepoint initiative. An important by-product of such initiatives is the positive brand benefits that businesses accruing with both existing employees and with customers. Almost half (47%) of jobseekers say they are more likely to join or stay with a company that addresses social issues and 70% of customers say they will remain loyal to a brand that demonstrates local social value, even in a recession.’ Emma Norris @ Guardian http://bit.ly/wVTQxe

• Some interesting ways smart technology could help save carbon, cash and lives, along with some of the challenges of making smart tech solutions happen: http://bit.ly/zuLZ33