Paul Hohnen Sustainability Strategies
Year in Pictures 2012
See also Year in Pictures 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013
December: Christmas decorations, Regent Street. London, 15 December.
December: Paul chaired a Chatham House expert workshop on the role of coal in global electricity generation. Among other issues addressed was the fact that the rising use of coal was making it increasingly difficult to avoid dangerous levels of global warming. The meeting noted, however, the potential of energy efficiency, gas and renewable energy to reduce emissions growth. London, 14 December.
“Thanks again for your excellent work, which made a huge contribution to the effectiveness of the meeting.”
Personal communication from Chatham House meeting convenor, 17 December.
December: The view from the top of the San Luca Portico, Bologna, Italy, 3 December.
November: Cox-eye view of a racing double 4 at rest, dawn, Amstel River, 28 November.
November: An article on the UNIDO/UNEP Green Industry Platform was published in Ethical Corporation the week following the conference below.
November: In his remarks at the UNIDO Side event, Paul highlighted the speech by outgoing Chinese President Hu Jintao to the 18th congress of the Communist Part. Mr Hu called for a 'fundamental change' in the way resources were used and emphasised the need for conservation and recycling. These were also among the goals of the Green Industry Platform, Paul noted. Vienna, 21 November.
“I would like to sincerely thank you for your moderation of the recent side event on the Green Industry Platform ... Your active contribution helped to make this event a success...”
Personal communication from UNIDO Director General, Kandeh K. Yumkella.
November: Dr Heinz Leuenberger (Director, Environmental Management Branch, UNIDO) briefed the meeting on the origins and objectives of the Green Industry Platform and encouraged governments to sign the Statement of Support and invite the private sector to also join the initiative. Vienna, 21 November.
November: The ministerial side event on the Green Industry Platform involved a panel discussion which included (l/r) Dr Kandeh Yumkella (Director General, UNIDO), Mme Monique Barbut (fmr CEO, Global Environment Facility), H.E. Mr Marcin Korolec (Minister for Environment, Poland) , Paul (chair), H.E. Ms Veronica Sion (Minister of Industry and Productivity, Ecuador), Dr Friedrich Hinterberger (President, Sustainable Europe Research Institute) and Dr Heinz Leuenberger (UNIDO). Vienna, 21 November.
November: The Green Industry Platform was a key feature of the UNIDO Industrial Development Board ministerial level meeting held in Vienna on 20-22 November. Here, Dr Heinz Leuenberger (Director, Environmental Management Branch, UNIDO) and Paul inspect the Green Industry Platform display stand. Vienna, 21 November.
November: Cloud formations over Milan, 12 November.
November: Autumnal Dutch polderscape, 11 November.
November: Paul's Guardian blog on 19 November discussed some of the implications of Life Cycle Assessments for the sustainability agenda.
November: LCA Conference Convenor Jodie Bricout (cd2e) closed the event. The Conference was followed by a two day Life Cycle Management Academy
November: Paul makes a point in the closing panel on how to make Life Cycle Assessments more valuable as decision-making tools. Panelists were (l/r) Inbal Stenberg (Better Place, Israel), Dr Stephane Le Pochat (EVEA, France), Prof. Christian du Tertre (ARTEMIS, France) and Dr Vered Blass (Tel Aviv University). Lille, 7 November.
November: A lighter moment in Life Cycle Assessment discussions, November 6.
“... you were an invaluable resource in planning and executing cd2e's recent LCA Conference ..
guiding the speakers with perfection and providing pertinent insights throughout ...”
Christian Traisnel, Director-General, cd2e France, 14 November
November: Lille by night: the Opera House. November 6
November: Emilie Floc'h (Strategy Group, Sustainable Development, PwC) was among the Life Cycle Assessment experts discussing some of the many approaches being taken by French companies and research bodies to respond to the 2011 'Grenelle' law on mandatory product environmental labelling. Lille, 6 November.
November: The opening session of the Conference reviewed the outcomes of Rio+20 for sustainable production and consumption and LCAs. Panelists were (l/r) Sylvain Chevassus (Commissariat General au Developpment Durable, France), Dr Michele Galatola (DG Environment, European Commission) and Fanny Demassieux (Head, Responsible Consumption Unit, DTIE, UN Environment Programme). Paul moderated. Lille, 6 November.
“... thanks for the great chairing!”
Panelist written feedback
November: LCA conference plenary session, Lille 6 November. In opening the conference, Paul described life cycle assessments as ' the beating heart' of all efforts at the consumer, organisational, sectoral and supply chain levels to achieve sustainable development. Lille, 6 November.
November: The 2012 Life Cycle Assessment conference was opened by Christian Traisnel, Director-General of cd2e. Over 350 experts from some forty countries participated. Lille, 6 November.
November: On the eve of a US Presidential election – where both candidates seemed to have gone out of their way to avoid mentioning climate change – Hurricane 'Sandy' suggested that they were both in error. Perhaps now the US will revisit the costs and benefits of getting serious about climate change.
November: Paul's Financial Times letter commenting on Jeremy Leggett's excellent op-ed 'Why the carbon bubble is a real risk for markets' appeared on 1 November.
October: Autumn comes to Amsterdam.
October: The magnificent foyer of the Austrian Museum for Applied and Contemporary Arts (better known as the 'MAK'), on Vienna's Ring. October 19, Vienna.
October: Vienna International Centre fountain, UN Headquarters, Vienna. Paul was invited to Vienna to give advice to UNIDO on the implementation of the UNIDO/UNEP Green Industry Platform. Vienna, 18-19 October.
October: The headquarters of French sustainability organisation cd2e are located in a refurbished former coal mining company building near Lille in the Pas de Calais. Paul is working with cd2e in preparing for a major international conference on Life Cycle Assessments to be held in Lille on 6-7 November. Loos-en-Gohelle, France, 8 October.
October: Featured interview in Business Fights Poverty, 4 October.
September: View of the Vienna International Centre (VIC) from UNIDO offices. Paul held meetings on 14 September with UNIDO officials on follow-up to the UNIDO/UNEP Green Industry Platform launched in June.
September: Interview on Asia 2050 Conference, Vienna, 13 September.
September: Lao Vice-Minister of Industry and Commerce, Khemmani Pholsena emphasized the need for the Asian transition to sustainable growth to ensure that least developed countries of the region were included.
September: Panel discussion on the enabling conditions for sustainable development. (l/r) PH, Dr James Zhan (Director, Investment and Enterprise Division, UNCTAD), Sandra D'Amico (VP, Cambodian Federation of Employers and Business Associations), Dr Ramesh Subramaniam (Senior Director, Office of Regional Economic Cooperation, ADB), Prof. Wolfgang Lutz (Leader, World Population Programme, IIASA), Norio Yamamoto (VP, Global Infrastructure Fund Research Foundation, Japan), Joao Carlos Ferraz (VP, National Economic and Social Development Bank, Brazil), and Dr Lalith Goonatileke (Director, Trade Capacity-building Branch, UNIDO).
September: As moderator of the event, Paul's tasks included summarizing the key issues arising from the morning sessions in a report back to the closing session. Vienna, 13 September.
“It was a pleasure to meet you and have you as a Great Moderator. You certainly are not only a highly skilled moderator but also have a vast knowledge in the field.”
Panelist written feedback, 15 September
September: Keynote speaker Dr Bindu Lohani (Vice-President of Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development, Asia Development Bank) presenting the ADB report 'Asia 2050: Realising the Asian Century'. Vienna, 13 September. The report highlights the benefits for Asia and the world if the region can build a growth model based on greater social inclusion, education, environmental protection and industrial innovation.
September: UNIDO Director General Dr Kandeh K. Yumkella opening the Round Table 'Asia 2050: The sustainable route to prosperity' held in Vienna on 13 September. The event was attended by representatives of UNIDO member states and experts from Asia, Africa and Latin America.
September: Working with GRI colleagues Orsolya Molnar (centre) and Satu Brandt on sustainability assurance issues, Amsterdam, 4 September.
August: The road to the future: wind turbines in Saarland, Germany. The German government has committed to sourcing 80% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2050. In 2011, wind power provided 7.7% of Germany's electricity.
August: Rowing on the Saar River, Germany
August: Rower/boat balance is sometimes just as hard as work/life balance. (Video footage). Saar, Germany.
August: Working on sustainable lifestyle, Amstel river, 15 August.
July: On holidays in Normandy, France.
July: On holidays in Normandy, France.
July: Discussing olive oil production with Antonella Titone and her father Nicola, who together produce some of the world's best (and most award winning) organic olive oil. July 17, near Trapani, Sicily.
July: Antonella Titone describes production techniques to international visitors. Loco Grande, 17 July.
July: The Titone estate.
July: Wind has long played an important role in Sicily's economy. In ancient times it was used to mill grain and pump water (such as for the salt pans in Trapani, below). Nowadays modern wind turbines (background) are providing an important amount of local electricity needs. Together with solar power, wind has helped put Italy on track to meet its EU quota of 26% of total electricity output from renewable sources by 2020.
July: The historic Floria tuna cannery, on the Egadian island of Favignana, is now a museum. Together with the anchors of former tuna boats (right), it stands as a warning to all businesses (and jobs) that fail to ensure the sustainability of the resources on which they depend. Sicily, 14 July.
July: On holidays in Sicily.
July: On the River Amstel, 1 July.
June: Dusk in an Alsatian village, 27 June.
June: Hager team members (l/r) Susan Trulson and Barbara Staebell helped map how potential new business activities could advance the company's contribution to the ethical, environmental and energy dimensions of sustainable development, June 27.
June: Paul led a day-long session on sustainability for the Group. June 27, Bischoffsheim.
“We were very impressed with Paul's strong contribution to our Management Summer School, for our invited audience of 100 of Hager Group's international leaders. His expert facilitation of a day-long session on sustainability was both informative and inspiring; as a result of which we now have many more ambassadors to deliver our sustainability vision.”
Daniel Hager, CEO, Hager Group
June: Paul (far left) participating in an expert panel on innovation at the Hager Summer School, 26 June. Over 100 senior Hager managers and rising talents from around the world took part.
June: French satirical cartoonist Laurent Salle's take on Paul during the Hager Innovation Day Round Table, 26 June.
June: The intensive Summer School agenda also provided time to explore Alsace's unique heritage.
June: Opening keynote speaker at the Hager Summer School was Jeremy Rifkin. Jeremy discussed how climate change was driving The Third Industrial Revolution, the title of his latest book. Bischoffheim, 25 June
June: The 2012 Hager Group Summer School was held at Le Bischenberg conference centre near Hager's Obernai factory in Alsace. With the theme of sustainability as a driver of innovation, it was attended by over 100 top current and future company leaders from around the world. Here, CEO Daniel Hager (centre) opens the Summer School. June 25, Bischoffsheim, Alace.
June: Oxford, June.
June: Paul delivered the opening keynote address on the Principles. Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Belgrade, 7 June.
June: The confluence of the Danube (right) and Sava rivers. Belgrade, 7 June.
June: Executive Management Education expert Srdjan Janicijevic leads a discussion panel on the Principles with CSR experts from (l/r) the Delhaize Group (Milica Babic), IKEA (Milena Vujicic) and Telekom Serbia (Milica Markovic). Belgrade, 7 June.
June: Leading Serbian TV journalist Zoran Stanojevic chaired the Serbian launch of the Children's Rights and Business Principles, which took place in Belgrade on 7 June. Zoran opened the conference with UNICEF Deputy Representative, Leslie Miller. Belgrade, 7 June.
June: Interviewed for Serbian television on Children's Rights and Business Principles.
June: Dr Jeremy Leggett (founder and Chairman of Solar Century, London) underscores the potential of renewable energies to lower carbon emissions and fill the gap arising from the expected decline of oil production. Leggett pointed to a recent McKinsey study (shown on the slide) suggesting that solar power could provide 1,000 GW by 2020 at a competitive price. Vienna, 1 June.
“I was very impressed by your moderation of the event.
...
Your buoyancy and depth of knowledge was a real highlight.”
(Speaker written feedback.)
June: Dr Jim Buckee, a former CEO of Talisman Energy and oil expert, sees global oil production declining by as much as 7% (as the Norwegian fields illustrated in the slide here) are beginning to show. ASPO Conference, Vienna, 1 June
May: Professor Karen Smith-Stegen (Bremer Energy Institute & Jacobs University) discusses the geo-political advantages of a transition to renewable energy. Vienna, 30 May.
May: The opening plenary session of the 2012 ASP0 Conference involved presentations by Prof. Kjell Aleklett (Uppsala University) and Jeremy Gilbert (right of PH), followed by discussion with Prof. Nebojsa Nakecenovic (IIASA) and Prof. Dennis Meadows (Laboratory of Interactive Learning, New Hampshire). Vienna, 30 May.
“You've been a brilliant conference facilitator. The feedback is very
positive and your eloquent and competent way of guiding through the whole 3
days and moderating a pretty complex set of topics is one of the key reasons
why the conference worked well.”
(Written feedback from conference organisers, 2 June)
May: Dr Robert Hirsch, a US energy expert with experience in the oil & gas, nuclear and renewables fields was among many presenters who anticipate a decline in the global production of oil in the coming years. Vienna, 31 May.
May: One of the highlights of the opening session of the 2012 Conference of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil (ASPO) was the launch of Prof. Kjell Aleklett's latest book 'Peeking at Peak Oil' (Springer, 2012). Aleklett provides persuasive evidence that the world is no longer discovering and producing oil and gas at a rate that will meet growing demands. He presented a copy of the book to Paul, who moderated the conference. Vienna, 30 May.
May: In his keynote address to the ASPO Conference, former BP Chief Petroleum Engineer Jeremy Gilbert expressed concern that while new discoveries of oil were being made these were not of the same magnitude as past discoveries. The absence of accurate oil field data, morever, made it difficult to assess the future performance of current fields. Vienna, May 30.
May: In a presentation on the global geo-politics of oil, Professor Michael Klare (Five College Professor of Peace and World Security Studies, USA) argued that the era of 'easy oil' was now over. Access to remaining oil reserves would carry dangerously high strategic, environmental and economic costs. This made the transition to renewable energy even more urgent and compelling. Vienna, May 30.
May: Article on launch of Green Industry Platform in Ethical Corporation, 25 May
May: The UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) announced its intention to launch a 'Green Industry Platform', which it is now inviting government, business and civil society organization leaders to join. Paul chaired the first consultation meeting and has been advising UNIDO on content issues.
May: The Round Table heard a detailed exchange of views on how industry leaders were addressing labour and related issues, including through multi-stakeholder processes. Ideas were explored on how current initiatives could be further strengthened, including through improved transparency and metrics. Amsterdam, 10 May
“Many thanks for the wonderful job you did moderating the roundtable. It was certainly an inspiring event...”
(Participant written feedback, 10 May)
May: Alastair Usher (Ergon Associates, UK) discusses the concept of a living wage. Workers in the electronics manufacturing sector, and especially temporary or agency workers, are often not paid at levels that enable them to meet basic needs. Usher made the business case for payment of a living wage and suggested how this might be calculated. Amsterdam, 10 May.
May: A two day Round Table on Workers' Rights in the Global Electronics Sector brought together representatives from major manufacturers, telecomms providers, labour and advocacy organisations around the world. The event was hosted by MakeITfair and GoodElectronics. Paul (here with Lotta Staffans (EETTI, Finland) and Dr Jeong-ok Kong (KILSH, South Korea) moderated. Amsterdam, 9-10 May.
May: Wind park on the outskirts of Vienna. Austrian states are also busy ramping up renewable energy. The state of Burgenland will produce 100% of electricity consumed from renewable sources in 2013. Lower Austria has a similar target for 2015. Austria is home to two of the largest wind turbines in the world, each capable of producing 7.5 MW.
May: The Vienna State Opera House will increasingly be powered by wind and solar. Vienna is making significant progress in scaling-up its use of renewable energy. On 4 May, it opened its first solar power plant, a 3k sq.m. facility at Donaustadt. Vienna, 5 May.
May: As part of its Green Industry Initiative, UNIDO is preparing the launch of a global Green Industry Platform. To help, it convened a meeting of high level governmental and business representatives at its Vienna headquarters to provide guidance and support. Paul moderated the session. Vienna, 3 May.
April: The bicycle — still the best way of enjoying the Dutch landscape. The Vecht, April 30.
April: Spring finally comes to Holland. Young apple tree blossoms, countryside near Utrecht, Queen's Day, 30 April.
April: Rowers on the Amstel river, Easter Sunday.
April: Amstel Skiff Head, Women’s Division. Amsterdam, 1 April
March: The closing session of the UN System Private Sector Focal Points meeting was addressed by the UN Assistant Secretary General for Planning and Policy Coordination, Robert Orr, here enjoying a lighter moment with PH and Georg Kell (Executive Director, UN Global Compact Office), Vienna, 29 March.
March: Group photo of some of the 150 plus participants from UN organisations, business and other bodies.
March: Leila Pakkala (Director, Private Fundraising and Partnerships, UNICEF) describes UNICEF's experience with business partnerships. Vienna, 28 March.
March: Discussion panels included one on innovative platforms for sustainable development. (l/r) Patricia Chaves (Division for Sustainable Development, UN DESA, New York), Thomas Stelzer (Assistant Secretary-General, UN DESA), Melissa Powell (UN Global Compact), Lord Michael Hastings (Global Head of Citizenship and Diversity, KPMG), Garrette Clark (UN Environment Programme) and Dr Heinz Leuenberger ( UNIDO), here outlining UNIDO's plan to launch a Green Industry Platform. Vienna, 28 March.
March: In his opening remarks as moderator, Paul underlined the urgency of addressing global sustainability issues and highlighted the potential of UN organisations and business working with other stakeholders on innovative action partnerships. Here, with UNIDO business partnerships expert Ulla Heher at the official welcome cocktail. Vienna, 28 March. (Photo: UNODC)
“...a huge thank you on behalf the entire Organizing Committee. You did a
fantastic job ... Thanks for keeping us on track and for providing your
views and insightful comments along the way...”
(Written feedback from event organisers, March 2012)
March: The 2012 meeting of the United Nations Private Sector Focal Points meeting, on the theme of accelerating UN-Business partnerships, was held at the UN headquarters in Vienna. The meeting was attended by UN business focal points from all major UN Agencies, Programmes and Funds, as well as representatives from business and other organisations. Vienna, 28 March.
March: Rowers calling it a day. Kaiserwasser, Vienna, sunset, 27 March.
March: Chatham House was host to an expert meeting, which Paul chaired, on the adequacy of existing intergovernmental organisations to respond to the triple challenges of energy security, environmental (and especially climate) security, and economic development. London, 21 March
March: Paul was invited by the Hague Institute for the Internationalisation of Law (HiiL) and the law firm De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek to moderate the Expert Meeting on Binding Corporate Rules (BCR) on Data Protection. The meeting examined the draft EU Data Protection Regulation and the role of transnational private regulation. (l/r) Felix Gimbrere (Data Protection Officer, Aegon Nederland), Terry McQuay (Director, Nimity), Dr Lokke Moerel (partner, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek and BCR expert) and PH. Amsterdam, 15 March
March: Informal networking at the launch of the Principles took place in the historic Great Hall. In his opening video message, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that many companies were already working with governments and civil society organisations to advance children's rights. He noted, however, that when it comes to children, “we all need to do more.” London, 12 March.
“Thank you for your incredible moderation of the meeting...”
(Written client communication)
March: The Children's Rights and Business Principles set out ten Principles which businesses are encouraged to respect and support in their operations. Here, a panel led by Eva Halper (VP Corporate Citizenship, Credit Suisse, left) discusses Principles 7,8, 9 and 10. Fleur Hudig (Manager, Community Development, ING Bank, second from left) , David Schofield (Group Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Aviva) and Cecilia Rena (Sustainability Strategies Manager, Grupo Arcor) welcomed the Principles and outlined actions their respective companies were taking to advance the rights of children. London, 12 March.
March: The Secretary-General of Save the Children Sweden, former Swedish Ambassador Elisabeth Dahlin, answers a question on how companies can benefit from using the Principles.
“In March 2012, UN Global Compact, UNICEF and Save the Children globally launched the Children's Rights Business Principles. For the launch, held at the prestigious One Great George Street in London, United Kingdom, we had the privilege to have Paul Hohnen as our master of ceremonies and moderator. With perfection, professionalism and a deep knowledge, Paul lead the 200+ audience of business executives, child-rights experts and government officials throughout the full day. We were extremely satisfied with Paul's contribution.”
Elisabeth Dahlin, co-chair of the Child Rights Business Principles Initiative and Secretary-general, Save the Children Sweden
March: Opening the launch event, Paul welcomed the Principles as providing a new level of clarity, concision and comprehensiveness on children's rights.
“Thank you so much for all your great work and facilitation of the event — everything flowed so smoothly!”
(Co-sponsor written feedback)
March: Lord Michael Hastings (KPMG) discusses Principles 5 and 6 on the responsibility of business to take children's rights into account in advertising and product safety.
“... a fabulously skillful job...”
(Written participant communication)
February: Old rock-hound Kien Seebregts helps to find the best tracks through the Blue Mountains.
February: Bush and beach walking on the Central Coast, north of Sydney, 27 February.
February: Life in the pink at Bondi Beach with Deniz and Dirk Matten (Professor of Corporate Social Responsibility and Strategy at Schulich Business School, York University, Toronto). Dirk was a keynote speaker at the ACCSR Conference on Innovation and was in Australia delivering speeches around his book (with Andrew Crane) 'Business Ethics'. Sydney, February 24.
February: Bush walking in the Blue Mountains, 23 February
February: Sydney harbour, viewed from Potts Point. 22 February.
February: Sydney viewed from the Cremorne/Chowder Bay harbour foreshore trail, one of the city's many scenic walks. 21 February.
February: Participants in the Master Class on International Standards report back on their recommendations. Sydney, 20 February.
February: Paul being interviewed at ACCSR conference on the State of CSR in Australia.
February: Dr Leeora Black (Managing Director, ACCSR) discusses the outcomes of group exercises which concluded the Master Class, Melbourne, 16 February.
February: Paul giving an ACCSR Master Class on Materiality with Leeora Black, Melbourne, 16 February.
February: Paul discusses innovation in Australia with Simon McKeon, Chairman of CSIRO and Australian of the Year 2011. February 15, Melbourne.
February: In his closing keynote address, Dr Ken Henry (Non-Executive Director, National Australia Bank and former Treasury Secretary) emphasised the importance of the role of Boards in addressing innovation and CSR issues, Melbourne, 15 February.
February: As chair of the ACCSR conference, Paul highlighted the need for Australia to diversify its economic base and pointed to ways that CSR and sustainability driven innovation could assist. Melbourne, 15 February
“All general discussions facilitated by Paul Hohnen were very good. Would have liked more of this.”
(Participant written feedback)
February: Prof Malcolm McIntosh (Director, Asia Pacific Centre for Sustainable Enterprise, Griffith Business School, Brisbane, delivering a keynote address on the transition to a sustainable enterprise economy. Melbourne, 15 February.
“Very valuable to see application of CSR and the corporate responses to cost trade-offs. It was well moderated. Well done Paul.”
(Participant written feedback)
February: Conference speakers included (l/r) Mike Foster (CEO, Fujitsu, Australia), Tim Pallas (Victorian Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations), and Dr Leeora Black (Managing Director, ACCSR), PH. 15 February
February: Professor Dirk Matten (Hewlett-Packard Chair in Corporate Social Responsibility, Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto) describes how CSR is changing the way companies do business. Melbourne, 15 February.
February: Paul chaired ACCSR's Annual Conference 'The Innovation Imperative', held at National Australia Bank's Headquarters. Melbourne, 15 February.
“Paul Hohnen did a great job of facilitating the day.”
(Participant written feedback)
February: NAB Headquarters, Melbourne.
January: Guardian blog on the case for mandatory sustainability reporting and Rio+20, 30 January
January: Chatham House discussion paper 'The Future of Sustainability Reporting' published, London, 30 January
January: In its efforts to decarbonize city transportation, Amsterdam is introducing electric cars and charging spots. Trams already run on green electricity and tourist tour boats on natural gas. However the bike is still probably the city's cleanest and most popular form of mobility.
See also Year in Pictures 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013
