EICC Case-Study: Leadership in Developing a Supply Chain Code of Conduct for the IT Industry

Leadership in Developing a Supply Chain Code of Conduct for the IT Industry

Organisation Name
Hewlett-Packard


Problem
Today, more than 80% of HP’s products are manufactured through alliances and partnerships and the company has taken significant steps to extend its social and environmental standards by introducing the HP Supply Chain Code of Conduct to its supply chain in 2002. It was the first code of conduct in the IT industry and provides an important foundation for HP’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with its Supply Chain Social and Environmental Responsibility (SER) Policy. With one of the IT industry’s largest and most complex supply chains also comes responsibility for setting standards in this industry. So in 2004, HP took the initiative to extend the Supply Chain Code of Conduct to the whole industry by playing a leading role in developing an industry-wide standard.


Solution
Since many electronics industry companies share suppliers, an industry-wide supplier code of conduct allows companies to work more effectively with suppliers to ensure compliance. In 2004, HP facilitated collaboration with some of the largest IT organisations, including Dell and IBM and major Electronics Manufacturing Service Providers, to develop a common Electronic Industry Code of Conduct (EICC).


The EICC promotes responsible business practices to improve social and environmental conditions across the global electronic supply chain and it aims to foster responsible management and operational practices in the areas of labour, human rights, environmental, health and safety (EHS) and ethics.


The EICC paves the way for a standards-based approach for monitoring suppliers' performance across several areas of corporate responsibility. Fundamental to adopting the code is the understanding that a business, in all of its activities, must operate in full compliance with the laws, rules and regulations of the countries in which it operates. The code encourages participants to go beyond legal compliance, drawing upon internationally recognised standards in order to advance social and environmental responsibility.


The Electronic Industry Code of Conduct may be voluntarily adopted by a business in the electronics sector and subsequently applied by that business to its own suppliers.


Over the last year, HP has had extensive dialogue with internal and external stakeholders regarding EICC provisions. In coordination with the original EICC founders, the company incorporated several changes into the EICC. The current (October 2005) version added open communication and direct engagement between workers and management.


HP participates in the EICC Implementation Group as the Vice Chair and is a member of the EICC steering committee.


Constraints
•Building consensus in developing an industry code of conduct took time and perseverance in the short run but has long-term benefits.


Benefits

•It was clear that there were advantages to addressing supply chain issues on an industry-wide basis, to develop common assessment, auditing methods and a central database for the technology sector.


•Standardizing SER tools and processes throughout the industry reduces confusion, increases efficiency, avoids duplication of supplier surveys and audit fatigue and increases focus on the core issues.

Period Of Implementation
2004



Place Of Implementation
Global

More Information
http://www.eicc.info/
http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/globalcitizenship/environment/supplychain/compliance.html
http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/globalcitizenship/gcreport/supplychain/supplyapproach.html
http://h41111.www4.hp.com/globalcitizenship/uk/en/bulletin/3/interview.html


Year Of Submission
2006


Themes
Mainstreaming CSR
Business Partnerships


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Reference Link:
http://www.csreurope.org/solutions.php?action=show_solution&solution_id=45

REC Solar Helps Wine Country Pack & Ship and J&L Wines Chill Wine with Power from the Sun

Via Renewable Energy World:

7 December 2008

REC Solar installs a 46.4 kW solar electric system on state-of-the-art wine distribution center

Paso Robles, CA

J&L Wines' warehouse announced this week the completion of a 46.4 kilowatt solar electric system, installed by industry leader REC Solar, Inc. The temperature controlled wine storage and distribution facility is the first of its kind to utilize clean, renewable energy from the sun. The REC Solar electric system will dramatically lower energy costs for the 28,000 sq. ft. warehouse, which uses extensive electricity for temperature control, electronic surveillance, and its computerized inventory management system

“J&L Wines’ decision to go solar is a natural extension of the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Angiolo Laviziano, REC Solar’s President and CEO. “J&L Wines will generate about 70% of their facility’s energy needs with clean, renewable energy from the sun and will reduce their electricity bills by almost 75%.”

Previously, business owners Lorraine and John Alban worked with REC Solar to install three solar electric systems at one of their other businesses, Alban Vineyards. Alban Vineyards installed a 36 kW system for the winery production facility, an 11.6 kW system for the agricultural water pump, and one for the Alban’s home.

According to Lorraine Alban, President of J&L Wines, “My husband, John Alban, and I believe solar is a wonderful energy source for countless reasons. Our experience using REC for the installations on our home, winery, and water well have all been very positive. When you factor in that we really like working with local businesses, REC is just about perfect for us.”

J&L Wines is quite unique as a wine distributor. They independently operate their own warehouse and all deliveries are made from their fleet of refrigerated trucks. Thus they are able to ensure the wines they sell are in their hands from when they leave the winery to when they reach the restaurant or retailer. The warehouse that is home to both J&L Wines and Wine Country Pack & Ship is conveniently located on Ramada Drive, at the Highway 101 and Highway 46 West intersection in Paso Robles. For more information please visit www.recsolar.com www.jandlwines.com or www.winecountrypackandship.com

About REC Solar, Inc.

REC Solar is an industry-leading solar power provider specializing in grid-tied residential and commercial installations. With a local presence in all major solar markets in the USA and millions of watts installed, REC Solar is committed to lowering the cost of solar power through efficient processes, innovative products, and outstanding customer service. REC Solar is among the nation’s largest solar integrators and currently has over a dozen offices throughout 6 states (AZ, CA, CO, HI, OR and NJ). For additional information on REC Solar visit www.recsolar.com or call 1-888-OK-SOLAR (888-657-6527).

About J&L Wines, Inc.

J&L Wines Inc. of Paso Robles started in 1981 as J. Eberle Wines. The company’s name and mission evolved with the emergence of the wines from the central coast. Under the ownership and guidance of Lorraine Alban, its mission has been to select wineries representing the best of their region. Employing eight regional sales people, J & L Wines is proud of its excellent reputation for professionalism and prompt, dependable, personal service. The company endeavors to work closely with suppliers to develop sales programs that produce results. This has helped many of the J&L Wines’ brands become very well established in the region. The sales personnel focus on making appropriate placements which serve to enhance and build the wineries they represent. For more information please visit www.jandlwines.com or call 805 239-1377.

About Wine Country Pack & Ship

Wine Country Pack & Ship (WCP&S) excels in delivering premium fulfillment services to wineries with consumer-direct shipping needs. The company is a joint venture between Lorraine Alban and Maureen Herrera. Services encompass wine clubs, release shipments, tasting room orders, e-commerce orders and more. WCP&S simplifies the fulfillment process for our customers and helps build their brand in the consumer-direct market. For more information please visit www.winecountrypackandship.com or call (805) 227-7117.

Contact:

Isabelle Christensen

REC Solar, Inc.

(650) 815-6778

ichristensen@recsolar.com

Lorraine Alban

J&L Wines, Inc.

(805) 239-1377

Lorraine@jandlwines.com

Maureen Herrera

Wine Country Pack & Ship

(805) 227-7117

Maureen@winecountrypackandship.com

For Further Information

• REC Solar
• J&L Wines
• Wine Country Pack & Ship

50 Ways to Leave Your Cell Phone

Via VoIP News

Got a new VoIP-ready mobile phone? Tossing your old phone supports civil war in Africa, endangers gorillas and generates huge amounts of e-trash. Do one of these things instead.
by Paul D. Kretkowski

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re considering a new way to get VoIP on your cell phone — and that means upgrading to a VoIP-capable phone. But did you know that throwing your old cell phone in the garbage helps support civil war in central Africa, driving endangered gorillas closer to extinction in the process?

A little explanation: A used cell phone’s value lies mainly in small amounts of minerals in its circuits — gold, nickel and especially tantalum, a high-melting-point metal sometimes referred to as coltan. Like something from a Clive Cussler thriller, tantalum is vital to manufacturing cell phones and many other electronic devices, but 80 percent of the world’s reserves are in the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo). There, it is mined under frequently appalling conditions and fought over during the DRC’s ongoing civil and international wars. Tantalum-mining revenues help fuel these wars, along with the associated destruction of human lives and gorilla habitat.

Tantalum and other minerals command a premium, so cell-phone manufacturers have turned to recycling because it’s easier (and more ethical) than dealing with warlords — or commodities brokers who buy from them. An entire tantalum-recycling economy has sprung up, and now accounts for 20 to 25 percent of manufacturing input per year.

In addition, cell phones and their electronic cousins may also contain potentially toxic compounds of lead and arsenic, so it behooves us to keep them from winding up in landfills and afterward, the water supply.

Here are some of the ways that you can keep your old phone’s minerals and plastics in circulation while easing your conscience about making calls using the equivalent of a conflict diamond.

Help Yourself

1. Betterbuyback.com specializes in Sprint and Nextel phones but will buy back other manufacturers’ devices as well.

2. CellForCash returns money for cell phones, ranging up to about $100 for late-model devices.

3. CollectiveGood collects phones and donates the proceeds to groups like the Humane Society of the Unite States, CARE, The Center for Domestic Violence Prevention and, not incidentally, Congo Global Action.

4. Foneclub is the fundraising arm of U.K.-based Corporate Mobile Recycling Ltd., and it will set your school or other program up with cell-phone-donation programs that raise an average of 250 pounds (about $490). You can also donate funds raised to charities like the Spanish Red Cross or Oxfam International.

5. GRC Wireless Recycling helps organize NGO (nongovernmental organization) and school fundraising via cell-phone recycling and also directs funds from donated cell phones to charity partners.

6. iRethink exchanges donated cell phones and ink-jet and toner cartridges for rewards points convertible to cash or new imaging supplies.

7. Phone Fund helps organize old-cell-phone drives and pays your group for the phones (and other gadgets) it collects, then refurbishes or recycles them.

8. ReCellular Inc. buys old phones and phone chargers to refurbish and resell.

9. Recycle My Cell Phone recycles cell phones, PDAs and pagers and conducts education on behalf of mineral-development watchdog Earthworks.

10. Recycling for Charities donates proceeds from cell phones, PDAs, Palm devices, digital cameras and iPods to the charity of your choice.

11. RIPMobile collects cell phones and some PDAs and gives you RIPMobile Points good for various items — from Circuit City goodies to Red Cross donations.

12. SellYourCell.com will buy your cell phone based on its make and model. (Caution: SellYourCell.com generally only buys phones that are less than two years old, meaning that a four-year-old phone is essentially worthless in cash terms.)

13. TechMedics recycles cell phones and gives you a percentage of what it earns as EnviroRebates, which can be expressed as either a check to you or a donation to a wide range of charities.

14. Wireless ... The New Recyclable is wireless-industry lobbyist CTIA’s (Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association) recycling initiative. Despite the goofy name, its site still leads to several ways to sell, recycle or donate your phone via eBay Inc.

Help Others

15. Cell Phones for Soldiers recycles your phone and donates a percentage as phone cards for U.S. service members, who can always use a low-cost way to dial the home front.

16. March of Dimes Foundation works to prevent premature births and aid babies who are born prematurely; cell phone donations aid this cause.

17. Shelter Alliance is a program of GRC Wireless Recycling (see above) that explicitly turns over funds from donated phones to one of 2,500 Shelter Alliance participants (including the charity of your choice if you register it).

18. Support Network for Battered Women accepts cell phones that can be reprogrammed to help domestic-violence victims call police. It also gets proceeds from phones donated via Wireless Fundraiser.com.

19. The Wireless Foundation donations help CALL TO PROTECT, which aids victims of domestic violence, and also fund The Wireless Foundation's operations. The Wireless Foundation uses wireless technology for philanthropic purposes; some phones are refurbished and given to women as an emergency lifeline. See the CTIA’s state-by-state listing of CALL TO PROTECT drop-off points.

Drop off or Mail in

20. Call2Protect is not to be confused with the domestic-violence group above; it is Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp.’s battery/cell-phone initiative, with some 30,000 drop-off sites nationwide.

21. e-cycle St. Louis accepts cell phones at 10 sites in the city and suburbs and lists several Missouri county resources as well.

22. The Freecycle Network is a clearinghouse for everything related to keeping junk out of landfills. Find the neares of its 4,218 groups for local ideas about cell-phone recycling.

23. Goodwill Industries International will sometimes take cell phones for recycling, depending on the store, then either recycle them or donate them to local law enforcement, who use them to give people an emergency 911 capacity. Locate the nearest Goodwill facility to you via the store locator, http://locator.goodwill.org/ then call to find out whether the store accepts cell-phone donations. Also, calling 800-664-6577 connects you with your nearest Goodwill store.

24. GreenCitizen Inc. accepts all kinds of electronic junk. Just walk into their San Francisco or Los Altos, Calif. facilities.

25. RECONNECT is a partnership between Goodwill Industries International and Dell; drop off unwanted electronics at participating Goodwill stores in California, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Help the Planet

26. The Basel Action Network works to raise awareness of international trade in toxic materials, such as those found in e-waste, and recommends e-Stewards, which can recycle your electronics responsibly.

27. ECO-CELL turns your cell phone into money that benefits The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

28. Toronto Zoo sends dropped-off and mailed cell phones to ECO-CELL, which donates 45 cents to $15 to the zoo’s Endangered Species Recovery Fund to support African gorilla conservation.

Manufacturer/Retailer Programs

29. Apple Inc. will recycle your iPod or cell phone (regardless of make or model). Just drop devices off at an Apple retail store or mail them in.

30. AT&T recycles its own and other manufacturers' cell phones, batteries, PDAs and accessories; see the company's dealer locator for a location near you.

31. Best Buy has recycling kiosks for cell phones, ink cartridges and rechargeable batteries inside every U.S. store.

32. Motorola Inc.'s Race to Recycle channels a portion of cell-phone proceeds to schools participating in this program.

33. Nokia provides postage-paid shipping for recycling old cell phones.

34. Office Depot Inc. accepts both cell phones and rechargeable batteries (as well as toner cartridges) at its stores .The company aslo accepts other e-waste although you may need to buy a box for shipping it to Office Depot’s recycler, Intechra LLC.

35. Sony Corp. has partnered with Waste Management to accept Sony-branded products, including Sony Ericsson phones, at locations worldwide, including North America, Asia and Europe.

36. Sprint will either buy back eligible Sprint PCS or Nextel phones, or recycle them and use the proceeds to promote kids’ Internet safety.

37. Staples Inc. stores offer free cell-phone recycling or refurbishment and donate proceeds and/or phones to charities like CollectiveGood.

38. T-Mobile USA Inc. accepts your old phone at any retail store, then donates the proceeds to T-Mobile Huddle Up, http://www.t-mobile.com/huddleup a program that helps high-risk urban kids have positive new experiences.

39. Toshiba’s Trade-In and Recycling Program will either buy back working Toshiba electronics or recycle them for the cost of shipping.

40. Verizon Wireless’s HopeLine collects all types of wireless phones and related equipment; refurbishes or recycles them; and donates phones, airtime and/or funding to domestic-violence victims, centers and programs.

Miscellaneous

41. Make sells kits for inflatable, light- and cell signal-sensitive Blubber Bots. Make a call, and the Blubber Bot somewhat spookily starts floating your way, unnerving cats and humans alike.

42. Electronics Exchange System is a free listing service for buying, selling and swapping used electronic equipment, including cell phones.

43. ElectronicsRecycling.com links to more than 1,400 firms, agencies and NGOs concerned with e-waste, and it operates the National Center for Electronics Recycling.

44. eRecycle is California’s electronics-recycling initiative. If you bought your electronic device in California, you already paid a mandatory fee to have it recycled. It's time to get your money’s worth: See this locator to find California drop-off locations for cell phones, laptops and other electronic devices.

45. exPhone is an excellent starting point for the ins and outs of cell-phone donation, and the site walks you through terminating service, wiping the phone's memory, pulling the SIM card for possible future use and choosing a worthy charity.

46. Federal Electronics Challenge is a U.S. interagency initiative encouraging greener federal purchasing and disposal of electronics. It provides agencies and facilities with resources and technical assistance to help them achieve set goals.

47. Help make art isn’t really something you can do with your phone, but check out Chris Jordan’s exhibit "Running the Numbers: An American Self-Portrait," which includes a representation of 426,000 discarded cell phones — the number of phones that Americans “retire” every day — among other graphic looks at U.S. consumerism.

48. Montgomery County, Md. notes that even cell phones with discontinued service can still dial 911 and suggests several donation avenues.

49. Resource Recycling's advertisers include those searching for electronic scrap.

50. TechSoup offers a lengthy list of U.S. and international electronics recyclers, refurbishers and related programs.