New Sustainability Guide Maps Innovation in 128 Countries
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London, United Kingdom
(London, 9 June 2013) – A new sustainability guide, Sustainia100, uncovers how emerging economies are leapfrogging green innovation by deploying state-of-the-art solutions and technologies. The international institute Sustainia, of which the UN Global Compact is a partner, is behind the new guide that identifies the 100 most impactful solutions in sustainability. Of the top 100 solutions, 43 are deployed in Asia and 23 in sub-Saharan Africa.
Sustainia100 shows that sustainable solutions are being successfully deployed in 128 countries, and emerging economies like Brazil, India, South Africa and Mexico are actively contributing to the green innovation race. More than just adopting Western innovation, many countries are developing solutions on the ground such as mobile technologies that break barriers of poor infrastructure.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Former Governor of California and Honorary Chair of Sustainia Award:
“Congratulations to the Sustainia100 for 2013. They are the true action heroes of sustainability. From Canada to Kenya to Guatemala to India, these solutions are proving that we can build communities that are both environmentally and economically sustainable today and for generations to come.”
Georg Kell, Executive Director, UN Global Compact:
“It is very encouraging to see that Sustainia100 solutions show that the geography of sustainability innovation is global. Sustainia is demonstrating that a transformation towards a greener and more inclusive world is possible everywhere."
The selection of 100 solutions is made from a pool of over 500 evaluated projects and technologies from around the globe. Solutions are selected for their positive social, economic and environmental impact on local economies.
Erik Rasmussen, Founder of Sustainia:
“Innovation comes from a need. We could very well be witnessing the start of a revolution, where emerging economies will present themselves as successful innovators. With Sustiania100, it looks as if more new economies are turning their need for tangible solutions into both a sustainable, social and economic advantage.”
The Sustainia100 solutions are announced as the UN Global Compact renews its efforts to scale up corporate sustainability in Africa and emphasizes the private sector’s role in contributing to the continent’s full economic and social renaissance. The Sustainia100 solutions developed and deployed in Africa are helping to drive sustainable business practices across a number of countries:
- Developed in Zambia, a low-cost, high-impact solution uses cell phone technology and digital photography as a diagnostic tool to prevent cervical cancer. The solution is deployed in Zambia, Cameroon, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
- In over 5,000 healthcare facilities in Tanzania alone, SMS text messaging is used to improve tracking and distribution of drug supplies between sites, thus preventing deaths from curable diseases such as malaria.
- Broadband Internet is being distributed over great distances to rural areas in Kenya via television frequencies known as TV White Spaces. The technology provides high-reliability connections and is powered by off-grid solar panels.
New Solutions and Trends in Sustainability
Research and data behind Sustainia100 reflect new market trends and developments. Increasingly, sustainable innovation acknowledges the importance of consumer behavior by providing access to data that drives consumers to change their energy and fuel consumption. More and more, sustainable solutions are using data analytics to reduce waste.
Sustainia100 identifies solutions within 10 key sectors: Education, Energy, Health, Smart Cities, Resources, Buildings, Food, Fashion, Transportation and Information Technology. Selected solutions include waterless dyeing of fashion garments, intelligent streetlights and a virtual power plant.
Award to the Best Solution
All Sustainia100 solutions are nominated for Sustainia Award, which will be announced in Copenhagen on 7 November 2013. Honorary Chair of Sustainia Arnold Schwarzenegger heads the selection jury that also includes former Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, EU Commissioner of Climate Action Connie Hedegaard and Chair of IPCC Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri.
Connie Hedegaard, EU Commissioner of Climate Action:
"It is really encouraging to see that new, innovative solutions continue to emerge in all parts of the world. Here is all the proof we need that sustainable solutions work, that they are profitable, desirable and successful. I look forward to awarding the best one at this year's Sustainia Award Ceremony.
Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, Chair of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):
“Sustainia100 raises awareness about the man-made effects on our environment by giving us 100 man-made solutions. Hence, the challenge of climate change is addressed through harnessing of technology, innovation and research available to the world. With this solution-based approach, Sustainia100 delivers a clear and comprehensive call for action to a broad audience of politicians and corporations as well as civil society."
About Sustainia
The international institute Sustainia works to mature markets and sectors for sustainable products and services. By identifying readily available and finically viable solutions, Sustainia showcases tangible innovation across the globe within 10 sectors. Founded by Scandinavia’s largest independent think tank, Monday Morning, Sustainia works in close collaboration with UN Global Compact, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s initiative Regions20, IFHP, the European Commission as well as organizations and companies: Microsoft, GE, DNV, Philips Lighting, Novo Nordisk, Cisco, WWF, Tetra Pak, Realdania, IKEA, Vestas, VELUX, UBS Investment Bank, Ramboll, Gehl Architects.
Contacts
Marie Louise Gorvild
Communications Manager, Sustainia
mlg@mm.dk, +45 3164 1050
Christopher Sveen
Director of Sustainia
csv@mm.dk, + 45 3164 1129