The Economist’s Emma Duncan Closes RILA Sustainability Conference 

The 2009 Environmental Sustainability and Compliance Conference (ESCC) closed with a look at the economics and business of sustainability. Emma Duncan, deputy editor of The Economist delivered a remarkable closing keynote, rounding out ESCC 2009 with a comprehensive overview of the relationship between economic efficiency and sustainability, the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) said today.

One of today’s most insightful minds on the economics and business of sustainability, Duncan shared with attendees how the increasing awareness of the environmental impact of doing business is changing the way retailers operate in Europe, the U.S. and world-wide. Duncan also touched on what retailers can do to meet the challenges and opportunities of sustainability and be a part of the solution.

"With the world trying to reach an agreement in December to try to avert serious climate change, the environment for business is changing. Retailers, like everybody else, are adapting. From Europe, where we've been living with limits on carbon emissions, and a cap-and-trade system, for four years, there are two lessons. We can cut emissions without incurring huge costs or suffering much disruption. And those who are best prepared and move fastest do best. It's the old story. When the environment changes, those who adapt most quickly survive," said Duncan.

Emma Duncan is one of today’s most incisive writers and thinkers on the economics and business of sustainability. She is author of “The Heat Is On,” The Economist’s first special report on the subject, and of “Cleaning Up: Business and Climate Change.”

“From the outset leading retailers have demonstrated a proactive approach toward environmental sustainability and are making outstanding progress in incorporating eco-friendly measures into their business models, operational practices and branding. The economic side of sustainability is an important piece of the story for retailers, and Emma gave a great global view of how retailers around the world are shifting their business processes to embrace green practices,” said Casey Chroust, executive vice president of retail operations.

As deputy editor of The Economist, Duncan has travelled the world researching this subject and has had access to top business and political leaders. The Economist is the world’s preeminent weekly news and business journal, where Duncan has also served as Media Editor, Asia Editor and South Asia Correspondent, and Britain Editor. She writes a regular column for The Evening Standard and is the author of “Breaking the Curfew,” which examines Pakistan politics and society. She contributes regularly to radio and TV programs.

RILA’s 2009 Environmental Sustainability & Compliance Conference (ESCC) is the only sustainability conference designed and presented by retailers, for retailers. The conference brings together business leaders from across the retail spectrum to hear from their peers, share best practices, and learn the latest operational strategies for environmental sustainability and compliance. This year's conference saw a tremendous rise in attendance topping expectations for 2009 and beating 2008 attendance.

The final day provided attendees with the general session “A New Environmental Landscape for Retail” and discussed the new administration, new EPA, and new regulations and opportunities they present. Breakout sessions for day three included: The impact on the direction of sustainability; The Outdoor Industry Eco Index: Driving Innovation in Product Development; State Energy Programs and Green Tax Incentives; Water Conservation Through Sustainable Operations; Water Stewardship: The Coca-Cola Story; Packaging: Reduction, Recyclability & Innovation.

“We had a great three days with record attendance and fantastic feedback from our attendees,” said Chroust. “From start to finish the program was full of insightful and groundbreaking information and really valuable takeaways.”

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is the trade association of the world’s largest and most innovative retail companies. RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs and operate more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers domestically and abroad.

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