The National Network of Socially Responsible Business (NNSRB), currently headed by Aviva Lithuania, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organised an initiative to encourage the responsible use of energy.
The National Network of Socially Responsible Business (NNSRB), currently headed by Aviva Lithuania, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organised an initiative to encourage the responsible use of energy. Participants visited governmental institutions and businesses as well as academic institutions, introducing the seven-step plan for responsible consumption and initiating interactive discussions about responsible energy consumption at home and in the office. The goal of the initiative is to draw government, corporate and popular attention to the need of using energy resources responsibly. Partners of the initiative: Lithuanian Journalist Union, Novotel hotel, Centre for Culture and Education at Vilnius Teachers' House.
"The goal of the corporate social responsibility network is to encourage businesses to operate responsibly, by not affecting the environment, community, business and taking an active role in finding solutions to social and environmental protection problems, thus contributing to social development and economic growth. A growing number of not only businesses, but also government agencies, face the problem of the rising cost of energy and other resources. Consequences of the rising cost of energy resources are bound to affect every Lithuanian resident as well. How can these consequences be mitigated, what can be done for energy resources to be sustained? With this initiative we want to emphasise that sustainable and responsible consumption can be initiated by taking little, personal steps," says the head of the UNDP in Lithuania, Lyra Jakuleviciene.
During the event, corporate representatives visited the Ministry of Health, Vilnius S Neris Gymnasium, Vilnius University, Vilnius Region Main Post Office, and the Government Palace. An interactive learning forum on the prospects and means of energy saving was organised during each brief visit. Corporate representatives were presented with energy saving light bulbs and a guide with advice on running a sustainable business.
During the annual Corporate Social Responsibility Network conference, which took place in November of 2008, businesses were introduced to a new energy saving plan, the Responsible Company Energy Vision. This vision consists of a seven-step plan, which can help both businesses and private consumers save energy resources.
- Energy saving begins with business management. Evaluation of damage situations and risks of leakage, making interior weatherproofing plans.
- Monitoring of resources consumed. Choosing materials requiring less processing energy, using recyclable materials, as well as longer-life products.
- Optimisation of production processes. Heat loss minimisation, renewable reprocessing system establishment, secondary heat and water use, automatisation of the entire production process.
- Technology optimisation. Technologies that use fewer resources. Stop use of unproductive equipment which pollutes the environment.
- Waste recycling and reprocessing in the main process or other processes. Non-industrial enterprises need to prepare a plan outlining means to avoid and reduce everyday waste.
- Alternative energy implementation within businesses. Gradual transition towards the use of alternative sources of energy, such as solar, wind and waste-to-energy for internal business needs.
- Organisation of education on saving energy targeted at enterprise employees, clients and consumers.
The National Network of Socially Responsible Business was established in Lithuania in April, 2005. The network's mission is to promote responsible business in Lithuania as a condition for its sustainable development. The purpose of the National Network is to exchange knowledge, experience and innovation, to organise joint learning forums, thereby improving business strategies and implementing joint projects for the benefit of society. Currently, the National Network of Socially Responsible Business unifies 56 Lithuanian companies and organisations. Since the beginning of September 2008, the Network has been headed by Aviva Lithuania. For more information visit www.globalcompact.lt/.
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For additional information please contact:
Vaidotas Aleksiunas
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Telephone: (8 5) 269 0620
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E-mail: vaidotas_aleksiunas@aviva.lt
Indre Minderiene
Senior Communications Specialist
Telephone: (8 5) 269 0610
E-mail: indre_minderiene@aviva.lt