Corporate social responsibility is often used interchangeably with corporate citizenship, social enterprise, sustainability, sustainable development, triple-bottom line, and corporate ethics. Even though the terminology is different, they all relate to how firms make their profits, and what they do with their profits.
Dallas-Fort Worth business leaders recognize that CSR is not about philanthropy and simply meeting compliance standards. Leaders today know they must manage and address their economic, social, and environmental impacts.
The links below provide an array of resources for Dallas Fort Worth area businesses that are looking for ways to be more socially and environmentally responsible.
Calculators
Water Footprint Calculator
The Water Footprint Network is a dynamic, international learning community. We are
a platform for connecting diverse communities interested in sustainability, equitability
and efficiency of water use
Carbon Footprint Calculator
Provides a range of carbon management services including assessing your carbon emissions,
verifying your own calculations, through to providing high quality carbon offsets
to make your business carbon neutral. We also provide support in green marketing to
ensure you avoid the common pitfalls and capitalize on your green investment.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) is the most widely used international accounting
tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse
gas emissions.
Ecological Footprint Quiz by Redefining Progress
Estimates the amount of land and ocean area required to sustain your consumption patterns
and absorb your wastes on an annual basis.
Paper Calculator
The Paper Calculator is the premier tool for measuring the environmental impacts of
paper and discovering the best paper choices
Walk Score
Walk Score uses a patent-pending system to measure the walkability of an address,
in order to help people find a walkable place to live. This site provides a list of
the most walkable neighborhoods in the United States and information on the benefits
of living in a walkable city.
- See more at: https://udallas.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-of-business/sbn/sbngreenresources/index.php#sthash.wrqwzLFP.dpuf
Cleaning Products
Eco-Labels
This unique platform collects and structures data on ecolabels globally, increasing
transparency and helping buyers and sellers use them more effectively.
Health eHome
An interactive program that offers tips and information about healthy, safe, green
living, the Health eHome is the ultimate guide for people who are both environmentally
and safety-conscious.
Healthy Child, Healthy World
Healthy Child provides access to critical information that encourages smarter lifestyle
choices to reduce toxic chemical exposure in homes and communities to become a trusted
resource for parents
The National Library of Medicine
The household products database on this site allows users to examine the health effects
and ingredients of specific cleaning products on the market, as well as other categories
of goods. The database is organized so that exact brands of goods and their corresponding
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) information can be found and viewed.
Easy to Be Green
Easy to be Green is a web-based resource created for interior designers to research
product options, expand their knowledge base, and stay ahead of the growing sustainability
learning curve. They provide product information and the fundamentals which include
links to more information and book reviews.
Green Suppliers Network
Works with large manufacturers to target and engage key suppliers in customized, hands-on
assessments of production processes to reduce energy consumption, minimize carbon
footprint, increase productivity, and drive innovation.
Investor Environmental Health Network
The Investor Environmental Health Network is a collaborative partnership of investment
managers, advised by nongovernmental organizations, concerned about the financial
and public health risks associated with corporate toxic chemicals policies.
National Green Pages
Green Business Directory featuring sustainable business products and sustainable business
services from Green America approved businesses.
Quest Sustainable Solutions
Quest Sustainability finds green and sustainable solutions to clients' economic, social
and environmental challenges.
Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals
(REACH)
REACH is a regulation of the European Union, adopted to improve the protection of
human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, while
enhancing the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry. It also promotes alternative
methods for the hazard assessment of substances in order to reduce the number of tests
on animals.
Responsible Purchasing Network
Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN) is an international network of buyers dedicated
to socially responsible and environmentally sustainable purchasing. Our membership
program and consulting services provide institutional purchasers with cutting edge
procurement tools and resources designed to save money, conserve resources, reduce
waste, and improve efficiency.
SustainAbility
An award-winning strategic management consultancy and think-tank.
Sustainable Research Group (SRG)
An organization of experienced industry professionals dedicated to identifying, documenting,
and improving business performance by using principles that move our clients to and
beyond green to become economically sound, environmentally healthy, and socially responsible.
The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
ACEEE, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency
policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors. We believe that the
United States can harness the full potential of energy efficiency to achieve greater
economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection for all its people.
The Natural Step
Through education, dialogue, coaching and advice The Natural Step provides its partners
and clients with deep expertise in sustainability, solutions-oriented innovation and
transformational change processes
Communities
Civic Practices Network (CPN) is a collaborative and nonpartisan project bringing together a diverse array of organizations and perspectives within the civic renewal movement.
This site offers a database of essays and papers that cover everything from case studies on civic innovation and grassroots environmental initiatives to community health reform and essays on employee empowerment. This is a comprehensive website that will inform you of the great potential and necessity of civic involvement for community building and renewal.
Institute for Sustainable Communities
With the focus on environmental, economic, and social concerns, ISC gives communities
and the organizations that support them the training, technical assistance, and grants
they need to solve their problems and sustain themselves independently.
Quest Sustainable Solutions
Quest Sustainability finds green and sustainable solutions to clients' economic, social
and environmental challenges.
Small Planet Institute
It offers published resources and suggestions for things you can do right now to improve
local community relationships and promote sustainable community building.
Sustainable Communities Network
This site provides civic resources including downloadable guides to planning a sustainable
event, a starter kit for community building, and a case study map.
Local Government Commission (LGC)
The Local Government Commission (LGC) is a nonprofit organization fostering innovation
in environmental sustainability, economic prosperity and social equity. The LGC is
helping to transform communities through inspiration, practical assistance and a network
of visionary local elected officials and other community leaders.
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
NRDC develops and advocates sustainable solutions for our communities.
Playbook for Green Buildings and Neighborhoods
A web-based resource, provides strategies, tips, and tools that counties can use to
take immediate action on climate change through: green building, green neighborhoods,
and sustainable infrastructure.
Smart Communities Network
The website contains a variety of great resources, tools, links to articles and publications,
and community success stories on a variety of topics, including community energy,
green development, and sustainable business.
The Partnership for Sustainable Communities works to coordinate federal housing, transportation, water, and other infrastructure investments to make neighborhoods more prosperous, allow people to live closer to jobs, save households time and money, and reduce pollution.
Walk Score
Walk Score uses a patent-pending system to measure the walkability of an address,
in order to help people find a walkable place to live. This site provides a list of
the most walkable neighborhoods in the United States and information on the benefits
of living in a walkable city.
Energy Efficiency
Blue Green Alliance
The BlueGreen Alliance advocates the growth in the number and quality of jobs in the
clean economy by expanding a broad range of industries, including renewable energy,
energy efficiency, the substitution of safer, cleaner chemicals, modern transportation
systems and advanced vehicle technology, domestic manufacturing, high-speed Internet
and a smart, efficient electrical grid, green schools and other public buildings,
improving our nations water infrastructure, recycling, and sustainable agriculture.
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
Promotes greater energy efficiency in a six-state region that includes Arizona, Colorado,
Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Learn what SWEEP is doing to help consumers,
businesses, utilities, and local and state governments increase energy efficiency.
Texas Energy Efficiency
Provides a general overview of energy efficiency in Texas, as well as specific details
regarding energy efficiency programs offered by the state's investor-owned utilities.
Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association
A non-profit trade association of companies and individuals engaged in, or considering
engagement in, development, marketing, sales, installation, servicing, manufacture
of solar, wind, biomass, geothermal or hydrokinetic energy technologies. Also included
are organizations and agencies involved in related research,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
NREL is the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency
research and development. NREL was established in 1974 and in September 1991, was
designated a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This organizations
website is a good source of free published research.
Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA)
The MEEA is a collaborative network whose purpose is to advance energy efficiency
in the Midwest to support sustainable economic development and environmental preservation.
The site explains the history and workings of various energy efficiency programs related
to lighting, refrigerators, clothes washers, and other topics. The Alliance also provides
tips on saving energy for consumers and energy professionals.
Zero Waste Alliance (ZWA)
ZWA is an Internet-based environmental research organization specializing in the field
of zero waste, where all waste becomes food for nature or another marketplace rather
than the traditional fate of being incinerated or land-filled. The Alliance also provides
information on associated legislative, legal, technical, environmental, health, and
consumer issues.
Additional Government Resources
Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center- U.S. Department of Energy
The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) is a comprehensive clearinghouse of information
about advanced transportation technologies. The AFDC offers transportation decision
makers unbiased information, data, and tools related to the deployment of alternative
fuels and advanced vehicles.
Austin
Advances local sustainability and climate action by providing leadership and coordination
for initiatives across the City organization and the Austin community.
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source
of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives.
Green Buildings
Building Green
Provides information to help building-industry professionals and policy makers improve
the environmental performance, and reduce the adverse impacts, of buildings
Green Building Alliance
The Green Building Alliance is a nonprofit organization that integrates environmentally
responsible and high performance design, construction and operating practices into
the Greater Pittsburgh market. Their efforts are currently directed toward areas that
represent ongoing challenges, such as making the economic case for green building,
removing policy and code barriers to green building, and expanding beyond green building
design and construction to green operations.
Green Building Pages
Enables building industry professionals and consumers seeking a healthy, sustainable
lifestyle to choose building materials that preserve health, the environment, and
whose production and manufacture processes promote social equity and economic sustainability.
Green Communities
The Green Communities organization strives to make affordable, green housing available
nation-wide. The web site contains a variety of resources on the topic, including
links, articles, model projects, events, and much more.
Green Globes
The Green Globes system is a revolutionary building environmental design and management
tool. It delivers an online assessment protocol, rating system and guidance for green
building design, operation and management
Healthy Building Network
"The Healthy Building Network (HBN) is a national network of green building professionals,
environmental and health activists, socially responsible investment advocates and
others who are interested in promoting healthier building materials as a means of
improving public health and preserving the global environment." The web site contains
alternatives for select building materials, an overview of life cycle analysis, and
information on the changes occurring in the building industry.
Regreen
The American Society of Interior Designers Foundation and the U.S. Green Building
Council have partnered on the development of best practice guidelines and targeted
educational resources for sustainable residential improvement projects.
Whole Building Design Guide
Web-based portal providing government and industry practitioners with one-stop access
to up-to-date information on a wide range of building-related guidance, criteria and
technology from a 'whole buildings' perspective.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED Green Building Rating System
is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance,
sustainable buildings. The certification has four levels (basic, silver, gold, and
platinum certifications) based upon the number of green components incorporated in
the building. LEED has rating systems and certifications not just for new construction, but also
for existing buildings, commercial interiors, core and shell, homes, and neighborhood
development. Visit this site to find out more about green buildings and how LEED can
improve efficiency, aesthetics and reduce the environmental impact in nearly any constructed
space!
Home and Commercial Energy Efficiency
A Guide to Energy Efficient Home Lighting
A home energy efficiency website with many free resources to educate homeowners on
energy efficient lighting. The resources highlight energy savings, monetary savings,
and important characteristics to look for when purchasing efficient bulbs.
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
A nonprofit organization with many resources for homeowners looking to reduce energy
use and save money.
California Energy Commission
Californias primary energy policy and planning agency. Much of the information on
this site offers numerous resources to help improve the efficiency of homes (such
as the energy efficiency guide).
Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE)
Provides energy efficiency information for a wide variety of sectors, including government,
industry, and others, as well as a resource library.
Energy Star
Energy Star is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program that
helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior
energy efficiency.
Solar Tribune
Provides helpful tools and resources for people considering solar power solutions.
The Green Home Guide
The U.S. Green Building Councils Green Home Guide presents helpful resources on LEED
for homes. The web site provides resources, information, and news for anyone who is
interested in certifying a home under the LEED standard.
Better Bricks
BetterBricks champions the guiding principle that commercial buildings should be designed
and operated with energy top of mind. The goal is to accelerate the adoption of energy
efficiency best practices among real-world building professionals.
The Lighting Design Lab
The Lighting Design Lab is a commercial & industrial lighting (not-for-profit) education
facility funded by major NW electric utilities & conservation partners. We promote
energy efficient lighting through consultations, evaluations, mockup demonstrations,
and classes.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Within the DOE, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy contains tips
for saving energy in various areas of the home, such as landscaping, appliances, and
windows.
Alliance to Save Energy
Offers energy saving tips and information on energy efficient products on the market.
NAESCO
A national trade association which has been a leader in initiating changes in the
market for more effective energy solutions. The website features informative news,
events, helpful books, and job postings.
Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI)
RMI advances market-based solutions, engaging businesses, communities, and institutions
to cost-effectively shift to efficiency and renewables. The site also features discussion
groups and other valuable resources.
Product and Company Rating Systems
Alonovo: Intelligent Marketplace
This site allows users to register their personal value systems (how important various
issues are on a scale of 1-5) to measure the social consciousness of each individual.
Then you can shop for clothes and other items online and obtain ratings of companies
based on your value system. Alonovo is essentially allowing you to define your own
eco-label and then find products that meet the criteria of your label.
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is a coalition effort launched in 2004 to protect
the health of consumers and workers by securing the corporate, regulatory and legislative
reforms necessary to eliminate dangerous chemicals from cosmetics and personal care
products.
- See more at: https://udallas.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-of-business/sbn/sbngreenresources/index.php#sthash.wrqwzLFP.dpuf
If you know of resources that need to be added to this page, please forward them to us today!