Who or What is SAM?

SAM is an acronym, that stands for Sustainable Asset Management, while CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Sustainability, was once only a core value and concern for a few niche companies.
As few as 500 companies, back in 1999, filed sustainability reports. Today, that number has grown to about 3,500 companies, that file sustainability reports. Concern for the environment and sustainability, have gone mainstream and become a core value of the corporate sector. Therefore, there is a reward, known as the SAM Sector Mover award, and this years winner is Bombardier.

SAM- Bombardier receives award

Bombardier (Photo credit: ponte1112)

MONTREAL, QUEBEC–(Marketwire – Feb. 2, 2012) – Following its fifth consecutive listing as an index component on both the Dow Jones Sustainability World and the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Indexes, Bombardier (TSX:BBD.A)(TSX:BBD.B) was awarded SAM Sector Mover, and SAM Gold Class in this year’s SAM Sustainability Yearbook 2012.

As the SAM Sector Mover, Bombardier ranks within the top 15% of its sector, Aerospace & Defense, and has achieved the largest proportional improvement in its sustainability performance over last year. Additionally, Bombardier received the SAM Gold Class award, ranking within 1% of the Sector Leader’s score.

“These awards represent international recognition of our sustainability practices, and are a testament to our performance over the past year. These results are a significant achievement in CSR ( corporate social responsibility) at Bombardier and our commitment to continue moving forward responsibly,” said Mr. Daniel Desjardins, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Social Responsibility Committee Chairman, Bombardier Inc.

SAM – documenting and assessing sustainability performance since 1999

Sustainable Asset Management (SAM), provides benchmark indicators of sustainability. SAM has been assessing and documenting the sustainability performance of over 2,000 corporations on a yearly basis since 1999, and currently holds one of the largest global databases on corporate sustainability.

The world’s 2,500 largest companies (based on the Dow Jones Global Total Stock Market Index) are invited to participate in SAM’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment every year. The survey results determine inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. Only the top 15%, from each of the 58 SAM sectors, qualify for inclusion in the Sustainability Yearbook.

The Corporate Sustainability Assessment evaluates criteria within the Economic Dimension, the Environmental Dimension and the Social Dimension. SAM assessed 19 of the total 31 companies within the Aerospace and Defense sector.

For more information about CSR at Bombardier, visit their dedicated website www.csr.bombardier.com For more information about the SAM Sustainability Yearbook 2012, visit: http://www.sam-group.com/int/sustainability-insight/the-sustainability-yearbook.jsp

About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2011, were $17.9 billion, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com or follow them on Twitter @Bombardier. With major corporations stepping up and practicing SAM- sustainable asset management, we are all working toward a better tomorrow!

Do you have the Camry Effect?

Toyota wants to share with you the reveal of the completely redesigned 2012 Camry that debuted via LIVE webcast, Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific (PST). This first-of-its-kind reveal for Toyota included a presentation by Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager.  The event was live from Hollywood, CA.

The Camry Effect – It’s the best selling car in America

The Camry effect  has made it the best-selling car in America for nine years running, and 13 of the last 14 years. Since it was introduced in 1983, more than 8.5 million have been sold in the U.S. and 15 million worldwide. Designed to meet the needs of the 21st century driver, the 2012 Camry will provide technologically advanced features, a contemporary design inside and out, improved performance and fuel efficiency, as well as, a refined ride and handling. The all-new Camry and Camry Hybrid will arrive at Toyota dealerships this fall.

See the all-new 2012 Toyota Camry now

The Camry Effect is marking its 25th Anniversary of production

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Camry production and effects at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky.  The live webcast made a visit to Georgetown, KY to view the first vehicle coming off the assembly line driven by Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda.  In addition, Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver of the #11 Fedex Toyota Camry, also made a special appearance, with the announcement that the 2012 Camry will serve as the official pace car for next year’s DAYTONA 500®. That’s the Camry Effect!

Visit the Camry Effect:  Toyota has also recently launched a new dedicated online community built especially for new and previous Camry owners to connect with each other and with their brand.  It’s called the Camry Effect

Toyota has been here in the U.S for 30 years, equaling 8.5 million cars, and millions of lives changed.  More Americans have lived life with their Camry, than any other car in America.  This next generation of Camry will change millions more. So, what are those life stories? Toyota wants to know your story about your Camry.  Go here and share what you love about your Toyota.  First dates, first kisses, soccer practices, job interviews, fender benders, road trips, back seat driving, flat tires, late night snack runs, oil changes, and cracked windshields, Toyota wants to hear it all.  Life happens in the Camry; this is the Camry Effect.

Toyota wanted me to share with YOU, the first-look at the 2012 Camry reveal.  After taking a look at the New Camry let me know your story. With 6.8 million current Camry drivers on the road, I’ll bet some of you have been a part of the Camry Effect, and have a story to share.  I’d love to hear it.

To tweet about the Camry Effect – tweet this.
Toyota launched the all-new 2012 Camry – check it out at  Do You Have the Camry Effect?: https://goalforthegreen.com/public_html/?p=2490 via @AddThis

Is an electric car in your future?

If you are in the market for an electric car then there is probably a good chance that you have been doing some reading recently. News regarding electric cars has been all over for the past year or so, and for good reason. New models are out, and these cars can help the country lose some of its dependency on oil while providing us with an alternative that is gentler on the environment. These latest-generation electric cars have better range and performance than ever before.

Image via Wikipedia

Electric cars are the greenest of the personal transportation industry. They do not emit any (or much less) carbon emissions than their conventional counterparts, but they do utilize  questionable raw materials such as the metals that go into their batteries.  There are some major advantages to owning a green car but there are also some disadvantages. It is important to know all of them before you go out and make a purchase.

Advantages of owning an electric car

The greatest advantage of an electric car is obviously the complete lack of emissions (when running on battery power—some vehicles like the Chevy Volt, only run on batter power for the first 40 or so miles of driving then go gasoline-powered). A full electric vehicle, like the all-new 2011 Nissan Leaf, or Tesla Roadster however, will not even have an exhaust system, muffler or fuel tank. They do not use any fossil fuels internally. They are fueled completely by a rechargeable battery that does not have to be charged via a gas engine. With many hybrid cars, there is a gas engine to go along with the electric component. Which leads to another good point: people like electric-only cars is because they provide a very quiet ride. Read the rest of this entry »