New KLD Committee Takes Action on Climate Change & the Environment

In June 2005, KLD employees formed a committee to reduce the overall environmental footprint of the company's operations. The Environmental Review and Impact Committee (ERIC) manages several company-wide initiatives to reduce KLD's environmental impact and contribution to global climate change.

Over the next several months, ERIC will conduct the company's first greenhouse gas emissions audit. The committee will calculate the total emissions of carbon dioxide equivalents generated by the company in 2005 from sources including commuter travel, business-related travel, as well as electricity and natural gas use.

The audit represents an important part of KLD's new Associate Membership with the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX). Based on the results of the audit, KLD will purchase and retire the appropriate number of Carbon Financial Instruments (CFIs), the currency of the CCX, to neutralize its greenhouse gas production.

Another committee initiative will educate KLD employees about "green" choices for eating near our office. ERIC conducted interviews with area restaurants and coffee shops frequented by employees in order to determine the locations that offer organic or fair trade goods, minimize packaging, and adhere to environmental policies or procedures in place, such as a recycling program. ERIC plans to publish a guide to these local eateries and to encourage employees to patronize those establishments.

Finally, ERIC's initiatives will include an examination of the company's supply chain. Committee members are conducting an assessment of KLD's purchases of office supplies, kitchen supplies, and electronics. Soon the Committee will begin an effort to source more recycled, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly goods.

Through its efforts, ERIC hopes to continually identify opportunities for KLD to reduce the company's overall environmental impact, while increasing our staff's awareness of how each individual have a positive impact in slowing the progress of climate change.