Program and Agenda

PROGRAM SUBJECT TO CHANGE

(Last updated 4.15.13)

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12-6 PM

Invitation-only Members Events

6:00 PM

Welcome Reception

• Welcoming Remarks:
• Ezra Garrett, Vice President, Community Relations and Chief Sustainability Officer, Pacific Gas & Electric
• Lance Pierce, Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, Ceres
  
  

7:30 AM

Registration Opens

8:00 AM

Breakfast Session: Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy

With the 2012 elections behind us and a new Congress getting underway in Washington, join BICEP members for a timely conversation on the state of climate and energy policy in the U.S. How has the recent extreme weather impacted the public debate around the need for action? What might be expected from the leaders in Washington? Learn about the progress being made and the need for more business and investor voices in the policy conversation.

Speakers:

• Cynthia Curtis, Vice President & Chief Sustainability Officer, CA Technologies
• Carl Pope Chairman, Sierra Club
• Jenn Vervier, Director of Strategy and Sustainability, New Belgium Brewing

9:30 AM

Opening Session

Welcoming Remarks 
Anne Stausboll, Chief Executive Officer, California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)

Plenary Conversation

• Featured Speaker: Dan Hesse, Chief Executive Officer, Sprint
  
• Moderator: Sally Osberg, President and Chief Executive Officer, Skoll Foundation
  

10:30 AM

Networking Break

11:00 AM

Morning Workshops

Behind the Curtain: Investor Strategies for Private Engagement with Companies

Leading investors are rapidly ramping up programs to engage with companies on ESG related risks and opportunities. Much of this important work goes unnoticed because it is conducted privately. How do investors decide to use private rather than public means of engagement? How do investors choose companies for these closed-door dialogues? Most importantly, how are these dialogues influencing investment decisions as well as company practices?  Join a lively conversation that will address these critical questions and take your questions in real time via twitter.

Boosting Urban Resiliency to Climate Change: The Role of Insurers

Many U.S. cities are increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including higher sea levels, elevated storm surges and more damaging flooding. The insurance sector is especially susceptible to the financial losses from extreme weather, but it is also uniquely positioned to foster preventive measures that will make buildings and vital infrastructure more resilient. Hear how insurance and reinsurance companies are ramping up efforts to boost climate resiliency in coastal and non-coastal cities. The session will include breakout groups looking at case studies in Boston, New York, Toronto and San Diego.

Speakers:

• Peter Miscovich, Managing Director, Corporate Solutions, Jones Lang LaSalle (moderator)
• Adele Smith Simmons, Senior Executive, Metropolis Strategies
  
• Barbara Turley-McIntyre, Senior Director, Sustainability & Corporate Citizenship, The Co-Operators
• Mark Way, Head Sustainability Americas, Swiss Re

Employees Only: Advancing Corporate Sustainability Performance Through Employee Engagement

Employees play an essential role in creating a sustainable enterprise. While best practices are emerging, numerous challenges still impede companies from realizing the full potential of employee engagement. Hear from several experts with first hand experience developing employee engagement programs and discuss topics including balancing top down and bottom up approaches; working with human resources departments; setting goals and measuring success; and overcoming employee time and organizational resource constraints.

Speakers:

• Ezra Garrett, Vice President, Community Relations and Chief Sustainability Officer, Pacific Gas & Electric
• Liz Maw, Chief Executive Officer, NetImpact (moderator)
• Andrew W. Savitz, Principal, Sustainable Business Strategies
  
• Krista Van Tassel, Team Member Engagement Manager, Environmental Affairs, Wells Fargo

The Future of Energy Part 1:The New Energy Boom and How to Avoid a Climate Bust

A decade ago, it would have seemed impossible; The United States is the world’s leading producer of natural gas and will soon overtake Saudi Arabia as the largest oil producer. How will the U.S.’s unexpected energy boom affect global energy markets and, more importantly, critical efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions? Is it possible to pursue a true “all of the above” energy strategy, or will fossil fuels crowd out renewable energy? Experts will discuss the state of play in the oil, gas and electric power sectors. They will also provide insights on the policies, investments and risks that need to be considered to accelerate more sustainable energy sources.

Speakers:

• Mark Fulton, Director, SustainabiltyEYE
• Niel Golightly, Vice President, Sustainable Development, Shell
• James Leaton, Research Director, Carbon Tracker
• Stefan Linder, Analyst, Clean Energy Economics Bloomberg New Energy Finance
• Eric Olson, Senior Vice President, Advisory Services, BSR (moderator)

12:15 PM

Networking Break

12:30 PM

Luncheon

Discussion Tables: hosted by Ceres Coalition Members

Bavaria Award Ceremony

• Award Presenter: Will Lana, CFA, Senior Vice President, Trillium Asset Management
  

Plenary Panel: Investment Strategies for a Low-Carbon Future

Long before Superstorm Sandy, investors recognized that environmental and climate-related risks are deeply embedded in their portfolios and the broader economy. What strategies are investors using to protect their portfolios both in the short term and the long term? What is impeding a faster transition to cleaner energy? This plenary brings together investment and environmental visionaries to discuss critical strategies - from direct company engagement, to climate policy advocacy, to reconsidering fossil fuel investments - that investors can use to accelerate a clean energy future and avoid a catastrophic climate cliff.

Speakers:

• Jack Ehnes, Chief Executive Officer, California State Teachers’ Retirement System (moderator)
• David Blood, Co-Founder & Senior Partner, Generation Investment Management LLP
• Bill McKibben, President, Co-Founder, 350.org
  

2:15 PM

Networking Break

2:45 PM

Afternoon Workshops

Driver of Change: Gauging the Impact of Integrated Reporting

Integrated reporting has been a major objective of sustainability-oriented investors and advocates. In theory, companies that produce integrated reports will have greater incentive to drive sustainability throughout their business. However, as integrated reporting increases, many stakeholders are asking whether such reporting is having the expected result. Are investors using the information provided in their decision-making? Are businesses improving their sustainability performance? These and other questions will be explored by investors, company representatives and sustainability advocates.

Speakers:

• Paul Druckman, Chief Executive Officer, International Integrated Reporting Council
• Erika Karp, Head of Global Sector Research, UBS
• Allyson Park, Vice President for Environment and Water Resources, Coca-Cola
  
• Veena Ramani, Director, Corporate Program, Ceres

Sustainable Transportation: The Future of Urban Mobility

By 2030, it’s estimated that more than 60% of the world's population will live in urban areas, many in mega-cities. More sustainable and efficient modes of transportation will be required to accommodate this new urban reality. Yet urban transportation remains mired in decades-old technologies and crumbling infrastructure that creates more pollution and congestion. What will it take to pave a path toward more efficient transport and better urban infrastructure? This panel will bring together academic, business, government and NGO voices to explore this critical question and lay out a roadmap for creating a fully integrated transportation system.

Speakers:

• Amanda Eaken, Deputy Director, Sustainable Communities, Natural Resources Defense Council
• Carol Lee Rawn, Director, Transportation Program, Ceres (moderator)
  
• Mike Robinson, Vice President for Environment, Energy and Safety Policy, General Motors
• Dan Sperling, Professor and Director, University of California, Davis

Chain Reaction: Leveraging Supplier Data to Drive Change

Sustainability impacts of global supply chains are increasingly becoming the focus of stakeholder attention. Companies are now expected to gather and disclose the performance of their suppliers whether it relates to the human rights of their workforce or the greenhouse gas emissions of their operations. Join us for an interactive discussion highlighting various approaches for supplier data collection and an exploration of how leading companies are using that data to engage and expand the capacity of their suppliers, inform internal decision-making and scale performance improvements across their global supply chains.  Following the panel dialogue, participants will have an opportunity to engage in interactive discussions.  Experts leading the table discussions include: Tanya Bolden of AIAG, Debora Bonner of PG&E, Cathy Feingold of AFL-CIO, Melissa Fifield of Gap, Bernie Giblin of Sedex, Jim Hanna of Starbucks, Ian Hope-Johnstone of Pepsi, and Michael Kobori of Levi Strauss & Co.

Speakers:

• Amy Augustine, Director, Corporate Program, Ceres (moderator)
• Rachel Davis, Managing Director, Shift
• Jason Kibbey, Executive Director, Sustainable Apparel Coalition
• Jackie Sturm, Vice President, Technology and Manufacturing & General Manager, Global Sourcing and Procurement, Intel

Intersect: Connect at the Ceres Media Lounge

Looking for an opportunity to relax, connect with fellow conference goers and perhaps learn something new along the way? Swing by Intersect, the Ceres media lounge. This alternative workshop will include three distinct learning areas where you’ll have the opportunity to dig into our online reports using state of the art equipment, connect with staff experts and other conference attendees and join discussion groups led by Ceres members and partners. Intersect will remain open for conference participants until the formal networking reception begins at 6pm.

Featured Discussions:

3:00 PM- William Lynn, Principal Consultant at Irbaris LLP
The Ceres Aqua Gauge, developed by Ceres, WBCSD, Irbaris, and IRRC Institute, is an easy and efficient way for companies to assess, improve and communicate their corporate-wide water risk management approach and for investors to understand how well companies are managing water-related risks and opportunities. Join this discussion for a hands-on conversation about the tool, how it's currently being used, and how you can apply it to your work.

3:45 PM- Robert Massie, President, New Economy Coalition-
Around the country, Americans are increasingly calling for a "New Economy" to address the structural problems of income inequality, broken economic theories, fractured democracy, and climate change. This discussion will focus on the range of innovations that are taking place from Vermont to Oregon as citizens and business people explore new models and methods for creating democracy and prosperity within planetary limits.

4:30 PM- Marjella Alma, External Relations Manager, GRI Focal Point USA-
Learn about the future of corporate reporting at this discussion, which will focus on international harmonization of sustainability frameworks and the Global Reporting Initiative's collaboration with other initiatives, both in the US and abroad. You’ll find out how GRI plays a convening role and be given an opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions for improvements.

5:15 PM- Meyer Frucher, NASDAQ OMX Vice Chairman
Several stock exchanges, including NASDAQ OMX, have taken the lead in driving sustainability practices (and disclosure requirements) into public companies. Are they doing the right thing? Should this fall under the purview of regulators, legislators, or the companies themselves? NASDAQ OMX will explain its role, and the reasons why stock exchanges are the right drivers for this change.

4:00 PM

Networking Break

6:00 PM

Networking Reception

7:30 AM

Registration opens

8:00 am

Breakfast Session: Redefining Value: The Launch of the First Phase of the GISR Standard for Corporate Sustainability Ratings, Rankings and Indices

GISR is developing Principles, Issues, and Indicators for a rigorous, first-ever standard for corporate sustainability ratings. At this session, GISR will introduce the first of its three-part standard for corporate sustainability ratings: Principles. The standard is aimed at making capital and other markets agents of, rather than impediments to, achieving the Post Rio+20 sustainability agenda. Join ratings experts to explore critical issues shaping the next generation of sustainability ratings. This will be a key opportunity for companies, investors and ESG research and rating firms to learn about and contribute to GISR’s standard development program.

Speakers:

• Mark Tulay, Program Manager, GISR; Founder, Sustainability Risk Advisors (moderator)
• Allen White, Vice President, Tellus Institute
• Bob Willard, Sustainability Author and Speaker, Sustainability Advantage
• Jeremy Raccio, Portfolio Manager and Quantitative Analyst, UBS Global Asset Management
  

9:15 AM

Opening Session: Welcoming Remarks and Plenary Conversation

Speakers:

• Welcoming Remarks: Mindy Lubber, President, Ceres
• Featured Speaker: Catherine P. Bessant, Global Technology and Operations Executive, Bank of America
  

Squeezing A STone: Lessons from the Western Water Crisis

Global challenges like climate change, population growth and increasing energy demand are colliding and threatening our most important natural resource—water. In the American West, it backstops the nation's food system, powers the region's electrical grid and provides drinking water. But for how long? As the region's population swells and climate change impacts worsen, ensuring ample water for food, energy and other human needs is in serious doubt. Learn how these competing priorities are clashing - and being managed - in the Colorado River Basin and what broader lessons can be learned by the business community. Hear how leading companies and investors are protecting themselves and building solutions to global water challenges.

Speakers:

• Michael Glade, Senior Director, Water Resources and Real Estate, Molson Coors
• Peter Gleick, President and Co-founder, Pacific Institute
• Lester Snow, Executive Director, California Water Foundation
• Sharlene Leurig, Senior Manager, Insurance and Water Programs, Ceres (moderator)

10:45 AM

Networking Break

11:15 AM

Morning Workshops

ESG Data Management: Does It Build Value?

Environmental, social and governance performance data is becoming more robust and more sophisticated every day. Financial data providers and consultants are taking note and are creating new ESG related products. Leading companies are pioneering the use of ESG information in profit and loss statements, studying their profits from environmental initiatives as well as the social cost of environmental impacts. What data builds the most value and what data presents the greatest challenges to building value? Panelists will explore these questions and discuss how two leading companies are collecting and making business decisions with ESG data.

Speakers:

• Bennett Freeman, Senior Vice President, Sustainability Research and Advocacy, Calvert (moderator)
• Rina Levy, ESG Analyst, Bloomberg
• Courtney Martin, Corporate Affairs Group—Finance Specialist, Intel
  
• Brian Rice, Portfolio Manager, Corporate Governance, California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS)
  

Building Tomorrow: Investing in Smart Infrastructure

Climate change, extreme weather and depleting natural resources are forcing communities to rethink and rebuild critical infrastructure like water services, energy systems, and public transportation. Infrastructure investment has the potential to both provide sound returns for investors as well as create jobs and ensure a more sustainable world for future generations. How are innovative investors and companies making these investments within the current economic and political climate? What are the barriers to increased green infrastructure investment? Panelist will address these important questions and discuss how current success stories can be replicated and scaled.

Speakers:

• Dan Carol, Director of Multi-State Initiatives, Office of the Oregon Governor
• Brent W. Dorsey, Director, Corporate Environmental Programs, Entergy Corporation
• Dennak Murphy, Director, SEIU Master Trust
  
• Kirsten Spalding, Director, California Office, Ceres (moderator)

Wet & Wild: Assessing & Managing Agricultural Water Risks

With frightening frequency, droughts, floods, and severe storms are wreaking havoc on agricultural production globally. Climate change, competition for land, agricultural water pollution and swelling populations are only compounding the problem. From investor portfolios that include real assets like timber and farmland, to apparel and food companies facing pressure to weather-proof their supply chain—everyone is feeling the impacts of agricultural water risks. Join us for a discussion of these risks, and the ways investors, NGOs and companies are managing them.

Speakers:

• Ian Hope-Johnstone, Director-Agriculture Sustainability, PepsiCo
• Ellen Kennedy, Manager, Environment, Climate Change & Water, Calvert
• Alexis Morgan, Global Water Roundtable Coordinator, WWF
  
• Liz Muller, Principal, Liz Muller & Partners (moderator)

The Future of Energy Part 2: Corporate Leadership in the Shift Toward Clean Energy

Transforming our energy system is a critical challenge facing our economy and our climate. Unfortunately, there’s no “silver bullet” solution. It takes a combination of strategies to manage the transition to cleaner energy, and on many fronts, corporations are leading the charge. Gain perspective on progress made to-date and on obstacles preventing a swifter clean energy shift. Join this important discussion and hear from companies taking the lead in four key areas: energy efficiency, renewable energy, IT innovation and low-carbon transportation.

Speakers:

• Alisa Gravitz, Executive Director, Green America (moderator)
• Robert "Hutch" Hutchinson, Managing Director, Rocky Mountain Institute
• Rick Needham, Director, Energy and Sustainability, Google
• John Viera, Global Director, Sustainability and Vehicle Environmental Matters, Ford Motor Company
• Heidi Paul, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Nestle Waters

12:30

Networking Break

12:45 PM

Luncheon

Plenary Panel Years of Living Dangerously: Seeking Solutions to the Climate Crisis
Record heat. Extreme storms. Devastating droughts. Whether it’s a family in Staten Island or cattle farmers in the American West, climate change is affecting individuals, businesses and investors at an increasingly devastating pace. Don't miss this interactive session that will feature voices and clips from the soon to be released documentary series Years of Living Dangerously. This first-of-its-kind series is a collaboration between some of Hollywood’s biggest actors and producers, along with the country’s leading news journalists, who will report on first-person accounts of those affected by, and seeking solutions to the climate crisis.

Speakers:

• Heidi Cullen, Chief Climatologist, Climate Central
• David Gelber, Managing Director, Roaring Fork Films, Executive Producer, The Years Project
• Anne Kelly, Co-Director, Policy Program, Ceres (moderator)
• Carl Pope, Chairman, Sierra Club

3:00 PM

Conference Adjourns

For more information about the program, speakers and sponsorship, please:
contact Stacy Thompson at 617-247-0700 ex. 149 or email thompson@ceres.org.