CERES Principles

Origin. The Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (CERES) was formed in 1989 to promote responsible corporate environmental conduct. Shortly after the disaster of the Exxon Valdez , CERES announced the creation of the Valdez Principles.   Later renamed the CERES Principles, this statement represents an environmental ethic for corporations.

Purpose. The CERES Principles are offered as a comprehensive statement of environmental values for businesses within any industry sector.   They are intended to help companies formalize their dedication to environmental awareness and accountability, and actively commit to an ongoing process of continuous improvement in environmental performance, dialogue, and comprehensive, systematic reporting.   

Content. The Principles encompass ten broad, aspirational standards, covering the following points:  

1.   Protection of the Biosphere

2.   Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

3.   Reduction and Disposable of Wastes

4.   Energy Conservation

5.   Risk Reduction

6.    Safe Products and Services

7.   Environmental Restoration

8.   Informing the Public

9.   Management Commitment

10.  Audits and Reports

Implementation. CERES encourages companies to endorse the Principles.   Endorsement is a two-way process, entailing both a company’s commitment and CERES’ acceptance of this commitment. Endorsement also involves ongoing dialogue with CERES.   Through this process, companies are asked to publicly demonstrate their commitment to the Principles, address concerns raised by CERES coalition members and other stakeholders, and agree to report their results annually.

Currently, over 70 companies have endorsed the CERES Principles, including large multinational corporations, mid-sized companies, and small firms. The endorsing companies are U.S –based in the main.

To visit this code in its entirety please visit:  http://www.ceres.org

08.November 2002