On Thursday, October 3, 2013 more than 80 executives from the international business community gathered for the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia’s Corporate Sustainability – Responsible Strategies for Global Growth tour and business roundtable seminar at GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) new facility at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The full program agenda included networking, a brief tour and explanation of the Double LEED Platinum Certified building, and the seminar. After guests had the opportunity to network and learn about the building from Ray Milora, Project Executive, Navy Yard, GSK, Deborah Winter, BABC Board Member and Director, Tax Planning, Global Tax, GSK welcomed guests and introduced the panel moderator. James Margolis, Partner and Leader, Global Sustainability Reporting Practice, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) provided a brief introduction to the topic and introduced the panelists.
This timely, dynamic discussion focused on: critical and material sustainability issues; corporate responses and initiatives; how to drive change within organizations and engage and influence the community; financial and accounting aspects; and legal issues and potential risks. Jimmy Margolis’ general comments about sustainable development and corporate sustainability, risks and opportunities, and the corporate response was the perfect lead in to the conversation. Ray Milora from GSK talked about the Company’s ambition to have a neutral carbon footprint by 2050, the corporate recycling program, and other strategic priorities. Rhett Workman, Managing Director, Corporate Real Estate, US Airways focused on the Airline’s and Philadelphia International Airport’s green initiatives. Katherine Neal Blue, Managing Director, Energy & Sustainability, KPMG LLP delivered valuable points about reporting trends and assurance, and KPMG’s Green Tax Index. Christopher Berendt, Of Counsel, Environment & Energy Practice Group, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP focused on the legal issues, risks and role of counsel.
The panelists’ thorough presentations provided an outstanding session about the broad reaching, global importance of corporate sustainability, and the internal and external business implications of such practices. After the program concluded, attendees approached the speakers to ask additional questions.
Many thanks to the moderator and four panelist companies for supporting this event: Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Environmental Resources Management, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, KPMG LLP, and US Airways.
Click here to view photos from the event.
