Previously called the Environmental Sustainability and Compliance Conference, RILA renamed and the event the Retail Sustainability Conference.April 14, 2011
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) is changing the name of its environmental sustainability conference “to reflect a program with a broader view of sustainability,” according to an article in its newsletter today.
Previously called the Environmental Sustainability and Compliance Conference, RILA renamed and the event the Retail Sustainability Conference.
“The conference’s program will continue to address the key operational aspects of environmental sustainability and compliance for the retail industry, but will also focus on communicating and engaging with internal and external audiences, as well as reporting the progress made, to key stakeholders,” Elizabeth Jennings wrote in the article.
This change is driven by a research project that RILA conducted in partnership with APCO Worldwide, which the industry’s reputation and the key industry attributes that drive reputation. Core industry attributes tested includes land use, waste and recycling, energy efficiency, and green products, community engagement, local investment and philanthropy.
“Changing the name and feel of the conference reflects a fresh approach to the conventional concept of retail sustainability,” said Adam Siegel, vice president of sustainability and retail operations. “By integrating new areas of focus into the conference and RILA’s sustainability offerings, we are working with retailers to broaden the scope of ‘sustainability’ and effectively craft a roadmap for the industry.”
The conference program will include four major tracks -- facilities, products and supply chain, compliance, and corporate social responsibility. Sessions will include energy, waste management, water conservation, store operations, real estate development, supply chain issues, and opportunities for improving corporate social responsibility. Siegel noted there will also be a focus on “leadership and individual skill building, build out of internal resources, communications, collaboration, and leveraging tools and external resources.”