Sustainable Business Practices and Economic Growth Not Mutually Exclusive, Says Carbon Disclosure Project Founder During Worldwide Discussion at Webster University

ST. LOUIS, June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Paul Dickinson, executive chairman and founder of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), is at the forefront of a global transformation. Dickinson believes in harnessing profit motive as a force for good; he says that reducing carbon emissions and creating new economic opportunity can go hand-in-hand.

Based in London, the CDP is an independent, not-for-profit organization collecting key climate-change data from more than 3,000 of the world's largest companies around the globe. Dickinson was named the 2010 Responsible CEO of the Year by Corporate Responsibility magazine. Among many accomplishments, Dickinson's work was responsible for Wal-Mart's announcement that its suppliers must report their emissions and focus on sustainable business practices.

Dickinson was on hand at Webster University today to take part in a worldwide, live-streamed discussion with Webster faculty and students on the topic of building a 21st-century communications economy in the United States, highlighting examples already taking root at Webster University and in other St. Louis-area businesses and organizations.  

Dickinson asserts that competition for natural resources like oil and water will drive markets to consider new business and profit models. He foresees increased investments in advanced communications networks that will create nearly limitless economic growth opportunities that are not restricted by time, distance or geography.

"If we keep building the physical economy, and try to compete for resources, we will all lose," said Dickinson.  "But if we build the 21st Century Broadband Communications economy, we can empower citizens, in cities and rural areas alike, to develop education, entertainment and communications without limits."  Dickinson used AT&T's Telepresence systems as an example of technology greatly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing airline travel for meetings and conferences.  

Coinciding with Dickinson's presentation at Webster, the CDP released a "white byte" titled "Building a 21st Century Communications Economy." As an addendum to this report, the CDP cited Webster University as an organization that is planting the seeds of a communications economy. Other local entities identified in the CDP's addendum include the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

At Webster, via an advanced communications network, the University's "World Classroom" provides online courses that students can access from anywhere, at any time. Webster currently has 3,500 students, including active military serving throughout the world, who have chosen to learn in a fully online manner.

"Through broadband communication channels, Webster has given people access to a high-quality educational experience otherwise not available to them," said the CDP report.

For more information on the Carbon Disclosure Project, go to www.cdproject.net.    

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities.

Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education, with an international presence that now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.

SOURCE Webster University -- Saint Louis Campus