OnBalance launch tool to calculate social benefit of supply chain

Not-for-profit think tank also canvases views on alleviating poverty vs. reducing CO2

London, 7th May 2010: OnBalance, the Not-for-Profit think tank that looks into sustainability in the supply chain, has launched a new calculator that allows users to calculate which countries would benefit most from western trade. Launched to coincide with World Fair Trade Day on Saturday 8th May, the demo tool allows users to quantify the social benefits of supporting economic growth in developing countries and also to see the social advantages of growth in developing economies compared to that in developed western countries.

The OnBalance calculator will allow businesses and governments to understand the social benefits derived from operations and the specific social benefits of sourcing and procurement decisions. It will also allow users to balance the improvement of lives in growing economies with benefits of sourcing goods closer to home and potentially reducing CO2.  OnBalance is also encouraging those in business, government and supply chains to vote on whether they believe saving CO2 is more important than poverty alleviation.

David Bosomworth, Chairman of OnBalance, said: “With corporate social responsibility becoming more ingrained in business plans and government policy, ethics in the supply chain is paramount. On the one hand, climate change is causing anxiety that goods should be sourced closer to home, but at the same time concern for human welfare abroad is rising. Our tool allows users to view the quantifiable benefits to the human impact of their operations, which will allow them to compare the social benefit of their actions to their carbon footprint before making the decision that best aligns with their ideals.”

The calculator does not just allow comparison of CO2 and human development, but also the social benefit of different countries, allowing users to make decisions that fit with their philosophy. 

Bosomworth continues: “If buyers can consider both the environmental aspects of their purchasing power, along with the human impact, then UK produce import could make significant reductions in CO2 while lifting millions out of poverty.”

OnBalance will be launching the full version of the calculator later this year on a subscription basis. Any companies in need of the data sooner are welcome to contact the company. The calculator can be found at www.onbalance.uk.com and uses data from the United Nations Human Development Report.