The Guardian says: The innovative collaboration will fund editorially independent journalism at the Guardian US designed to create awareness and foster dialogue around sustainability and values-led businesses. SC Johnson, a private, family company with a long-standing commitment to people and the planet, is uniquely positioned to bring perspective and thought leadership to the topic of values led business, and to the heart of the corporate sustainability debate.
It is one of the first major partnerships for the Guardian US and will be driven out of Guardian Labs, the Guardian's forthcoming global commercial proposition focused on innovative client collaboration and cross-media partnerships. In September, the Guardian announced the appointment of Anna Watkins as managing director of Guardian Labs.
The partnership unlocks new funding for independent journalism examining sustainability, values-led businesses, and the idea that there are business models that go beyond fiduciary duty to create a positive impact in society. In addition, the partnership will enable co-created, sponsored content and events, utilizing the Guardian's multimedia expertise and leveraging its open approach to journalism. SC Johnson will share its expertise in this space, contributing based on its experience with topics like renewable energy, waste reduction and Base of the Pyramid programs.
"This type of partnership gives us the resources to create quality independent journalism that is focused on the sustainability challenges faced by society," said Jo Confino, Executive Editor of the Guardian. "Business has been distorted by an obsession with short-termism and profit maximization at any cost. The partnership with SC Johnson will give us the opportunity to showcase those businesses that are able to integrate the three pillars of sustainable development; social, environmental and economic."
"As a 127-year old family company, SC Johnson is committed to the greater good, and because we're privately held, we can make decisions for the long term versus the next quarter's earnings." said Kelly M. Semrau, Chief Sustainability Officer of SC Johnson. "We're so pleased to partner with the Guardian, an organization that shares our commitment to people and the planet, and to help generate awareness and discussion that will advance the sustainability agenda."
