The Week in Sustainability

California’s recent budget approval to fund the implementation of SB climate package bills signifies a monumental stride in climate accountability. With $22 million allocated, California must enforce legislation like SB 253 and SB 261, solidifying its position as a leader in environmental regulation. Spearheaded by organizations like Ceres, this funding ensures transparent climate disclosures, emp...

This week: We sat down with AArete, who supports higher education institutions in leveraging data to enhance sustainability and profitability. Universities face unique challenges due to their non-profit status, focusing on long-term impact rather than short-term financial returns.  Effective procurement strategies involve choosing suppliers committed to achieving net-zero emissions and implementin...

This week: – The interoperability guidance released by ESRS and ISSB standards, aiming to streamline reporting efforts across different sustainability reporting frameworks. – The release of the new CDP's 2024 reporting questionnaire, highlighting its alignment with various reporting standards and frameworks such as TCFD, TNFD, SEC's climate disclosure rule, and EU's ESRS, along with the support pr...

The U.S. and E.U. are taking decisive regulatory steps towards decarbonization, emphasizing cleaner energy and tighter pollution controls. In the U.S., the EPA’s new power plant regulations prioritize environmental safeguards, while the E.U.’s Net Zero Industry Act promotes decarbonization technologies and competitiveness. Despite challenges, both regions showcase determination and innovation in d...

A recent study predicts a $38 trillion annual loss by 2049 due to climate change, disproportionately affecting poorer nations and regions like the southeastern United States and southern Europe. Meanwhile, legal scholars are proposing to hold oil companies accountable for climate-related deaths, akin to past cases against tobacco companies. These discussions highlight the urgent need for collectiv...

Today is Earth Day, and with this special episode, we sat down with Ali Cammisa, senior director of sustainability at CRG Restaurant Group. CRG’s commitment to integrating sustainable practices, like composting programs, reflects a broader movement within the restaurant industry. Through storytelling and accessible communication, CRG aims to engage both customers and executives in their journey to...

The Week in Sustainability April 8–12, 2024 This week: Our team dived into three crucial sustainability topics: –The influence of financed emissions on businesses –The importance of external assurance in emissions reporting –The grid challenges brought on by a recent solar eclipse This eclipse resulted in a significant drop in solar energy generation, forcing grid operators to increase their relia...

In this episode of The Week in Sustainability, we chat with  Gehry Oatey , manager of ESG data and analytics at leading plumbing manufacturer  Oatey . We cover the often-daunting challenges surrounding  scope 3 emissions —indirect emissions that occur across a company’s entire value chain, including its suppliers and customers. The Oatey’s experience serves as a valuable roadmap, not just for the...

As we continue to unpack the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) final Climate Disclosure rule, we look to bring you interesting expert perspectives. This week, we’re joined by special guest Mallory Thomas, a risk advisory partner at Baker Tilly, a leading advisory CPA firm, who brings additional perspective for companies looking to get an overview of what it will take to comply with t...

–We discuss the release of the IEA 2023 report, highlighting the modest success in curbing CO2 emissions through clean energy growth despite challenges posed by weather patterns and the pandemic. The report emphasizes record emissions decline in advanced economies driven by clean energy technologies. Still, it warns of the persistent rise in global emissions, mainly from coal combustion in emergin...

As predicted, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved the long-awaited  climate disclosure rule  this week. The impact? Now, thousands of public companies will be required to disclose material scope 1 and 2 emissions. The disclosure law marks a significant milestone in corporate climate reporting, driving the imperative for strategic alignment and comprehensive risk management. In thi...

– Our team sat down with MERZ Aesthetics to discuss learnings from Global ESG Project Manager Molly Bonas, who spearheaded the company's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) baseline inventory. During this discussion, she unveils challenges and insights crucial for a successful sustainability strategy, including stakeholder engagement, data collection, system integration, and collaborating...

–After attending The Verdantix Climate Summit, our team reflects on dynamic conversations surrounding climate disclosure, pathways to net-zero, decarbonization challenges, emission boundary definitions, corporate incentives, and the strategic leverage of regulations for fostering sustainable business transformation.

This week: – CDP's 2023 reporting cycle showcases global leaders in environmental transparency, with only 2% of respondents achieving the coveted 'A-list' status, underscoring the growing importance of comprehensive sustainability disclosure. – China's new sustainability guidelines mandate reporting across governance, strategy, and emissions for listed companies, signaling a significant step towar...

In the ongoing push for environmental accountability and transparency, state-level legislative efforts for climate disclosure are gaining traction across the United States. California, known for its leadership in environmental legislation, stands at the forefront with recent comprehensive corporate climate disclosure laws signed into effect by Governor Gavin Newsom. These laws primarily target lar...

In recent sustainability reporting updates, all eyes are on the Corporate Sustainable Reporting Directive (CSRD) issued by the European Union. This directive, evolving from the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), has encountered a two-year delay, prompting organizations worldwide to reassess their reporting strategies. CSRD unveiled: a significant expansion For those unacquainted with CSRD,...

In the aftermath of the prestigious World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland—a gathering that brings together global leaders, business executives, policymakers, and experts from various fields—numerous insights have surfaced, setting the stage for a transformative year in sustainability. Davos is renowned for providing a platform where influential figures engage in discussions and share perspect...

he NRF Big Show Conference 2024, a landmark event across the retail industry, concluded this week in New York City. This year, we decided to attend, and to our surprise, the conference took an unexpected yet critical turn towards sustainability, signaling a significant shift in the industry's priorities. As one of retail's most significant technology-focused events, we were pleased to see the sect...

Australia is making significant strides in climate action, with the anticipated mandate for climate disclosure by 2024 marking a new era of environmental accountability. This legislative change is a global trend towards greater transparency and responsibility in addressing climate challenges. Key to Australia’s evolving environmental strategy is its commitment to reducing emissions and transitioni...

Every year, we like to pause to reflect on the progress made in the sustainability and ESG space. 2023 was no exception, emerging as a landmark period of transformation and growth. This year, there have been significant strides in regulations and the interoperability of sustainability reporting. It set new benchmarks for corporate accountability and climate action, impacting businesses globally. B...

s we leave an exciting 2023, it’s time to enter a new year. Without a doubt, the sustainability sector is witnessing transformative trends and predictions reshaping how businesses operate and consumers engage. This week, we discuss our thoughts as we enter 2024 and provide an in-depth look at these key trends and predictions our team has complied: Global supply chains under the microscope –The foc...

The  28th annual Conference of the Parties (COP28) , hosted by the United Nations, wrapped this week. It marked a significant shift in the climate change dialogue. The event brought together over 100 country delegations, climate scientists, business leaders, activists, indigenous peoples, and journalists, fostering a platform for pivotal discussions and decisions.  If you've followed news surround...