greenhouse gas emissions Archives - SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine Insights on how you can protect the environment, maintain and increase the value of your company, through a structured CSR/Sustainability process with the use of the GRI Standards. Learn how Today's Best-Run Companies are achieving Economic, Social, and Environmental Success - and How You Can Too... Thu, 23 Feb 2023 07:22:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Need to take immediate, targeted action, tackle climate change https://sustaincase.com/need-to-take-immediate-targeted-action-tackle-climate-change/ Thu, 18 Apr 2019 13:14:33 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=9381 On 17 April, and the need to take immediate, targeted action. The impact of climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy In the letter, published by the Bank of England and co-signed by the chair of the climate-focused Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS), Mr Carney and Mr Villeroy de Galhau talk about the “catastrophic effects of climate change” and the extreme weather events around the globe that impact infrastructure, health and productivity, and destroy wealth. These massive human and financial costs of climate change forced governments to take action and, in accordance with the Paris Agreement, governments […]

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On 17 April, Governor of Bank of England Mark Carney and Governor of Banque de France François Villeroy de Galhau issued an open letter, warning about the financial risks of climate change  Tweet This! and the need to take immediate, targeted action.

The impact of climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy

In the letter, published by the Bank of England and co-signed by the chair of the climate-focused Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS), Mr Carney and Mr Villeroy de Galhau talk about the “catastrophic effects of climate change” and the extreme weather events around the globe that impact infrastructure, health and productivity, and destroy wealth. These massive human and financial costs of climate change forced governments to take action and, in accordance with the Paris Agreement, governments globally committed to limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, preferably as close to 1.5 degrees Celsius as possible.

Actions taken cooperatively by governments and countries worldwide, will enable a collective transition to a low-carbon economy. Accordingly, during the next decade, carbon emissions will have to be reduced by 45%, compared to 2010 levels. To achieve this goal, a huge reallocation of capital will be required and, as the two heads of the major central banks emphasise, “if some companies and industries fail to adjust to this new world, they will fail to exist”. This is why – also considering the climate-related financial risks involved – the NGFS, a coalition of 34 central banks representing five continents and half of global greenhouse gas emissions, was formed. The coalition released its first comprehensive report about climate-related financial risks, on 17 April.

What does the NGFS propose?

Seeking to translate commitments into real action, the coalition made four recommendations, setting, for all central banks, policymakers and the financial community, specific goals that will enable a smooth, orderly transition to a low-carbon economy:

  • Integrating the monitoring of climate-related financial risks into daily supervisory work, financial stability monitoring and board risk management: The report encourages supervisors to make sure, by setting suitable expectations, that financial firms are effectively addressing climate-related financial risks. For example, by carrying out scenario analysis to assess their strategic resilience to climate change policy. The report also encourages firms to take a long-term, strategic approach to considering these risks, and to integrate them into their governance and risk-management frameworks. In other words, make climate change planning a daily priority.
  • Leading by example: Central banks are encouraged to incorporate sustainability into their portfolio management, making their own operations more sustainable.
  • Cooperating to bridge data gaps: The report calls for increased cooperation within the financial sector, with different companies and bodies sharing and, if possible, making publicly available climate risk information, to strengthen the assessment of climate-related risks.
  • Building in-house capacity and sharing knowledge with other stakeholders on managing climate-related financial risks: To achieve the adequate consideration of climate risks across the financial system, both internal and external collaboration is necessary.

For these recommendations to succeed, two key conditions have to be met:

  • To adequately assess climate change risks and opportunities, the market and regulators will have to be supported by robust and internationally reliable disclosures.
  • Regulators should develop a suitable classification system to identify the economic activities that will contribute to the transition to a green, low-carbon economy. In this way, financial actors will be better able to make sustainable investment and lending decisions.

 

ALSO READ:

How to use the GRI Standards ASAP to accelerate positive change
Why Sustainability is important – Articles-Research
The value of sustainability reporting
Laying the foundation for good communication with responsible CSR/ sustainability reporting

 

 

 

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

FBRH GRI Standards Certified and ISEP approved Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

By registering for the next 2-day FBRH GRI-Standards Certified and ISEP approved Course you will be taking the first step in gaining the many benefits of sustainability reporting.

 

References:

This article is based on published information by the Bank of England. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2019/april/open-letter-on-climate-related-financial-risks

The post Need to take immediate, targeted action, tackle climate change appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Norway’s $1tn wealth fund cuts oil and gas stocks https://sustaincase.com/norways-1tn-wealth-fund-cuts-oil-and-gas-stocks/ Fri, 22 Mar 2019 15:00:54 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=9093 Norway is western Europe’s biggest oil and gas producer and its sovereign wealth fund, used to invest the proceeds of the country’s oil industry, is preparing for one of the largest divestments of fossil fuel assets. This move follows a decision by the Norwegian parliament that bans the fund from investing in firms that get more than 30% of their business from coal. The Norwegian oil fund is the world’s largest sovereign investor, owning $37bn of shares in oil companies such as BP, Shell and France’s Total, and is expected to dispose of approximately $7.5bn of oil and gas companies […]

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]]> Norway’s $1tn sovereign wealth fund is about to sell a large number of its oil and gas holdings.  Tweet This! Norway is western Europe’s biggest oil and gas producer and its sovereign wealth fund, used to invest the proceeds of the country’s oil industry, is preparing for one of the largest divestments of fossil fuel assets. This move follows a decision by the Norwegian parliament that bans the fund from investing in firms that get more than 30% of their business from coal.

The Norwegian oil fund is the world’s largest sovereign investor, owning $37bn of shares in oil companies such as BP, Shell and France’s Total, and is expected to dispose of approximately $7.5bn of oil and gas companies focused only on exploration and production. The fund has also reduced the proportion of its $1 trillion fortune invested in the highest greenhouse gas emitting companies.

Environmental campaigners welcomed this move by the world’s biggest state-owned investment fund, hoping it signals the beginning of a trend for investors shifting their money away from activities blamed for climate change. It certainly increases the pressure on large energy companies to do more to embrace and adapt to the energy transition towards less polluting fuels.

The Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC), representing investors with over 21 trillion euros ($26 trillion) in assets under management, welcomed the move. “The fund … reducing its stake in major emitters is a strong signal that investors are increasingly focused on aligning their portfolios with the rapidly progressing energy transition,” said Stephanie Pfeifer, IIGCC chief executive.

The divestment also aims to reduce Norway’s dependence on an industry facing questions regarding its long-term future. Global climate goals are accelerating efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and this decision will send shockwaves through an industry trying hard to improve its green credentials, under increasing pressure from investors. Large oil and gas companies expected by Norway to invest in renewable energy in the future, were spared.

“This partial divestment from oil and gas is welcome, but not enough to mitigate Norway’s exposure to both global oil and gas prices and the wider financial ramifications of climate change. However, it does send a clear signal that companies betting on the expansion of their oil and gas businesses present an unacceptable risk, not only to the climate but also to investors,” said Charlie Kronick, oil campaigner at Greenpeace UK.

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

FBRH GRI Standards Certified and ISEP approved Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

By registering for the next 2-day FBRH GRI-Standards Certified and ISEP approved Course you will be taking the first step in gaining the many benefits of sustainability reporting.

 

References:

This article is based on published information by the Financial Times. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following links:

https://www.ft.com/content/d32142a8-418f-11e9-b896-fe36ec32aece

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-47494239

https://www.reuters.com/article/norway-swf/norways-1-trillion-fund-curbs-holdings-in-biggest-co2-emitters-idUSL8N1PC40N

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]]> CEMAsys.com AS achieves accreditation to help companies set climate targets consistent with the Paris Agreement https://sustaincase.com/cemasys-com-as-achieves-accreditation-to-help-companies-set-climate-targets-consistent-with-the-paris-agreement/ Thu, 21 Feb 2019 15:38:33 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8885 outlined in the Paris Agreement. CEMAsys.com has now become the first Nordic consulting firm accredited by the CDP as an SBT Consulting Partner.   In the Nordic countries 40 companies have currently made commitments to set SBTs. Just two years ago there were only 3 Nordic companies with climate goals beyond 2030, signifying a strong and growing trend of companies wanting to develop long-term, science-based climate goals. The driving force behind this development partly lies with companies wanting to take responsibility for their contributions to climate change, as well as investors using climate action as a metric to consider a […]

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Today, over 500 companies globally have committed to set “Science Based Targets” (SBT) in line with the “well below 2-degree” goal  Tweet This! outlined in the Paris Agreement. CEMAsys.com has now become the first Nordic consulting firm accredited by the CDP as an SBT Consulting Partner.

 

In the Nordic countries 40 companies have currently made commitments to set SBTs. Just two years ago there were only 3 Nordic companies with climate goals beyond 2030, signifying a strong and growing trend of companies wanting to develop long-term, science-based climate goals. The driving force behind this development partly lies with companies wanting to take responsibility for their contributions to climate change, as well as investors using climate action as a metric to consider a company’s ability to thrive in the green restructuring of the global economy.

“We are delighted that CEMAsys has become our first science-based targets partner in the Nordics. With its experience in assisting organization with calculation of emissions and targets setting, we are confident their services will be of great value to companies looking to set and implement science-based targets”, says Alberto Carrillo Pineda, Director Science Based Targets & Renewable Energy at the CDP.

CEMAsys.com is a leading Nordic consulting- and systems provider for climate, GRI and sustainability reporting services, and has since 2010 been the only Nordic consulting partnered with the CDP. In 2018, CEMAsys.com supported 36 Nordic companies reporting on their business strategy towards climate, water, and forests to the CDP. Of the total 7000 companies worldwide who reported to the CDP in 2018, only 126 companies received the highest score of A, gaining a spot on the coveted CDP A-List. CEMAsys.com supported 6 of these A-List companies from Norway and Sweden, as well as 6 Nordic companies scoring an A-, and 12 Nordic companies scoring a B.

“As the only accredited CDP consulting partner since 2010, it is a great recognition of our work to be asked by the CDP to become an accredited SBT Consulting Partner. We support more than 280 Nordic businesses with climate and sustainability reporting every year, both through our cloud-based service for all types of sustainability reporting, and with our climate- and GRI-consultants in an adviser and analysis capacity. We have for many years supported companies in developing clear and specific climate goals. Through our role as SBT Consulting Partner we will elevate our capacity through training and information provided by the CDP and the Science Based Target initiative so that we can help our Nordic clients budget and develop goals for their greenhouse gas emissions towards 2050, in line with the IPCC and the Paris Agreement”, said Partner and Product Manager in CEMAsys.com, Per Otto Larsen.

 

About SBT

The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) is a collaborative project between the CDP, the UN Global Compact (UNGC), World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF). The purpose of the SBTi is to provide companies with a science-based tool for setting climate goals and budgets, and in doing so, increase companies’ competitive advantage in the transition to a low-carbon society.

Science-based targets provide companies with a roadmap to future growth in a changing global economy by outlining how much and how fast they need to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Video: What is a science-based target?

 

In the Paris Agreement, 195 countries committed to limit global warming to well-below 2 degrees Celsius. This signaled an acceleration in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Many companies already highlight their skills, capacity, and ingenuity to thrive in this transition – but they need ambitious reduction targets that ensure that the actions they take are in line with contemporary knowledge surrounding climate change.

Targets that are approved by companies to reduce greenhouse gases are considered science-based if they are in line with the levels of reduction that are necessary to keep global temperature rise under 2 degrees and if they are in line with the IPCC’s objectives.

Link: https://sciencebasedtargets.org/

 

About CDP

Over the last 15 years CDP has developed a system that has resulted in outstanding engagement on climate issues between investors, companies, cities, countries, and regions across the globe. CDP is a non-profit organization and is a global investor-driven reporting scheme. Every year, on behalf of 840 institutional investors, CDP asks over 7000 listed companies how they address global climate change, and how they acknowledge the risks and opportunities that follow a changing climate and a changing economy. The CDP asks 260 of the largest Nordic listed companies to report each year.

In addition to acting on behalf of investors, CDP uses this reporting scheme for CDP Supply Chain, CDP City, and now also for private actors in their Non-Listed Program.

Link: https://www.cdp.net/en

 

Contact CEMAsys.com:

www.cemasys.com

Kjetil Selmer-Olsen

kjetil(at)cemasys.com

 

 

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.



FBRH GRI Standards Certified and ISEP approved Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

By registering for the next 2-day FBRH GRI-Standards Certified and ISEP approved Course you will be taking the first step in gaining the many benefits of sustainability reporting.

 

References:

This article is based on published information by CEMAsys.com AS. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://portal.cemasys.com/ 

The post CEMAsys.com AS achieves accreditation to help companies set climate targets consistent with the Paris Agreement appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How BT helps customers cut carbon emissions https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-bt-helps-customers-cut-carbon-emissions/ Mon, 24 Dec 2018 07:00:01 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8483 As one of the world’s leading communications services companies, providing a variety of communications services to businesses and consumers, based in the UK but with customers in 180 countries around the globe, This case study is based on the 2015/16 Delivering our purpose Report by BT published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing. Abstract […]

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As one of the world’s leading communications services companies, providing a variety of communications services to businesses and consumers, based in the UK but with customers in 180 countries around the globe, BT seeks to use its technology to help customers reduce their emissions, contributing to global action on climate change.  Tweet This!

This case study is based on the 2015/16 Delivering our purpose Report by BT published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

Layout 1

Abstract

Using its technology to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time – climate change –, minimising not just its own environmental impacts but also helping others do the same, is a top priority for BT. In order to help customers cut carbon emissions BT took action to:

  • help customers reduce emissions through broadband
  • provide flexible working solutions
  • offer collaboration, audio and videoconferencing solutions
  • provide data centre and cloud solutions

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2015/16 Delivering our purpose Report BT identified a range of material issues, such as privacy & data security, customer experience, network investment, business ethics. Among these, helping customers cut carbon emissions stands out as a key material issue for BT.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups BT engages with:

Stakeholder Group
Customers
Employees
Government bodies
Investors
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Suppliers

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics BT engaged with stakeholders through day-to-day interactions by phone or in meetings, online discussion forums, focus groups, social media and participation in industry collaborations, online surveys and interviews.

What actions were taken by BT to help customers cut carbon emissions?

In its 2015/16 Delivering our purpose Report BT reports that it took the following actions for helping customers cut carbon emissions:

  • Helping customers reduce emissions through broadband
  • Broadband enables people to work from home or remotely (telecommuting) and save time, fuel and emissions from travelling to and from an office daily. Broadband also supports a range of technologies that remove or replace the use of physical products (dematerialisation) and the need to travel to get these products or access services (e.g. online news instead of newspapers, music and movie streaming that replace CDs and DVDs, and online services such as banking and shopping). In addition, superfast broadband makes telecommuting even easier for people, helping them make the change from physical to virtual products and services. Broadband also supports e-commerce, decreasing the need for physical shops.
  • Providing flexible working solutions
  • BT offers services that let staff work flexibly, like secure remote access to an organisation’s systems. Accordingly, desks can be shared as people aren’t all present at once, reducing the need for office space and cutting the amount of energy needed to power, heat and cool buildings. Flexible working also reduces commuting, offering people the opportunity to work from home. This can bring significant overall savings, even after taking into account the additional energy employees use to power, light and heat their homes when working there. BT also offers productivity solutions: Field Force Automation improves efficiency and productivity for organisations with staff travelling around to appointments during their working day (for example, sales teams, engineers or district nurses). Online services and automated scheduling mean employees don’t have to go to their base to get their call sheet in the morning and report in at the end of the day. Additionally, staff can be allocated to tasks near them to minimise travel, doing less mileage and fitting more visits into their day.
  • Offering collaboration, audio and videoconferencing solutions
  • BT’s audio and video conferencing services enable customers to meet remotely from anywhere, instead of travelling to meet up. In addition, BT offers organisations a single global network to support all communications – including voice, email, web and videoconferencing, as well as mobile devices – so that teams can work together effectively – whether sitting across a table, or across the world.
  • Providing data centre and cloud solutions
  • BT’s cloud services release organisations from the burden of having their own IT servers – which take up space and use energy on organisations’ premises. Instead, BT hosts their data and, by hosting such vast quantities of data, it can achieve economies of scale and reduce the energy required to power and cool its data centres. Additionally, BT makes data centres as efficient as possible, well above the industry average for energy efficiency.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is:

Disclosure 302-2 Energy consumption outside of the organization

Disclosure 302-2 Energy consumption outside of the organization corresponds to:

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by BT, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) http://www.fbrh.co.uk/en/global-reporting-initiative-gri-g4-guidelines-download-page

3) https://g4.globalreporting.org/Pages/default.aspx

4) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to BT: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

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]]> Urgent climate change action needed: the next two years are crucial https://sustaincase.com/urgent-climate-change-action-needed-the-next-two-years-are-crucial/ Wed, 05 Dec 2018 08:02:50 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8464 , stressing that “decisive action in the next two years will be crucial”. This statement comes as world leaders meet in Katowice, Poland, for the COP 24 UN climate conference. This meeting is seen as the most critical since the 2015 Paris agreement. Experts warn that drastic cuts in carbon emissions are necessary to reach the Paris goals, while the World Bank has announced $200bn in funding for countries that take action to limit climate change. Why is this meeting different? This COP (Conference of the Parties) is the first to take place after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change […]

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]]> “The planet is at a crossroads” warn four former UN climate talks presidents in an effort to encourage effective action against climate change  Tweet This!, stressing that “decisive action in the next two years will be crucial”. This statement comes as world leaders meet in Katowice, Poland, for the COP 24 UN climate conference.

This meeting is seen as the most critical since the 2015 Paris agreement. Experts warn that drastic cuts in carbon emissions are necessary to reach the Paris goals, while the World Bank has announced $200bn in funding for countries that take action to limit climate change.

Why is this meeting different?

This COP (Conference of the Parties) is the first to take place after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C. According to the IPCC report, to achieve this goal, governments would have to reduce GHG emissions by 45 per cent by 2030. However, a recent study showed that CO2 emissions are, once again, increasing.

Protecting those most vulnerable to climate change, should also be a top priority. According to Gebru Jember Endalew, who chairs the group of poorest nations in the negotiations, “the IPCC report made crystal clear that every bit of warming matters, especially for the least developed countries.”

Additionally, for both China and the EU, this meeting is critical, as they want to show that international collaboration to address climate change is still possible in the age of President Trump.

What will be the focus of the meeting?

Conference delegates will focus on finalising the technical rules of how the Paris agreement – which does not become operational until 2020 – will work. Delegates will have to agree on common rules (the “rulebook”) for measuring, reporting and verifying greenhouse gas emissions, and for providing climate finance.

Is the UN process moving fast enough?

In view of the undoubtedly slow pace of the process, some campaigners argue that politicians around the globe are failing to realise the scale of the threat rising temperatures present. “Governments across the world have completely failed to protect their citizens,” said a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion, a social movement pushing for radical change on climate issues.

On a more optimistic note, Achim Steiner, who heads the United Nations Development Programme, says that despite the difficulties encountered, “we have a $300bn renewable energy economy at work today – it’s not peanuts, it’s an energy revolution that has unfolded on the back of, yes, a sometimes sticky climate negotiation process”.

Will President Trump and the US take part?

The US has withdrawn from the Paris agreement, but it cannot leave until 2020. Thus, US negotiators are participating in meetings, and are expected to take part in COP 24. However, it has been reported that the White House will, for one more time, organise a side event, promoting fossil fuels – a move that is likely to outrage many delegates.

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

FBRH GRI Standards Certified and ISEP approved Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

By registering for the next 2-day FBRH GRI-Standards Certified and ISEP approved Course you will be taking the first step in gaining the many benefits of sustainability reporting.

 

References:

This article is based on published information by the BBC. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-46398057

The post Urgent climate change action needed: the next two years are crucial appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group decarbonises its operations https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-mandarin-oriental-hotel-group-decarbonises-its-operations/ Sun, 02 Dec 2018 18:21:32 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8355 As an international hotel investment and management group with deluxe and first class hotels, resorts and residences in sought-after destinations around the globe, operating 29 hotels and eight residences in 19 countries and territories, This case study is based on the 2016 Sustainability Report by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing […]

The post Case study: How Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group decarbonises its operations appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

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As an international hotel investment and management group with deluxe and first class hotels, resorts and residences in sought-after destinations around the globe, operating 29 hotels and eight residences in 19 countries and territories, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is committed to decarbonising its operations, through a number of strategies and initiatives.  Tweet This!

This case study is based on the 2016 Sustainability Report by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

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Abstract

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group seeks to integrate sound sustainability practices and principles into the lifecycle of its properties, including operations. In order to decarbonise its operations, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group took action to:

  • carry out energy audits
  • apply retro-commissioning
  • use LED lighting
  • implement energy management systems
  • promote behavioural changes

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2016 Sustainability Report Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group identified a range of material issues, such as guest engagement on sustainability, supply chain management, human rights and diversity, biodiversity, local community impacts. Among these, decarbonising its operations stands out as a key material issue for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group engages with:  

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement (in 2016)
Guests

 

 ·      Guest Satisfaction Survey

·      Solicitation of Direct and Target Feedback to Inform Quality Programmes
Colleagues

 

 ·      Colleague Engagement Survey

·      Career Development Plans and Performance Reviews

·      Hotel Corporate Responsibility Committees

·      Safe, Sound and Sustainable Programme
Owners and developers

 

 ·      Close Partnerships and Regular Communications Throughout Design, Development, Construction and Management of Properties
Local communities ·      Participation in Local Stakeholder Groups Including:

– Hotel Associations

– Chambers of Commerce

– Business Development Councils

– Convention and Visitors’ Bureaus and Promotion   Organisations

– Travel and Tourism Associations

– Community Benefit Organisations

– Local Heritage Preservation Initiatives

– Training and Local Talent Retention Organisations

– Local Collectives for Recycling

– Employer Organisations and Professional Associations
Shareholders ·      Ongoing and Routine Discussions With the Controlling Shareholder Jardine Matheson Group on Financial Performance, Risk Management and other current issues

·      Financial and Sustainability Reporting

·      Shareholder Feedback Mechanisms
Vendors, suppliers and contractors ·      Supplier Meetings to Discuss Sustainable Sourcing Opportunities

·      Food and Beverage Conference

·      Partnerships with Local Farmers, Ranchers and Fisheries
Industry peers and trade associations ·      Participation in World Travel and Tourism Council’s Task Force on Industry Strategies for Climate Change

·      Participation in Industry Hotel Carbon and Water Measurement Initiatives

·      Monitoring and Evaluating Industry Corporate Responsibility Initiatives
NGOs and outside advisors ·      Interviews and Panel Discussion to Discuss Opportunities to Improve Corporate Responsibility Programmes and Reports

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group organised a stakeholder panel that integrated perspectives from several organisations, which included Conservation International, the International Tourism Partnership, National Geographic Traveler, the United States Green Building Council and the World Wildlife Fund.

What actions were taken by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group to decarbonise its operations?

In its 2016 Sustainability Report Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group reports that it took the following actions for decarbonising its operations:

  • Carrying out energy audits
  • Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group conducts, as part of its Safe Sound and Sustainable programme, energy audits, according to ASHRAE’s (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Procedures for Commercial Energy Audits. These audits consider each hotel’s particular requirements and target specific mechanical functions, such as chilled water or hot water production.
  • Applying retro-commissioning
  • When a testing and commissioning process implemented as part of a project handover has been ineffective or a specific area of concern is identified during an energy audit, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group applies a retro-commissioning process. The retro-commissioning process is also implemented, more comprehensively, when there are significant operational changes, because of renovations or extensions of a property.
  • Using LED lighting
  • Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has set a goal of switching to LED lighting in all its hotels by 2020. Accordingly, it has installed LED lighting in guestrooms, banquet areas, restaurants, corridors, parking garages and back-of-house areas across its hotels and residences.
  • Implementing energy management systems
  • Today, 88 per cent of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s hotel rooms are equipped with automatic systems that reduce energy consumption when guestrooms are unoccupied. In addition, as part of its guestroom renovation, Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC upgraded its smart, in-room energy management systems.
  • Promoting behavioural changes
  • Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group seeks, through regular measurement and monitoring, using sub-metering when possible, to encourage behavioural changes. Hence, management at One Hyde Park (the Group’s residences in London) started monitoring utility consumption of all residents’ apartments and investigate abnormal usage. As a consequence, some simple behavioural change opportunities were identified for landlord-controlled areas, along with opportunities to reduce costs for residents.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization

2) Disclosure 302-3 Energy intensity

3) Disclosure 305-4 GHG emissions intensity

 

Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization corresponds to:

Disclosure 302-3 Energy intensity corresponds to:

Disclosure 305-4 GHG emissions intensity corresponds to:

  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Business theme: GHG emissions
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Business theme: Ocean acidification
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
  • Business theme: Forest degradation

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) http://www.fbrh.co.uk/en/global-reporting-initiative-gri-g4-guidelines-download-page

3) https://g4.globalreporting.org/Pages/default.aspx

4) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group decarbonises its operations appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Southwestern Energy reduces methane emissions https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-southwestern-energy-reduces-methane-emissions/ Wed, 14 Nov 2018 07:45:21 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8239 As an independent energy company engaged in natural gas and crude oil exploration, development, production, gathering and marketing, , as excessive methane leakage can partly offset the benefits of natural gas as a lower-carbon fossil fuel. This case study is based on the 2015–16 Corporate Responsibility Report by Southwestern Energy published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, […]

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As an independent energy company engaged in natural gas and crude oil exploration, development, production, gathering and marketing, Southwestern Energy (SWN) is proactively addressing methane emissions through several voluntary efforts  Tweet This!, as excessive methane leakage can partly offset the benefits of natural gas as a lower-carbon fossil fuel.

This case study is based on the 2015–16 Corporate Responsibility Report by Southwestern Energy published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

Layout 1

Abstract

Methane is the primary component of natural gas and a short-lived, high-global-warming potential greenhouse gas (GHG) when emitted. Addressing methane emissions is, thus, a top priority for SWN. In order to reduce methane emissions SWN took action to:

  • implement a leak detection and repair programme
  • evaluate new and emerging methane emission-detection technologies
  • collaborate to reduce methane emissions across the natural gas value chain

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2015–16 Corporate Responsibility Report SWN identified a range of material issues, such as risk management, safe working conditions and training, proactive community engagement, company financial health, water quality, sourcing and wastewater management. Among these, reducing methane emissions stands out as a key material issue for SWN.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The organization should identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups SWN engages with:   

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Investors

 

 

 

 ·         Financial reports and teleconferences (annually and quarterly)

·         Meetings with institutional investors (more than 850 in 2015)

·         Direct contact with Board members

·         Investor conferences and bus tours (54 in 2015)

·         Additional regular contact through SWN’s Investor Relations function
Employees

 

 ·         SWNet (internal internet)

·         Town-hall style meetings (quarterly by division, and quarterly with SWN’s CEO)

·         Support and networking groups

·         Safety training

·         Performance management

·         Connection (triennial employee newsletter)

·         Surveys

·         Leadership and professional development programs

·         Ethics hotline

·         Day-to-day interactions
Contractors

 

 

 

 ·         Safety Stand Down days and safety training

·         Project meetings at SWN sites to address specific HSE issues and corrective actions

·         Operational reviews by division management

·         Vendor forums and audits

·         SWNlink communications, including operational announcements and quarterly newsletters
Customers

 

 ·         Regular contact through SWN’s Marketing group
Landowners and Holders of Mineral Rights

 

 ·         Direct, individual conversations and negotiations

·         Monthly payment statements to royalty owners

·         Biannual newsletters

·         Landowner hotline
Local Communities (including residents, elected officials, community groups, chambers of commerce, emergency responders) ·         Regular contact via SWN community liaisons

·         Everyday Heroes events (annually in Southwestern Energy’s operating areas)

·         Employee volunteerism (typically monthly)

·         Safety Stand Down days and safety training

·         Hotlines to field concerns and questions

·         Fundraisers and charitable giving

·         Crisis drills (annually)
State- and Federal-Level Government Officials ·         Open and direct communications

·         Educational sessions

·         Legislative and regulatory engagement
Environmental Organisations and Universities

 

 ·         Participation in and funding of specific partnership projects

·         Joint research projects

·         Resources for technical assistance

·         Direct communication with relevant SWN employees

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics SWN interviewed stakeholders and reviewed documents representing stakeholders’ views, including employees, suppliers, investors, regulators, local communities and nongovernmental organisations.

What actions were taken by SWN to reduce methane emissions?

In its 2015–16 Corporate Responsibility Report SWN reports that it took the following actions for reducing methane emissions:

  • Implementing a leak detection and repair programme
  • SWN applies a company-wide leak detection and repair (LDAR) programme, which includes annual instrument surveys, leak detection surveys, leak repairs, re-surveys and recordkeeping sufficient to track and trend leaks. In 2015, SWN acquired Bacharach Hi-Flow measurement devices and was able to quantify the emissions detected. In addition, SWN staff carried out instrument leak detection surveys on approximately 88 per cent of SWN’s total well count and 85 per cent of its Midstream-operated compressor stations. Leaks were identified and repaired, and midstream operations achieved a 60 per cent decrease in total leak observations from 2014 to 2015.
  • Evaluating new and emerging methane emission-detection technologies
  • SWN engages in field trials to evaluate new and emerging methane emission-detection technologies (for example, the Picarro Surveyor and Rebellion Photonics Gas Cloud Imaging). Additionally, SWN participates in the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)’s Methane Detector Challenge and the ARPA-E programme by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop low-cost methane sensors, as well as in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Natural Gas STAR Program, which encourages companies to voluntarily recover or reduce methane emissions. SWN’s cumulative reported reductions since beginning the programme in 2006, are more than 41.2 billion cubic feet.
  • Collaborating to reduce methane emissions across the natural gas value chain
  • SWN co-founded the Our Nation’s Energy (ONE) Future coalition, a group of eight companies dedicated to reducing methane emissions across the natural gas value chain. ONE Future’s aim is to reduce, by 2025, emissions to an average annual leak/loss rate of no more than 1 per cent of gross U.S. natural gas production. SWN also joined the Climate and Clean Air Coalition Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (CCACOGMP), an international programme that aims to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. Programme participants share best practices for controlling and reducing emissions from certain sources.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is:

Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions

Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions corresponds to:

  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Business theme: GHG emissions
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Business theme: Ocean acidification
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
  • Business theme: Forest degradation

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by SWN, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) http://www.fbrh.co.uk/en/global-reporting-initiative-gri-g4-guidelines-download-page

3) https://g4.globalreporting.org/Pages/default.aspx

4) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to SWN: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How Southwestern Energy reduces methane emissions appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Ford reduces emissions from logistics operations https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-ford-reduces-emissions-from-logistics-operations/ Mon, 12 Nov 2018 08:22:35 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8231 As a leading global automaker, with 166,000 people working in plants and offices in over 100 countries around the globe, Ford’s logistics operations, from receiving parts and components from suppliers to delivering finished vehicles to dealerships, represent an important opportunity to reduce Ford’s environmental impacts, especially with regard to emissions. This case study is based on the 2017/18 Sustainability Report by Ford that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and […]

The post Case study: How Ford reduces emissions from logistics operations appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

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As a leading global automaker, with 166,000 people working in plants and offices in over 100 countries around the globe, Ford’s logistics operations, from receiving parts and components from suppliers to delivering finished vehicles to dealerships, represent an important opportunity to reduce Ford’s environmental impacts, especially with regard to emissions.

This case study is based on the 2017/18 Sustainability Report by Ford that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

Layout 1

Abstract

Ford seeks to achieve emissions reductions in its logistics operations by, among others, improving the efficiency of processes  Tweet This!, adopting new technology and using alternative modes of transport. In order to reduce emissions from logistics operations Ford took action to:

  • improve the efficiency of its network
  • update vehicle fleets and optimise packaging
  • collaborate to improve measurement and reporting

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2017/18 Sustainability Report Ford identified a range of material issues, such as product carbon footprint and fuel economy, ethical business practices, supply chain management, assessment, capacity building and performance, human rights, customer satisfaction, product quality and safety. Among these, reducing emissions from logistics operations stands out as a key material issue for Ford.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The organization should identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Ford engages with:   

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Communities ·         Community Relations Committees

·         Interactions with governments

·         Membership of associations

·         Dialogue with nongovernmental organisations

·         Ford Fund

·         Driving Skills for Life program
Customers ·         Consumer Insight process

·         Market research

·         Customer care programs

·         Dealer interactions

·         Ford.com website

·         Ford Owners magazine
Dealers ·         Intranet communications

·         Brand sales and service representatives

·         Brand Dealer Councils

·         Dealer roundtables

·         President’s Circle

·         Salute to Dealers

·         Advertising and public service announcements

·         U.S. NADA Dealer Attitude Survey
Employees

 

 ·         Intranet site

·         Sustainability Report and executive summary

·         Social media applications

·         Union representatives

·         Joint labor–management committees

·         Webcasts, videos, blogs and executive Q&A sessions with senior management

·         “Town Hall” meetings

·         Employee surveys

·         Employee Resource Group initiatives

·         Test drive and product reveal events
Investors ·         Investment community forums

·         Quarterly earnings communications

·         Annual shareholders’ meeting

·         Annual report

·         Proxy statement

·         SEC filings (e.g., 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K)

·         Ratings and rankings
Suppliers ·         Top Supplier meetings

·         Ford Partnership for a Cleaner Environment (PACE)

·         Aligned Business Framework supplier dialogue sessions

·         Supplier quality roundtables

·         Supplier Diversity Development Networking

·         External supplier organisations

·         Coalitions including EICC

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Ford carried out interviews with both internal and external stakeholders, who were asked to rate issues according to importance.

What actions were taken by Ford to reduce emissions from logistics operations?

In its 2017/18 Sustainability Report Ford reports that it took the following actions for reducing emissions from logistics operations:

  • Improving the efficiency of Ford’s network
  • To minimise the impacts of its inbound and outbound freight, Ford examines every opportunity to reduce the number of miles travelled and explore more fuel-efficient and lower-carbon modes of transport. Ford’s network efficiency initiatives include improved route planning, regional distribution centres to coordinate deliveries and “Milk run” routes with several collection points, along with driver training in fuel-efficient driving techniques. In addition, Ford uses rail, sea and river transport to reduce emissions and road miles, as well as multimodal solutions (e.g., “SWAP bodies”: road trailers that can also be used for rail).
  • Updating vehicle fleets and optimising packaging
  • Ford constantly updates its fleets to ensure it complies with the latest requirements of ISO 14001 and other regulatory standards. Accordingly, Ford seeks to utilise latest engine technologies and equipment modifications (for example, deflectors and speed limiters), as well as new packaging designs that carry extra loads. Ford also tries to achieve greater load density, for fewer trips and lower fuel consumption.
  • Collaborating to improve measurement and reporting
  • Quantifying and reporting freight emissions helps Ford minimise its total life cycle carbon emissions and reduce its overall environmental footprint. Accordingly, Ford works with industry bodies and standards agencies to improve reporting methods, such as the Scope 3 GHG Emissions Standard, developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Ford is also actively collaborating with a team of students from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (UM-SEAS) to evaluate its current CDP Scope 3 submission. In addition, through the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) in North America, the U.K. Department for Transport and Odette International in Europe, Ford encourages others in its industry to improve their measurement and reporting of GHG emissions.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 305-3 Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions

2) Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions

 

Disclosure 305-3 Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions corresponds to:

Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions corresponds to:

  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Business theme: GHG emissions
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Business theme: Ocean acidification
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
  • Business theme: Forest degradation

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Ford, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original at the link:

https://corporate.ford.com/microsites/sustainability-report-2017-18/doc/sr17.pdf

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Ford: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How Ford reduces emissions from logistics operations appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How FedEx improves vehicle efficiency https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-fedex-improves-vehicle-efficiency/ Sat, 27 Oct 2018 09:27:34 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8141 FedEx’s diverse portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business solutions serves millions of customers in over 220 countries and territories around the globe, with more than 180,000 owned and contracted vehicles. Minimising its global environmental footprint by increasing vehicle efficiency is, thus, a top priority for FedEx. This case study is based on the 2017 Global Citizenship Report by FedEx published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the […]

The post Case study: How FedEx improves vehicle efficiency appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

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FedEx’s diverse portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business solutions serves millions of customers in over 220 countries and territories around the globe, with more than 180,000 owned and contracted vehicles. Minimising its global environmental footprint by increasing vehicle efficiency is, thus, a top priority for FedEx.

This case study is based on the 2017 Global Citizenship Report by FedEx published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

Layout 1

Abstract

FedEx’s global ground transportation operations continue to offer potential for significant efficiency gains  Tweet This!, through a number of programs and innovations. In order to improve vehicle efficiency FedEx took action to:

  • optimise truck routes
  • instill good driving habits
  • upgrade vehicle fleet to more efficient models

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2017 Global Citizenship Report FedEx identified a range of material issues, such as ethics, bribery & corruption, workplace safety, business preparedness, resiliency & disaster response, data security & privacy. Among these, improving vehicle efficiency stands out as a key material issue for FedEx.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The organization should identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups FedEx engages with:   

Stakeholder Group
Customers
Industry groups
Investors
Sustainability experts
Nonprofits
Government agencies

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics FedEx engaged with stakeholders through a survey and roundtable engagement session.

What actions were taken by FedEx to improve vehicle efficiency?

In its 2017 Global Citizenship Report FedEx reports that it took the following actions for improving vehicle efficiency:

  • Optimising truck routes
  • FedEx seeks to reduce overall mileage by optimising routes, matching vehicles to journey based on load volume and route length, and plotting the shortest routes. In addition, FedEx applies its logistics expertise to reduce “empty” miles, when trucks travel with less than optimal loading and uses efficient technologies such as automatic transmissions and low-rolling resistance tires. Moreover, in FY16, through the FedEx Express Reduce, Replace, Revolutionize strategy and intermodal rail shipping at FedEx Freight, FedEx saved over 43 million gallons of fuel, avoiding more than 444,000 metric tons CO2e.
  • Instilling good driving habits
  • FedEx helps drivers improve their efficiency by reducing idle time, controlling speed and using progressive shifting techniques. FedEx’s international Eco-drive education program offers both classroom and practical sessions teaching tips anyone can use to drive in an environmentally friendly way. The program also identifies routes for changing to intermodal rail, which is more fuel-efficient than roads, and opportunities to reduce “last-mile” deliveries by providing more customer pickup locations.
  • Upgrading vehicle fleet to more efficient models
  • When replacing any surface vehicle, FedEx upgrades to cleaner, more efficient models whenever possible. In FY16, FedEx added over 800 alternative-fuel/technology vehicles to its fleet. Additionally, in early FY17, FedEx installed a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station at the FedEx Freight Oklahoma City Service Center and purchased over 100 CNG tractors. FedEx is also exploring greater use of electric and fuel cell powered vehicles among other advanced technologies, together with alternative-fueled vehicles.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization

2) Disclosure 302-4 Reduction of energy consumption

3) Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions

 

Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization corresponds to:

Disclosure 302-4 Reduction of energy consumption corresponds to:

Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions corresponds to:

  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Business theme: GHG emissions
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Business theme: Ocean acidification
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
  • Business theme: Forest degradation

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by FedEx, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) http://www.fbrh.co.uk/en/global-reporting-initiative-gri-g4-guidelines-download-page

3) https://g4.globalreporting.org/Pages/default.aspx

4) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to FedEx: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

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]]> Case study: How Thai Union is improving the energy efficiency of its facilities https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-thai-union-is-improving-the-energy-efficiency-of-its-facilities/ Tue, 09 Oct 2018 06:26:55 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8069 As a global seafood leader dedicated to innovation and sustainability, with brands across North America, Europe and Asia and the Pacific, , reducing its GHG emissions. This case study is based on the 2017 Sustainability Report by Thai Union published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing. Abstract Abstract For Thai Union, measuring and effectively managing […]

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As a global seafood leader dedicated to innovation and sustainability, with brands across North America, Europe and Asia and the Pacific, Thai Union recognises the serious impact of greenhouse gases (GHG) on climate change and global warming and is committed to operating responsibly  Tweet This!, reducing its GHG emissions.

This case study is based on the 2017 Sustainability Report by Thai Union published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

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Abstract

For Thai Union, measuring and effectively managing the energy consumption and efficiency of the factories it operates, is a key priority. In order to improve the energy efficiency of its facilities Thai Union took action to:

  • reduce coal consumption
  • reduce electrical consumption
  • reduce CO2 consumption

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2017 Sustainability Report Thai Union identified a range of material issues, such as ocean plastic, human rights and ethical labour practices, responsible sourcing, transparency and governance, innovation and product responsibility. Among these, improving the energy efficiency of its facilities stands out as a key material issue for Thai Union.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The organization should identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Thai Union engages with:   

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Thai Union management

 

 

 ·         Online consultation

·         Tailored strategy presentation

·         Reporting (e.g. newsletter, emails)

·         Events (internal, external)

·         Microsite
Thai Union staff ·         Online consultation

·         Tailored strategy presentation

·         Reporting (e.g. newsletter, emails)

·         Events (internal, external)

·         Microsite
Thai Union legal staff

 

 

 ·         Online consultation

·         Tailored strategy presentation

·         Reporting (e.g. newsletter, emails)

·         Events (internal, external)

·         Microsite
Consumers

 

 ·         Microsite

·         Corporate sustainability campaign
Customers

 

 ·         Online consultation

·         Tailored strategy presentation

·         Reporting (e.g. newsletter, emails)

·         Trainings (sales teams)

·         Site visits

·         Events (internal, external)

·         Microsite
Industry associations/lobbyists ·         Online consultation

·         Tailored strategy presentation

·         Microsite
International organisations (UN, Interpol, etc.) ·         Online consultation

·         Tailored strategy presentation

·         Site visits

·         Events (internal, external)

·         Microsite
NGOs/foundations ·         Online consultation

·         Tailored strategy presentation

·         Site visits

·         Microsite
Policy makers/regulators ·         Online consultation

·         Tailored strategy presentation

·         Reporting (e.g. newsletter, emails)

·         Site visits

·         Events (internal, external)

·         Microsite
Shareholders/investors ·         Online consultation

·         Tailored strategy presentation (personalised emails & letters)

·         Reporting (e.g. newsletter, emails)

·         Trainings (investor relations team)

·         Site visits

·         Microsite
Suppliers ·         Online consultation

·         Trainings

·         Microsite
Think tanks ·         Online consultation

·         Tailored strategy presentation

·         Microsite

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

In 2017, to assess and prioritise material topics, Thai Union carried out face-to-face meetings with key stakeholders, including governments, customers, consumers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society, along with staff and research institutions.

What actions were taken by Thai Union to improve the energy efficiency of its facilities?

In its 2017 Sustainability Report Thai Union reports that it took the following actions for improving the energy efficiency of its facilities:

  • Reducing coal consumption
  • Thai Union managed to reduce coal consumption at Thai Union Factory and Thai Union Seafood, by reducing and optimising the pressure of steam production. This can reduce yearly coal consumption by approximately 1,342 tons, bunker oil by 370,851.22 liters and costs by 10,363,462.77 Thai Baht.
  • Reducing electrical consumption
  • Thai Union utilised methane from a biogas wastewater treatment plant to generate electricity at Thai Union Manufacturing, thereby reducing the electrical cost by over 9 million Thai Baht per year. In addition, at Songkla Canning, Thai Union reduced electricity consumption in the refrigerant system by installing small compressors (132 kW) instead of big compressors (300 kW) in the anteroom, air lock room and ice making machines. This will save approximately 2.2 million Thai Baht per year, with an internal return rate of 1.35 years.
  • Reducing CO2 consumption
  • At Pakfood Company (Okeanos Food) and Thai Union Factory, Thai Union managed to reduce its CO2 consumption per ton of production in the flash freezing process by 12,680.21 tons or 54%, compared to 2016. This also saved Thai Union 19.4 million Thai Baht in 2017.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization

2) Disclosure 302-3 Energy intensity

3) Disclosure 302-4 Reduction of energy consumption

4) Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions

 

Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization corresponds to:

Disclosure 302-3 Energy intensity corresponds to:

Disclosure 302-4 Reduction of energy consumption corresponds to:

Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions corresponds to:

  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Business theme: GHG emissions
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Business theme: Ocean acidification
  • Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
  • Business theme: Forest degradation

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Thai Union, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) http://www.fbrh.co.uk/en/global-reporting-initiative-gri-g4-guidelines-download-page

3) https://g4.globalreporting.org/Pages/default.aspx

4) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Thai Union: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How Thai Union is improving the energy efficiency of its facilities appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

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