reducing 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... Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:10:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 Incentivising Scope 3 reporting through regulation and policy https://sustaincase.com/incentivising-scope-3-reporting-through-regulation-and-policy/ Wed, 15 Feb 2023 12:21:41 +0000 https://sustaincase.com/?p=16573 Not many organisations around the world report today on their Scope 3 emissions, despite the proposed priority, globally, in decarbonising business activities. To incentivise businesses and organisations to increase their Scope 3 disclosures, regulations enforced by governments or regulatory bodies, along with corporate policies, will be key. Multinational companies can also act as a driving force, encouraging government action in expanding reporting requirements to integrate Scope 3 disclosures and supporting SMEs in improving their emission measurement and disclosure. With the number of businesses and organisations who are setting net-zero commitments steadily increasing across the globe, decarbonisation has become a top […]

The post Incentivising Scope 3 reporting through regulation and policy appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Not many organisations around the world report today on their Scope 3 emissions, despite the proposed priority, globally, in decarbonising business activities. To incentivise businesses and organisations to increase their Scope 3 disclosures, regulations enforced by governments or regulatory bodies, along with corporate policies, will be key. Multinational companies can also act as a driving force, encouraging government action in expanding reporting requirements to integrate Scope 3 disclosures and supporting SMEs in improving their emission measurement and disclosure.

With the number of businesses and organisations who are setting net-zero commitments steadily increasing across the globe, decarbonisation has become a top priority. Moreover, a recent report by the World Economic Forum highlighted the need for organisations to focus on their Scope 3 emissions, as they typically account for more than 70% of overall GHG emissions.

As part of the Reuters Insight Sustainability Survey 2022, Reuters Insight surveyed senior business practitioners and C-Suite executives, asking them to rank the strategic priority of decarbonisation within their organisation relative to other ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) key performance indicators and objectives.

Key findings include the following:

  • Decarbonisation was seen as a top to mid-level priority by the vast majority (82%) of respondents. In over 50% of cases, decarbonisation was regarded as either the top priority or a high priority.
  • The majority (57%) of senior sustainability practitioners surveyed by Reuters Insight indicated that their organisations were still not engaging with their Scope 3 emissions.
  • 44% of survey respondents who were not currently engaging in their Scope 3 emissions had plans to do so within the next 24 months. This means that 56% of respondents whose organisations were not engaging with Scope 3 emissions did not have plans to change in the next 24 months, showing that these organisations may need external incentives to pursue Scope 3 reporting.
  • Climate-related disclosures by organisations rose with the adoption of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework. Since 2022, eligible UK companies were required to produce a TCFD report for the first time.
  • Among respondents who confirmed their organisation had a carbon-neutral target in place, a majority (62%) had a science-aligned and verified target.
  • Without mandatory reporting requirements once targets were set, fewer than half of the companies included in the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)’s 2021 analysis reported progress on their targets, indicating, once more, that mandatory requirements are the main driver of Scope 3 reporting.
  • With a lack of clear reporting requirements for the inclusion of Scope 3 emissions, most companies that had Scope 3 targets and reporting were only focused on company travel (which is only one among many sources of Scope 3 emissions).
  • Companies not currently reporting on or not planning to report on their Scope 3 emissions are likely to be incentivised to do so in the near future, with more progressive regulatory requirements.
  • Although regulation is likely to be the principal driver for incentivising Scope 3 reporting, large organisations need to be more proactive in promoting  further Scope 3 reporting, not least by implementing internal policies to drive improvements in reporting or by requiring suppliers to adhere to a supplier code of conduct and showcase their plans for actively reducing their emissions.

 

Overall, increased government intervention is likely to motivate more organisations to report on their Scope 3 emissions, as mandatory reporting requirements are a clear driver in increasing sustainability reporting. Large organisations also have a key role to play in enhancing Scope 3 reporting, mandating disclosure from suppliers and lobbying governments to set clear Scope 3 reporting requirements. Companies, especially large multinationals, can drive progressive policies to increase Scope 3 reporting, through their own internal policy requirements or by liaising with governments to influence regulatory enhancements. Last but not least, carbon pricing can drive further Scope 3 reporting, also incentivising accuracy, with companies creating pressure down their supply chains to begin or to improve their 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.

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:

This article is based on published information by Reuters Insight. 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://insight.reuters.com/sustainable-business/articles/role-regulation-policy-incentivizing-scope-3-reporting-2023-02-06

The post Incentivising Scope 3 reporting through regulation and policy appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Oriflame reduces its GHG emissions https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-oriflame-reduces-its-ghg-emissions/ Fri, 24 Sep 2021 06:11:38 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=12916 Oriflame is a global beauty company, with a presence in over 60 markets and six production facilities in four countries (Poland, China, Russia and India). , when it started its annual calculation of operational greenhouse gas emissions according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Since then, several initiatives have been implemented to reduce Oriflame’s baseline emissions. This case study is based on the 2019 Sustainability Report by Oriflame  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 […]

The post Case study: How Oriflame reduces its GHG emissions appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Oriflame is a global beauty company, with a presence in over 60 markets and six production facilities in four countries (Poland, China, Russia and India). Oriflame has been working to reduce its climate impact since 2010  Tweet This!, when it started its annual calculation of operational greenhouse gas emissions according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Since then, several initiatives have been implemented to reduce Oriflame’s baseline emissions.

This case study is based on the 2019 Sustainability Report by Oriflame  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

By implementing a company-wide emissions reduction programme in 2010, Oriflame has reduced its absolute emissions by 48% since then. In order to reduce its GHG emissions Oriflame took action to:

  • implement an energy audit programme
  • reduce logistics emissions
  • achieve green building certifications

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Oriflame identified a range of material issues, such as economic and value creation, sustainable sourcing, human rights, sustainable packaging. Among these, reducing its GHG emissions stands out as a key material issue for Oriflame.

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 Oriflame engages with:

To identify and prioritise material topics Oriflame engaged with its stakeholders through the following channels:

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Employees

 

 

 ·      Employee NPS – quarterly survey collecting information and feedback on important elements of employee satisfaction and experiences

·      CEO Connect – annual live broadcast where employees ask the CEO questions both during and in advance of the event

·      Continuous trainings and feedback, e.g. the Oriflame way

·      Dialogue and sharing through Oriflame’s intranet and internal social media
Consultants

 

 

 

 

 ·      Consultant NPS – permanent feedback from Consultants about experiences and possible improvements

·      Business meetings, trainings, conferences and events

·      Sustainability study – through a web panel collecting information on what Oriflame’s Consultants prioritise most regarding sustainability
Investors

 

 

 

 ·      Meetings/calls with investors

·      Conference calls for the financial community in connection to quarterly reports

·      Attending seminars for the financial community

·      Corporate affairs meetings incl. Direct Selling Association (DSA) meetings

·      Yearly roadshows

·      Responding to ongoing investor questions and data reporting requests
Consumers

 

 

 

 ·      Consumer research, primarily product focused

·      Consumer surveys, sometimes including Oriflame Consultants in their role as consumers

·      Oriflame Brand Image Index, OBII (Annual)
Suppliers

 

 

 

 ·      Regular meetings/site visits with Oriflame teams regarding purchasing, packaging etc.

·      Regular sustainability site audits

·      Supplier self-assessment survey
NGOs

 

 ·      One-on-one meetings discussing both general strategy and more specific topics

·      Discussions at industry events
Society

 

 

 ·      Participation in industry initiatives and standardisation bodies

·      Community involvement, including Oriflame Foundation initiatives

·      Participation in conferences and events

What actions were taken by Oriflame to reduce its GHG emissions?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Oriflame reports that it took the following actions for reducing its GHG emissions:

  • Implementing an energy audit programme
  • Oriflame implemented an energy audit programme at its factories and offices in 2011 and has, since then, annually conducted energy audits with a focus on environmental sustainability, including energy efficiency, water consumption and waste. The results have helped Oriflame identify areas of improvements and establish energy saving programmes.
  • Reducing logistics emissions
  • Oriflame has developed a logistics programme to gradually consolidate local warehouses and move its product sourcing, catalogue printing and Global Distribution Centres closer to its major markets. Since 2010, Oriflame has reduced its emissions from global logistics transportation by 20% per pallet shipped. Oriflame is continuously reviewing packaging and loading routines to fit more into each truck and container. When selecting road carriers, a minimum 85% of the substituted equipment should meet the environmental standard Euro 4, Euro 5 or Euro 6.
  • Achieving green building certifications
  • Oriflame seeks to certify all its new construction and major renovations. In 2015, Oriflame built two new manufacturing sites in Noginsk, Russia and Roorkee, India with LEED® certifications. LEED® is a green building certification recognising best-in-class sustainable building practices. The following year, Oriflame’s main office in Moscow was BREEAM certified – another green building certification that helps drive sustainable improvements through operational efficiency. Oriflame’s factories in Russia and Poland are annually assessed by EcoVadis – a scorecard to assess environmental, social and ethical risks. In the last two years, Oriflame received gold certification, the highest score, for both sites and its factory in Poland was placed among the top 5% of companies assessed by EcoVadis.

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

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions

2) Disclosure 305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions

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

4) Disclosure 305-4 GHG emissions intensity

5) Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions

 

Disclosure 305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions corresponds to:

Disclosure 305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions corresponds to:

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

Disclosure 305-4 GHG emissions intensity corresponds to:

Disclosure 305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions 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 Oriflame, 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://investors.oriflame.com/sites/default/files/media/Oriflame_2019_Sustainability_Report.pdf

Note to Oriflame: 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 Oriflame reduces its GHG emissions appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Canada Post reduces the carbon intensity of its fleet https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-canada-post-reduces-the-carbon-intensity-of-its-fleet/ Fri, 16 Oct 2020 06:07:32 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=11524 With 65,000 full-time and part-time employees, more than 22,000 delivery routes and over 16.5 million addresses served in urban, rural and remote locations across Canada, Canada Post is the primary postal operator in Canada. that will help both Canada Post and Canadians transition to a low-carbon future. This case study is based on the 2019 Sustainability Report by Canada Post 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 […]

The post Case study: How Canada Post reduces the carbon intensity of its fleet appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> With 65,000 full-time and part-time employees, more than 22,000 delivery routes and over 16.5 million addresses served in urban, rural and remote locations across Canada, Canada Post is the primary postal operator in Canada. In 2019, Canada Post’s corporate fleet accounted for 13% of its total carbon footprint. Reducing the carbon intensity of Canada Post’s owned fleet over the coming years is, thus, a key strategic priority  Tweet This! that will help both Canada Post and Canadians transition to a low-carbon future.

This case study is based on the 2019 Sustainability Report by Canada Post 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

As Canada Post renews and grows its fleet to meet Canadians’ changing needs it is exploring all forms of alternative propulsion on the market, including zero-emission vehicles where clean electricity allows Canada Post to maximise carbon reductions across its direct and indirect electricity emissions. In order to reduce the carbon intensity of its fleet Canada Post took action to:

  • introduce hybrid vehicles
  • use zero-emission vehicles

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Canada Post identified a range of material issues, such as responsible investment and procurement, sustainable products and services, operational safety, employee engagement, climate action. Among these, reducing the carbon intensity of its fleet stands out as a key material issue for Canada Post.

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 Canada Post engages with:

Stakeholder Group
Employees
Unions
Customers
Shareholder
Suppliers
Government
Nongovernmental organisations

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Canada Post engaged and consulted various stakeholders on a comprehensive list of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) topics. Senior management also received advice and feedback from ongoing stakeholder consultation with joint union committees as well as external subject matter experts, which included non-profit organisations and an advisory panel of Canadian accessibility leaders.

What actions were taken by Canada Post to reduce the carbon intensity of its fleet?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Canada Post reports that it took the following actions for reducing the carbon intensity of its fleet:

  • Introducing hybrid vehicles
  • Canada Post began introducing hybrid-electric (HEV) step vans in 2003 and progressively rolled out more over the past two decades. In 2019, Canada Post was the first Canadian company to employ at a large scale hybrid electric upfits to Ford Transit light delivery vehicles. In 2019, Canada Post deployed 374 hybrid-electric vehicles nationally, its largest purchase of alternative propulsion vehicles to date. Most of these replaced less efficient end-of-life cargo vans. Canada Post also began to purchase plug-in hybrid electric cars (PHEVs) for administrative uses. As Canada Post is continually evaluating ways to green its fleet at scale, hybrid-electric technology offers several benefits, including easy deployment across Canada in urban and remote communities alike. In 2020, Canada Post will be purchasing another 500 hybrid delivery vehicles, which are 20% more fuel and carbon-efficient than their traditional gasoline counterparts.
  • Using zero-emission vehicles
  • In 2011, in Vancouver and Ottawa, Canada Post piloted 10 fully battery electric vehicles (BEV) Transit Connects, and four battery electric eStar vans. However, these BEVs have since reached the end of their useful life and have been retired from Canada Post’s fleet. In 2020, Canada Post will invest $2.5 million in new models of zero emission delivery vehicles and charging infrastructure, as part of a pilot to inform future fleet renewal strategies. The vehicles purchased will be a mix of electric straight trucks, shunt trucks, full size vans and step vans. They will be deployed in provinces with the greenest electricity grids to test equipment reliability in a range of Canadian postal applications.

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

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is: Disclosure 305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions

Disclosure 305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions 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 Canada Post, 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) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Canada Post: 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 Canada Post reduces the carbon intensity of its fleet appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Using today the method ancient people used outer space to make ice in desert conditions. https://sustaincase.com/see-the-way-we-are-utilising-today-the-method-ancient-people-used-outer-space-to-make-ice-in-desert-conditions/ Fri, 11 Sep 2020 16:36:01 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=11983     Simon Pitsillides (SustainCase Editor): Interview with SkyCool Systems’s George Keiser   Tell us a bit about the team behind SkyCool Systems. George Keiser: SkyCool Systems was founded in 2016 by 3 co-founders: Eli Goldstein, CEO, Aaswath Raman, Chief Science Officer, and Shanhui Fan, a Stanford professor of electrical engineering and advisor to SkyCool. Since then, the team has grown to build and scale electricity-free cooling. SkyCool Systems is a team of dedicated engineers, scientists and business operators that are passionate about mitigating the effects of global warming and using the company’s technology to reduce rising temperatures around the […]

The post Using today the method ancient people used outer space to make ice in desert conditions. appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]>  

 

Simon Pitsillides (SustainCase Editor):

Interview with SkyCool Systems’s George Keiser

 

Tell us a bit about the team behind SkyCool Systems.

George Keiser: SkyCool Systems was founded in 2016 by 3 co-founders: Eli Goldstein, CEO, Aaswath Raman, Chief Science Officer, and Shanhui Fan, a Stanford professor of electrical engineering and advisor to SkyCool. Since then, the team has grown to build and scale electricity-free cooling. SkyCool Systems is a team of dedicated engineers, scientists and business operators that are passionate about mitigating the effects of global warming and using the company’s technology to reduce rising temperatures around the world.

 

What is the problem/ challenge we are facing as humanity?

GK: The demand for cooling is on a rapid growth trend. On a global scale, air conditioning and refrigeration systems consume massive amounts of energy and discharge significant amounts of greenhouse gases to our planet. The International Energy Agency expects energy demand for space cooling to triple by 2050. If left unchecked, the electricity used to power cooling systems will overburden electrical grids and increase plant-warming emissions. We’re on a continuous feedback trajectory where, as the world gets hotter, demand for cooling increases, which then compounds the problem by amplifying the effects of climate forcings. We need new solutions to keep the world cool.

How did ancient people use outer space to make ice in desert conditions and at +5 ° C (above freezing conditions)?

GK: Radiative sky cooling occurs naturally because Earth’s atmosphere is partially transparent to infrared thermal radiation (the light wavelength associated with heat). As a result, sky-facing surfaces emit more energy as thermal radiation to the sky than they receive from it. Radiative sky cooling occurs at night as all objects emit thermal heat. Ancient Persians and Egyptians learned to use radiative night sky cooling to make ice in the desert. More information can be found here –https://www.realclearscience.com/blog/2018/07/09/how_people_created_ice_in_the_desert_2000_years_ago.html

 

How have you structured materials to take advantage of radiative cooling to transmit heat into space even during daytime?

GK: Prior to SkyCool’s work, the effect of radiative cooling was not observed during the day because the sun heats up all outdoor, sky-facing surfaces. SkyCool Systems has come up with a patented, daytime radiative cooling approach that employs multilayered films to reflect nearly all incident sunlight across the solar spectrum and also emit energy in the mid infrared frequency range between 8 and 13 micrometers. Using the films, SkyCool has developed panels that reject heat to the sky, and are capable of cooling fluid. The cooling effect from our panels is enabled by the optical film, which covers the top of the panels. The film reflects sunlight to prevent the panels from heating up during the day and also emits infrared heat to the cold sky, which cools the panels and the fluid running through the panels.

 

Who benefits from this? How can businesses utilise your solutions to save energy and reduce emissions?

GK: The cooling effect from our panels occurs all day and is very well aligned with the 24/7 operation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems in supermarkets, refrigerated warehouses, data centers, hospitals, convenience stores, office buildings, and restaurants with walk in freezers. Panels can be integrated with air conditioning and refrigeration systems, or even operate as a complete AC replacement.

 

Are your solutions readily available for businesses? (If not, what is the timeline?)

GK: Yes, we are currently working on deploying our technology in the commercial and industrial refrigeration market. We have completed pilot demonstrations with key partners to demonstrate efficiency as an add-on and are now working on scaling deployments.

 

Where can we see the solutions you provide?

GK: We’ve completed several commercial demonstrations with partners in California and are continuing to roll out our technology with key partners around the globe.

 

Which are the future possible applications of your solutions and what are the benefits?

GK: Besides the applications listed above, SkyCool panels could also be combined with radiant cooling in efficient buildings to completely replace an air conditioning unit. In addition, radiative cooling film can be applied directly to building materials such as roofing. This can be used to reduce heat loads of roofs, bus shelters/shaded structures, outdoor batteries and electronic boxes, and automobiles. For customers in the commercial and industrial cooling markets, we are helping save energy and reduce GHG emissions. Our panel system also provide capacity savings and demand savings.

 

What is the issue with photovoltaic panels at the moment and how can they be made more efficient?

GK: We do not currently do any work with photovoltaic panels.

 

What are your major challenges and how are you overcoming these?

GK: As we work to scale the business, we’re  working to educate customers on the technology and opportunity. We’ve encountered lack of awareness of energy efficiency opportunities and conservativeness towards adoption of new technologies. To overcome these, we are currently collecting data and creating case studies to document and communicate the value-add of our technology.

 

How do your solutions disrupt things?

GK: Our core innovation is a radiative cooling material that we’ve combined with a panel system to improve the efficiency of any vapor-compression based cooling system. We’re using this innovative technology to help our customers save money and prevent the emission of CO2 and other harmful greenhouse gases. Radiative cooling is one of a very small number of truly game changing technologies to emerge in the area of cooling. This is a space that will have major impacts on future electricity loads and contributions to atmospheric GHG levels.

 

Future targets/ applications. 
1. To integrate these kinds of panels with higher efficiency building cooling systems to reduce their energy usage by two-thirds.
2. Build a cooling system that requires no electricity input at all.
3. Use the cold darkness of space to improve the efficiency of every energy-related process here on earth. For example, photovoltaics which when they heat up under the sun and become less efficient the hotter, they are.
4. Help with water conservation
5. Directly generate power with the cold of space.

More information at: https://www.skycoolsystems.com

 

Watch the talk on TED.com

What if we could use the cold darkness of outer space to cool buildings on earth? In this mind-blowing talk, physicist Aaswath Raman details the technology developed to harness “night-sky cooling” — a natural phenomenon where infrared light escapes earth and heads to space, carrying heat along with it — which dramatically reduces the energy used by our cooling systems (and the pollution they cause). Learn more about how this approach could lead us towards a future where we intelligently tap into the energy of the universe.

 

The post Using today the method ancient people used outer space to make ice in desert conditions. appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Optimising operations can unlock environmental and financial benefits https://sustaincase.com/optimising-operations-can-unlock-environmental-and-financial-benefits/ Thu, 20 Aug 2020 08:14:36 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=11890 Industrial activities are, today, responsible for the lion’s share of global carbon emissions. In 2014, roughly 28 percent of global GHG emissions came from industry. Companies generate greenhouse gasses directly in their factories and indirectly by transporting products and materials. The operations advantage When companies optimise their operations—whether to increase productivity, improve quality, or reduce cost—better environmental performance can be a byproduct.[/tweetthis] Efficient manufacturing processes and supply chains cost less to run, consume less energy, use fewer resources, and produce less waste. Today, many of the world’s largest businesses are designing and executing improvement initiatives to address both cost and […]

The post Optimising operations can unlock environmental and financial benefits appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Industrial activities are, today, responsible for the lion’s share of global carbon emissions. In 2014, roughly 28 percent of global GHG emissions came from industry. Companies generate greenhouse gasses directly in their factories and indirectly by transporting products and materials.

The operations advantage

When companies optimise their operations—whether to increase productivity, improve quality, or reduce cost—better environmental performance can be a byproduct.[/tweetthis] Efficient manufacturing processes and supply chains cost less to run, consume less energy, use fewer resources, and produce less waste.

Today, many of the world’s largest businesses are designing and executing improvement initiatives to address both cost and sustainability goals simultaneously. A few examples show the potential.

  • Manufacturing: Optimising process control and product formulation: Some companies have found that they can make important improvements to the environmental profile of their products with only modest capital investments. For example, in primary steel production, optimising the control of blast furnaces with better sensors and improved analytics can reduce coal consumption by 10 to 15 percent.
  • Consumer goods: Optimising packaging through the supply chain: At one major quick-service food player, the manufacture, distribution, and retail sale of sandwiches alone created over 900 metric tons of non-food waste every year. To address this issue, the company redesigned its packaging and developed a single, sustainable solution that could protect the product through the end-to-end supply chain. The change cut overall packaging costs and eliminated 160 tons of waste every year.
  • Logistics: Reducing shipping costs and greenhouse-gas emissions: One company used telematics technology to monitor the movement of its large road-vehicle fleet and then applied advanced analytics to that data, to optimise routes and vehicle utilisation. This led to an annual reduction in road miles of around 20 percent, cutting carbon emissions by 1,300 metric tons.
  • Procurement: Buying into a smaller carbon footprint: In road building asphalt prices can vary significantly, according to local market dynamics. One road builder had traditionally purchased asphalt based on price per ton alone, which often meant product was transported long distances. When the company adopted a total-cost-of-ownership approach to sourcing, it found that local producers were usually a better value, cutting shipping and related carbon emissions by 40 percent.

 

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 & ISEP recognised Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

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

Most importantly, you will gain the knowledge to use the GRI Standards, project manage your own first-class sustainability report and:

  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and Society
  • Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP

 

References:

This article is based on published information by McKinsey & Company. 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.mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/operations-driven-sustainability?cid=other-soc-lkn-mop-mck-oth—&sid=3580229018&linkId=97060993

The post Optimising operations can unlock environmental and financial benefits appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How FCOT minimises energy consumption and GHG emissions at its properties https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-fcot-minimises-energy-consumption-and-ghg-emissions-at-its-properties/ Wed, 19 Aug 2020 09:19:59 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=11305 Frasers Commercial Trust (FCOT) is a real estate investment trust with a diversified portfolio of six high quality and well-located properties in Singapore, Australia and the UK, comprising four office developments, one business space property and a business park. This case study is based on the 2019 Annual Report by FCOT 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) […]

The post Case study: How FCOT minimises energy consumption and GHG emissions at its properties appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]>

Frasers Commercial Trust (FCOT) is a real estate investment trust with a diversified portfolio of six high quality and well-located properties in Singapore, Australia and the UK, comprising four office developments, one business space property and a business park. FCOT seeks to minimise energy consumption and GHG emissions at its properties, in contribution to global efforts towards mitigating climate change.  Tweet This!

This case study is based on the 2019 Annual Report by FCOT 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

As properties rely heavily on electricity to operate, enhancing energy efficiency helps FCOT to reduce resources consumption and operating costs. Renewable energy is also used, where possible. In order to minimise energy consumption and GHG emissions at its properties FCOT took action to:

  • recommission and upgrade lightings at Central Park
  • implement sustainable management at China Square Central
  • reduce energy consumption at 357 Collins Street through improvements in the mechanical plant
  • use renewable energy
  • attain ISO 50001:2011 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications to boost energy performance

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Annual Report FCOT identified a range of material issues, such as economic performance, anti-corruption, marketing and labelling, employment, training and education, labour/management relations. Among these, minimising energy consumption and GHG emissions at its properties stands out as a key material issue for FCOT.

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 FCOT engages with:

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Tenants

 

 ·      Tenant engagement programmes

·      Joint community programmes with tenants

·      Tenant surveys

·      Tenant meetings
Employees

 

 

 

 ·      Performance appraisals

·      Team bonding activities

·      Orientation programme for new staff

·      Communication via the Frasers Property intranet and Workplace

·      Training

·      Company and employee activities such as Annual Dinner & Dance, Family Day, sports events and fitness programmes
Property managers ·      Regular meetings and discussions

·      Emails and phone calls
Unitholders and investor community

 

 

 

 

 ·      Local and overseas investor meetings, conferences, roadshows and property tours

·      Post-results briefings for analysts and investors

·      Annual General Meetings

·      Website, announcements, management presentations, press releases, webcasts of half-year and full-year results briefings
Local community

 

 ·      Social and community events and activities

·      Sustainability report
Regulators and industry bodies

 

 

 ·      Meetings, briefings and consultations

·      Industry conferences and seminars and memberships in industry bodies such as REITAS (FCOT is one of the pioneer members)

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics FCOT carried out a survey with internal and external stakeholders.

What actions were taken by FCOT to minimise energy consumption and GHG emissions at its properties?

In its 2019 Annual Report FCOT reports that it took the following actions for minimising energy consumption and GHG emissions at its properties:

  • Recommissioning and upgrading lightings at Central Park
  • Approximately 70% of the building’s mechanical controls have been recommissioned in the past four years, which has resulted in energy savings and a more comfortable environment for tenants. Recommissioning is one of the most efficient ways to improve the building’s energy performance, as it optimises energy efficiency, building operations and peak building energy demand management. Over the past four years, the lighting system on the tower floors has been upgraded to T5 fluorescent lights or light-emitting diode (LED) lights, which has reduced lighting energy use from 13.2 watts/ sq m to 5 watts/ sq m (a savings of 62.1%). An automatic lighting control system utilising motion sensor has also been installed.
  • Implementing sustainable management at China Square Central
  • At China Square Central, the usage of a water-cooled chiller plant system designed with energy efficient chillers, variable speed drives (VSD) driven chilled water pumps and tower fans has resulted in energy savings of around 503,000 kWh per annum. The savings are a significant 23% over and above the baseline stated in BCA Green Mark requirements. Additionally, LED and T5 lights and motion sensors installed at common areas resulted in substantial energy savings of approximately 165,000 kWh per annum and achieved a 62.9% improvement over the benchmarked lighting power budget of the BCA Green Mark requirements. China Square Central also uses sustainable materials and products certified under the Singapore Green Labelled Scheme (SGLS) or Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) extensively to provide a healthier environment for occupants. Sustainable materials and products used include ceiling boards, drywall partitions, wooden door panels, concrete walls, floor screeds, eco-friendly cleaning products, sustainable toilet rolls and paper hand towels.
  • Reducing energy consumption at 357 Collins Street through improvements in the mechanical plant
  • Close monitoring and proactive improvements to the property’s mechanical chiller plant resulted in a year-on-year reduction in consumption of around 111 mWh or 10.2% in FY2019. The water chiller temperature was also fine-tuned to approximately 1°C. The plant is one of the biggest consumers of electricity in the building. Adjusting the control valves ensures correct staging of the chiller system to maintain high efficiencies.
  • Using renewable energy
  • FCOT uses renewable energy across its properties, as follows:
    • Central Park: The installation of a solar photovoltaic system generated around 10,000 kWh from solar power in FY2019, providing sufficient renewable energy to power the management office of Central Park.
    • 357 Collins Street: About 20% of the power used in FY2019 was from green power sources which were predominantly generated by wind farms.
    • Farnborough Business Park:
      • Renewable energy: The multi-let buildings in the business park purchased 100% of their energy requirements from renewable sources in FY2019.
      • Promoting green travels: The business park provides comprehensive end-of-trip facilities, bicycle paths throughout the business park and electric vehicle charging stations for both tenants and visitors. In FY2019, two more electric vehicle charging stations were added. The business park’s shuttle busses have low-emission Euro 5 engines which are more environmentally friendly.
  • Attaining ISO 50001:2011 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications to boost energy performance
  • In FY2019, the environment management systems (EMS) of both properties in Singapore attained ISO 50001:2011 certifications (Energy Management System), in addition to their existing ISO 14001:2015 certifications (Environmental Management System). These certifications are internationally recognised standards for strategic and systematic EMS implementation with proven energy and cost savings. These standards enable and empower the property managers to identify and harness energy-saving opportunities as they materialise. By continuously monitoring and improving energy efficiency, the properties are able to achieve continuous energy savings.

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 305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions

4) Disclosure 305-4 GHG emissions intensity

 

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

Disclosure 302-3 Energy intensity corresponds to:

Disclosure 305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions corresponds to:

Disclosure 305-4 GHG emissions intensity 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 FCOT, 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) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to FCOT: 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 FCOT minimises energy consumption and GHG emissions at its properties appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Petrol and diesel car sales ban brought forward to 2035 https://sustaincase.com/petrol-and-diesel-car-sales-ban-brought-forward-to-2035/ Tue, 28 Jul 2020 07:42:59 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=11662   Editor’s note: What does this mean for businesses? All Business will have to plan and replace their fleet with electric-powered vehicles before they are left with a huge negative on their balance sheet which can cost them a hefty sum of money. If they rely on external services for their logistics, they have to ensure that they build strong relationships with partners that are taking action (assessment strategy and sustainable supplier selection).     Boris Johnson unveiled the policy in November, and said 2020 would be a “defining year of climate action” for the planet. In another statement, Mr Johnson […]

The post Petrol and diesel car sales ban brought forward to 2035 appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]>

 

Editor’s note:

What does this mean for businesses? All Business will have to plan and replace their fleet with electric-powered vehicles before they are left with a huge negative on their balance sheet which can cost them a hefty sum of money. If they rely on external services for their logistics, they have to ensure that they build strong relationships with partners that are taking action (assessment strategy and sustainable supplier selection).

 

 

A ban on selling new petrol, diesel or hybrid cars in the UK will be brought forward from 2040 to 2035 at the latest, under government plans.  Tweet This!

Boris Johnson unveiled the policy in November, and said 2020 would be a “defining year of climate action” for the planet.

In another statement, Mr Johnson said the ban on selling new petrol and diesel cars would come even earlier than 2035, if possible.

Once the ban comes into effect, people will only be able to buy electric or hydrogen cars and vans.

The change in plans comes after experts warned the previous target date of 2040 would still leave old conventional cars on the roads.

Friends of the Earth’s Mike Childs said the government was “right” to bring forward the ban, but that 2030 would be better than 2035. He said: “A new 2035 target will still leave the UK in the slow-lane of the electric car revolution and meantime allow more greenhouse gases to spew into the atmosphere.”

 

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 & ISEP recognised Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

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

Most importantly, you will gain the knowledge to use the GRI Standards, project manage your own first-class sustainability report and:

  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and Society
  • Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP

 

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-51366123

The post Petrol and diesel car sales ban brought forward to 2035 appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Apple’s 2030 carbon-neutral pledge covers itself and suppliers https://sustaincase.com/apples-2030-carbon-neutral-pledge-covers-itself-and-suppliers/ Fri, 24 Jul 2020 06:51:00 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=11628 The company says its devices will have had “zero climate impact” at point of sale and any company hoping to become a supplier will have to commit to “be 100% renewable for their Apple production” within 10 years. This development follows climate-focused pledges by other technology giants. Microsoft, for example, has promised: to be carbon negative by 2030 by 2050, to have removed the same amount of carbon as it has ever emitted from the environment Amazon has announced a 2040 target to go carbon neutral and Google has said it also intends to extend the carbon-neutral status it claims for its […]

The post Apple’s 2030 carbon-neutral pledge covers itself and suppliers appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Apple has announced a target of becoming carbon neutral across its entire business and manufacturing supply chain by 2030.  Tweet This!

The company says its devices will have had “zero climate impact” at point of sale and any company hoping to become a supplier will have to commit to “be 100% renewable for their Apple production” within 10 years.

This development follows climate-focused pledges by other technology giants.

Microsoft, for example, has promised:

  • to be carbon negative by 2030
  • by 2050, to have removed the same amount of carbon as it has ever emitted from the environment

Amazon has announced a 2040 target to go carbon neutral and Google has said it also intends to extend the carbon-neutral status it claims for its own operations to include its supply chain.

Rare-earths robot

Apple has also published a 10-year roadmap with some of the actions it plans to take, which include the use of a new robot, nicknamed Dave. The robot will recover materials from the vibrating Taptic Engine of devices returned for recycling.

Apple’s environment chief, Lisa Jackson, said: “Once we have the engine removed [by another robot] Daisy, Dave will disassemble the engine itself and remove the rare-earth elements and the tungsten so that they can be reprocessed and put back into supply chains.”

According to Jackson, more than 70 of the company’s existing suppliers already committed to use 100% renewable energy for work on its products by 2030.

“Some of the investment we’re making is to work with suppliers to convince their own governments to put more clean energy on the grid,” Ms Jackson added.

Other efforts announced by Apple include the following:

  • increased use of recycled raw materials in its own products
  • new solar-panel projects in Scandinavia, to power its own data centres
  • the development of a carbon-free aluminium-smelting process as part of a collaboration with two suppliers
  • investment in environmental projects, including work to restore mangrove trees and shrubs on Colombia’s coastline and woodland-grassland savannahs in Kenya
  • work on eco-friendly energy projects to benefit local communities, including the installation of rooftop solar panels at a facility for disadvantaged children in the Philippines and the electrification of an off-grid fishing community in Thailand

 

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 & ISEP recognised Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

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

Most importantly, you will gain the knowledge to use the GRI Standards, project manage your own first-class sustainability report and:

  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and Society
  • Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP

 

References:

This article is based on published information by BBC News. 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/technology-53485560

The post Apple’s 2030 carbon-neutral pledge covers itself and suppliers appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Vale reduces its particulate matter and SOx emissions https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-vale-reduces-its-particulate-matter-and-sox-emissions/ Fri, 10 Jul 2020 06:23:51 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=10997 Vale S.A. is a global leader in iron ore and iron ore and nickel pellets operating in 27 countries on five continents, producing manganese, iron-alloys, copper, platinum group metals (PGMs), gold, silver, cobalt, and metallurgical and thermal coal. Vale seeks to continuously improve operational processes and adopt new technologies, so as to reduce emissions from stationary sources and improve air quality indicators. This case study is based on the 2018 Sustainability Report by Vale 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/ […]

The post Case study: How Vale reduces its particulate matter and SOx emissions appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Vale S.A. is a global leader in iron ore and iron ore and nickel pellets operating in 27 countries on five continents, producing manganese, iron-alloys, copper, platinum group metals (PGMs), gold, silver, cobalt, and metallurgical and thermal coal. Vale seeks to continuously improve operational processes and adopt new technologies, so as to reduce emissions from stationary sources and improve air quality indicators.

This case study is based on the 2018 Sustainability Report by Vale 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

Vale works to reduce diffuse emissions in its operating units  Tweet This! by adopting measures such as improving sprinkler systems and using dust suppressor products, also maintaining air quality monitoring stations in the vicinity of operating units. In order to reduce its particulate matter and SOx emissions Vale took action to:

  • develop and patent a biodegradable dust suppressor product
  • sign a new Environmental Commitment Term
  • complete the Clean AER Project

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2018 Sustainability Report Vale identified a range of material issues, such as labour health and safety, impacts on and investments in the local community, water resources and effluents, biodiversity and ecosystem services. Among these, reducing its particulate matter and SOx emissions stands out as a key material issue for Vale.

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 Vale engages with:

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Shareholders, debenture holders and investors

 

 

 ·      20-F Report, press releases, call notices and AGM/EGM meeting minutes, quarterly reports, reference forms

·       www.vale.com Portal

·      Visits to operations

·      E-mail

·      Telephone

·      Ombudsman

·      Investor relations department at www.vale.com

·      App for Ipad – Vale Investors & Media – App Store

·      Conference call

·      Participation at conferences, forums and debates

·      Pressroom
Clients

 

 

 

 ·      20-F Report, press releases, call notices and AGM/EGM meeting minutes, quarterly reports, reference forms

·      www.vale.com Portal

·      Visits to operations

·      Ombudsman

·      Satisfaction surveys

·      Contact us

·      Structured meetings and collaboration workshops

·      Conference call

·      Telephones and e-mails

·      Participation at conferences, forums and debates
Employees

 

 

 ·      20-F Report, press releases, call notices and AGM/EGM meeting minutes, quarterly reports, reference forms

·      www.vale.com Portal

·      Ombudsman

·      Contact us

·      Electronics newsletters of communication with employees

·      Intranet

·      Global Employee Survey

·      Communication Committee

·      Social Networks

·      Structured meetings and collaboration workshops

·      Conference call

·      Telephones and e-mails

·      Participation at conferences, forums and debates

·      Press Interview

·      Conversation circles
Suppliers

 

 

 ·      20-F Report, press releases, call notices and AGM/EGM meeting minutes, quarterly reports, reference forms

·      www.vale.com Portal

·      Visits to operations

·      Ombudsman

·      Satisfaction surveys

·      Contact us

·      Social Networks

·      Structured meetings and collaboration workshops

·      Vale Supplier Portal (Nimbi platform)

·      Vale Procurement Global Services

·      Conference call

·      Telephones and e-mails

·      Supplier area on www.vale.com

·      Public hearings

·      Contact with Community Relations team

·      Contact with other areas

·      Participation in associations and entities

·      Participation at conferences, forums and debates

·      Press Interview

·      Webcast

·      Conversation circles
Communities

 

 

 ·      20-F Report, press releases, call notices and AGM/EGM meeting minutes, quarterly reports, reference forms

·      www.vale.com Portal

·      Visits to operations

·      Ombudsman

·      Contact us

·      Social Networks

·      Structured meetings and collaboration workshops

·      Telephones and e-mails

·      Committees for communication inter-change

·      Socio-economic diagnoses

·      Public hearings

·      Social dialogue process

·      Leadership Meeting Programme

·      External disclosures – News

·      Alô Ferrovias (railway hotline)

·      Contact with Community Relations team

·      Participation in associations and entities

·      Participation at conferences, forums and debates

·      Webcast

·      Conversation circles
Government & civil society ·      20-F Report, press releases, call notices and AGM/EGM meeting minutes, quarterly reports, reference forms

·      www.vale.com Portal

·      Visits to operations

·      Ombudsman

·      Structured meetings and collaboration workshops

·      Vale Supplier Portal (Nimbi platform)

·      Conference call

·      Telephones and e-mails

·      Socio-economic diagnoses

·      Public hearings

·      Leadership Meeting Programme

·      External disclosures – News

·      Contact with Community Relations team

·      Participation in associations and entities

·      Participation at conferences, forums and debates

·      Press Interview
Press

 

 ·      20-F Report, press releases, call notices and AGM/EGM meeting minutes, quarterly reports, reference forms

·      www.vale.com Portal

·      Visits to operations

·      Ombudsman

·      App for Ipad – Vale Investors & Media – App Store

·      Structured meetings and collaboration workshops

·      Vale Supplier Portal (Nimbi platform)

·      Conference call

·      Telephones and e-mails

·      Participation at conferences, forums and debates

·      Press Interview

·      Pressroom

·      Webcast

·      Visits to the newsroom

·      Conversation circles

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Vale carried out a series of consultations with internal and external stakeholders – clients, suppliers, representatives from government and national and international entities, academics, class and community associations, NGOs, journalists, shareholders, and employees – through online surveys and face-to-face and telephone interviews.

What actions were taken by Vale to reduce its particulate matter and SOx emissions?

In its 2018 Sustainability Report Vale reports that it took the following actions for reducing its particulate matter and SOx emissions:

  • Developing and patenting a biodegradable dust suppressor product
  • In 2018, in partnership with the Espírito Santo Federal University (UFES in Portuguese), Vale developed and patented a biodegradable dust suppressor product. This resin is produced by chemically recycling PET-based waste and has a characteristic sealant that maintains moisture in stockpiled material, railroad wagons and unpaved roads. The product has already been laboratory-tested under adverse conditions and field-tested to validate its efficiency and quality assurance. This initiative and technology will help Vale reduce its particulate matter emissions, improving air quality in surrounding communities and, in addition to the environmental benefits, there is the social gain of involving associations of local collectors to foment plastic waste recycling, making businesses more sustainable.
  • Signing a new Environmental Commitment Term
  • In 2018 Vale signed a new Environmental Commitment Term (TCA in Portuguese) to reduce particulate matter emissions at the Tubarão operational unit in Vitória, Espírito Santo. The Term signature involved the Federal Public Ministry, State Public Ministry, State Secretariat for the Environment and State Environmental Institute and aimed to ensure transparency in implementing all initiatives presented by the Environmental Master Plan. The Environmental Master Plan consists of implementing actions and projects to reduce particulate matter emissions and improve the unit’s water management. Highlights of the controls include applying cellulose-based products in ore piles, implementing new wind fences, adjusting approximately 40 km of conveyor belts, and installing fog cannons in pellet yards. The expectation is that, by the year 2023 when Vale completes the implementation of all these measures, diffuse emissions will be reduced by up to 93%. Vale’s investments total US$ 348 million, currently the largest contribution Vale has made toward environmental stewardship.
  • Completing the Clean AER Project
  • At its Sudbury unit in Canada Vale completed the Clean AER Project, in which a total of US$ 1 billion has been invested since 2012. The project reduced 85% of SOx (Sulfur oxides) emissions from the foundry at Copper Cliff and greenhouse gas emissions from Vale’s smelter by 40%. These emission reductions reflect Vale’s position to provide resources to improve controls and environmental management to help recover the local landscape. The Clean AER Project has reduced emissions so significantly, that there is no need to continue using the existing large iconic chimney known as the Superstack, which has been replaced by two smaller, more efficient chimneys. With this adjustment, natural gas consumption is expected to decrease by approximately 50%. The Clean AER Project also involves installing new converters at the smelter, a new wet gas treatment plant and a new ventilation and bag filter system, which will cut particulate emissions from metals by approximately 40%. Vale also maintains a policy of improving its operational processes and control systems and increasing productivity, aiming to adopt fuels with lower sulfur contents, reducing SOx emissions by 60% compared to 2016.

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

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is: Disclosure 305-7 Nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulfur oxides (SOX), and other significant air emissions

Disclosure 305-7 Nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulfur oxides (SOX), and other significant air emissions 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 Vale, 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) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Vale: 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 Vale reduces its particulate matter and SOx emissions appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]>