renewable energy sources 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 07:26:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 London Underground could soon run on 100% renewable energy https://sustaincase.com/london-underground-could-soon-run-on-100-renewable-energy/ Tue, 21 Jul 2020 13:06:32 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=11603 The move is part of an effort to make London’s famous rail network zero-emissions by 2030 – and the entire city carbon neutral by 2050. Transport for London (TfL) is one of UK’s largest electricity consumers, using 1.6TWh every year. The Tube alone consumes 1.2TWh every year. According to a recent study by British Business Energy, 200 wind turbines or 5.6 million solar panels would be needed to power the network completely on renewables for one year. A city powered by renewable energy  Toady, 16 per cent of the electricity used to power the Underground’s operation comes from renewable sources. […]

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]]> The London Underground could soon be entirely powered by renewable energy.  Tweet This! The move is part of an effort to make London’s famous rail network zero-emissions by 2030 – and the entire city carbon neutral by 2050.

Transport for London (TfL) is one of UK’s largest electricity consumers, using 1.6TWh every year. The Tube alone consumes 1.2TWh every year.

According to a recent study by British Business Energy, 200 wind turbines or 5.6 million solar panels would be needed to power the network completely on renewables for one year.

A city powered by renewable energy 

Toady, 16 per cent of the electricity used to power the Underground’s operation comes from renewable sources.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “As one of the single biggest purchasers of energy in London, it is important that TfL leads the way on green energy.” “This is a vital step towards my ambitions for TfL – and London – to be zero-carbon by 2030.”

Environmental organisations welcomed the London Mayor’s decision.

“This work to secure cost-effective and renewable energy for the rail network, with ambitions to include the wider [Greater London Authority] group and beyond, will play a key role in London’s green recovery and accelerating action on the climate emergency,” Khan added.

How about reducing electricity use altogether?

With almost half of UK businesses working remotely due to COVID-19, commuting may never be the same again. People have got used to more flexible working hours and 45 per cent of them expect more flexibility in their work hours after lockdown ends.

If 45 per cent of London’s commuters work remotely in the future, it would save more than 460 thousand kWh of electricity.

 

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 Euronews. 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.euronews.com/living/2020/07/17/the-london-underground-could-soon-run-on-100-renewable-energy

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]]> Case study: How BP is expanding its renewables business https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-bp-is-expanding-its-renewables-business/ Wed, 02 Jan 2019 08:52:03 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8524 Renewables have become the fastest-growing energy source in today’s world, expected to provide at least 14 per cent of the global energy mix by 2040. , constantly expanding and exploring new business models. This case study is based on the 2017 Sustainability Report by BP 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 BP […]

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Renewables have become the fastest-growing energy source in today’s world, expected to provide at least 14 per cent of the global energy mix by 2040. BP has been in the renewables business for over 20 years and is, today, one of the largest operators among its peers  Tweet This!, constantly expanding and exploring new business models.

This case study is based on the 2017 Sustainability Report by BP 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

BP sees the global transition to a low carbon economy as a key opportunity to expand its business while reducing operational emissions and investing in low carbon technologies. In order to expand its renewables business BP took action to:

  • use biofuels to reduce transport emissions
  • generate biopower
  • invest in solar power
  • produce wind energy

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2017 Sustainability Report BP identified a range of material issues, such as safety, human rights, governance and risk, people and ethics. Among these, expanding its renewables business stands out as a key material issue for BP.

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 BP engages with:

Stakeholder Group
Communities
Employees
Governments
Industry associations
Non-governmental organisations
Shareholders and analysts

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics BP met with approximately 100 different organisations, from investors to NGOs and business partners, and also held sessions with its employees.

What actions were taken by BP to expand its renewables business?

In its 2017 Sustainability Report BP reports that it took the following actions for expanding its renewables business:

  • Using biofuels to reduce transport emissions
  • To reduce emissions from transportation, BP produces ethanol from sugar cane in Brazil, as it has life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are 70 per cent lower than conventional transport fuels. In 2017, BP’s three sites produced 776 million litres of ethanol equivalent. In addition, to better connect its ethanol production with Brazil’s main fuels markets, BP partnered with the world’s leading ethanol and sugar trader, Copersucar, to operate a major ethanol storage terminal, located near key transport networks and pipelines. BP’s ethanol production avoided emissions equal to 260,000 fewer European cars on the road in a year.
  • Generating biopower
  • BP creates biopower by burning bagasse, the fibre that remains after crushing sugar cane stalks, and exports approximately 70 per cent of the biopower it generates to the local electricity grid. This is a low carbon power source, as the CO2 emitted from burning bagasse is offset by the CO2 absorbed by sugar cane during its growth. 
  • Investing in solar power
  • BP invested $200m over three years in Lightsource, Europe’s largest solar development company. Lightsource focuses on the acquisition, development and long-term management of large-scale solar projects. Accordingly, BP partnered with Lightsource to lead the solar revolution, driving the further growth of solar energy.
  • Producing wind energy
  • BP is one of the largest wind energy producers in the US, operating 13 sites in seven states and holding an interest in one more facility, in Hawaii. Together, they have a net generating capacity of 1,432MW. The net generating capacity from BP’s portfolio, is enough to power almost 400,000 homes.

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

 

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

Disclosure 302-3 Energy 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 BP, 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 BP: 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 Walmart expands the use of clean energy at its stores https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-walmart-expands-the-use-of-clean-energy-at-its-stores/ Mon, 31 Dec 2018 06:27:24 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8514 Operating more than 11,200 retail units under 55 banners in 27 countries around the globe and employing approximately 2.2 million associates worldwide – 1.5 million in the U.S. alone -, Walmart envisions a world where people will not have
 to choose between energy they can afford and renewable energy that is better for the planet. This case study is based on the 2017 Global Responsibility Report by Walmart 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 […]

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Operating more than 11,200 retail units under 55 banners in 27 countries around the globe and employing approximately 2.2 million associates worldwide – 1.5 million in the U.S. alone -, Walmart envisions a world where people will not have
 to choose between energy they can afford and renewable energy that is better for the planet.

This case study is based on the 2017 Global Responsibility Report by Walmart 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

Walmart has set a goal to power 50% of its operations with renewable energy by 2025  Tweet This!, through both onsite installations and purchases from external providers. In order to expand the use of clean energy at its stores Walmart took action to:

  • promote the use of solar energy
  • invest in energy storage
  • provide electric vehicle charging stations

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2017 Global Responsibility Report Walmart identified a range of material issues, such as supporting small and local farmers, reducing emissions in operations, conserving land, supporting measurement and disclosure in the supply chain, investing in communities. Among these, expanding the use of clean energy at its stores stands out as a key material issue for Walmart.

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 Walmart engages with:

Stakeholder Group
Customers
Associates
Suppliers
Advisory councils
Community leaders
Grantees
NGOs
Government leaders
Investors

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Walmart engaged its stakeholders in dialogues, interviews, working sessions and surveys, including a 1,750-respondent survey conducted by Sustainalytics.

What actions were taken by Walmart to expand the use of clean energy at its stores?

In its 2017 Global Responsibility Report Walmart reports that it took the following actions for expanding the use of clean energy at its stores:

  • Promoting the use of solar energy
  • By the end of FY2017, Walmart had 364 onsite solar installations in the U.S., and is committed to having at least 480 by 2020. In addition, in FY2017 Walmart India, seeking to expand the use of rooftop solar power to 90% of its buildings, commissioned photovoltaic (PV) solar rooftops for 15 Best Price stores through a power-purchase agreement with a leading renewable energy supplier. These new installations are expected to cover almost half of Walmart India’s electricity needs. Moreover, Walmart’s South African business, Massmart, has also been piloting commercially viable renewable energy projects, at select standalone stores.
  • Investing in energy storage
  • Walmart increasingly invests in energy storage and, in partnership with Tesla, a pioneer of advanced battery technologies, completed major energy storage projects in 18 of its stores in California, which included the installation of mega-batteries linked to onsite solar installations. Six of these energy storage systems have also been designed to provide backup power, in the event of a utility grid power outage.
  • Providing electric vehicle charging stations
  • Walmart had, by the end of FY2017, added electric vehicle charging stations to over 90 sites across the U.S., bringing its total to more than 300 stations. Almost 20% of these charging stations are 50kW (480 V) DC Fast Charging Stations – the fastest type of public charging available today -, and will charge a typical electric vehicle to approximately 80% of its battery capacity in 30 minutes. Walmart’s partner, EVgo, is additionally recording positive feedback from Walmart’s customers, through independent mobile apps for electric vehicle drivers.

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

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is:

Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization

Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within 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 Walmart, 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 Walmart: 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 Baxter reduces energy use https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-baxter-reduces-energy-use/ Mon, 10 Dec 2018 07:34:45 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8371 Operating in over 100 countries around the globe, Baxter provides an extensive portfolio of essential renal and hospital products, manufactured at over 50 facilities across more than 20 countries. As energy is one of the company’s most important manufacturing costs, using energy effectively increases business efficiency, conserves natural resources and improves Baxter’s environmental performance. This case study is based on the 2016 Corporate Responsibility Report by Baxter 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 […]

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Operating in over 100 countries around the globe, Baxter provides an extensive portfolio of essential renal and hospital products, manufactured at over 50 facilities across more than 20 countries. As energy is one of the company’s most important manufacturing costs, using energy effectively increases business efficiency, conserves natural resources and improves Baxter’s environmental performance.

This case study is based on the 2016 Corporate Responsibility Report by Baxter 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

Baxter is committed to reducing its total energy use by 15 per cent indexed to revenue by 2020, from a 2015 baseline.  Tweet This! In order to reduce energy use Baxter took action to:

  • carry out site-specific energy assessments
  • implement energy conservation projects
  • increase renewable power use
  • operate a Lean Energy Programme

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2016 Corporate Responsibility Report Baxter identified a range of material issues, such as product innovation, ethics and compliance, employee health and safety, responsible procurement and logistics, serving communities. Among these, reducing energy use stands out as a key material issue for Baxter.

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 Baxter engages with:

Stakeholder Group
Patients/healthcare providers
Employees
Communities
Governments/payers
Shareholders

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Baxter conducted interviews with its internal and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers and partners, governmental agencies, investors, sustainability experts and industry and patient organisations.

What actions were taken by Baxter to reduce energy use?

In its 2016 Corporate Responsibility Report Baxter reports that it took the following actions for reducing energy use:

  • Carrying out site-specific energy assessments
  • Site-specific energy assessments enable Baxter to identify opportunities to conserve energy and to implement and share new technologies and best practices across the company. In 2016, Baxter conducted energy assessments at 10 facilities globally, identifying 189 potential energy conservation projects with possible annual savings of $4.8 million. Facility personnel also uncover potential energy conservation projects.
  • Implementing energy conservation projects
  • In 2016, Baxter implemented 212 energy conservation projects that saved over $5.6 million and 298 trillion joules of energy annually, avoiding more than 16,000 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) of GHG emissions.
  • Increasing renewable power use
  • In 2016, at manufacturing sites in Europe, Baxter increased renewable power use to 73 per cent of total electricity, compared to 51 per cent in 2015. At the same time, Baxter saved $3.3 million through its global energy sourcing strategy.
  • Operating a Lean Energy Programme
  • Baxter operates a Lean Energy Programme for its main manufacturing facilities since 2007. It includes four sets of Lean Energy standards: Prerequisite, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each one defines 14 to 35 requirements a facility must satisfy at that level, focusing on process and system energy efficiency. By year-end 2016, 38 sites had achieved Prerequisite status. In addition, by the end of 2016, five company locations met the requirements of the ISO 50001 standard, as verified by an accredited third party. 

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

 

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:

 

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 Baxter, 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 Baxter: 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 Baxter reduces energy use appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How BEWG utilises clean energy https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-bewg-utilises-clean-energy/ Wed, 05 Dec 2018 11:55:23 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=8363 BEWG (Beijing Enterprises Water Group Limited) is a leading provider of professional, wide-ranging water environment services, including urban water services, watershed water services, industrial water services, seawater desalination, environment sanitation and solid waste, clean energy and technological services. This case study is based on the 2016 Sustainability Report by BEWG 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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BEWG (Beijing Enterprises Water Group Limited) is a leading provider of professional, wide-ranging water environment services, including urban water services, watershed water services, industrial water services, seawater desalination, environment sanitation and solid waste, clean energy and technological services. Actively exploring opportunities to establish a whole environmental protection industry chain, BEWG focuses on the utilisation of clean energy.  Tweet This!

This case study is based on the 2016 Sustainability Report by BEWG 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

BEWG’s clean energy business has expanded to 10 provinces and 2 autonomous regions, with the overall clean energy power generation capacity invested, constructed and operated reaching 2GW. In order to utilise clean energy BEWG took action to:

  • utilise solar energy
  • promote wind power generation
  • combine photovoltaic power generation and fish farming

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2016 Sustainability Report BEWG identified a range of material issues, such as business compliance, environmental protection awareness raising, product and service quality, offering environmentally friendly products and services, occupational health and safety. Among these, utilising clean energy stands out as a key material issue for BEWG.

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 BEWG engages with:

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Shareholders and Investors ·      Shareholder conferences

·      Regular reports and announcements

·      Investor communication meetings

·      Official website
Government and Regulators

 

 ·      Routine Reports

·      On-site inspection

·      Supervision of the products and services

·      Policy advices through industry associations
Customers

 

 ·      Customers satisfaction survey

·      Executives visits

·      Face to face interviews in communities

·      Hearings
Employees ·      Congresses of staff

·      Employee satisfaction survey

·      Communication mechanism about career development

·      Employees’ caring activities
Value Chain Partners ·      Open tendering

·      Cooperation within industry

·      Industry seminars

·      Sharing and promoting research achievements
Communities ·      Face to face interview in communities

·      Public benefit activities

·      Social impact evaluation
Environment ·      Environment impact assessment

·      Public investigation of projects’ environmental impacts

·      Environmental public welfare activities

·      Connections with environmental NGOs

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics BEWG conducted a stakeholder survey through an online survey platform, and received 377 pieces of stakeholder feedback from 19 provinces.

What actions were taken by BEWG to utilise clean energy?

In its 2016 Sustainability Report BEWG reports that it took the following actions for utilising clean energy:

  • Utilising solar energy
  • In Hebi City, Henan Province, BEWG built a 100MWp photovoltaic power plant on the barren hills near the Baisi village in Miaokou Township. BEWG’s goal, is to exploit the place’s potential in rich solar energy. A key solar energy project for the province, the power plant not only made good use of the barren hills, but also created jobs and contributed to the development of the local economy. In addition, BEWG built a photovoltaic power plant on top of the wastewater treatment pool of the Jiacheng wastewater treatment plant in Shenzhou, Hebei Province. The photovoltaic power plant did not affect the normal operation of the plant and achieved both economic and environmental benefits, by utilising the electricity generated at the site. The project is expected to generate 341,000 kwh of electricity, equivalent to annual savings of 106.7 tons of standard coal – significantly reducing BEWG’s energy consumption.
  • Promoting wind power generation
  • In Binzhou City, Shandong Province, BEWG operates the Lusa 48MW wind power generation project. The project was officially launched in May 2016 and, since 31 December 2016, the Lusa 48MW wind power generation project has generated 35,397,000 kwh of electricity.
  • Combining photovoltaic power generation and fish farming
  • In Yingshang County, Anhui Province, BEWG designed and built a 150MW photovoltaic power plant over a fish farm,
 covering 500 hectares of water surface of the Jiaogang
 
Lake. By installing photovoltaic power generation units
 on top of the fish farm, BEWG achieved the combined production of 
electricity and fish, optimising space use and saving land resources. The photovoltaic power generation units 
are adjustable, to create the ideal environment for fish in the water beneath and increase the fish farm’s yield. As a consequence, the complete and full- dimensional development of photovoltaic power generation and fish farming is achieved. The project’s actual power generation exceeded the designed capacity, because of the exceptionally good quality of its construction and the outstanding performance of its equipment. It is estimated to be able to generate 70,000,000 kwh of electricity per year.

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

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 203-1 Infrastructure investments and services supported

2) Disclosure 302-1 Energy consumption within the organization

3) Disclosure 302-4 Reduction of energy consumption

4) Disclosure 302-5 Reductions in energy requirements of products and services

 

Disclosure 203-1 Infrastructure investments and services supported corresponds to:

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

Disclosure 302-4 Reduction of energy consumption corresponds to:

Disclosure 302-5 Reductions in energy requirements of products and services 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

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  • 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 BEWG, 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 BEWG: 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 BEWG utilises clean energy appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> UNICEF: 17 million babies worldwide breathe toxic air affecting their brain development https://sustaincase.com/unicef-17-million-babies-worldwide-breathe-toxic-air-affecting-their-brain-development/ Mon, 18 Dec 2017 09:05:37 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=5826 According to a new UNICEF paper, nearly 17 million babies across the globe – 12.2 million in South Asia and 4.3 million in the East Asia and Pacific region – live in areas with air pollution six times higher than the World Health Organization’s international limits. , by affecting their growing brains in several ways, and these babies breathe toxic air, which could damage brain tissue and undermine cognitive development.   UNICEF proposes specific actions to be taken immediately, to reduce the impact of air pollution on babies’ brain development: References: This article was compiled using a press release by […]

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]]> According to a new UNICEF paper, nearly 17 million babies across the globe – 12.2 million in South Asia and 4.3 million in the East Asia and Pacific region – live in areas with air pollution six times higher than the World Health Organization’s international limits.

Air pollution, like malnutrition, can influence young children’s development  Tweet This!, by affecting their growing brains in several ways, and these babies breathe toxic air, which could damage brain tissue and undermine cognitive development.

 

UNICEF proposes specific actions to be taken immediately, to reduce the impact of air pollution on babies’ brain development:

  • Reduce air pollution by:
    • investing in cleaner, renewable energy sources, instead of fossil fuel combustion
    • offering access to affordable public transport
    • creating more green spaces in urban areas
    • improving waste management, to prevent the open burning of harmful chemicals
  • Reduce children’s exposure to air pollution by:
    • enabling children to travel during times of the day with lower air pollution
    • in extreme cases, providing suitably fitting air filtration masks
    • making sure, through smart urban planning, that schools, clinics or hospitals are away from major pollution sources
  • Improve children’s general health to make them more resilient by, for example, preventing and treating pneumonia, and promoting exclusive breastfeeding and good nutrition.
  • Improve our understanding and monitoring of air pollution.


References:

This article was compiled using a press release by UNICEF. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses but made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the press release’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the link below:

https://www.unicef.org/media/media_101774.html?utm_source=fairchance&utm_medium=referral

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]]> Case study: Innovability: How Enel combines innovation and sustainability in energy-related projects https://sustaincase.com/case-study-innovability-how-enel-combines-innovation-and-sustainability-in-energy-related-projects/ Tue, 04 Jul 2017 08:07:09 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=3971 As a global leader in energy generation and distribution, operating in more than 30 countries, Enel strives, through a range of collaborations and partnerships, as well as through the active involvement of Enel’s own employees, to combine innovation and sustainability, providing socially and environmentally responsible energy solutions. This case study is based on the 2015 Sustainability Report by Enel published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate that CSR/ sustainability reporting done responsibly is achieved by identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment and […]

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]]> As a global leader in energy generation and distribution, operating in more than 30 countries, Enel strives, through a range of collaborations and partnerships, as well as through the active involvement of Enel’s own employees, to combine innovation and sustainability, providing socially and environmentally responsible energy solutions.

This case study is based on the 2015 Sustainability Report by Enel published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate that CSR/ sustainability reporting done responsibly is achieved by identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment and stakeholders and by measuring, managing and changing. 

Enel is implementing a number of innovation projects across the globe, as ‘innovability’, the combination of innovation and sustainability in its products and services, is a key component of Enel’s business strategy and culture. In order to combine innovation and sustainability in energy-related projects, providing socially and environmentally responsible energy solutions, Enel took action to:

  • realize already existing projects and launch new projects involving renewables
  • develop new energy storage technologies
  • build electric transport infrastructure
  • innovate in the final uses of energy

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2015 Sustainability Report Enel identified a range of material issues, such as creation of economic/financial value, sound governance, occupational health and safety, quality in relationships with customers. Among these, ‘innovability’, combining innovation and sustainability in its products and services, stands out as a key material issue for Enel.

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 Enel engages with:   

Stakeholder Group           Method of engagement
Employees

 

 

 ·         Intranet

·         Forums

·         Interviews

·         Work groups

·         Climate survey

·         Company magazine

·         Newsletter

·         Notification channel
Financial community ·         Investor relations and Corporate Affairs

·         Roadshows

·         Investor Day

·         Direct contacts

·         Web channel
Customers

 

 

 ·         Enel retail points and commercial offices

·         Online portal

·         Agents

·         Consumer associations

·         Customer focus centers

·         Surveys

·         Forums and work groups

·         Mobile apps

·         Social networks
Companies and category associations

 

 

 ·         Meetings

·         Work groups

·         Forums and dedicated meetings

·         Direct contacts
Suppliers and contractors ·         Online channel

·         Forums and dedicated meetings

·         Work groups

·         Direct contacts
Media ·         Press releases

·         Roadshows

·         Direct contacts

·         Dedicated meetings

·         Social networks
Civil society and local communities ·         Online

·         Releases

·         Direct contacts

·         Notification channel

·         Social networks
Institutions ·         Online

·         Releases

·         Direct contacts

·         Notification channel

·         Social networks

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

In 2015, in order to identify, assess and prioritize issues considered material for both Enel and the company’s stakeholders, Enel took 174 initiatives to engage and listen to stakeholders.

What actions were taken by Enel to combine innovation and sustainability in energy-related projects, providing socially and environmentally responsible energy solutions?

In its 2015 Sustainability Report Enel reports that it took the following actions to combine innovation and sustainability in energy-related projects, providing socially and environmentally responsible energy solutions:

  • Realizing already existing projects and launching new projects involving renewables
  • In 2015, Enel Green Power realized already existing and launched new renewable energy projects focused on:
    • improving the performance of technologies
    • developing renewables in urban contexts
    • using new renewables, not exploited up to now, particularly sea energy and high-altitude wind
  • Developing new energy storage technologies
  • Enel is focused, by entering into partnerships with companies in the sector, on developing residential energy storage systems that allow consumers to store self-produced energy.
  • Building electric transport infrastructure
  • [tweetthis]In 2015, Enel realized various electric transport projects and programs[/tweetthis], including:
    • ‘Zem2All’ (Zero Emissions Mobility to all), introducing 200 electric vehicles in Malaga and developing the required recharging infrastructure
    • ‘Electric transport in Santiago del Cile’ for the creation of recharging infrastructure, in collaboration with public authorities
  • Innovating in the final uses of energy
  • Enel is involved in the FLEXICIENCY project, offering end users, through real-time data made available by a smart meter system, the ability to monitor and control their energy consumption.

Which GRI indicators/Standards have been addressed?

The GRI indicators/Standards addressed in this case are:

1) G4-EN4: Energy consumption outside of the organization – the updated GRI Standard is: Disclosure 302-2 Energy consumption outside of the organization

2) G4-EN7: Reductions in energy requirements of products and services – the updated GRI Standard is: Disclosure 302-5 Reductions in energy requirements of products and services

 

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:

1) This case study is based on published information by Enel, 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 Enel: With each case study we send out an email to your listed address in request for a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: Innovability: How Enel combines innovation and sustainability in energy-related projects appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Walmart’s renewed sustainability agenda and commitments for a “new era of trust and transparency” https://sustaincase.com/walmarts-renewed-sustainability-agenda-and-commitments-for-a-new-era-of-trust-and-transparency/ Tue, 08 Nov 2016 19:54:44 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=1850 Walmart’s president and CEO Doug McMillon recently unveiled Walmart’s renewed, broader sustainability agenda, delineating the company’s enhanced responsibilities and commitments towards society and the environment. Walmart, reporting on its “global responsibility” following the GRI sustainability reporting Standards, committed to: Achieve, by 2025, zero waste to landfill in Walmart’s most important markets, having already (2015) accomplished this goal for 75% of the company’s global waste. Sell more sustainable, safe and healthy products, expand its responsible sourcing efforts, reduce product and packaging waste and ensure – among other targets – that its packaging is, by 2025, 100% recyclable. Most importantly, by 2025 […]

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]]>

Walmart’s president and CEO Doug McMillon recently unveiled Walmart’s renewed, broader sustainability agenda, delineating the company’s enhanced responsibilities and commitments towards society and the environment. Walmart, reporting on its “global responsibility” following the GRI sustainability reporting Standards, committed to:

  • Achieve, by 2025, zero waste to landfill in Walmart’s most important markets, having already (2015) accomplished this goal for 75% of the company’s global waste.
  • Sell more sustainable, safe and healthy products, expand its responsible sourcing efforts, reduce product and packaging waste and ensure – among other targets – that its packaging is, by 2025, 100% recyclable.
  • Most importantly, by 2025 cover 50% of Walmart’s energy needs from renewable energy sources, so as to achieve science-based targets in reducing Walmart’s greenhouse gas emissions. Through a number of energy-efficiency initiatives and the wider use of renewable energy (in 2015 renewable energy was used for 25% of Walmart’s operations), Walmart, the first retailer whose emissions-reduction plan is approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative, committed to reduce emissions from its operations by 18%, by 2025. Walmart will also join forces with its suppliers to reduce, by 2030, emissions by 1 Gigaton (the equivalent of taking more than 211 million cars off US roads and highways for one year).

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  • Strive to be an employer of choice by – among other goals – ensuring workers in the retail supply chain are treated fairly and with respect, equipping Walmart’s associates, through specialized training programs, with the skills needed to grow in their career and by supporting equal pay for equal work.

 

References:

This article was compiled using a press release by Walmart. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses but made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the press release’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the link below:

http://news.walmart.com/2016/11/04/walmart-offers-new-vision-for-the-companys-role-in-society

 

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