Climate Change - Sustainability Academy

In 2023, several supply chain sustainability trends have emerged as companies prioritize reducing their environmental impact and improving social responsibility.

The last couple of years have set a lot of challenges for supply chains. According to the World Economic Forum, eight supply chains across major industries account for more than 50% of global greenhouse gas emissions, however, a lot of organizations haven’t recognized the fundamental importance of the supply chain resilience so far.

Here are five key issues that currently affect supply chains in all industries:

Carbon Neutrality and Net-Zero Goals

When discussing Carbon Neutrality, Scope 3 emissions are considered the most challenging and comprehensive category of emissions to address. According to Gartner, they account for 90% or more of total value chain emissions and they are the hardest to measure and manage. Measuring and managing Scope 3 emissions in the supply chain can be complex, as it requires data collection and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.

Sustainable Packaging Solutions

There is a growing focus on sustainable packaging throughout the supply chain. Sustainable packaging focuses on reducing waste, using eco-friendly materials, optimizing packaging design, and promoting circular economy principles. Biodegradable and compostable materials, recyclable packaging, reusable packaging and plant-based packaging are all expected to gain traction.

Ethical Supply Chain Management

Organizations have turned their focus on ethical and responsible sourcing, avoiding suppliers associated with unethical practices such as child labor, deforestation, or human rights abuses. There is also a growing emphasis on transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. Improving supply chain transparency has become a top priority for executives in various sectors.

Circular Supply Chains

The concept of circularity has gained traction in supply chain sustainability. Companies are transitioning to circular supply chains by implementing strategies like product take-back programs, repair and refurbishment services, and recycling initiatives. The circular economy provides real brand value and where consumers are aware of this.

New Legislations

A raft of new legislation is about to boot. The recently adopted Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive has set criteria for companies operating along the supply chain of EU countries. They must implement a due diligence process, identifying actual and potential adverse impacts on environmental and human rights issues. Moreover, the European Parliament introduced the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive last February, requiring companies to take responsibility for the environmental and social impact of their suppliers.

Online Diploma on Sustainable Supply Chain Management

In order to meet the latest sustainability challenges in supply chain management, the Sustainability Academy has introduced a brand-new course, the Online Diploma on Sustainable Supply Chain Management.

The course aims to equip professionals with all the necessary skills and knowledge in order to apply sustainable practices to supply chains. Additionally, it gives an insight on how to start a sustainable supply chain, using appropriate criteria/platforms, and comply with key ESG Ratings and Reporting Standards requirements, supporting the transparency of supply chains.

The course will also help you understand critical related concepts and trends, such as circular economy, sustainable packaging, scope 3 and net zero emissions.

Why choose Sustainability Academy Certified Courses?

Offer a unique Certification accredited by CPD in an affordable manner trusted by global Fortune 500 companies and global accounting firms for their staff education
Content created by Sustainability thought leaders, professors and trainers with practical experience in the field of sustainability
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Up-to-date content revised on annual basis that includes new legislations and trends based in field research
Joined by thousands of learners from 90 countries, including Sustainability professionals, graduates and entrepreneurs from various sectors

The topic of sustainable transportation has attracted more and more attention in Europe over the past ten years, as cities work to lower their carbon footprints and encourage a more environmentally friendly way of life.

Greenhouse gas emissions by transport account for 28% of total emissions in the European Union and 37% globally. EU governments have been working hard to find innovative solutions to reach European Green Deal’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Public transportation, electric vehicles, and bicycles have all emerged as important solutions to the problems associated with urban mobility. So how are these sustainable transportation options changing urban mobility in Europe?

Electric Cars: The Future of Mobility

One of the most promising ways to lessen transportation’s carbon footprint is through the use of electric vehicles. Over the past few years, the sales of electric vehicles have been steadily rising, with Norway, Netherlands, and Sweden setting the European pace. The advantages of electric vehicles are obvious: they have no tailpipe emissions, cost less to operate and need less maintenance than conventional vehicles. Governments in Europe have also been providing incentives, such as tax breaks, subsidies, and free parking in cities, to promote the use of electric vehicles.

Bicycles: A Sustainable and Healthy Option

In Europe, bicycles have long been a common form of transportation, and as more cities build out their cycling infrastructure, the popularity of bicycles only grows. Cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen are setting the bar high when it comes to promoting cycling as a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation in cities. Cities all over Europe have started to adopt bike-sharing programs, which offer locals and visitors a practical and affordable means of transportation.

Public Transit: A Key Component of Sustainable Transportation

Sustainable transportation in Europe heavily relies on public transit systems like trains, buses, and trams. Public transportation makes it easy and affordable to get around cities, which decreases the need for personal vehicles and eases traffic congestion. Many European cities have made investments to update their public transportation infrastructure, including the creation of electric buses and trams. Additionally, some cities have free or inexpensive public transportation, enticing people to take it instead of their cars.

The Future of Sustainable Transportation in Europe

Urban mobility in Europe is changing as a result of sustainable transportation options like electric cars, bicycles, and public transit systems. These alternatives provide a way to lessen the carbon footprint of transportation, enhance air quality, ease traffic, and support active and healthy lifestyles. Although it appears that sustainable transportation in Europe has a promising future, this potential will only be fully realized with continued investment and promotion.

Want to be a driver of change towards a more sustainable future? Sustainability Academy’s certified courses are designed by leading professionals and trainers with expertise in the field of sustainability.

The importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are growing heavier for the region’s businesses as MENA’s economy diversify and integrate more deeply into global capital markets.

The private sector will play a vital role in the sustainability transition of the MENA region. Credentials in sustainability will influence finance availability and define competitiveness in international marketplaces. In the near future, ESG will rank among the most important differentiators for businesses exporting from the MENA region.

Government provides the framework for a nation’s climate aspirations, but the private sector is what spurs innovation. The following areas must be focused on and recognized on the path to strategic success:

Set precise goals: Ambitions must be clearly stated with a direction for action if climate change aims are to be successful. To achieve success at each level, adopt a net-zero aspiration and apply a thorough roadmap with short- to medium-term goals. To ensure accurate tracking and target evaluation, pursue working with SBTi.

Accept change: By creating a sustainability department and involving top management in all climate-related projects and problems, leaders can raise awareness throughout their organizations.

Boost your purchasing advantage: Urge your suppliers to support your company’s sustainability objectives by acting responsibly and openly. To boost suppliers’ emissions measurement, reporting, and reduction plans, mandate ESG in procurement.

Join forces with the government: As the economy changes, businesses can collaborate with regulators and policymakers to determine the standards, methodology, and goals. Businesses must collaborate with legislators to have maximum impact as expectations and restrictions are anticipated to rise.

Adopt world-wide standards: Including, but not limited to, transparent accounting methods, disclosure across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, and procedures for regularly measuring and disclosing any emissions for which the organization is liable.

Increase consumer awareness: Organize focused initiatives to raise awareness and make a strong argument for the quick adoption of sustainable practices.

As sustainability has climbed to the top of policy agendas, companies need a framework for the future, which will allow them to enhance the region’s competitiveness, whilst protecting the environment. Which areas can provide significant growth opportunities? Of course, sustainable mobility, buildings, energy supply and agriculture, smart food chains and the preservation of natural capital, and resource efficiency.

The Sustainability Academy offers unique certified courses for professionals on all fields of Sustainability and ESG, such as Corporate Sustainability: Foundation Course, Carbon Reduction and Net Zero Strategies(Updated version), Sustainability(ESG) Reporting, ESG Impact and Sustainable Investing, Circular Economy, SASB and TCFD Reporting. The courses provide a certified qualification to professionals so they can meet the high demands of their positions and the requirements of stakeholders.

For more information, please reach out to us as events@cse-net.org.

Supply chain sustainability is becoming increasingly important for companies, investing more and more money into initiatives to reduce waste and carbon emissions. It is also presumed that there will be an increased emphasis on the circular economy by the end of 2022.

A circular supply chain is important for many reasons, but mainly because it saves businesses long term costs, prevents waste from going to landfill, helps manage ESG risk and leads end-to-end network value to business growth opportunities. As stated by the World Economic Forum, the circular supply chain could unlock $4.5 trillion of economic growth by 2030. For this reason, the United Nations (UN) has already outlined Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for global supply chains.

As more companies are trying to readjust their supply chain, Microsoft Corporation and Schneider Electric are two examples excelling in their sustainability practices, being the winners of The Gartner Power of the Profession™ Supply Chain Awards, an annual community-driven recognition program that inspires supply chain transformation around the globe. Microsoft’s mission is to become carbon-negative, zero-waste and water-positive by 2030, driven by circularity. One the other hand, Schneider Electric has deployed a “self-healing” supply chain platform, saving more than 100 million euros.

Here is how your company can capture more value from a circular supply chain:

Lower costs mean greatest profit – Reusing and refurbishing recycled materials results in lower input costs, creating new profit streams.

Circular economy supports supply chain resilience – Using materials already in the supply chain saves your company from inflation and supply shortages.

Regulation and certification standards can be easily met – Companies are facing increasing pressure to make supply networks more sustainable and more transparent.

Drives customer engagement – Circular supply chains are always more appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers. 85% of people indicate that they have shifted their purchase behavior towards sustainability in the past five years.

The circular supply chain is a new way of conducting business, empowering the collaboration of organizations and companies. With the expectations of stakeholders transforming the supply chain sustainability the last 10 years, a lot of companies are struggling to meet the increasing demands, making it even harder to gain a competitive advantage.

Take a deeper dive into the way the circular supply chain can benefit your business and enroll to the Online Certificate on Circular Economy. A 20% discount is available until August 31. Use the discount code “summer20”, while registering online.

Our planet faces enormous economic, social and environmental challenges, and despite important progress, there is growing awareness that the SDGs, the Paris Agreement and sustainable development cannot be achieved unless nations, leaders, businesses and people make radical changes. In other words, these targets can only be achieved through transformational change.

This change will have true impact on society, on the environment, on the economy – on our future.

This requires a systems-based approach, which is highly complex, as it requires large-scale and fundamental transformations on all levels of societal systems, institutions, technologies, policies, lifestyles and thinking.

The World Benchmarking Alliance identified 7 system transformations:

Decarbonization and Energy
Food and Agriculture
Nature and Biodiversity
Digital
Urban
Social
Financial System

The role of business

Business can play a key role in leading these transformations by creating sustainable, inclusive and innovative solutions. In order to do that, businesses need knowledgeable, skilled and ethical people to drive this.

As demand for professionals with in the field of Sustainability/CSR/Environmental impact/ESG performance/Circular Economy is rising, more and more professionals choose a career in this field or make a career change towards a professional role that will provide meaning and purpose.

The Silicon Valley awarded Sustainability Academy is proud to provide online, certified specialized courses to help professionals acquire the necessary knowledge and skills, with specialized courses on Circular Economy, ESG Impact and Sustainable Investing, Sustainability Reporting, Carbon Reduction, SASB & TCFD Reporting.

If you are reading this, don’t forget to ask for your discount code, when you decide to enroll to any of our specialized courses.

For more information, please contact sustainability@cse-net.org

The US election fallout seems to signalize a new, considerably promising era for climate change and sustainability as Joe Biden, US President-elect vowed not only to rejoin Paris agreement, after Donald Trump’s withdrawal back in 2017 but also to put in place one of the most remarkable yet bold enough climate plans in presidential history.

The feat of limiting global warming to 1.5˚C is not a bed of roses as the ambitious policy has to ensure that greenhouse gas emissions will reach net-zero by 2050. About $1.7 trillion are announced to be invested in clean energy with the aim to create more green jobs while ending fossil fuel subsidies, make zero-carbon technologies and embark on new oil and gas permits on public lands shaping the future of renewable energy towards a responsible and revolutionary direction in favor of the planet and human kind.

How is ESG investing affected?

Moreover, it is expected ESG investing to also witness a progressive upshot. Investors who share high interest will have the opportunity to further invest and develop ESG strategies, although the ignorance of the past years on behalf of the government, had already forced them to pour significant amounts in order to generate positive impact on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters.

According to Morningstar’s flows report on global sustainable funds so far it has been reported a 60 million rise this year compared to the assets in US sustainable funds in 2019. This trend was accelerated in combination with the Covid-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, there are a lot of high hopes from investors during the upcoming years under Biden administration, with mainly policy changes on selected potential areas that will evolve ESG and impact investing. It is highlighted by Bendell CEO at Toniic, that if ESG Investing is anywhere set to boost, funds must include transparency and create reliable disclosure which will make “the markets more efficient and better”.

Impact investors support transparency around corporate and environmental social practices. Currently, one of the most mainstream approaches towards the financial disclosure on ESG practices is supported by the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB). According to Bendell, SASB’s recommendation shouldn’t be a “terribly radical position,” for either Republicans or Democrats.

Corporations from the private and public sector are willing to cooperate with Biden administration to enact reform. With collective efforts to manage standardization around ESG issues it is expected to advance the field.

One of the best actions a company can take is educating and training on sustainability and ESG issues, how to identify and assess stakeholders, then prioritize material issues. The training is the first step in an iterative process. The Center for Sustainability & Excellence (CSE) and its online training platform of Sustainability Academy are committed to provide the latest and most updated knowledge on the field. Additionally, CSE is currently the only training organization in North America offering training material provided by SASB. On that note, check the newest addition to our online courses, the Online Certificate on SASB & TCFD Report as well as the Online Certificate on ESG Performance for Professionals and Investors and benefit from special discounts.

In the aftermath of the World Economic Forum in Davos one can easily admit that global warming, climate change and the loss of biodiversity are the greatest threats humanity has ever faced. Five years after the Paris Accord, governments need to reset their goals and businesses are finally and quickly talking about setting goals. China is still burning half of the world’s coal; city people all over the world have a disproportionately large carbon footprint and urban populations have the worst air quality.

So how are cities going to adapt to a hotter planet? Governments, companies, banks and institutions need to set clear plans to reach net zero in their carbon emissions; in other words new pathways to “stakeholder capitalism.”

As business leaders worldwide are more concerned about climate change than ever before momentum is growing at an incredible pace. There are a number of challenges ahead for Sustainability Professionals, challenges that will be discussed and addressed during CSE’s Certified Sustainability (CSR) Practitioner Program in London, Advanced Edition 2020, in March 12-13.

Interesting Times Require Global Leadership in Sustainability

CSE offers advanced certified education on Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, Sustainable Development and Circular Economy for professionals. Trainings maximize a company’s impact and help professionals become qualified in the field. They provide the latest practical tools and resources to implement or upscale corporate sustainability and ESG ratings to drive initiatives, generate value and create effective strategies.

Research

CSE’s research furthers its commitment to high caliber training in sustainability for C-Suite executives & Sustainability Managers worldwide.

CSE has completed its second exploration of sustainability strategies and reporting in Silicon Valley. CSE’s 2016 report uncovered the disturbing news that Silicon Valley companies lag other sectors in sustainability practices. The 2019 research indicates significant improvements. Still, there is plenty of room to raise standards and increase ESG Ratings relied upon by investors. The same year Google won the Silicon Valley Community Foundation award for its corporate social responsibility (CSR), CSE president Nikos Avlonas received their CSR Practitioner of the Year award.

To learn more about in-house trainings or CSE consulting services, contact info@cse-net.org

As mentioned in a previous blog article, North Bay Village, like many other areas across Florida, is beginning to notice the effects of rising sea levels. Top environmental issues in Miami are not new problems and have been raised for decades.

For example, one problem is Florida allowing development on its beaches and the sea level rise, as a result of climate change, is not stopping developers of Florida’s coast.

In 2016, South Florida was home to 6 million people and projected to grow by 3 million over the next three decades. Yet, by 2050, an estimated $15 billion to $36 billion of Florida’s coastal property will be threatened by sea-level rise, according to a report in 2015 from the Risky Business Project, a Bloomberg Philanthropies effort that quantifies economic risks from climate change.

In South Florida, sea-level rise and climate change are already having an effect on available drinking water as the rise of the ocean is bringing salt water into the water system.

It is undeniable the beautiful Florida beaches are attractive to tourists. On May 1, 2019, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) announced a record-breaking 16.5 million overnight visitors in 2018, up +3.5% compared to 2017, along with 6.8 million Day Trippers for a total visitor number of 23.3 million. The record-breaking visitor volume led to an economic impact of nearly $18 billion, fueled mostly by international visitors who contributed an estimated +54% of the total economic impact. Greater Miami and the Beaches broke another record by selling a record 15.6 million hotel room nights in 2018, representing an increase of +1.5% compared to 2017. This speaks to the strong demand for the destination. But tourists bring their own challenges – often in the form of motor boats and fishing rods, contributing further to the sustainability issues.

If you represent or are directly or indirectly linked to these industries affected by these environmental challenges in Florida, what solutions do you adopt and what actions to do implement to ensure the sustainability of your organization? Join us in Miami in early 2020 for sustainability discussions regarding the Sunshine State.

CSE’s Certified Sustainability (CSR) Practitioner Program, Advanced Edition 2020, takes over Florida January 16-17, 2020 to help sustainability professionals rise to any occasion. This challenging two-day training offered by Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) aims to give you all the latest tools and resources required to implement or upscale existing sustainability initiatives taking place in your organization.

For the 6th consecutive year, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) are organizing Green Week, an overarching umbrella for key environmental activities and events in the region. Green Week features programs and initiatives to raise awareness about the environment and sustainability and the need to follow a sustainable lifestyle. It also informs younger generations about the importance of rationalization of electricity and water and the conservation of natural resources; motivating them to innovate new solutions that support the transformation towards a green economy.

Under its umbrella, the 6th Green Week will host the 21st Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition. The Green Week also features the 4th Dubai Solar Show, the region’s largest solar power technology event; the 6th World Green Economy Summit; the International Desalination Association World Congress, the premier global event on desalination and advanced water treatment solutions; and the Gas and Oil Technology Showcase and Conference 2019.

The Green Week is based on a vision to promote a culture of sustainability in society, while also instilling a culture of creativity and innovation among the younger generations, who are considered by the UAE’s wise leadership as vital for anticipating and shaping the future. Green Week also focuses on developing young talents that will help shape a sustainable future for the energy sector, thereby supporting the national efforts to establish Dubai’s and the UAE’s leadership in the field of sustainable development.

The event will launch a ‘Centre of Excellence,’ which will target universities, students and the academia, welcoming more than 150 students.

Sustainability practitioners bring strong skills and out-of-the-box way of thinking to deal with the challenges ahead. After its sold out events in NYC, Houston, San Francisco, Seattle and Toronto CSE is holding its next Certified Sustainability (CSR) Practitioner Program in Dubai, November 17-18, 2019.

What happens when you bring together students, young people, activists, and allies rallying to prevent climate change? Throughout Canada and the US, young people, their parents, employers, colleges and universities are holding strikes to illuminate the looming climate crisis.

Through Climate Strike Canada and Climate Strike sponsored by 350.org in the US, participants are united to empower, train, and equip participants to create climate justice in their communities. The effort is non-partisan and inclusive. Its most recognizable actions are school strikes. Other climate actions include lawsuits, education and wellness discussions, and calling for the declaration of climate emergencies in towns and cities.

For example, San Francisco’s Climate Strike community is confronting the crisis by representing youth throughout the region. Climate justice is about more than greenhouse gas emissions. It addresses the same considerations found under the Sustainability umbrella: workers’ rights and economic justice, the rights of Indigenous peoples and migrants, anti-racism and social justice. Sustainability practitioners must understand how to address each issue in a unified manner.

Employees at multinational corporations are as involved as their daughters and sons. For the first time in Amazon’s 25-year history, workers at Amazon headquarters plan to strike. Over 900 Amazon employees signed an internal petition pledging to walk out over their employer’s lack of action on climate change. The move will highlight the United Nations Climate Action Summit on September 23. Demands range from ending donations to politicians who deny Anthropocene climate change to achieving zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Tech workers have walked out to protest specific issues such as Google employees on sexual harassment issues and Wayfair staff on immigration. Can Amazon employees get the company to stop using fossil fuels entirely? Transportation logistics aside, Amazon is known for being ambitious and can certainly address climate change in a meaningful way.

With a company as large as Amazon, even a fraction of the workforce on strike can drive Amazon to greater efforts. The key is leadership from a trusted brand. Fortunately, the very effort of a sustainability strategy affects customers, peers, supply chain and the next generation. Google and Apple claim to power their operations with 100 percent clean energy, and Facebook has set the same goal.

The technology world is one of many sectors with an important role to play, whether San Francisco’s Silicon Valley, Microsoft up the coast in Redmond, Washington, companies with a large presence in Canada (Shopify, SAP, Telus) and Canada’s own Silicon Valley in the Ketchener-Waterloo, Ontario area.

An important CSE strategy is to meet corporations where they are. CSE has developed meaningful relationships with both SMEs and large international corporations. We’ve provided education on Sustainability to leading companies throughout North America.

We have added San Francisco, October 15, 2019, and Seattle to our rotation of trainings. Others include Houston, New York, Atlanta and Toronto. Senior managers and VPs from more than 90% of the FORTUNE 500 have attended our programs. They join over 1500 Certified Sustainability Practitioners from over 50 countries all over the world.