Page 16 – Sustainability Academy

Although Sustainability should be the catchword in an economy system that also targets the minimum of waste and promotes energy resources, European Commission seems to be guided by the economic belief that austerity should still be supported.

Since its first initiation in 2012 when the Euro debt crisis was at its peak, the independent Annual Growth Survey (iAGS) constantly questions whether European Commission follows a more realistic approach over macro economy and a less focused on a long-term reduction of public debt while being conscious enough over the social aspect of the crisis. There had been argument to the level of austerity and the control of public debt, nevertheless little influence did it have on the policies of the European Union.

The 2019 sustainability imperative highlights faster adaptation and a massive step forward. UN Sustainable Development Goals have indicated the way to sustainability performance and economic growth. That means that the measurement of Financial Performance is closely tied to sustainability strategies and goals. More specifically, it is implied that the measurement of social wellbeing is based on the triptych of sustainable development: Economic, Social and Environmental.

On that note, the Center for Sustainability & Excellence (CSE) knows first-hand the challenge of SDGs integration into strategy and sustainability plan and this June in Brussels will surface all the latest trends in sustainability (CSR) for the next coming years while it will address the European needs in a global context. New policies and strategies are required to be orchestrated to reliably support the delivery of long term sustainability.

Nevertheless, EU has still some way to cover in order to sufficiently achieve the SDG’s. Climate Change is another serious challenge that needs to be faced collectively. Societies and corporations are warned on how to use their carbon budget under the +2C target. Consequently, the carbon debt should be deliberated in the upcoming decades, since in the starting point scenario about 50% of EU GDP will be alarmed in staying below +2C.

Sustainability Professionals all over Europe are expected to join the leading event in Brussels to discuss and face the frontline challenges as well as to get globally certified. This is a limited seating training; claim your seat on time.

The Center for Sustainability and Excellence has a long-standing history in Europe of providing Sustainability Education to global FT 500 corporations and executives.

This June in Brussels Sustainability Leaders from all over Europe will join the new advanced edition of the Certified Sustainability (CSR) Program. This training will bring together high level professionals from different countries, fields and companies to join the two-day workshop, to develop and enhance their business strategies through CSR frameworks.

The sustainability agenda at the European level is “a positive agenda, it is about making people’s lives better” (European Commission, Reflection Paper, “Towards a Sustainable Europe 2030”). The European Union is strongly supporting the transition to a low-carbon, more resource-efficient and sustainable economy and it has been at the forefront of efforts to build a financial system that supports sustainable growth.

Corporate Responsibility (CSR) is a key enabler of the transition to a more sustainable future, as private actors’ engagement is needed to deliver efficiency and results. CEO’s and the whole C-Suite need to be sustainability experts. The European Commission openly addressed the need for implementing further actions to stimulate companies to put sustainability at the core of their business process, through incentives.

Sustainability professionals have to address new legislation, integration of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals into the current sustainability plan, new and upcoming trends, ways to influence and get support from C-suite executives, the role of Investors and how to maximize their corporate performance in ESG ratings.

CSE will be in Brussels, Belgium, in June 20-21, 2019. The Certified Sustainability Program provides tools for the design and implementation of the corporate Sustainability plan, as well as effective management of Sustainability complexities within their organization.

This program will feature a presentation of the Surprising Findings from CSE’s recent European Research on Sustainability Goals Integration and Sustainability (CR) Impact. The research focuses on Sustainability Reporting practices of more than 500 corporations from leading business sectors and outlines key considerations related to common strategic objectives, social impact goals, UN SDGs and external assurance practices.

Key sustainability challenges, trends and priorities were presented in CSE’s recent Certified Sustainability Practitioner Program in London, which welcomed attendees from 3 continents and 10 countries. Participants acquired valuable insights from CSE’s research and practical tools to efficiently manage sustainability in their organizations.

The Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) celebrates 12 years of trust from FT 500 corporations and global organizations in providing specialized Sustainability Education in Europe, North America, MENA and ASIA. Sustainability leaders from OP Financial Group, AIB, Herbalife, DNB Bank, IPM and other leading organizations have joined CSE’s program and over 1600 executives have become Certified Sustainability Practitioners globally.

The Certified Sustainability Program provides tools for the design and implementation of the corporate Sustainability plan, as well as effective management of Sustainability complexities within their organization. The program also provides insights on new legislation, integration of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals into the current sustainability plan, new and upcoming trends, ways to influence and get support from C-suite executives, the role of Investors and how to maximize their corporate performance in ESG ratings.

CSE will be in Brussels, Belgium, in June 20-21, 2019. This program will feature a presentation of the Surprising Findings from CSE’s recent European Research on Sustainability Goals Integration and Sustainability (CR) Impact. The research focuses on Sustainability Reporting practices of more than 500 corporations from leading business sectors and outlines key considerations related to common strategic objectives, social impact goals, UN SDGs and external assurance practices.

CSE is a leading training organization specializing in maximizing social, economic and environmental impact. We help professionals advance their careers through our certified on-site, online and group training services globally. Fortune 500 companies and other organizations grow and excel using our specialized consulting services.

As leaders in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and CSR strategy, we are often asked for our opinion on matters of most concern to the C-Suite. Here are some of the questions and the answers we’ve provided regarding Renewable Energy.

What are the main challenges for corporate renewable energy uptake in the US?

Executives and Boards of Directors are unaware of the opportunities and, more importantly, the risk of not being energy diversified.
2. Arguments are still made based on cost and efficiency rather than risk and long-term stability.
Getting past regulatory barriers in building infrastructure (one of the reasons we like portable solar solutions such as from Envision).

Where do the opportunities lie?

Investment in VPPAs (virtual power purchase agreements)
Technologies which supplement basic renewables infrastructure such as coatings on solar cells;

What are the main trends?

A follow the leader mentality put to good use – For example, as server intense tech companies look to reduce cost and risks, others will follow.
Dawning (in its infancy) awareness that renewable energy is a job leader
Discussing energy as a critical piece of a comprehensive sustainability strategy! It’s moving out of the isolation of cost-savings and/or carbon emissions.

What do you think needs to happen for the industry to develop further?

Greater awareness of the job benefits in Renewables. Job creation drives policy. It is immediate and impacts employees and local stakeholders more than the political implications of dependency on foreign oil or long-term fears of climate change.

What would you focus on if speaking at an energy conference?

Nikos Avlonas, CSE’s president and founder, and many at CSE would speak to renewable energy’s role as a risk avoidance sustainability strategy. Such a strategy is significant for investors to see higher ESG rankings based on GRI reporting, including SDGs. Our research shows a direct connection between sustainability reporting and strategy and financial performance, partly attributed to investor confidence and brand loyalty. We attend and host events in which we can share our experiences and decades of expertise.

In addition, we host events which fall into two categories:

CSE’s exclusive Sustainability (ESG) Leadership Training Workshop for C-Suite Executives, a Fast-Track training workshop especially designed to address key sustainability leadership challenges and equip business leaders with updated knowledge and practical tools to develop a sustainability vision and strategy, improve branding and ESG ratings, reduce stakeholder related risks and lead sustainable companies to deliver economic returns. (Next workshop – September 30 – October 1, 2019, in NYC).

Certified Sustainability Practitioner Program (Advanced Edition 2019) is a foundation course on the pragmatic methodology and tools to implement a corporate sustainability program. This is the “how to” course for identifying stakeholders, material issues, goals, implementation and reporting (Next training – New York City, June 6-7, 2019).

Beyond teaching the theory of sustainability, universities must hold themselves accountable as socially responsible citizens.

There are many opportunities to grow sustainability at the university level – beyond and including curriculum! How are institutions of higher education addressing sustainability reporting? A quick glance indicates they are incorporating SDGs, but there is no reporting standard. Yet, the often huge campuses have ample need and opportunity for sustainability strategy.

Educational organizations which do have some sustainability reporting are mostly for-profit corporations and are listed on CSRHub, the sustainability ranking service with whom CSE partners. A good portion of their data comes from GRI database.

Ranking indexes also rely on sources which range from sustainability reports (both listed in the GRI database and not), annual reports, government and legal filings, positions on other ranking platforms, financial and general media coverage, reports made to other organizations such as CDP and reports by advocacy groups. They are tailored toward for-profit corporations, explaining why universities generally don’t appear in sustainability rankings. Most universities are either non-profits, state agencies, or both.

In general, higher education is late to sustainability reporting. Organizations such as AASHE are trying to change this, but there needs to be a critical mass of sustainability practitioners to implement their recommendations.

Graduates need practical sustainability certification to hit the ground running, regardless the discipline they’ve pursued. Theory is one thing – methodology and tools are something else.

As more universities release sustainability reports, ranking agencies will pay closer attention, requiring specific metrics. Right now, the GRI sector disclosure which would apply to universities (but only the non-profits) is the NGO Disclosure. In the future, there may be a disclosure that covers institutes of higher learning, both for-profit and non-profit.

Are there enough sustainability professionals to meet this demand? In addition to sustainability practices themselves, and how to effectively implement or improve them, there are intricacies and nuances to the different reporting mechanisms and platforms. We’re all moving forward in different ways!

CSE’s Certified Sustainability Practitioner Program (Advanced Edition 2019) offers training on these key topics and many others. The first 2019 program in Toronto runs April 11-12, 2019. Only two seats remain.

As it is happening in cities around the world, Toronto has a significant portion of government resources directed toward sustainability. Where the city leads, opportunities follow. Some of the key issues addressed by the city council include climate change, wet weather, waste management, green spaces and ecosystems, and resilience.

With regards to Climate Change, the city is making investments to decarbonize its economy and infrastructure. Preference will go to companies with low emissions and companies which can help reduce green house gases while improving public health, economic prosperity and social equity. Construction and transportation will play a key role.

The Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) has a series of blogs addressing aspects of sustainability and resilience in Toronto and throughout Canada. CSE’s research Sustainability (ESG) Reporting Trends: North America 2018 shows how engaging in socially responsible behaviors helps drive a profitable bottom-line.

Wet weather affects more than the agriculture sector. The city has a 25-year plan that looks closely at storm water run-off. Protecting adjacent waters from urban pollution is one aspect. Another is mitigating basement flooding. This issue even affects tourism as the beaches are at risk. This is why WATERFRONT Toronto pays close attention to global best practices. The organization has a well-developed procurement process for revitalization projects.

Another concern, the City of Toronto manages nearly a million tonnes of waste annually. The growing population combined with limited landfill space requires new waste reduction, reuse, recycling, recovery and residual disposal programs. Companies which can mitigate their own waste stream or can provide cost-effective, socially acceptable and environmentally sound, long-term solutions are in demand.

Many of these efforts culminate in protecting and enhancing Toronto’s green spaces, including ravines and along the waterfront. Quality of life, economic prosperity, opportunities for recreation and education, clean air and biodiversity require increased vigilance. For example, invasive pests and plants put pressure on these systems. Whether maintenance companies, non-profits or universities, there is need for people working on viable solutions.

Accutane at www.papsociety.org/accutane-isotretinoin/ is a potent isotretinoin-based drug. One of its main aims is the complete blocking of the sebaceous glands, as well as reducing their size. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of isotretinoin on the skin has been proven.

These efforts lead toward building Toronto’s resilience. CSE’s Certified Sustainability Practitioner Program (Advanced Edition 2019) offers trainings addressing topics key to Toronto. CSE does not pick focus topics arbitrarily. We listen to participants from past trainings and to participants enrolled for future trainings. Want to inform the focus for Toronto? Register now and let us know your thoughts. CSE’s first Toronto training is April 11-12, 2019.

The Canadian Carbon Tax has more than economic ramifications. It is part of interdependent issues affecting Toronto.

Canada has passed its revenue neutral carbon tax. It may be high enough to meet climate targets, but will it cover social cost? Toronto will benefit from Canada’s move because it is already experiencing climate-related, surprising heat waves and both droughts and flooding. The legislation addresses risks to critical infrastructures and food security. Between 2019 and 2022, gas prices will increase less than 10%, but the cost of coal will double, increasing demand for cheaper carbon-free electricity.

Fortunately, artificial intelligence will assist sustainability efforts by predicting weather patterns which affects energy load and farming, to name just two. Entrepreneurs are bringing new AI technology to market as reported in CSE’s Sustainability (ESG) Reporting Trends: North America 2018.

As weather becomes less predictable, local sourcing is growing, but “sustainable” farming practices are being taken over by Agribusiness and may actually contribute to climate change. To get non-GMO yields equivalent to 1 acre of “regular” farming, research cautions may require more cleared land, even slash and burned. Wise use of Canada’s existing farmlands, too often subsumed into suburbia, might help. Another option is halophytes which grow on denuded lands, thrive on salt water and have long root systems which sequester carbon.

Climate change will alter transportation dynamics, directly addressed by the carbon tax. As a tech hub, Toronto will see industry experimenting with significantly low-fuel and even no-fuel options. Already social entrepreneurs are using congestion to their benefit to promote the use of electric scooters in dense urban settings.

No matter which side of the carbon tax one falls on – for or against – there is no doubt to the multiple ramifications to sustainability practitioners! The legal team, Financial department, ERM (risk management), Procurement, communications, R&D, and investor relations are cross-organizational departments needing a sustainability expert, answering questions, leading programs and informing policy throughout the corporate structure.

The Centre for Sustainability and Excellence Certified Sustainability Practitioner Program (Advanced Edition 2019) offers trainings topics key to Toronto. CSE does not pick focus topics arbitrarily. We listen to participants from past trainings and to participants enrolled for future trainings, such as extra SROI information presented at the 2018 Toronto training. Want to inform the focus for Toronto? Register now and let us know your thoughts. CSE’s first Toronto training is April 11-12, 2019.

The number of businesses that turn to a greener identity is constantly increasing, as they find themselves that the more they focus on sustainability the better the results and their performance. As reported during the Climate Week in NYC last month, the 2019 ESG landscape is shaped by climate change alleviation. Additionally, it was noted that a serious investment in new generation professionals should be made who understand not only how their companies impact the environment but also how the environment will impact on their company.

Amidst the top recognized challenges is to identify the leading personalities that can tackle issues such as diversity to manage growth towards more sustainable business in the long term. Furthermore, the companies that are tied to climate change have begun receiving pressure on behalf of shareholders to coordinate their efforts and face the climate-related challenges in a more holistic yet focused and intense way.

On that note, businesses identify that the growing need of sustainability expertise has been shaped accordingly and it is critical to absorb high quality professionals that can keep up with the latest innovations while deliver profitable results.

To meet this need, the Silicon Valley awarded Sustainability Academy is beyond environmentally focused as it offers affordable specialized certified education and coaching in the field of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility. We are set to make a difference on this planet so we invite you to take on the journey with us!

Check out our most popular courses of Online Certificate on ESG Performance for Investors & Sustainability Professionals and the Online Certificate on Sustainability (CSR) Reporting and contact us to get a discount!

Bosses across industries are increasingly tasked by long-term ESG (environment, social, governance) concerns. Toronto business leaders are no different. College grads or corporate managers growing as leaders are finding opportunities around sustainability.

A key driver in and around Toronto is the Aerospace industry. Space may be “the final frontier” for exploration, but it’s also a frontier for sustainability practices. Concerns include managing debris, ensuring fair access to satellite orbits, increasing rocket efficiency and developing systematic methods and practices for LCAs (life cycle assessments). Space exploration and delivery are benefiting from AI and adding applications from environmental monitoring (AGRICULTURE) to navigation (TRANSPORTATION).

Opportunities exist for envisioning space as a resource for sustainable development (ok, not in 2019, but the plans are being outlined now!). Space research has inadvertently created products which advance sustainability. Now, sustainability is a clear mandate for the Canadian Space Agency, ESA and NASA. CSA has been monitoring the ozone, mapping geological features and determining the environmental impact of mineral exploration for decades.

CSE’s 2018 research Sustainability (ESG) Reporting Trends North America focuses on the influence of Sustainability on Financial Results. We find confirmation of the link between Sustainability Reporting and Financial Performance. Paying attention to long-term concerns pays off in annual profits.

CSE research highlights findings from key sectors such as Telecommunications, Transportation, Energy, Construction, Agriculture and Financial Services, and many other industries becoming increasingly important to sustainability.

Through consulting, research and training, CSE research breaks down CSR (corporate social responsibility) data, tracking the issues which keep telecom CEOs and administrators on edge such as:

Sustainable product design,
inclusion and diversity,
talent management,
customer service and transparency,
privacy and security,
waste and recycling,
energy and emissions.

Whether you are an engineer, from HR, client relations, IT or operations, established and emerging industries need sustainability experts.

Be among those driving successes. CSE has worked with NASA’s sustainability champions and has trained participants for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. We have an incredibly strong presence in other Canadian industries such as mining, construction, real estate and energy. We all need to work together and learn from each other as we prepare for the future.

CSE’s Certified Sustainability Practitioner Program (Advanced Edition 2019) offers trainings on these key topics and many others. CSE’s first Toronto training is April 11-12.

Atlanta joins urban centers Toronto and New York in welcoming CSE trainings addressing specific regional sustainability needs.

The successful February 2019 Atlanta training focused on the South. Atlanta is a gathering place for corporations throughout the southern U.S. and the world, given it is a critical transportation hub. The Atlanta international airport is the busiest in the world. The training included a majority of participants from Georgia, the Carolinas, Maryland, Florida and Texas. We also had participants from as far away as the UK, Belgium and Ghana.

CSE is preparing now for the Toronto Certified Sustainability Practitioner Program (Advanced Edition 2019), April 11-12, 2019. As always, CSE will tailor the training to the unique needs of this region.

A good portion of the Atlanta training focused on Supply Chain, important considerations for participants from Rheem, Allnex and Suddath. Sustainable management of Supply Chain makes a significant impact in promoting human rights, fair labor practices, environmental progress and anti-corruption policies. The conversation even dealt with human trafficking. Given Atlanta’s national and international reach, highlighting Supply Chain issues made sense.

FT 500 participants from Google, Sodexo, Guardian Life Insurance and Intercontinental Exchange were particularly sensitive to the implications of sustainability rankings to investors. ESG criteria (environment, social, governance) are part of due diligence for trillions of investment dollars.

Another focus, praised as one of the key take-aways by participants, was Materiality. When allocating resources, smaller and newer companies such as S&D Coffee and Tea, Capgemini and WildArk appreciate knowing how to address stakeholder concerns when designing a sustainability strategy and developing a sustainability report.

Supply chain, investor rankings, and materiality are important components of the Centre for Sustainability and Excellence Certified Sustainability Practitioner training which will be presented in Toronto, April 11-12, 2019. CSE does not pick focus topics arbitrarily, such as the request for extra SROI information in the 2018 Toronto training. We listen to participants from past trainings and to participants enrolled for future trainings. Want to inform the focus for Toronto? Register now and let us know your thoughts.

Beyond teaching the theory of sustainability, universities must hold themselves accountable as socially responsible citizens.

The Canadian Carbon Tax has more than economic ramifications. It is part of interdependent issues affecting Toronto.

Group registration form