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The SEC Climate-Related Disclosures Rule will be a huge challenge for many companies, but how much are they prepared for the level of transparency required?

 

This climate-related disclosures rule will serve as a catalyst to invest the time, money, and resources required to map their supply chains and it’s expected to force thousands of them to disclose the full scope of their greenhouse gas emissions.

Specifically, listed companies with revenues over $75 million will be required to disclose information about the direct greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1), the indirect emissions from purchased electricity or other forms of energy (Scope 2) and certain types of GHG emissions from upstream and downstream activities in its value chain (Scope 3). Furthermore, according to the SEC fact sheet, they may be required to provide their disclosures early in 2024, using their 2023 numbers.

 

Which are the Upstream activities?

These activities encompass the processes that occur before the company’s own operations begin, typically involving suppliers, raw material sourcing, and logistics. Upstream activities often include extraction or cultivation of raw materials, transportation and distribution, as well as any outsourced processes involved in the production of goods or services.

Which are the Downstream activities?

Downstream activities occur after the company’s own operations and involve the distribution, marketing, sales, and support of the final products or services. This includes activities such as product assembly, packaging, distribution logistics, marketing campaigns, retailing, and customer service.

 

Are companies really prepared?

Scope 3 emissions account for up to 75 percent of a company’s total footprint and many of them have very poor visibility beyond their Tier 1 suppliers. They require immense amounts of time and money as these emissions are more than just suppliers. They are the entire depth of the supply chain. Moreover, the lack of direct control by companies over the requisite data along with the poor transparency can drive into many “black holes” in their supply chains.

The rule was designed to increase consistency and transparency in GHG accounting. If companies have already publicly set climate-related targets or goals, they need to disclose how they intend to meet them.

Smaller companies with less than $100 million in annual revenue will not be part of the requirement for now, however, Scope 3 emissions are generated outside the company’s control and greatly affected by other small companies throughout their value chain. This means that compliance would be required from them sooner or later.

 

Equip with all the necessary tools to build a resilient and efficient sustainable supply chain by registering to the Online Diploma on Sustainable Supply Chain Management course. Transform your organization’s climate pledges into actionable strategies through better supply chain management and be prepared for the upcoming challenges in your sector.

Don’t miss out the chance to register with our special 20% discount until July 20.

 


Group registrations allow you to attend our certified courses as a team at the same time. Our group online courses are created to tackle present-day problems as well as prepare your company for the future.

Discounts can be applied to a group that registers either to the same course or in a combination of courses.

 

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
  • Self-paced Courses that can be completed anytime within 45 days
  • 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

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.

Register now with a 20% discount. The offer expires on June 30. Request your discount code at events@cse-net.org.

 


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
  • Self-paced Courses that can be completed anytime within 45 days
  • 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

This World Water Day, let’s take a moment to learn about the impact of the textile industry on our water sources. Water is an essential resource for most organizations and reducing its footprint brings a lot of benefits.

Explore what businesses can do to reduce their water footprint and make the textile sector more sustainable.

 

What is the textile sector?

 

The textile sector refers to the production of textiles – fabrics, yarns and materials created from cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers. This sector encompasses the entire process from the growth and harvesting of the raw materials to the manufacturing and retailing of finished products. The global textile sector employs millions of people and accounts for 2.5% of the world’s GDP. Textiles have been used since ancient times and remain an essential component of global trade and industry. As the global population continues to grow, so too does the textile sector. However, this growth comes with a cost: the pollution of our valuable water sources.

 

Water pollution in the textile sector

 

The textile sector relies heavily on water for the processing of raw materials and the finishing of textiles. During these processes, dyes and chemicals are released into our waterways and contaminate the water sources that are vital for drinking, bathing, farming, and recreation. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester and polyamide, are also a major contributor to water pollution.

These fabrics are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down. They are also highly absorbent, which means that microplastics and other toxins on our waterways will cling to them. This can harm wildlife, contaminate drinking water and spread toxins to other ecosystems. Moreover, textile dyeing is the second-largest polluter of water worldwide, with the fashion industry producing 20% of the world’s wastewater.

 

How can the textile sector reduce water pollution?

 

Businesses, organizations can take steps to reduce their water footprint and make the textile sector more sustainable. Businesses can start by replacing synthetic fabrics with organic and recycled alternatives, such as bamboo, hemp, or organic cotton. This will not only reduce water use, but will also eliminate the need for harsh dyes and chemicals, further reducing water pollution. Organizations can also reduce their water footprint by buying fewer or used items, or investing in sustainable textiles.

 

Why World Water Day matters for the textile sector?

 

The textile sector is one of the world’s largest polluters of water. World Water Day is a day set aside to remind individuals and organizations of the importance of clean water sources. Our actions can have a profound impact on our waterways. Now more than ever, it is important for businesses to consider their water footprint and take steps to reduce it.

 

By investing in sustainable materials, recycling water and reducing the amount of water used in their processes, companies can play a vital role in the fight against water pollution.

 

 

Discover more topics on water footprint and how to reduce it with LCA methodology, by enrolling to the recently updated Online Certificate on Carbon Reduction and Net Zero Strategies. You can register with a special 20% discount until March 31, using the coupon code “NZ20”.

Education is the most powerful tool to transform organizations for becoming more Sustainable and have a positive impact on our planet.

We focus on all professionals, entrepreneurs and graduates who want to excel in the sustainability (ESG) profession.

 

The Sustainability Academy is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new website at sustainability-academy.org

At Sustainability Academy, we believe that education is the most powerful tool to transform organizations for becoming more Sustainable and have a positive impact on our planet. We focus on all professionals, entrepreneurs and graduates who want to excel in the sustainability (ESG) profession.

With that in mind, the website supports the most excellent user-friendly navigation with well-formatted content to browse. It is designed to specifically encourage deeper interaction among visitors, trainers, and consultants.

Streamlined menus create a smooth navigation by providing direct paths to high-use pages, enabling the website to evolve to meet changing user preferences.

Acknowledging the growing percentage of users who access information on mobile devices, the website delivers seamlessly across all device types and platforms.  All content is 100% responsive on tablets and smartphones, so that information is easy to see, with full functionality retained.

 

Sections and features of the new Sustainability Academy website include:

 

 

The introduction of the Sustainability Academy’s new website celebrates the soaring record-breaking demand for group online training for companies and online course services in gerneral and is here to take up the challenge!

 

About Sustainability Academy:

The Sustainability Academy is CSE’s global initiative to offer affordable specialized online education and in the field of Sustainability, Climate Change, Circular Economy, and Corporate Responsibility. The Sustainability Academy is set to make a difference on this planet, and we invite you to take on the journey with us!

 

For more information, please visit  https://sustainability-academy.org/

Also follow us on Twitter @CSE_network or on our company page on LinkedIn.

Reach us at: info@sustainability-academy.org

Sustainability Academy’s New Website is taking up a notch the advanced Certified courses, that will be of interest to professionals who want to update their knowledge and have a recognized qualification in the field of Sustainability, Corporate Responsibility, Sustainable Development and Circular Economy.

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 CourseCarbon Reduction and Net Zero Strategies(Updated version)Sustainability(ESG) ReportingESG Impact and Sustainable InvestingCircular EconomySASB 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.

 

 

 

The International Labor Organization estimates that the green economy might generate 24 million jobs globally by 2030, making green skills crucial to the transition to a green economy. But where is this demand being seen the most?

 

Over the past 5 years, green jobs postings have increased by 8% every year, and this demand has already exceeded supply. As countries and worldwide communities take action to combat climate change and protect biodiversity, green jobs will probably continue to expand. Governments and businesses are pledging to cut carbon emissions or meet other sustainability targets, subsequently driving the need for green jobs. However, industries that aren’t often considered green, like finance and technology, are looking for more people with green talents.

 

This sudden demand for environmental professionals is growing across a broad spectrum of industries, including banking, fashion technology, and transportation in addition to the more obvious ones like renewable energy. While many of these skills are highly specialized and concentrated in traditional green occupations like environmental scientists, sustainability managers, or wildlife biologists, we also observe a growing trend of green skills among professionals in occupations that are not typically thought of as “green.” Salespeople, designers, and stylists, for instance, are becoming more and more interested in sustainable fashion and pollution avoidance. Additionally, portfolio managers and investment analysts are increasingly reporting on sustainable investing in environmental financing. All different kinds of roles are gradually incorporating green capabilities.

 

There’s no such thing as a single “green industry” anymore. We are seeing green jobs span across a wide range of industries, from the obvious ones like renewable energy, to more unexpected ones like finance, fashion technologies and transportation industries. According to a survey published by LinkedIn in February 2022, the global demand for green talents is growing most rapidly in the fashion industry. WEF has published that green jobs and talent are actually more prevalent overall in the healthcare, agricultural, transportation, construction, and manufacturing industries, despite green talent development expanding more quickly in industries like energy and mining.

 

Green jobs and green skills are increasing in most industries Image: LinkedIn

 

CSE’s online courses are offered through the globally awarded Sustainability Academy. They are certified online courses on the most important issues of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility and more than 5.000 professionals from top corporations around the world have already joined them. Sustainability Academy also offers group courses for organizations that want to educate their staff, stakeholders, and other interested parties.

Learn more about Sustainability Academy certified online courses and group courses here.

 

For more information: events@cse-net.org

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