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    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 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.

     

     

     

    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

    CSE Research explores why ‘doing business as usual’ is no longer a valid option and the shift to ‘doing business in a sustainable way’ is the only way that will secure companies’ trust and access to financing. 

    For the 6th consecutive year, the Center for Sustainability and Excellence is proud to announce the unique findings from its Research in ESG Ratings and Reporting Trends, focusing on ESG best practices and standards used in 2022 and how they affect profitability and transparency. CSE’s research examined the ESG practices and commitments of more than 400 FT 500 companies in North America and Europe from 31 sectors, with high percentage of profitability within the last years. CSE’s unique research identified the Top 25 ESG Performing Companies and Top 10 per Sector and explored common success practices, including the most widely used ESG Standards and goals setting.

    How ESG influence profitability and transparency in FT 500 companies?

    The research’s findings verified that there is indeed an increased influence between financial performance, brand credibility and ESG good practices. More specifically, the 25 companies such as General Mills, Ford, NIKE, Target, AIG with the highest percentage increase in profits between 2020 and 2021, are characterized by the following :

    Common Success Practices by the leaders

    High in average consolidated ratings on the four ESG ratings (MSCI, CDP, Sustainalytics, and S&P Global), use of ESG-related standards (GRI, SASB, TCFD) and incorporation of stakeholder concerns and preferences into their strategies, comprehensive independent ESG reporting, as well as commitment to ambitious quantitative goals.

    Leading and Lagging Sectors

    The research also showed interesting conclusions with regards to the ESG incorporation potential of each sector. The sectors of “Beverage & Food Consumer Products”, “Real Estate”, and “Insurance: Life & Health (Mutual, Stock)” are clearly leading the way. The lagging sectors are: Diversified Financials, Food Production, Insurance (Property & Casual), Metals, and Petroleum Refining/Energy.

    Climate Commitments and lack of Transparency

    Regarding their climate commitments, the findings of the research demonstrate that although the companies set ambitious goals, there is still lack of transparency. For example, 29% of the companies have validated near-term reduction targets and almost 50% have set net-zero targets. It remains to be seen if these goals are true, or wishful thinking, or unintentional greenwashing.

    The rise of ESG Standards. Independent Sustainability Reporting is Becoming more Important Than Ever

    Regarding the reporting methods and verification of the disclosed data, out of the 310 companies evaluated, 86% have published an accessible, independent Sustainability (ESG) report, but only 30% have an External Assurance. This means that while there is transparency of data, there is no third-party verification and or any trend for Integrated Reporting.

    Another interesting finding has to do with their preferred ESG Standards. 44% have included reference and commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, 74% have complied with the SASB Standards, and 64% reference the recommendations of the TCFD. The use of specific global standards and frameworks verifies that top companies adopt a more strategic approach towards ESG, aiming to secure better consolidation of scores, easier comparability and greater transparency.

    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.

    Learn more about Sustainability Academy certified online courses here.

    For more information: events@cse-net.org

     

    2022 was a year of highs and lows in the world of sustainability, but we are going to keep track of some of the wins and positive stories from this year.

     

    1. Pioneering commitments made by the US at COP27

     

    The 27th climate conference has introduced a set of new initiatives. These initiatives will fight climate change and give aid to those most vulnerable to its impacts. The US has pledged over $150 million to support Africa’s adaptation and resilience. Moreover, solutions to bridge the climate finance gap focus on green bonds to further support developing nations. They are also making changes on their own soil, with proposals to strengthen emissions regulations and require alignment with the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, they are launching a Climate Gender Equity Fund and other similar initiatives to ensure that society as a whole is engaged in fighting climate change.

    1. Renewables are set to produce more energy than coal and nuclear FY2022

     

    The US’ renewable energy sector, according to the EIA, will have contributed over ⅕ of all energy for 2022. This is a major breakthrough for wind, hydropower and solar.

     

    1. A UN Plastics Treaty is in the works

     

    In March, 175 countries, including the US, agreed to begin working on a global treaty to address the global plastic crisis. If it is ratified, provisions to remediate plastic use and pollution would become legally binding. However, there are underlying differences in each country’s expectations for the treaty, so negotiations will be interesting to watch going forward.

     

    1. Nuclear fusion was made a reality

     

    After 70 years of trial and error, California physicists have produced a fusion reaction that netted energy. Although this technology is nowhere near ready for widespread adoption, it leaps in the right direction. A direction where fossil fuels are gone for good. Though experts estimate that the technology is still decades away from widespread adoption, this achievement could displace traditional energy sources like fossil fuels for good and produce potentially endless zero-carbon energy with less radioactive waste.

     

    1. The environmental justice movement presses on

     

    2022 held several wins for the environmental justice movement. On a national scale, the Department of Justice created a new specialized Office of Environmental Justice, aiming to protect overburdened and underserved communities from the harm caused by environmental crimes, pollutions and climate change. On a more local scale, communities from California to Louisiana headed off the implementation of toxic polluting facilities near their homes. Moreover, this new Office of Environmental Justice means enhanced enforcement of laws that protect those most vulnerable.

     

    1. $369 billion dedicated to fight climate change through the IRA

     

    This is the largest environmental investment the US has ever seen. It has made meeting reduction targets a reality. Over 80% of the country’s electricity could come from renewable sources by 2030.

     

    Learn more about Sustainability Academy certified online courses here.

    For more information: events@cse-net.org

     

     

    The visible effects of climate change made the topic of sustainability hard to avoid in 2022. The need for systemic change and radical rethinking of how organizations work has become a mainstream topic this year. More and more businesses have been stepping up to meet the requirements and their climate commitments.

    Here are five reflections on sustainability of 2022:

    Net Zero

    There was a lot of talk about net-zero emissions and company’s targets. Both small companies and dominant corporations have been trying to achieve the milestone by 2050, adopting a truly net-zero climate strategy. According to the latest Reuters Insight, 62% of those surveyed stated that they had net-zero targets, however, over a third of them said their targets were not science aligned.

    ESG Investing

    ESG has been the most common area of discussion in the field of sustainability and it has turned into an enabler for businesses to continue their activities. ESG investing is projected to increase at a rapid pace and according to a Bloomberg analysis, ESG assets may hit $53 trillion by 2025.

    Transparency

    Transparency is now required by law when publishing environmental impacts. Accountability and credibility can define a company’s future. Starting no later than 2024, all countries that have ratified the Paris Agreement need to follow a single, universal transparency process. This is the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF). As stated at the COP26 in November, “Overzealous reporting does not help against climate change”.

    Reporting

    Sustainability reporting frameworks have become more sophisticated and comprehensive. The ISSB or TCFD have become the most advantageous, because there are on track closely with the latest legislations.

    Renewable Energy

    Fossil-fuel derived businesses are under pressure to change their energy supply into a more sustainable form. Moreover, the cost of renewable technologies has fallen significantly. New policies are implemented rapidly and artificial intelligence (AI) is having transformative effects across energy and utilities.

     

    The Sustainability Academy aims to help Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility professionals, entrepreneurs and graduates update their knowledge, keep up to date with current legislation, global trends and best cases.

    Many thanks to all our friends, colleagues, practitioners, to those of you who read our newsletters, follow our social media and refer us throughout your networks. Therefore, we perform at our best because of your insights, endorsements and support! We will remain true to our goal to certify 50,000 professionals by the end of 2025.

    To express our gratitude, the Sustainability Academy offers a 20% discount to all certified courses until January 2. Use the promo code NY20.

     

    For more information: events@cse-net.org

     

    It’s the most wonderful time of the year, before Christmas!

    Sustainability Academy is once again excited to step in a little sooner than Black Friday and offer its bundle courses in a premium cost.

    Seize the opportunity of diving into understanding the most important topics of ESG, reporting standards, circular economy and carbon reduction.

    Stay ahead of the trends while you offer yourself the chance to learn, own the information and become certified.

    Whether you are working for a small/large business or are an independent professional, choose the right bundle and benefit from faster decision making, flexibility and close contact with stakeholders to better understand their needs.

    Are you looking to find out more on International Standards relating to ESG Impact and SRI and get useful insights on new legislation and how to report to Investors?

    How familiar are you with circular economy concepts and principles, guidelines, and tools?

    Climate change Impact and financial implications are not theoretical anymore. How aware and prepared are you with developing a carbon footprint strategy and the net zero goal?

    Whatever the learning hiatus or lack of specialization you find yourself with, start today your ESG journey and get bundled up with the affordable certified online courses by Sustainability Academy.

    The bundle offers will be available for two weeks until Black Friday at midnight.

    Add one of the suggested bundle courses to your cart and get the 30% discount directly!

    Do bundles not work for you?

    You can also get one of our best-selling courses with 20% discount! Choose one of the following and add the discount code BF20 when you add the course to the cart.

     

     

    For more information: training@cse-net.org

     

    6 steps to create an effective carbon reduction strategy

    According to the European Union’s action plan, countries must achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Although there’s a great challenge on doing so, as defined by the European Parliament, this does not only imply to completely eliminate GHG emissions. Instead, organizations should manage a balance between their carbon emissions and the amount of carbon that the atmosphere absorbs from the sinks.

    How to start with a carbon reduction strategy.

    Firstly, you start with a carbon footprint calculation to check on the CO2 emissions and their impact. You have successfully used the right tools to analyze the activities. You have also calculated which are the most polluting. However, are you confident enough to implement a successful carbon reduction strategy?

    Usually, a lot of businesses believe that by choosing to offset their carbon can be the first and great option, but this is not effective when it comes to reducing CO2 emissions. Reduction efforts need to become more penetrating with an efficient emissions reduction strategy.

    1. Designing the timeframe

    What is the timeframe of this strategy? Scheduling the roadmap will facilitate the process of development and implementation so that the targets can be timely met while staying on the financial plan.

    1. Detecting reduction opportunities

    Exploring opportunities in all scopes of emissions can result in actual reduction, while also providing an exceptional ROI. Going through the 3 scopes (direct and indirect), it will be easier to identify potential reduction opportunities.

    1. Setting costs and impacts

    A list of potential strategies to evaluate the CROI (climate return of investment) prospective for each opportunity, determination of costs, emissions reductions potential and the timeline for applying need to be considered.

    1. Assess actions

    Examine opportunities based on specific criteria, such as complexity, benefits, stakeholder requirements and impact operations. It is useful to score each of these criteria before moving on to prioritize actions.

    1. Developing the plan

    It is suggested that a group of professionals has received the proper information and education on how to evaluate and keep track of the progress. It is also important to be in line with the timeframe.

    1. Setting Targets

    The more precise the targets (meaning they are measurable, relevant and achievable), the closer to reaching the carbon emission reduction goals.

    If you are interested to acquire the necessary practical skills on how to apply a carbon reduction strategy, Sustainability Academy offers a certified course with information on international standards relating to Carbon Reduction Strategies and Reporting, including WRI GHG Protocol, CDP, ISO 50001, GRI.

     

    For more information and an exclusive discount contact training@cse-net.org

    ESG is the dominating trend in the marketplace the last few years. However, a knowledge gap on executives and boards still exists, leaving the industries unable to adapt to current demands.

    The mounting pressure on companies to incorporate ESG practices is never ending, with existing and new regulatory requirements pushing business leaders to rethink their approach. Moreover, the demand for ESG skills is outpacing supply, while the lack of appropriate education has a moderate impact on the organizations, holding them back when it comes to delivering their ESG agenda.

    According to a recent survey, 44% of directors stated that the lack of knowledge or capabilities are the main barriers to achieving ESG goals, while a 70% reported that they were only moderately – or not at all – effective at increasing board oversight on ESG. Moreover, 30% of them reported that there is lack of board and management commitment.

    Why does the ESG knowledge gap exist?

    Limited sustainability knowledge

    Lack of basic knowledge on sustainability is still the biggest barrier to addressing ESG issues. This lack of knowledge is also accompanied by the confusing terminology in the marketplace, which is currently more than enough.

    Taking into account the financial sector, only 13% of 3,700 senior ESG staff members at the world’s top 100 largest banks and 100 largest asset management firms hold a degree related to ESG. The impressive outcomes have been provided by a Capital Monitor’s analysis.

     

    Relationship between ESG criteria and business impacts

    Business leaders cannot clearly understand the relationship between ESG criteria and business impacts. What C-suite executives need to learn is what criteria materially impact their business. Only then, an integrated strategy can be developed and communicated effectively to the board.

    It is crucial to know that materiality differs depending on the sector and the company’s business model. Conducting an ESG materiality assessment is the very first step to identify which issues are material to you and your stakeholders.

     

    Board and executive ESG competence

    Even if the basic knowledge on ESG issues exists, a great number of board members and C-suite executives is still ill-equipped to oversee climate and ESG risks. According to a recent survey gauging the views of public company directors from across the United States, only 25% of the directors support that their board understands the company’s climate risk or strategy. This means that companies may need to reassess the current skillset of the boards.

    The value of ESG education cannot be neglected. Boards and C-suite executives with the right skillset are necessary for effective business operation.

    Enhance your oversight and decision-making capabilities on delivering an ESG agenda by enrolling to Sustainability Academy’s certified courses.

     

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