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Greenwashing is out: companies need to get serious about their sustainability journey

Posted on November 8, 2023 by dishanth

Businesses are increasingly being held accountable for their environmental and social impact. And Siegwerk, a global provider of inks and coatings for packaging, has taken a leading role in driving sustainability within the sector. The company is committed to producing packaging solutions to drive a circular economy for the industry, and supporting sustainable transitions along its supply chain.

Like many companies, Siegwerk has taken an incremental approach to expanding its sustainability strategy. “We started our sustainability journey by looking at how our products could better enable a circular economy,” says Alina Marm, Global Head of Sustainability and Circular Economy at Siegwerk. “That laid the groundwork for us to launch an entire new strategy on sustainability with a broad scope, covering carbon neutrality targets and diversity as a quantifiable target, but also looking at the conditions in our supply chain and creating transparency around these conditions in order to continuously improve.”

For Marm, the three primary aspects that define sustainable packaging are true circularity, carbon neutrality and fairness in the supply chain: “Carbon neutrality meaning zero emissions, and fairness in the supply chain meaning that there’s nobody who suffers as a result of your business practices.”

There is an increased need for transparency around companies’ sustainability data. Consumers are more educated about greenwashing and will no longer just take companies at their word when it comes to sustainability claims. Special interest groups such as NGOs are also publicly highlighting discrepancies between company commitments and performance.

“There is a huge regulatory push to bring sustainability reporting on par with financial reporting. And this is a game-changer. It’s going to make it much easier for consumers to look up data and make decisions about which products to buy and which companies to support,” Marm says.

But this is one area that is severely lagging. A survey conducted by Deloitte in April 2022 revealed that only 3 per cent of consumer companies say they produce sustainability data that is as accurate and verifiable as their financial data. Siegwerk is one of the first companies in its sector to commit to reporting on the carbon footprint of its products. “There is no option but to embrace sustainability holistically,” says Marm. “It’s not just about doing the right thing, it’s also about remaining competitive and future-proofing your business.”

Source Independent

Walmart and General Mills build a sustainable food supply

Posted on October 31, 2023 by dishanth

Working as partners in regenerative agriculture projects, Walmart and General Mills are working with authorities to create a more sustainable food system

Disruption of the food supply chain is perhaps the single most impactful event that can have detrimental effects globally. Also, the emissions that are produced as a result of the global food supply are just as impactful to our future and the shortage of food itself.

According to 2018 data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) meat, eggs and nuts are the primary sources of food across the states while vegetables are the third largest and fruit is at the bottom. However, from what we’ve seen over recent years, many would suggest the meat supply chain accounts for a large proportion of the industry’s emissions and is therefore unsustainable in its current mass-production form.

Now, this is not to blame the humble cow or any other animal for climate change, but more the processes in which meat is reared and distributed across the US. With certain regenerative principles in place—and the support from the public to reduce consumption—farms are known to provide higher quality goods that are nutritionally beneficial.

How does regenerative agriculture support a sustainable food system?

This is neither a slight of common habits, nor a simple task to conduct. In order to make the food system sustainable economically, consistent, and less impactful to the climate, examples of regenerative agriculture show the impacts of more mindful farming.

On the 17th October 2023, General Mills and Walmart announced a joint effort that will likely spark further consideration as the organisations advance regenerative agriculture across 600,000 acres of US soil by 2030. This project is about reducing the emissions and resource-drain from farming, improving soil health and, in turn, product quality.

The primary projects will be supported through grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and will reshape the process for growing crops like wheat across the Northern and Southern Great Plains.

Based on the research from the USDA, grains are the second most-consumed foods in the country after the meat, eggs, and nuts group.

These two corporations will also collaborate with Sam’s Club, a division of Walmart that offers superior quality and pricing for millions of items supplied to the US and Puerto Rico.

“Through this partnership, we will work hand-in-hand with Walmart and Sam’s Club to help regenerate the acres of land in the key regions where we source ingredients for our shared business,” says Jon Nudi, Group President, North America Retail at General Mills.

“We are excited by the opportunity to bring our products, including Pillsbury refrigerated dough and Blue Buffalo pet food and treats, to Walmart shelves more sustainably, with the help of our merchants and farmer partners.”

The three organisations believe that regenerative agriculture holds the key to emissions reduction in the supply chain and tackles many of the challenges within the modern food system. They also recognise their collective footprint and overall impact on the industry, and therefore will set the benchmark for regenerative agriculture implementation in the wider industry.

Walmart’s and General Mills’ sustainability alignment

Both organisations are impacted by the fate of the planet. As influential businesses in the food supply chain—Walmart operating across many facets of consumer goods—sustainability is now at the core of their future projects. Walmart’s net-zero emissions target is set for 2040 and will be driven by a number of investments into clean energy, providing 100% renewables to its facilities by 2035. The path to net-zero in Scope 3 requires further action to support its partners, suppliers, and customers to deliver on their own emissions targets.

When it comes to securing the food supply chain, Walmart dedicates much of its support to preserving land for regenerative projects and in investing deforestation-free product sourcing, which was recognised as one of the key downfalls of the meat supply chain—limited space resulting in deforestation.

“We’re committing to making the everyday choice the more sustainable choice for consumers,” says John Laney, Executive Vice President, Food at Walmart US.

“This collaboration is an example of how we are working across our value chain on intentional interventions to help advance regenerative agriculture and ensure surety of supply for these essential food products for the long term.”

As a key supplier of food globally, General Mills owns some of the much-loved brands and will continue to ensure that these products are delivered at lower impact to the planet. Also focusing on regenerative agriculture, energy sourcing and packaging innovation will also allow the company to drive healthier approaches in the food supply chain.

Source Sustainability

Sustainability & digital skills: Education can change world

Posted on September 7, 2023 by dishanth

Today’s world is facing a twin challenge: recovering from the pandemic, and struggling to become more sustainable. As we shift from the pandemic, a big realisation across companies and governments alike is the role that education plays in ensuring an analytical and scientific response to the challenges we face.

In recent years, we’ve seen the rise of terms such as digital natives associated with the younger generation. However, the ability to use digital devices and consume digital content does not necessarily translate well to enhancing employment prospects for all. Today’s digital world, with its massive amounts of information and misinformation, requires an unprecedented level of fluidity from students. They must be able to distinguish fact from opinion, objectivity from bias, and honesty from insincerity in an online setting.

They must understand the risks of technology and the internet, and how to mitigate those risks. At the same time, the digital world requires them to have the soft skills of an adapter, a creator, a problem solver, and a critical thinker. Are students ready?

Why we need to understand digital skills

The worrying answer is that not all students may be ready for a digital future. In a new comprehensive report from the Capgemini Research Institute titled Future-Ready Education, we found that across all students aged 16–18, only 55% say they have the digital skills necessary to be successful in today’s workforce.

More worryingly, there also appears to be a perception gap between teachers and parents when it comes to the abilities of students, and their perception of students. The usage of digital media is often conflated with digital skills, leading teachers and parents to overestimate their students’ abilities and knowledge of digital technologies.

Digital skills as a competency include four categories: digital literacy (understanding how computers, the internet and mobile devices work), digital citizenship (engaging in appropriate and responsible behaviours online), data literacy (understanding how to work with data and how to analyse and interpret it) and media literacy (understanding how to determine which online sources are credible, with the ability to evaluate content online).

The growing importance of soft and green skills

The digital world requires students to have the soft skills of an adapter, creator, problem solver and critical thinker. Creative thinking and analytical thinking are the most important skills for workers in 2023 and are the top two fastest-growing skills per the latest Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum. Our research found that a large share of students lack key soft skills for employment.

At the same time, green skills have gained prominence in recent years. Green skills enable students to live sustainably and manage their carbon footprint in a more effective manner. These skills can empower students to become changemakers in their own communities. One of the significant benefits of green skills is that they unlock new opportunities in emerging fields related to sustainability, providing a competitive edge in the job market. While nearly 80% of students globally say in our survey they are knowledgeable about recycling and waste reduction, only about half say they are knowledgeable about environmental policy (54%) and climate change (58%).

The rise of Generative AI

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a key skill for future jobs and has the potential to disrupt education. Nearly 60% of secondary school teachers globally believe interacting with AI systems will be a skill required for jobs in the future. A majority of teachers have experimented with ChatGPT already and while they are worried about its impact on learning, many can also see its potential.

Globally, 52% of secondary school teachers in our survey believe AI tools like ChatGPT will change the teaching profession for the better. However, this would require adapting curriculums and assessments to account for student use of AI-generated content, which over half (56%) of secondary school teachers globally agree with.

Education as a driver of progress

In today’s interconnected world the future success of students depends on their digital literacy. Teaching digital skills to young children and teenagers in secondary education is crucial, particularly in a world that is rapidly shaped and transformed by AI. It allows them to engage with technology safely and responsibly, and equips them with the tools they need to succeed in a changing world.

Despite growing up surrounded by technology, not all of today’s students have the digital skills required to use technology effectively and confidently for their education, or for their future role in the workforce. The digital divide is not just about access to the internet and devices, but about the proficiency gap between students who have the digital skills to succeed and those who do not.

Addressing these gaps can help support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal #4 (providing equitable access to quality education) and Goal #8 (enabling decent work and economic growth). Digital skills enable digitisation, internet penetration, and accessible technology and are therefore the key to improving the existing structural flaws. While strengthening education systems will help mobilise new streams of progress and boost productivity and quality of work, innovation in education is the key to making sure our future workforce is positively transformed by AI and technology.

Source Sustainability

Building with Cannabis: a Hempcrete Construction Hotel

Posted on August 31, 2023 by dishanth

Imagine a world where buildings are not only sustainable but also contribute to the fight against climate change; hempcrete construction might be the key. A world where construction materials come from renewable sources and have minimal environmental impact. In this post, we will explore the fascinating world of hempcrete construction and take a closer look at one groundbreaking project: the 12-story Hemp Hotel in South Africa, set to open its doors in 2024.

Why Hempcrete Construction?
Why choose hempcrete construction? Hempcrete is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials. It is made from a mixture of the inner woody core of the hemp plant, known as the hurd, and a lime-based binder. This combination creates a lightweight material with excellent thermal insulation properties.

Hempcrete also has exceptional breathability, allowing moisture to pass through without causing damage or mold growth. This natural ventilation helps regulate indoor humidity levels and promotes healthier living environments.

Another advantage of hempcrete is its fire resistance. Due to the high content of mineralized cellulose fibers in the hemp stalks, it can withstand extreme temperatures more effectively than conventional building materials.

Best of all, hemp plants grow rapidly and require minimal water and pesticides compared to other crops used in construction materials. They absorb carbon dioxide during their growth cycle, and sequester it in the building, making hempcrete a carbon-negative choice for builders.

Choosing hempcrete construction means opting for an environmentally friendly solution that offers superior insulation properties, increased durability against fire hazards, improved indoor air quality due to breathability advantages, and supports sustainable agricultural practices.

The Hemp Hotel, South Africa 2024

We have seen many homes built with Hempcrete Construction, but not as many commercial buildings. For all the same reasons that hempcrete construction makes sense in residential applications, it may be even more beneficial in commercial applications. For example, a stunning 12-story hotel made entirely from hempcrete is becoming a reality in South Africa. Set to open its doors in 2024, the Hemp Hotel is set to revolutionize the hospitality industry with its sustainable and eco-friendly construction.

Located in Cape Town, this groundbreaking project, built by Hempcrete Construction experts Afrimat Hemp, aims to showcase the incredible versatility and durability of hempcrete as a building material. Hempcrete is made by mixing hemp fibers with lime and water, creating a lightweight yet incredibly strong substance that is both fire-resistant and highly insulating.

But what makes the Hemp Hotel truly unique is not just its construction materials – it’s also about promoting sustainability throughout every aspect of its design. From energy-efficient lighting systems to rainwater harvesting, this hotel will be an example of environmental consciousness.

Not only will guests have the opportunity to experience luxury accommodation while reducing their carbon footprint, but they’ll also gain insight into how we can build more sustainably for future generations.

Other Hempcrete Applications

Aside from residential and commercial buildings, hempcrete has a wide range of applications. Its versatility and eco-friendly nature make it a promising material for various projects.

Infrastructure: Hempcrete can be used in the construction of bridges, roads, and other infrastructure projects. Its lightweight yet strong properties make it an ideal choice for these applications.
Agricultural Structures: Greenhouses, barns, and storage facilities can also be built using hempcrete. The breathable nature of the material creates an optimal environment for plants while providing insulation against extreme temperatures.
Public Spaces: Hempcrete’s sustainability can benefit parks, pavilions, and public restrooms. Not only does it offer durability and low maintenance requirements, but it also contributes to creating healthier environments for visitors.
Artistic Installations: As a creative medium, hempcrete offers endless possibilities for artists and designers to explore their imagination. Sculptures, installations, or even furniture pieces made with this unique material add an element of sustainability to art exhibitions or public spaces.
Retrofitting Existing Buildings: Instead of demolishing old structures that do not meet modern energy efficiency standards, retrofitting them with hempcrete can significantly improve their thermal performance while maintaining their historical value.

The potential uses of hempcrete are vast and exciting! As more people become aware of its benefits as a sustainable building material, we can expect to see further innovation in its application across different industries.

The rise of sustainable construction practices has paved the way for innovative solutions like hempcrete. The Hemp Hotel in South Africa showcases not only the beauty and functionality of this remarkable material but also serves as inspiration for future projects around the world. With more emphasis on environmentally conscious building methods, we can create spaces that benefit people and the planet alike.

Source Happy Eco News

Canada’s Sustainable Jobs Plan Will Become a Law Next Year

Posted on July 21, 2023July 21, 2023 by dishanth

Canada’s Sustainable Jobs Plan is intended to train workers for new roles in preparation for the future of a green economy. The government has presented a sustainable jobs bill that will provide the workforce needed for what is called a “just transition” to a new green economy. The country aims for a 40-45% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hopes the Sustainable Jobs Plan will help attract billions of dollars in investment by creating a skilled clean energy workforce. The bill, which will become law early in 2024, will publish an action plan every five years to put in place measures to invest in the net-zero emissions economy and skills of the future. From 2025, the government plans to release a new sustainable jobs plan every five years.

This new legislation has been ongoing for over two years of consultations and conversations with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, workers and unions, industry, environmental and civil society organizations and interested Canadians. Based on these conversations, the creation of the Sustainable Jobs Plan put forward ten concrete actions to advance the creation of sustainable jobs and support workers in every part of Canada. These actions include:

Establish the sustainable jobs secretariat: This will ensure federal policies and program coordination among Government departments.

Create a Sustainable Partnership Council: This council would advise the government on job creation and support workers.

Develop economic strategies through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables: These tables will work with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous groups and other partners to identify a set of concrete actions and develop economic strategies.

Introduce a sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program: This will provide workers with training, equipment and materials that meet industry standards and investments that support a low-carbon economy.

Advanced funding for skills development for sustainable jobs: This will be achieved by working with universities, colleges, union training centres and employer groups to help workers succeed in a net-zero economy.

Promote Indigenous-led solutions and a National Benefits-Sharing Framework: This will be achieved by continuously supporting Indigenous-owned clean energy projects across Canada.

Improve labour market data collection, tracking and analysis: These improvements will help the council provide advice and identify new measures and actions that must be taken.

Motivate investors and draw in industry leaders to support workers: The money will be used to support green infrastructure, clean technologies, climate action, and environmental protection.

Collaborate and lead on the global stage: Canada is committed to ensuring that their best practices and lessons learned are shared globally.

Establish legislation that ensures ongoing engagement and accountability: The overall goal is that all Canadians are involved in the decision-making process and that everyone adapts to new changes to help achieve our goals.

Canada’s Sustainable Jobs Plan will train people in jobs that are compatible with Canada’s path to a net-zero emissions and climate-resilient future. These include:

Clean energy: This includes jobs in solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power generation, as well as energy efficiency and conservation.
Green infrastructure: This includes jobs in building and maintaining sustainable infrastructure, such as green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Low-carbon transportation: This includes jobs in electric vehicle manufacturing, public transit, and active transportation (e.g., walking, biking, and rolling).
Sustainable agriculture: This includes jobs in organic farming, sustainable forestry, and aquaculture.
Recycling and waste management: This includes jobs in recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy.
Environmental monitoring and remediation: This includes jobs in monitoring air and water quality and cleaning up contaminated sites.

The Sustainable Jobs Plan will help to ensure Canada has the skilled workforce it needs to build a clean, healthy future for the country.

Think-tank Clean Energy Canada expects jobs in this sector will grow by 3.4% annually over the next decade, nearly four times faster than the Canadian average. With the commitment from the Canadian government to the Sustainable Jobs Plan, there is hope that the country can meet its environmental goals and that sustainable jobs will become the new normal across the country.

Source Happy Eco News

Unleashing the Power of AI to Protect Coral Reefs

Posted on April 22, 2023 by dishanth

Unlocking the Secrets of the Underwater World: Mapping Coral Reefs with AI

Understanding coral reefs’ intricate structure and biodiversity is paramount to their conservation and restoration. Traditional methods of mapping coral reefs can be laborious and limited by the challenges of underwater habitats. Enter machine learning, the cutting-edge technology that can revolutionize coral reef mapping.

Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data from diverse sources such as satellite imagery, underwater cameras, and environmental sensors to create high-resolution maps of coral reefs with unprecedented accuracy and detail. These maps provide valuable insights into coral reefs’ health, distribution, and vulnerability, empowering marine scientists, policymakers, and conservation organizations to make informed decisions and prioritize conservation efforts.

Using AI to Protect Coral Reefs: Early Detection and Rapid Response

AI can also play a pivotal role in early detection and rapid response to environmental threats faced by coral reefs. Climate change can cause coral bleaching, disease outbreaks, and species composition shifts; detecting these threats early and responding promptly is critical for effective management.

Real-time data analysis using machine learning algorithms can detect environmental changes that may indicate the onset of stress or bleaching events. For instance, machine learning models can analyze sea surface temperature data, water quality parameters, and other environmental variables to identify areas where corals are at high risk of bleaching. This early warning system enables scientists and managers to take timely action, such as implementing restoration measures, reducing local stressors, or implementing temporary fishing bans to safeguard vulnerable coral populations.

AI can also predict the spread and impact of coral diseases, which can spread rapidly and devastate entire coral reef ecosystems. By analyzing patterns in disease outbreaks, machine learning algorithms can identify potential disease vectors, environmental factors that may promote disease transmission, and the genetic makeup of coral populations that may affect their susceptibility to diseases. This information can aid in developing effective disease management strategies, preventing the further spread of diseases on coral reefs.

Using AI to Help Restore Coral Reefs

Restoring degraded coral reefs is complex and daunting, but machine learning offers innovative and efficient solutions for effective strategies.

One promising application of machine learning in coral reef restoration is the development of predictive models for coral survival and growth. These models can analyze a wide range of factors, such as the type of coral, water quality, temperature, light, and nutrient levels, to predict the optimal conditions for coral survival and growth. This knowledge can inform restoration efforts, such as selecting suitable sites for coral planting, optimizing coral nurseries, and implementing targeted interventions to maximize the success of restoration projects.

Machine learning can also aid in developing sustainable coral reef management strategies. By analyzing data on fishing practices, tourism activities, and other human impacts on coral reefs, it can provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to develop effective conservation and management plans that ensure the long-term health and resilience of coral reef ecosystems.

The potential of machine learning in enhancing coral reef protection and restoration efforts is immense. From mapping coral reefs with unprecedented accuracy to early detection and rapid response to environmental threats, and from predicting coral survival and growth to informing sustainable management strategies, machine learning is a game-changer in the field of coral reef conservation. As we continue to harness the power of AI and machine learning, we can strive toward a brighter future for these invaluable and highly biodiverse parts of our planet.

Source Happy Eco News

Unilever certifies as a B Corp in Australia and New Zealand

Posted on August 26, 2022 by dishanth

The business announced the certification on Wednesday (24 August), confirming that it had passed its B Impact Assessment. The Assessment measures the positive impact an organisation has in five fields, namely environmental impact; interaction with workers; interaction with communities; impact on customers and good governance. Topics relating to both day-to-day operations and long-term plans and business models are taken into account.

edie has reached out to Unilever ANZ to request a copy of its B Impact Assessment. These are required to be made publicly available.

Around 460 businesses in Australia and New Zealand have certified as B Corps. Globally, a further 4,900+ have certified. Most of these are SMEs, as B Lab, the body overseeing B Corp certification, originally targeted its work in this field. It is yet to launch certification for large multinational businesses; this is in the pipeline.

“When businesses of the size and scale of Unilever Australia & New Zealand certify, it shows just how much the idea of business delivering positive impact on people and planet has grown,” said B Lab Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand’s chief executive Andrew Davies. “Their certification sends a powerful signal that will further advance change in the consumer goods sector, and our broader global economic system.”

Strategic approach

Unilever ANZ stated that the global company’s overarching corporate and sustainability strategy, The Compass, has proved “integral” to the identification and implementation of changes that have improved its B Impact Assessment score to the point of certification.

The Compass was launched in 2020 and is headlined by an overarching vision of becoming “the global leader in sustainable business”, ensuring that all parts of the business are “purpose-led” and “future-fit”.

On the environmental side of things, the Compass is supported Unilever’s Climate Transition Action Plan – its roadmap to reaching net-zero value chains by 2039 that has been backed by more than 99% of its shareholders. It also includes updated ambitions on issues including packaging and waste, gender equality, human rights and social inclusion.

Environmental actions already taken by Unilever ANZ under the compass include procuring 100% renewable electricity in operations; reaching zero-waste-to-landfill status for factories and piloting regenerative agriculture methods.

“We’re thrilled to achieve B Corp Certification, as both a validation of the actions we’ve implemented across Australia & New Zealand, and a motivator to strive even further,” said Unilever ANZ’s chief executive Nicky Sparshott, adding that he and his team are “already planning how we can turbocharge our positive impact”.

Sparshott added that the business will need to work collaboratively with suppliers, staff and communities to maintain its certification and encourage other businesses to follow suit. All B Corps are required to re-certify every three years.

The news will doubtless fuel the debate around which companies should be able to certify as B Corps. When Nespresso certified earlier this year, many SMEs which have been B Corps for years questioned whether a Nestle-owned entity, or a company sourcing coffee from regions facing systemic human rights issues, should be able to certify.

Source Edie

How an approach based on strategy and policy can help you secure sustainability grants and incentives

Posted on August 16, 2022 by dishanth

For many companies, a net zero transition will prove a complex and expensive pathway, despite the importance of this change.

Governments worldwide have made ambitious net zero commitments. They are using fiscal policies to encourage this business transformation in their jurisdictions and beyond.

Some of these policies are incentives – both discretionary (e.g. grants) or statutory (e.g. tax credits) – that are made available to support a business journey towards net zero.

However, these incentives are many and varied, and getting lost in the complicated and crowded landscape is easy. Additionally, many discretionary programmes are competitive, with limited funding. Therefore, only the ‘best’ projects receive funding.

How, then, can a business effectively approach access to discretionary incentives?

1) Understand Government priorities

Rather than tackling individual funding competitions in isolation, your business should look to understand how its long-term strategy aligns with Government priorities.

Alignment of your plans to Government policy benefits the development of grant applications. This is because grants and other incentives are designed to enforce policies that drive the economy in a particular direction.

For instance, the UK Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution lays out actions in key areas such as hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and offshore wind to transition the UK to a net zero future.

Government funding is therefore to prioritise and facilitate this transition. This can be by stimulating innovation to close knowledge gaps and by improving the return on investment on technologies that are not currently economically attractive.

Being able to effectively express alignment with Government sustainability plans is key to a successful application.

2) Think “outside in” to express your value

Most companies think “inside out” when they apply for funding – presenting their challenges and funding needs as the central driver for the grant request.

However, focusing on public priorities, rather than just the need for funding, enables an “outside-in” approach. This looks at the challenges the country needs to overcome to reach its objectives. It then allows the application to show how the proposed project contributes to the solution.

For instance, if the high cost of storage limits the amount of renewable energy that can be used on the grid, developing a new low-cost, efficient and rapidly deployable storage solution can positively impact renewable energy uptake, and would therefore be aligned with Government priorities.

3) Engage with funding consultations and policymakers

Governments often design incentive programmes in consultation with industrial players who are likely to bring priority-aligned solutions.

To take the earlier example around the amount of renewable energy that can used on the grid, energy companies may highlight that to be able to offer more of this resource, they need storage solutions more urgently than better solar panels. This could then lead to funding availability for these solutions in priority to other areas.

For a business engaging with policymakers, it is vital to connect with the right stakeholders and make pro-active contributions to funding consultations as this is likely to lead to better opportunities in the future.

There is an ever-evolving and competitive landscape for discretionary sustainability incentives and it is critical that businesses take a coordinated approach to incentives. Demonstrating how your strategy aligns with Government sustainability priorities can provide access to more funding opportunities, expedite application preparation, and improve your chance of application success.

Source Edie

23 Green Business Ideas for Eco-Minded Entrepreneurs

Posted on August 3, 2022 by dishanth

Today, consumers are just as interested in corporate social responsibility (CSR) as they are in a company’s products and services. This is especially good news for eco-minded entrepreneurs.

We’ve outlined 23 eco-friendly business ideas for making money and saving the planet at the same time, that can set you apart form larger companies practicing greenwashing tactics.

What is a green industry business?

A green industry business is one that uses sustainable materials to make its products. Green industry businesses aim to use as little water, energy and raw materials as possible while cutting carbon emissions, or it finds ways to utilize these materials in renewable and eco-friendly ways. This business approach minimizes the company’s strain on natural resources and contributions to climate change. In some cases, if waste is generated, it is reused as energy or raw material.

What is a green business model?

With a traditional business model, a company outlines raw material budgets, design processes, and service delivery or product distribution methods. A green business model, while ensuring ample revenue, prioritizes minimizing the company’s environmental impact instead of maximizing its profit. It may involve the restricted use of fossil fuels while emphasizing power supplied by solar panels and other approaches to drastically reduce energy consumption.

How do I start a green business?

As consumers have come to care about CSR, a greater number of green businesses have emerged, but the problems that climate change poses require many solutions. Thus, to start a green business, first identify an eco-friendly service that nobody in your market currently offers. Then think of similarly eco-minded people you know whom you could ask to join your team. Read our guide on how to start a business.

As you launch your green business, change your lifestyle to reflect the values and services of your business.

What companies are eco-friendly?

Eco-friendly companies may include outdoor apparel brands, businesses that make reusable plastic bottles, eco-friendly cleaning companies, businesses that install solar panels, a local recycling business, and many other potential ventures. If you’re looking to start your own eco-friendly, green industry business, consider any of the 23 ideas below.

1. Ink refill business

Starting an ink-refill business can not only be a highly profitable decision, it can be an environmentally conscious one, too. You might question whether refilling ink cartridges truly helps the environment considering the amount of paper that is wasted each year. However, by reusing old ink cartridges, there is less nonbiodegradable waste accumulating in landfills. Paper is still necessary in the business world, but empty ink containers are not.

2. Environmental publications

If you love to write, start your own environmentally minded publication. Your actions can make a big difference in the world. By debunking popular myths and sharing the truth about the world we live in, you can help consumers rethink how their actions affect the planet.

3. Green finance

Green finance focuses on supporting local, community-level projects with an emphasis on sustainable, ecologically friendly agriculture. Green finance is also typically concerned with providing educational opportunities, funding for artistic endeavors and projects that support local ecology.

Green finance is preoccupied with social profitability. While monetary profit remains important, the goal of green finance is to support beneficial projects that provide value to the local community and ecology.

4. Eco-friendly retail

Consumer rewards programs are popular among retailers, and e-commerce site EcoPlum is no exception. With every purchase, customers earn EcoChipz, which are redeemable for either rewards or a donation to various environmental causes. Each product sold also carries a third-party green certification or an equivalent eco-label.

Besides selling sustainably sourced products, EcoPlum produces educational content, including monthly columns by industry experts, local green business listings, recycling information, eco tips, and book and video recommendations. If you’re considering opening a retail store, consider partnering with a company that has similar values as you and your customers.

5. Sustainable construction materials

You might not think of construction as sustainable, but some companies now provide recycled materials for use in projects like infrastructure repair.

Axion, for example, with its eco-friendly products, hopes to change the way companies think about rebuilding America’s infrastructure. The company’s railroad ties and pilings are made from recycled plastic from consumer and industrial uses rather than non-sustainable materials like steel and concrete. Axion is currently working with major partners like Long Island Rail Road to improve infrastructure safely and sustainably in the United States.

6. Organic catering

A great way for eco-friendly foodies to share their passion for food and the environment is to start an organic catering company. By catering local events and business luncheons with foods containing organic and locally grown ingredients, free-range meats, and vegan, gluten-free, and paleo meal options, you’ll appeal to nature lovers and health and wellness enthusiasts alike.

Be sure, though, to minimize the impact on the environment by avoiding plastic and paper goods as much as possible and composting food waste.

7. Eco-friendly beauty salon

If cosmetology is your passion, start a beauty business that’s Mother Nature-approved. Organic and vegan hair and beauty products are popping up everywhere. A way to make this trend work for you is to open an eco-friendly beauty salon. You can open a hair salon that uses all-natural shampoos and conditioners or a nail salon that uses environmentally friendly and vegan polishes and spa treatments.

8. Eco-friendly landscaping

Professional landscaping may make your lawn and garden look nice, but all of that maintenance isn’t necessarily great for the environment. With some eco-friendly advice and know-how, you can help homeowners make their yards literally and figuratively greener. SheKnows recommends synthetic turf, drought-resistant plants and strategically placed trees for a lawn that saves water, energy, and money.

9. Sustainable event planning

Whether they’re big or small, meetings and events can generate large amounts of waste and consume valuable resources. Green event planners use their expertise and event-planning skills to find eco-friendly venues, materials, and accommodations.

Sustainable event management benefits more than just the planet. There are financial advantages, plus it generates a positive image for event organizers, vendors and stakeholders while raising awareness, and inspiring change in the community.

10. Bicycle repair and refurbishing

Biking short distances instead of driving is better for the environment and your health. Like most modes of transportation, bicycles occasionally need a tune-up.

You could be the expert cyclists come to when their bikes need repairing or maintenance. If you have some extra space, you could purchase inexpensive older bikes, fix them up and sell them for a profit.

11. Handmade all-natural/organic products

Soaps, cosmetics and cleaning products are just a few of the household products that can be made using common organic materials.

Sure, anyone can find a recipe for a sugar scrub or vinegar-based cleaning solution and do it themselves, but if you package and sell them in sets, your customers conveniently have those all-natural products at their fingertips. Local markets and events are a good place to sell, or you could start an online store.

12. Eco-consulting

Are you an expert on green living? Start an eco-consulting service. Consultants evaluate homes and offices, and offer solutions to make them more environmentally friendly.

You could advise clients on switching their home appliances to more energy-efficient machines or implement a recycling program. To further boost your credibility, become a certified eco-consultant.

13. Farmers market vendor

Thanks to the organic movement, those with a green thumb have a golden opportunity to earn money by selling non-GMO, pesticide-free produce at their local farmers market.

Selling naturally grown fruits and vegetables gives you a distinct advantage over competing growers who use conventional farming methods, including pesticides. You may have to be approved and/or get certified by your local board of health first before you can begin selling.

14. Green housekeeping services

For working parents, cleaning the house can be at the bottom of the to-do list. Market yourself as the green solution to their housekeeping woes by offering services that range from light dusting to heavy-duty chores like cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, using only approved all-natural and eco-friendly cleaning products.

Charge an hourly rate or create your own service packages for a flat fee. Remember, your clients are giving you access to their homes. Build a trustworthy reputation with people you know first before advertising to strangers.

15. ‘Upcycled’ furniture

Don’t throw out your old, broken furniture. With basic templates and access to power tools, you can break down and reassemble chairs, tables and dressers into new pieces that you can paint and sell. Shelving and storage units are easy to make from wood scraps, and depending on the item, you might even be able to fully restore a unique and valuable piece of furniture.

Alternatively, you could reupholster old chairs and couches, giving them new life. Buying secondhand doesn’t just save money, it also helps the environment.

16. Green franchises

Want to run a business with a solid brand and customer base already in place? Investing in a franchise might be the answer. While franchising might call to mind fast-food joints and hotel chains, there are many eco-friendly franchise businesses.

17. Secondhand store

New things are typically expensive, and pretty soon, those costs add up. For example, a new book could cost $15 to $30, while a used book usually costs only a couple of dollars.

Opening a secondhand store not only saves your customers money, it’s better for the environment. Instead of tossing a perfectly good item into the trash, encourage consumers to donate their used items to you so another person can get value out of that item. You can sell used clothes, coats, books, kitchen appliances and furniture.

18. Green consulting

Whether it’s cutting energy costs or reducing their carbon footprint, the pressure for businesses to adopt green practices is high, and it’s only going to grow.

Business sustainability consultant Barbara Englehart said there are numerous benefits for companies that go green, including reduced costs, risks and liabilities, and increased employee retention and productivity.

“This is all quite new in the business world, and companies need help,” Englehart told Business News Daily. “They weren’t teaching sustainability in business schools five or 10 years ago.”

19. Solar panel installation

Many green-minded homeowners have installed solar panels on their homes, and many more would like. If you know how to do this, offer this service in your area.

20. Eco-friendly cleaning

Common cleaning products contain chemicals that contribute to pollution, and harm people and pets that come in contact with them. Starting an eco-friendly cleaning business counters this problem. Your eco-friendly cleaning business can exclusively use nontoxic products or use brands that minimize their use of single-use plastics. You can further decrease your company’s environmental impact by reusing greywater whenever possible.

21. Reusable plastic bottles

Single-use plastics are indisputably a leading cause for concern among environmentalists. Offer people a way to drink water on the go without contributing to plastic pollution by launching a green industry business that designs, produces and sells reusable plastic bottles. Explore using alternative materials such as metal or glass, bottles made from recycled plastic, or renewable plastics from materials like corn starch or sawdust.

22. Environmental impact and carbon emissions lessons

Many people aren’t aware of just how much carbon emissions their daily activities produce and the impact those activities have on the environment. Offer classes to educate the public about how driving, using air conditioning in the summer, leaving lights on unnecessarily, flying and other activities contribute to carbon emissions. You can also teach people how to reduce the environmental impact of these activities.

23. Local eco-friendly recycling business

Chances are that your town’s department of public works oversees a public recycling program, but many experts say that what you put in your recycling bin doesn’t always get recycled. Some municipalities don’t accept all types of recyclable containers, while others may not thoroughly sort the collected recycling. Open an eco-friendly local recycling business to guarantee your community that their goods are recycled.

Source Business News Daily

The circular economy: What B2B companies need to know

Posted on June 21, 2022June 20, 2022 by dishanth

The world’s population is growing steadily, and with it the demand for raw materials and resources. But all too often these are not infinite and are slowly becoming scarce. Our consumption ensures that we gradually exceed the capacities and limits of our planet.

The circular economy is intended to help save resources and pave the way out of the vicious circle of the throwaway society. The idea is quite simple: existing materials and products are shared, borrowed, reused, repaired, refurbished, and recycled for as long as possible to extend the life of the raw materials used before they finally reach the end of their useful life.

Thus, waste generated is kept to a minimum as all components are kept in circulation in the economy for as long as possible.

Sustainable investments have peaked at $30 trillion globally – a 68 percent increase since 2014. Quite a few financiers have committed to climate neutrality goals and expect the same from their business partners

The circular economy not only helps to operate more sustainably, but it also reduces the threat to the environment, increases security of supply and has a positive impact on our climate.

For many companies, the transformation towards more sustainability and climate neutrality also has financial reasons. It has been noted on several occasions that sustainable products grow significantly faster and enjoy greater popularity than non-sustainable products.

Unilever, for example, stated that its sustainable brands grew a full 46 percent faster than others, accounting for 70 percent of the company’s sales growth. In addition, McKinsey has found that a focus on environmental, social, and governmental goals can significantly reduce rising operating costs for raw materials or water, for example.

Investors are also increasingly looking for forward-looking and innovative companies. Sustainable investments have peaked at $30 trillion globally – a 68 percent increase since 2014. Quite a few financiers have committed to climate neutrality goals and expect the same from their business partners.

The pressure on companies to operate in a climate-neutral manner and to advance measures such as the circular economy is therefore coming from all sides.

The urgency for a circular economy is growing

From returnable bottles to car sharing, consumers have had a growing range of options for living more sustainably for some time now. Half of Germans are willing to buy refurbished devices, according to the latest Bitkom study.

As demand for more sustainable products continues to grow, online retailers are also following suit by increasingly contributing to and sourcing from the circular economy as well. According to a consumer study by Mirakl, more than half of online shoppers surveyed are more likely to choose vendors with sustainable practices.

In addition to consumer goods, many B2B industries are also embracing the circular economy

In addition to consumer goods, many B2B industries are also embracing the circular economy. In the automotive industry, for example, the use of remanufactured parts creates tremendous environmental and economic benefits for insurance companies, auto body builders and car manufacturers.

According to an analysis by the VDI, remanufacturing a compressor saves 89 percent CO2 equivalents compared to new production. Procurement costs are also 40 to 70 percent lower, which also benefits insurance companies because they have to pay lower sums in the event of damage.

The automotive sector can become a pioneer of the circular economy

Aniel, a leading French B2B retailer of car body parts, has recognised the signs of the times. The company recently expanded the offering of its online marketplace, which already lists more than 65 million listings for over 15 million products, to include remanufactured body parts.

By centralising its product offering, Aniel is making it easier for its customers to access remanufactured products for which they would otherwise have had to search laboriously and time-consumingly for specialised third-party suppliers.

This significant expansion of the product offering in the marketplace has enabled Aniel to strengthen its positioning as a “one-stop store” for bodybuilders and automotive manufacturers.

The potential benefits of the marketplace model are enormous and can help a company become more agile, larger and more profitable. According to Mirakl’s new Enterprise Marketplace Index 2022, revenue growth in enterprise marketplaces is more than double that of e-commerce overall – for the second year in a row.

Online marketplaces like Zureli have the advantage of providing a large and centralised catalogue of offerings right in one place, helping to establish a resource-efficient approach to supporting the circular economy

When developing a marketplace strategy, B2B companies should focus on specialisation because they know their own ecosystem best, and customers rely on enterprise expertise.

Online marketplaces have the advantage of providing a large and centralised catalogue of offerings right in one place, helping to establish a resource-efficient approach to supporting the circular economy.

On average, an auto body shop serves more than 30 vehicle brands and thus receives supplies from dozens of different suppliers, including specialised dealers, from multiple locations. By centralising purchases and accessing a wide range of products, Aniel’s marketplace model saves shops a lot of time.

Continuous innovative thinking allows Aniel to strengthen the circularity of the automotive sector, secure the supply of spare parts and meet the challenge of internationalisation.

What’s next in terms of sustainability

Environmental awareness within companies is growing, and the sustainability of products is playing an increasingly important role. This includes optimised supply chains, sustainable materials, and fair working conditions. 86 percent of consumers even think that increased sustainable action can give B2B companies a decisive competitive advantage.

But there is still a lot of catching up to do when it comes to sustainability, both for consumers and for companies. While interest in sustainable products is growing, understanding of how the circular economy works still needs to improve. Only then can benefits be truly understood and changes implemented.

Through transparency, companies can demonstrate that the sustainability mindset is present and being advanced. The marketplace model provides a good foundation for the circular economy through its interconnectivity and numerous sales and comparison options, but companies must be willing to rethink their current concepts and processes. Only then can the circular economy become a reality.

Source Circular