Eli Browne

Join my colleagues tomorrow for this engaging webinar on moving climate action ahead in a world of uncertainties. Have any questions after? Get in touch!

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We're back to the world of regulations! 📑 📖 On March 13, 2024, the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB) released the first draft of the proposed Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards, #CSDS1 & #CSDS2. These drafts are based on the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) guidelines released in June 2023. 📍 The proposed standards aim to set a new benchmark for disclosing sustainability-related information, promoting a more consistent and transparent approach. While currently voluntary, these standards may become mandatory as stakeholders; customers, suppliers, investors and regulators, demand sustainability reporting as a criteria for business relationships. 📃 I've developed a guide to help you understand the proposed standards and better prepare for regulatory requirements. Embracing #sustainability and #ESG principles not only help meet regulatory obligations but also drives positive social and environmental impact. #CSSB #CSDS #ISSB #SustainabilityReporting #BusinessCompliance

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Crafting the future: Our meticulously prepared treaty text sets the stage for swift and decisive action, enabling us to forge a robust treaty that effectively combats plastic pollution. Let's make this happen!

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Agricultural producers and service providers: IAF BC has released details on the Traceability Adoption Program. Applications open May 9th for funding traceability projects. Up to $40,000 in funding for consultants, hardware, software and training. Funding is first-come, first-served.

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The INC-4 meeting in Ottawa last month was incredibly insightful. From my meetings with other organisations that are helping to develop solutions to end plastic pollution to observing negotiators debate the finer points of the future global instrument, it is evident that we are all seized by a common understanding that the current take-make-dispose linear economy is not sustainable and that we need to think circular. And no matter where you look, solutions to help accelerate the transition into a circular economy already exist and more are coming. But not everyone knows and we need to do something about that.     I was pleased that we were able to add to the existing knowledge about these solutions and engage in meaningful conversations with many country delegations during our time in Ottawa through our solutions showcase “Circularity in Action, Solutions for Change”.    From solutions and programmes that our members are undertaking to what innovative start-ups such as 900.care are doing to promote a zero-waste lifestyle to our own projects like “CASH IT!” with the ASASE Foundation in Ghana, Yalla Return with Nadeera in Dubai, and the JingSu programme with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in China, we were able to demonstrate what is already being done to help end plastic pollution in the environment.     My colleagues and I look forward to sharing more of our knowledge and what we have learnt over the past few years about these plastic circularity solutions.     Watch our Solutions Showcase video here: https://lnkd.in/ehahdnNH     #circulareconomy #endplasticwaste #collaboration #CatalysingImpact  #Solutionsforchange  

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🌍The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) was just approved by the EU and will affect many large and small Canadian companies doing business in Europe.🌍 It sets out obligations for companies to identify and *mitigate* impacts on people and planet - ranging from child labour to slavery, to pollution, emissions, and ecosystem damage, This directive covers the company's own operations and those of the the upstream supply chain and downstream distribution, transport, or storage of products. How will this affect companies in Canada? ➡️ If you have a company operating in Europe with more than 1000 employees and 450 million euros in turnover or 22.5 million in royalties you are within the scope of CSDDD ➡️ If you are in the SUPPLY CHAIN of any company obliged to report under CSDDD you may be asked to provide information regarding your environmental and human rights impacts. When does the directive take effect?  It will start applying to the largest companies and their suppliers for financial years starting on or after Jan. 1, 2028. See the link in the comments for the pdf of the directive. #CSDDD #sustainability #sustainablebusiness 

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These are the types of vertically integrated solutions that are needed to make an impact in waste reduction. Large scale deposit-return based circular models replacing single use materials. Important aspects that need to be reported on with transparency are measurables like single use units avoided, the weight of the related single use product being replaced, and most importantly, the actual effective return rates to spell out the circularity of the program. Waste audits that dig into unit counts as well for the various impacted materials are also useful. Congratulations to Friendlier for getting this support from the Canada Plastics Pact. #reduce #reuse #sustainability #wasteaudit #postsecondary

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When #WorldEnvironmentalDay, Canadian Environmental Week & your birthday all collide, it’s time to think about environmental wishes for the next year. 🎂 If I were granted three wishes, I’d ask to: ♻ Change what we do: we need to accelerate the shift to sustainable practices across all major industries—energy, transport, manufacturing, and more. We need more solar and wind energy, EVs & sustainable fuels, embrace circularity over single-use, etc. 🌲 🌊 Protect what we’ve got: our forests, lands, seas, rivers and soils. All need investment, restoration and guardianship.   🌬 Reverse what we’ve done (finishing with the biggest & boldest wish of all!): to see the carbon in the air trend downward versus upwards. Just 41 short years ago, the carbon count was 342 ppm. Today, it’s over 427 ppm. Perhaps I’m chasing a unicorn here, but I remain hopeful while blowing out candles on a delicious toffee cheesecake: we’re all part of #GenerationRestoration & together, we can do this! 👊 🌍

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Talking with multiple Fortune 500's Chief Sustainability Officers has shed light on the evolving nature of their role. Beyond environmental concerns, their significance is escalating due to the imperative for "supply chain resiliency." This shift can profoundly impact the bottom line of these companies. If the cost of ingredients or inputs for a consumer product rises, the company faces a dilemma: either sacrificing margins or risking market share to competitors. Hence, the Chief Sustainability Officer's responsibilities extend far beyond sustainability initiatives. Their mandate now includes fostering a resilient and diversified supply chain capable of mitigating the impacts of climate change effectively. Thoughts?! #climatechange #supplychains #climateresilient https://lnkd.in/enY-4WuW

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The flaws in sustainability reporting The number of ESG disclosures does not always determine quality. There should also be greater scrutiny of how companies pick topics “material” to them. Summary: Sustainability reporting, while essential for demonstrating ESG commitment, has several key flaws that undermine its effectiveness: 1. Quantity vs. Quality The number of ESG disclosures often overshadows their relevance and impact. Reports may be filled with data that meet requirements but lack substantial insights into true sustainability performance. 2. Materiality and Context Companies have significant leeway in determining what is material, which can lead to selective disclosure. Understanding the context and rationale behind these decisions is crucial for authentic assessment. 3. Consistency of Information Focusing solely on information completeness can overlook the consistency and logical connection of the data. Evaluating the methodologies and assumptions behind the reported data ensures its trustworthiness. 4. Forward-Looking Commitments Reports should reflect future commitments and strategies, detailing actionable plans for improvement. This forward-looking perspective is vital for assessing preparedness to address sustainability challenges. Addressing Limitations Improving sustainability reporting involves robust materiality assessments, in-depth contextual analysis, methodological scrutiny, and future-oriented evaluations. These steps ensure reports are not just compliance exercises but genuine reflections of a company's sustainability journey. Conclusion Effective sustainability reporting requires transparency and accountability, documenting past actions and clearly outlining pathways to sustainable futures. Given the urgency of the climate crisis, these pathways must be well-defined and justifiable to guide impactful and measurable sustainability outcomes. #SustainabilityReporting #ESG #SustainableBusiness #Materiality #CorporateResponsibility #Transparency #EnvironmentalImpact #FutureCommitments #SustainabilityJourney #ClimateAction #Accountability #ESGReporting #SustainableFuture #CorporateGovernance #SustainabilityChallenges

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The International Labour Organization estimates there are approximately 26.6 million victims of forced labor worldwide. In response, Canada implemented Bill S-211 in 2023, requiring businesses and government institutions to scrutinize their supply chains and mitigate exploitative practices. 👉 This has led to a significant shift, with thousands of companies racing to submit their reports by May 31st this year. Our clients often ask us, "We’ve completed the report, what now?" The truth is, the real work begins now. Compliance must translate into actionable outcomes. 🙌 To support this ongoing effort, we've created a webinar to share insights from the first year of reporting and help companies prepare for next year. Join my colleagues Joseph Corcoran and Virginia Parker to learn more by signing up here: https://lnkd.in/dPEkGnYy

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Do the new and evolving climate regulations have your head spinning? Fear not! Read my latest blog article about training your team to be prepared for the new world of sustainability and climate compliance.

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🌍Are you struggling to make progress on your sustainability initiatives? Time- or resource-strapped? Expect to be short-staffed over the summer? Let Achieve Sustainability help you meet your sustainability goals. We can assist you with GHG inventories, decarbonization road maps, sourcing incentives, regulatory overviews, and climate risk assessments. We work with businesses in the following three ways: 🌍Custom projects to meet your business' goals and objectives 🌍 Packages of advisory hours to help you navigate your sustainability journey 🌍Long-term, part-time fractional sustainability support for resource-strapped businesses ➡️Interested in learning more? Reach out to info@achievesustainability.ca to set up your complimentary consultation. #sustainability #sustainablebusiness

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Hot on the heels of our Building Decarbonization Alliance #NationalBuildingDecarbonizationForum, the The Transition Accelerator/ L’Accélérateur de transition is hosting a "whole-of-economy" focused decarbonization event. If you're interested in exploring how #Buildings fit into a broader #Decarbonization perspective, you should consider registering!

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Like many of you I have concluded that the role of the board is all-important for fostering a sustainable future. Join me at this conference to dig into these topics and more! Governance Professionals of Canada (GPC)

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June 2024 #Greenwashing and #Biodiversity #RegulatoryUpdates 🇨🇦Canada enacted Bill C-59 amending competition law - it includes prohibitions against greenwashing. https://lnkd.in/gRd8hVz5 🇦🇺Australia released its #SustainableFinance roadmap, which includes a plan for #mandatory #climatereporting standards to come in the next couple of months. https://lnkd.in/gT6_7Caj 🇪🇺 The EU Green Claims Directive to protect consumers against greenwashing has taken another step forward with agreement from the European Council; looking toward a final by the end of 2024 or early 2025. https://lnkd.in/gWN6darF 🇨🇭Switzerland's Federal Council will let the financial sector self-regulate when it comes to greenwashing. https://lnkd.in/gicRA54i 🇪🇺EFRAG and the TNFD release a map of commonalities between nature and biodiversity-related disclosures in the TNFD and ESRS https://lnkd.in/girSirUN

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Green labels can play a crucial role in combating greenwashing, serving as a form of accountability and transparency to assess companies' green credentials. By adhering to specific criteria and standards set by certifying bodies, companies can signal to consumers that their products meet certain environmental benchmarks. These labels also empower consumers to make informed choices, enabling them to support companies that genuinely prioritize sustainability. However, it's essential for consumers to be vigilant and discerning when interpreting green labels Not all certifications are created equal. Some labels may have lax criteria or lack independent verification, leading to "greenwashing" efforts that undermine the credibility of genuine sustainability initiatives. While green labels are crucial, they must be backed by rigorous standards and independent oversight to effectively combat greenwashing and promote genuine environmental stewardship. See CNA article on green label: https://lnkd.in/gcz33HgR See Singaporr Green Labelling Scheme: https://sgls.sec.org.sg/

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