Ramboll’s Post

At Economist Impact's annual Sustainability Week last month, there was much more attention dedicated to biodiversity, natural capital, and conservation vs previous years. This reflects the growing prominence of these topics for companies. As Alan Lovell, Chair of the Environment Agency said: "Any shareholder meeting these days includes questions on what the company is doing about the environment, what is coming in discussions about nature and biodiversity.” Holly Stower of Cleantech Group summarises discussions at the conference on how nature is moving up on the corporate agenda, and I spoke with her about how Nala Earth is supporting companies. https://lnkd.in/emN_GWMy “With investor pressure, real physical risks to business and oncoming regulation, businesses need to come to terms with how they can monitor nature, but lack the data tools and expertise – while carbon and climate tools have been developing for decades – nature tools are rapidly emerging…. We enhance the data for businesses who use our platform for compliance and to form a nature and biodiversity strategy where they can start by prioritizing the most impactful actions. The status quo now is that companies are flying blind on present nature risks in their operations and supply chain, and these translate into financial risks. The risk of doing nothing is therefore much greater than the risk of using imperfect data.” 

🌎 Key players driving nature and sustainability Sustainability necessitates a bold strategy for incorporating nature into organizational operations, and a diverse array of institutions has played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for action in this critical domain. Entities like the Stockholm Resilience Centre and the IPBES contribute invaluable insights into ecological equilibrium and biodiversity. The TCFD and GRI lead the way in establishing standards for transparent environmental reporting. The IUCN and WWF shape conservation priorities using data and tools, while the Capitals Coalition underscores the economic value of natural capital. These organizations, depicted in the accompanying image, provide the essential elements for the TNFD's supplementary guidance. The TNFD strategically leverages existing frameworks, methodologies, and tools, rather than creating new ones, ensuring alignment with the high-quality assessment methodologies already embraced by market participants. The LEAP approach, notably, is founded on the Natural Capital Protocol from the Capitals Coalition and target-setting methods from the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN). It aligns with the materiality assessment approach of the ISSB and the impact materiality assessments utilized by the GRI and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). This integration points towards well-regarded scientific datasets and assessment tools offered by organizations like the IUCN, Stockholm Resilience Centre, and UNEP-WCMC. The TNFD's approach, particularly the LEAP framework, holds significant importance for businesses today. It provides a transformative tool enabling companies to identify, assess, and manage their connection with nature. Through adopting this approach, businesses can navigate environmental risks, capitalize on opportunities, and align with global sustainability objectives. It ensures the active preservation and enhancement of the value of nature through corporate practices in a world where environmental health and economic resilience are intricately interconnected. Source: Guidance on the identification and assessment of nature related issues: The LEAP approach

“Recognizing and respecting the different ways nature is valued can enable better environmental decision-making, according to new research.” What value perspective does your organization place on nature/environment? What value perspective do you personally place on nature/environment? Is nature/environment considered an active or passive stakeholder in your organizations sustainability objectives? Let’s discuss.

I’m re-posting this only because achieving ESG, Sustanability, carbon offset, and biodiversity goals doesn’t have to be cumbersome or costly if you identify the natural capital available to support your goals, and the potential nature-based solutions (NbS) that the natural capital makes feasible. Investing in nature to protect nature-it’s the best choice!

Building organisational goals on the foundations of environmental sustainability does not only present benefits to the environment, but also create opportunities for businesses through increased profitability and value for consumers.

Our commitment to sustainability is not just a one-off initiative; it's a core part of who we are. 🌱 As the pioneering B Corp-certified exhibit house in North America, we’ve established a standard for environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and corporate governance. Dive into the pages of our 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, showcasing the substantial progress we have made towards a greener, more responsible future. 📈 Read the full press release here ⬇️ https://hubs.li/Q02lpXRy0

Exploring avenues for securing funding for sustainability programs and catalyzing significant environmental transformation? 🌍 Explore the critical steps and invaluable insights to initiate your journey effectively! #SustainabilityStrategies #ESGInvestment #EnvironmentalImpact https://bit.ly/48QJvwY

🌍Class VIII, Subject: Geography, Chapter 1-Resources, "Sustainable development means using resources wisely without damaging the environment and keeping in mind the needs of future generations." Since then, sustainability has been a constant buzzword in our vocabulary. From Class 8, we've been told that we are a generation of changemakers. We have been encouraged to raise awareness, and from then on, we've dedicated ourselves to the cause — from painting posters to elaborate campaigns and Nukkad Nataks. But amidst the fervor of raising awareness about climate change and sustainability, we've inadvertently neglected to address the crucial question: what comes after awareness? The call to action. As individuals, we possess the power to enact change through our choices. But what are the actionable steps? Is simply switching off lights and conserving the nation's resources sufficient? Can we rely solely on switching to products and services labeled as sustainable? How can we be certain of their sustainability claims? Can switching to a few environmentally friendly raw materials achieve sustainability? Does "eco-friendly" equate to sustainability? Addressing these queries involves delving into practical, actionable steps. It's not just about acknowledging the need for sustainability; it's about empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources to make tangible changes. Consider this: what's the use of opting for eco-friendly materials if the product's lifespan is halved, leading to frequent replacements? It's not just about the materials used; quality and durability are equally imperative factors. Yet, amidst the clamor for sustainability, these crucial questions often go unanswered. Sustainable development transcends the mere usage of environmentally friendly products as raw materials. The essence lies in embracing technologies and practices that minimize environmental impact throughout the entire lifecycle of the product, from manufacturing to full utilization. ` But how do we initiate this shift? Transparency holds the key. Companies must prioritize transparency, not solely regarding the materials utilized, but every aspect — from manufacturing processes to product lifecycle and quality assurance. Consumers deserve access to comprehensive information to make informed decisions. Simultaneously, governments must play a pivotal role in incentivizing sustainable practices and enforcing regulations conducive to environmental stewardship. It's not just about knowing why sustainability matters; it's about understanding how to implement it effectively. It's not just about rhetoric; it's about tangible action. Let's embark on this journey together, transforming our words into deeds, and ushering in a future where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a way of life.

Earning the IREM Certified Sustainable Property certification says a lot about you and your property. Benefits of CSP? A proven track record of improved NOI, and enhanced ESG reporting. Some good news for self-storage industry professionals: The first viable green building certification program for existing self-storage properties is now available! LEED- and ENERGY STAR- certified properties are eligible to fast-track to the CSP.