Month: March 2024

March 13, 2024 /3BL/ – Ceres and major companies doing business in Pennsylvania welcome two newly proposed policies from the administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro that would grow the share of clean electricity in the state’s power mix, sparking an increased build-out of renewable energy resources.

Gov. Shapiro today introduced the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS), a proposal that would mark the first update to the Commonwealth’s clean electricity standard in recent history by requiring that low-carbon power represent 50% of the power mix by 2035. He also introduced the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction (PACER) Act, a second program that would establish a new market-based system to cut pollution from power plants, while investing proceeds in rebates for Pennsylvania residents and projects that reduce air pollution, lower energy costs for low-income Pennsylvanians, and invest in new clean energy projects.

Together, the two proposals would drive clean energy investment in Pennsylvania to create jobs, cut pollution, stabilize utility costs, and ensure the Commonwealth does not fall behind as energy innovation takes hold across the U.S. Businesses that have long advocated for stronger clean energy policy in Pennsylvania celebrated their introduction on Wednesday.

“DHL is committed to running a zero-emission fleet, and fully meeting that goal will require clean electricity to power our vehicles,” said Reiner Wolfs, vice president and general manager, Northeast U.S., DHL Express. “We welcome Pennsylvania’s plans to significantly increase renewable energy production this decade, and we commend the Commonwealth for pursuing policies that will benefit the economy by helping companies like ours meet their climate goals.”

“As renewable energy generation sweeps the nation, Siemens is excited to see the Shapiro administration invite more public-private collaboration into Pennsylvania to scale renewable electricity resources to power the Commonwealth’s economy,” said Ryan Dalton, senior director and northeast head of external affairs & policy, Siemens USA. “We look forward to the build-out of this infrastructure and the opportunity for businesses, communities, workers, and consumers to see the many benefits of these crucial policies.”

“Holcim US applauds the Shapiro administration for putting forward a plan to grow the Commonwealth’s clean energy resources and ensure that industry is powered by clean electricity,” said Lorraine Faccenda, plant manager of Holcim US’ Whitehall Cement Plant. “We look forward to being a manufacturing implementation partner for important policies that align with our own goal to power 100 percent of our operations with renewable energy by 2030. Bold policies and bold actions will go hand in hand to benefit the Commonwealth’s businesses, communities, and economy.”

“We fully support Governor Shapiro’s vision for a clean energy future for Pennsylvania,” said Andrew Dempsey, director of climate, REI Co-op, which operates four stores, a distribution center, and a wide range of educational experiences and programs in the Commonwealth. “At REI, we believe effective government is key to achieving our shared climate goals and we applaud policies such as these that will accelerate the transition to a more sustainable economy. We welcome the Shapiro administration’s proposed legislation to cut pollution while creating jobs, driving innovation, and spurring economic growth that will benefit all Pennsylvanians.”

“As a company committed to becoming climate positive by 2030, IKEA U.S. supports policies that reduce carbon emissions,” said Mardi Ditze, country sustainability manager, IKEA U.S. “Strong, clean electricity policies in Pennsylvania will help IKEA and other companies meet our climate goals and other business objectives. Clean energy will also help power our U.S. headquarters in Conshohocken, our Pennsylvania locations, and support meeting the needs of our customers across the Commonwealth.”

Ceres has worked with Pennsylvania companies for years to support stronger clean energy and climate policies, including through widespread corporate advocacy for adoption of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to reduce power-sector emissions and using proceeds to invest in the Commonwealth — which analysts project would save ratepayers more than $1.5 billion while bringing in nearly $1 billion to in federal clean energy funding through tax credits and other incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The proposed PACER policy would implement a new market-based cap-and-invest system for the Pennsylvania power system.

“Businesses and investors are clear-eyed about the many economic benefits of clean energy investment in Pennsylvania, and they support public policy that will bolster that investment in the Commonwealth,” said Alli Gold Roberts, senior director of state policy, Ceres. “As federal and private funding deliver a surge of investment in renewable power and other climate solutions across the U.S., this legislation will provide a strong foundation for Pennsylvania to harness the clean energy boom.”

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future. For more information, visit ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.

Media Contact: Helen Booth-Tobin, booth-tobin@ceres.org, 617-247-0700 ext. 214

FedEx announced the third cohort of the FedEx HBCU-Student Ambassador Program in a very super way – with help from HBCU student and famous alum.

FedEx is the Official Delivery Service of the NFL. The coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy arrived ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas and was delivered during the NFL Super Bowl Experience presented by Toyota. This year’s delivery featured a special trio of participants, including Bob Fini, a FedEx Express courier with 37 years of service, NFL Hall of Famer and 3x Super Bowl Champion, Jerry Rice, and FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador, Chanelle Houston. Rice is an alumnus of Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU), an HBCU, where Houston is currently a graduating senior. Together they had the honor of signing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy to officially welcome it to the NFL Super Bowl Experience presented by Toyota.

In addition to the trophy delivery, Houston talked about her experiences as a participant in the first cohort of the FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador program, her career goals, and announced the third cohort of students who will begin later this spring. Houston also had a once in a lifetime opportunity to chat with Rice and to share stories about their experiences at MVSU and the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador Program launched in 2022 as part of a five-year commitment to eight HBCUs across the country. It is an initiative that is part of a more than 20-year collaboration with HBCUs. The program helps prepare HBCU students for the workforce after college, engaging students in unique learning experiences that help build leadership and career-ready skills.

The third cohort will convene later this spring and participate in quarterly sessions focused on but not limited to interview training, mock interviews, and resume development. Ambassadors will also have access to apply for internships and experience mentorship opportunities with various FedEx leaders.

Watch Rice and Houston’s conversation at Super Bowl LVIII here and learn more about the FedEx-HBCU Ambassador program at FedExCares.com.

To learn more about our commitment to HBCUs, click here.

FedEx announced the third cohort of the FedEx HBCU-Student Ambassador Program in a very super way – with help from HBCU student and famous alum.

FedEx is the Official Delivery Service of the NFL. The coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy arrived ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas and was delivered during the NFL Super Bowl Experience presented by Toyota. This year’s delivery featured a special trio of participants, including Bob Fini, a FedEx Express courier with 37 years of service, NFL Hall of Famer and 3x Super Bowl Champion, Jerry Rice, and FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador, Chanelle Houston. Rice is an alumnus of Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU), an HBCU, where Houston is currently a graduating senior. Together they had the honor of signing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy to officially welcome it to the NFL Super Bowl Experience presented by Toyota.

In addition to the trophy delivery, Houston talked about her experiences as a participant in the first cohort of the FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador program, her career goals, and announced the third cohort of students who will begin later this spring. Houston also had a once in a lifetime opportunity to chat with Rice and to share stories about their experiences at MVSU and the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador Program launched in 2022 as part of a five-year commitment to eight HBCUs across the country. It is an initiative that is part of a more than 20-year collaboration with HBCUs. The program helps prepare HBCU students for the workforce after college, engaging students in unique learning experiences that help build leadership and career-ready skills.

The third cohort will convene later this spring and participate in quarterly sessions focused on but not limited to interview training, mock interviews, and resume development. Ambassadors will also have access to apply for internships and experience mentorship opportunities with various FedEx leaders.

Watch Rice and Houston’s conversation at Super Bowl LVIII here and learn more about the FedEx-HBCU Ambassador program at FedExCares.com.

To learn more about our commitment to HBCUs, click here.

Andrew Martin, executive vice president at Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition), recently joined a panel at the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector in Paris. The objective of the discussion was to understand how retailers are conducting due diligence on Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) risks and reflect on where retailers stand at effectively leveraging their influence and meeting their responsibilities under the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector (OECD Garment Guidance). The session also sought to provide an opportunity to learn from strategies applied in the finance sector, given significant parallels between the management of brands and sustainable investment portfolios.

The panel session titled, “​​The role of retailers in building responsible supply chains” was moderated by Barbara Bijelic, deputy head of supply chain due diligence, OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct. In addition to Martin, the panel included, Christian Smith, head of sustainability stakeholder engagement, Zalando; Jodie Leek, head of branded engagement, ASOS Plc; Irina van der Sluijs, senior engagement specialist, Robeco, and Paul Roeland, transparency lead, Clean Clothes Campaign.

After Bijelic shared an overview of the retailer landscape and how the OECD engages with retailers, Martin outlined retailers’ unique opportunity and responsibility to foster positive change by creating effective incentives that encourage their business partners to adopt and maintain the best Responsible Business Conduct practices. He shared insight into the relationship between retailers and brands among Cascale members, highlighting some of the challenges brands face and the need for a consistent, standardised, and timely approach to addressing them.

Martin discussed incentives that third-party retailers could offer, such as collaborative capacity building, and how the Higg Brand & Retail Module (BRM), which is designed to provide a consistent framework for brands and retailers to evaluate, assess, and improve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance provides a consistent framework for brands and retailers. He highlighted Cascale’s work with The Industry We Want (TIWW) as an example of our efforts to support collaborative initiatives and how such collaborations can facilitate industry alignment, with the aim of making it easier to scale sustainability initiatives quickly and efficiently.

He gave a brief overview of how TIWW was formed, how Cascale works with the initiative to better understand challenges, and plans to expand and bring more stakeholders to the table. Earlier in the week, TIWW published its 2024 Industry Dashboard Scores, further emphasizing the crucial need for collaboration to solve complex industry challenges.

Martin also noted that there is great opportunity for current and upcoming regulation not to be seen just as a minimum standard to achieve and comply with, but as a platform, and springboard on which to advance the most sustainable practices towards systemic change in the industry

The discussion concluded with consensus from all panelists on the importance of transparency, and the role of regulation to the playing field across the industry. You can rewatch the full session here.

Andrew Martin, executive vice president at Cascale (formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition), recently joined a panel at the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector in Paris. The objective of the discussion was to understand how retailers are conducting due diligence on Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) risks and reflect on where retailers stand at effectively leveraging their influence and meeting their responsibilities under the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector (OECD Garment Guidance). The session also sought to provide an opportunity to learn from strategies applied in the finance sector, given significant parallels between the management of brands and sustainable investment portfolios.

The panel session titled, “​​The role of retailers in building responsible supply chains” was moderated by Barbara Bijelic, deputy head of supply chain due diligence, OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct. In addition to Martin, the panel included, Christian Smith, head of sustainability stakeholder engagement, Zalando; Jodie Leek, head of branded engagement, ASOS Plc; Irina van der Sluijs, senior engagement specialist, Robeco, and Paul Roeland, transparency lead, Clean Clothes Campaign.

After Bijelic shared an overview of the retailer landscape and how the OECD engages with retailers, Martin outlined retailers’ unique opportunity and responsibility to foster positive change by creating effective incentives that encourage their business partners to adopt and maintain the best Responsible Business Conduct practices. He shared insight into the relationship between retailers and brands among Cascale members, highlighting some of the challenges brands face and the need for a consistent, standardised, and timely approach to addressing them.

Martin discussed incentives that third-party retailers could offer, such as collaborative capacity building, and how the Higg Brand & Retail Module (BRM), which is designed to provide a consistent framework for brands and retailers to evaluate, assess, and improve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance provides a consistent framework for brands and retailers. He highlighted Cascale’s work with The Industry We Want (TIWW) as an example of our efforts to support collaborative initiatives and how such collaborations can facilitate industry alignment, with the aim of making it easier to scale sustainability initiatives quickly and efficiently.

He gave a brief overview of how TIWW was formed, how Cascale works with the initiative to better understand challenges, and plans to expand and bring more stakeholders to the table. Earlier in the week, TIWW published its 2024 Industry Dashboard Scores, further emphasizing the crucial need for collaboration to solve complex industry challenges.

Martin also noted that there is great opportunity for current and upcoming regulation not to be seen just as a minimum standard to achieve and comply with, but as a platform, and springboard on which to advance the most sustainable practices towards systemic change in the industry

The discussion concluded with consensus from all panelists on the importance of transparency, and the role of regulation to the playing field across the industry. You can rewatch the full session here.

The European Union is well on its way to implementing a series of pivotal environmental regulations that cover everything from water quality to carbon emissions and biodiversity preservation. For businesses operating from within or exporting to the EU market, understanding and preparing for these changes is important to ensure continued compliance. 

This post will offer a high-level view of each of these regulations, providing key insights and actionable tips to ensure your business is prepared to meet these new standards.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is designed to prevent carbon leakage by imposing a carbon price on imports of certain goods from outside the EU. This will ensure that ambitious climate efforts within the EU do not simply result in the relocation of carbon-intensive production to countries with less stringent emissions standards.

CBAM requires importers to purchase carbon certificates or pay a carbon price that is equivalent to the carbon price in the importing country. The carbon price is based on the embedded emissions associated with the production of the imported product.

Materials covered under CBAM 

The mechanism initially targets a specific set of goods known for their carbon-intensive production processes.

These include:

Iron and steelCementFertilizerAluminumElectricityHydrogen

Key dates and CBAM implementation timeline

The CBAM is being phased in gradually to allow businesses and trading partners time to adjust. A transitional phase, started on October 1, 2023, involves reporting requirements without financial adjustment. Full implementation is expected by 2026, at which point importers will begin paying for the carbon content of their imports.

For businesses to stay ahead of these changes, it is advised to start assessing the carbon footprint of supply chains and exploring ways to reduce emissions.

CBAM reporting requirements

Companies covered by CBAM will initially have some flexibility regarding reporting embedded emissions in imported CBAM goods. Through the close of 2024, there are three options for calculating the embedded emissions:

Utilizing the newly established EU methodology, which either rely on a calculation-based approach or a measurement-based approach.Employing an alternative method approved by the EU (available until December 31, 2024).Relying on default reference values for reporting (available until July 2024).

Starting from January 1, 2025, the reporting process will become more streamlined. At this point, the EU’s specific methodology will be the single accepted reporting standard.

Potential impact on businesses and industries

EU manufacturers may see a more level playing field as CBAM disincentivizes the import of cheaper, carbon-intensive goods.

All businesses, particularly those exporting carbon-intensive products to the EU market, should focus on reducing their carbon emissions, re-evaluating and adjusting their supply chains to meet EU standards, and enhancing transparency in reporting their carbon data.

Adapting to these new requirements is crucial for ensuring continued market access and leveraging opportunities within the EU market.

“The introduction of CBAM marks a crucial advancement in the global sustainability transition and climate change mitigation efforts. Even if it entails significant administrative and technical challenges, it is vital to establish transparent and robust systems for monitoring, reporting, and verification to effectively address climate mitigation objectives. CBAM will not only encourage domestic production within the EU but also impose measures to reduce emissions by third-country exporters, thereby fostering a more sustainable global economic landscape. I anticipate significant growth for CBAM and welcome the inclusion of a wider range of goods in the future.” Julia Ekander, Sustainability Consultant, DGE Sweden / DGE Group

The Drinking Water Directive

The Drinking Water Directive (DWD) is aimed at safeguarding public health through enhanced water quality standards. Adopted in December 2020 and fully implemented as of January 2023, this directive sets a new precedent for the access to and quality of water intended for human consumption.

How the directive aims to improve public health and water quality

The directive is ambitious, expanding its scope to ensure that all water, whether in its original state or after treatment, intended for drinking, cooking, food preparation, or other domestic uses, meets stringent safety standards. 

Here are the key goals of this directive:

Updated water quality standards that align with or surpass World Health Organization recommendations, ensuring even cleaner tap water for all.A focus on pollutants such as endocrine disruptors, PFAs, and microplastics, with preventive measures aimed at pollution reduction at the source.The introduction of a Drinking Water Watch List, mandating closer monitoring for endocrine-disrupting compounds across the EU.

Steps businesses need to take to comply

Compliance with the DWD demands proactive measures from businesses, especially those involved in water supply and treatment, food industry, and manufacturing of products that come into contact with drinking water. 

Here’s what businesses need to consider:

Ensure that water used in operations, especially for manufacturing and food preparation, meets the revised directive’s standards.From December 31, 2026, materials and products that come into contact with drinking water must comply with new EU hygiene standards to prevent microbial growth and substance leaching.Products meeting these standards will be eligible for an EU declaration of conformity, allowing unrestricted sales across the EU.

Businesses must also stay informed about the directive’s reporting requirements, which include annual updates on water quality and six-yearly updates on risk assessments and measures to improve water access.

Biodiversity Strategy for 2030

The European Union’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 is an effort to reverse the alarming trends of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. As part of the European Green Deal, this strategy is part of an ongoing global conversation around safeguarding biodiversity.

Key targets and initiatives outlined in the strategy

The strategy sets ambitious targets to safeguard and revitalize the EU’s biodiversity:

Expansion of the EU-wide network of protected areas with a focus on areas of significant biodiversity and climate value.Introduction of the EU nature restoration plan aimed at revitalizing degraded ecosystems, especially those crucial for carbon capture and disaster risk reduction.Implementation of the EU’s first Nature Restoration Law, setting binding targets for the restoration of specific habitats and species.Mobilization of funds and establishment of a robust governance framework.

The role of business in supporting biodiversity

While the Biodiversity Strategy does not set out specific compliance mechanisms for businesses in the same way as direct regulation, it sets a clear direction for future policies and legislation that could impact business operations. 

Businesses should stay informed about the development and implementation of related laws and guidelines that may arise from the strategy, as these could directly or indirectly impose new compliance and monitoring requirements.

Packaging Reduction Regulation

The European Union is taking significant strides toward drastically reducing packaging waste with the new Packaging Reduction Regulation. This new policy also hopes to enhance recycling rates and promote a shift toward more sustainable packaging solutions.

Impact on packaging design, materials, and production processes

The regulation will significantly influence the packaging industry:

Increased requirements for packaging to be recyclable, with the Commission setting clear criteria defining what constitutes “designed for recycling” and “recyclable at scale.”A ban on “forever chemicals” in food packaging and restrictions on very light-weight plastic carrier bags.Encouragement for the use of bio-based plastics and the assessment of sustainability criteria.

Impact for businesses operating outside of the EU

Companies that package materials outside of the EU will need to comply with the new Packaging Reduction Regulation in order to sell their products within the EU. This regulation applies to all packaging that enters the EU market, regardless of where it is manufactured or packaged. 

The aim is to ensure that all products sold within the EU meet the same environmental standards, contributing to the reduction of packaging waste and the promotion of recycling.

Key dates and compliance strategies for companies

Specific deadlines will be set for compliance with different aspects of the regulation, such as reduction targets for packaging waste, requirements for recycled content in packaging, and bans on certain materials and chemicals.

The regulation proposes specific waste reduction targets for plastic packaging (10% by 2030, 15% by 2035 and 20% by 2040).By the end of 2025, the European Commission is expected to assess the possibility of setting targets and sustainability criteria for bio-based plastics. This could lead to new requirements for businesses.EU countries are expected to ensure that 90% of materials contained in packaging are collected separately by 2029, which will affect how businesses design and dispose of packaging.

The regulation will also clarify requirements for reusable and refillable packaging, including criteria such as the minimum number of times packaging should be reused. Businesses in sectors like beverages and take-away food will need to adapt to these requirements, likely before the end of the decade.

Businesses should closely monitor the progress of this regulation through official EU channels and prepare for these changes by reviewing and adjusting their packaging strategies accordingly. Early preparation and adaptation can help ensure compliance and minimize disruption to business operations.

Learn how our Sustainability Consulting can help you stay compliant with new regulations.

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of dozens of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates here and follow us on LinkedIn.

The European Union is well on its way to implementing a series of pivotal environmental regulations that cover everything from water quality to carbon emissions and biodiversity preservation. For businesses operating from within or exporting to the EU market, understanding and preparing for these changes is important to ensure continued compliance. 

This post will offer a high-level view of each of these regulations, providing key insights and actionable tips to ensure your business is prepared to meet these new standards.

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

The European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is designed to prevent carbon leakage by imposing a carbon price on imports of certain goods from outside the EU. This will ensure that ambitious climate efforts within the EU do not simply result in the relocation of carbon-intensive production to countries with less stringent emissions standards.

CBAM requires importers to purchase carbon certificates or pay a carbon price that is equivalent to the carbon price in the importing country. The carbon price is based on the embedded emissions associated with the production of the imported product.

Materials covered under CBAM 

The mechanism initially targets a specific set of goods known for their carbon-intensive production processes.

These include:

Iron and steelCementFertilizerAluminumElectricityHydrogen

Key dates and CBAM implementation timeline

The CBAM is being phased in gradually to allow businesses and trading partners time to adjust. A transitional phase, started on October 1, 2023, involves reporting requirements without financial adjustment. Full implementation is expected by 2026, at which point importers will begin paying for the carbon content of their imports.

For businesses to stay ahead of these changes, it is advised to start assessing the carbon footprint of supply chains and exploring ways to reduce emissions.

CBAM reporting requirements

Companies covered by CBAM will initially have some flexibility regarding reporting embedded emissions in imported CBAM goods. Through the close of 2024, there are three options for calculating the embedded emissions:

Utilizing the newly established EU methodology, which either rely on a calculation-based approach or a measurement-based approach.Employing an alternative method approved by the EU (available until December 31, 2024).Relying on default reference values for reporting (available until July 2024).

Starting from January 1, 2025, the reporting process will become more streamlined. At this point, the EU’s specific methodology will be the single accepted reporting standard.

Potential impact on businesses and industries

EU manufacturers may see a more level playing field as CBAM disincentivizes the import of cheaper, carbon-intensive goods.

All businesses, particularly those exporting carbon-intensive products to the EU market, should focus on reducing their carbon emissions, re-evaluating and adjusting their supply chains to meet EU standards, and enhancing transparency in reporting their carbon data.

Adapting to these new requirements is crucial for ensuring continued market access and leveraging opportunities within the EU market.

“The introduction of CBAM marks a crucial advancement in the global sustainability transition and climate change mitigation efforts. Even if it entails significant administrative and technical challenges, it is vital to establish transparent and robust systems for monitoring, reporting, and verification to effectively address climate mitigation objectives. CBAM will not only encourage domestic production within the EU but also impose measures to reduce emissions by third-country exporters, thereby fostering a more sustainable global economic landscape. I anticipate significant growth for CBAM and welcome the inclusion of a wider range of goods in the future.” Julia Ekander, Sustainability Consultant, DGE Sweden / DGE Group

The Drinking Water Directive

The Drinking Water Directive (DWD) is aimed at safeguarding public health through enhanced water quality standards. Adopted in December 2020 and fully implemented as of January 2023, this directive sets a new precedent for the access to and quality of water intended for human consumption.

How the directive aims to improve public health and water quality

The directive is ambitious, expanding its scope to ensure that all water, whether in its original state or after treatment, intended for drinking, cooking, food preparation, or other domestic uses, meets stringent safety standards. 

Here are the key goals of this directive:

Updated water quality standards that align with or surpass World Health Organization recommendations, ensuring even cleaner tap water for all.A focus on pollutants such as endocrine disruptors, PFAs, and microplastics, with preventive measures aimed at pollution reduction at the source.The introduction of a Drinking Water Watch List, mandating closer monitoring for endocrine-disrupting compounds across the EU.

Steps businesses need to take to comply

Compliance with the DWD demands proactive measures from businesses, especially those involved in water supply and treatment, food industry, and manufacturing of products that come into contact with drinking water. 

Here’s what businesses need to consider:

Ensure that water used in operations, especially for manufacturing and food preparation, meets the revised directive’s standards.From December 31, 2026, materials and products that come into contact with drinking water must comply with new EU hygiene standards to prevent microbial growth and substance leaching.Products meeting these standards will be eligible for an EU declaration of conformity, allowing unrestricted sales across the EU.

Businesses must also stay informed about the directive’s reporting requirements, which include annual updates on water quality and six-yearly updates on risk assessments and measures to improve water access.

Biodiversity Strategy for 2030

The European Union’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 is an effort to reverse the alarming trends of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. As part of the European Green Deal, this strategy is part of an ongoing global conversation around safeguarding biodiversity.

Key targets and initiatives outlined in the strategy

The strategy sets ambitious targets to safeguard and revitalize the EU’s biodiversity:

Expansion of the EU-wide network of protected areas with a focus on areas of significant biodiversity and climate value.Introduction of the EU nature restoration plan aimed at revitalizing degraded ecosystems, especially those crucial for carbon capture and disaster risk reduction.Implementation of the EU’s first Nature Restoration Law, setting binding targets for the restoration of specific habitats and species.Mobilization of funds and establishment of a robust governance framework.

The role of business in supporting biodiversity

While the Biodiversity Strategy does not set out specific compliance mechanisms for businesses in the same way as direct regulation, it sets a clear direction for future policies and legislation that could impact business operations. 

Businesses should stay informed about the development and implementation of related laws and guidelines that may arise from the strategy, as these could directly or indirectly impose new compliance and monitoring requirements.

Packaging Reduction Regulation

The European Union is taking significant strides toward drastically reducing packaging waste with the new Packaging Reduction Regulation. This new policy also hopes to enhance recycling rates and promote a shift toward more sustainable packaging solutions.

Impact on packaging design, materials, and production processes

The regulation will significantly influence the packaging industry:

Increased requirements for packaging to be recyclable, with the Commission setting clear criteria defining what constitutes “designed for recycling” and “recyclable at scale.”A ban on “forever chemicals” in food packaging and restrictions on very light-weight plastic carrier bags.Encouragement for the use of bio-based plastics and the assessment of sustainability criteria.

Impact for businesses operating outside of the EU

Companies that package materials outside of the EU will need to comply with the new Packaging Reduction Regulation in order to sell their products within the EU. This regulation applies to all packaging that enters the EU market, regardless of where it is manufactured or packaged. 

The aim is to ensure that all products sold within the EU meet the same environmental standards, contributing to the reduction of packaging waste and the promotion of recycling.

Key dates and compliance strategies for companies

Specific deadlines will be set for compliance with different aspects of the regulation, such as reduction targets for packaging waste, requirements for recycled content in packaging, and bans on certain materials and chemicals.

The regulation proposes specific waste reduction targets for plastic packaging (10% by 2030, 15% by 2035 and 20% by 2040).By the end of 2025, the European Commission is expected to assess the possibility of setting targets and sustainability criteria for bio-based plastics. This could lead to new requirements for businesses.EU countries are expected to ensure that 90% of materials contained in packaging are collected separately by 2029, which will affect how businesses design and dispose of packaging.

The regulation will also clarify requirements for reusable and refillable packaging, including criteria such as the minimum number of times packaging should be reused. Businesses in sectors like beverages and take-away food will need to adapt to these requirements, likely before the end of the decade.

Businesses should closely monitor the progress of this regulation through official EU channels and prepare for these changes by reviewing and adjusting their packaging strategies accordingly. Early preparation and adaptation can help ensure compliance and minimize disruption to business operations.

Learn how our Sustainability Consulting can help you stay compliant with new regulations.

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of dozens of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates here and follow us on LinkedIn.

by Stella Tai of Praxis Mutual Funds and Kersy Azocar of Greenline Access Capital 

There are a number of ways capital providers can meet the needs of female entrepreneurs when it comes to financing.

First, capital providers need to be cognizant of the fact that there is a gender barrier that prevents many women business owners from accessing traditional financing. Providers can and should actively work to reduce and eliminate these barriers.

A good place to start is to analyze the lender’s history of ‘who applies for’ versus ‘who receives’ financing and the reasons for denial. Additionally, capital providers can proactively create products that are a good fit for female entrepreneurs and allow for outside the box thinking when it comes to risk and return.

A recent partnership between Greenline Access Capital, a mission-driven nonprofit financial institution that works to address the continued and persistent gap in access to capital for financially underserved entrepreneurs in Philadelphia, PA, and Everence Financial®, a faith-based financial services company, seeks to bridge this gap.

Since 2021, Greenline has served more than 250 people and has helped 48 clients connect with $5.3 million in grants and loans, including 23 loans from Greenline’s own funds. Of these loans, 48% were made to women-owned businesses. By collaborating with Everence, Greenline is able to connect mission-driven funds with underserved businesses, many of which are women-owned. By combining the provision of capital, customized technical assistance and training focused on entrepreneurial and financial success, these types of organizations are helping bridge the gap in serving communities and individuals often excluded.

By creating long-term relationships with organizations like Greenline Access Capital, capital providers can support impact at scale by increasing efficiency and productivity for all parties. These partnerships can cross public, private and non-profit capital sources and can function locally, regionally or across the country. Though more work is required, especially at the beginning of the relationship, in the long run these partnerships will pay off for both capital providers, alternative lenders and underserved communities.

Read the full article, that includes numerous resources, here – https://greenmoney.com/unlocking-opportunity-for-female-entrepreneurs-through-non-traditional-financing

=======

by Stella Tai of Praxis Mutual Funds and Kersy Azocar of Greenline Access Capital 

There are a number of ways capital providers can meet the needs of female entrepreneurs when it comes to financing.

First, capital providers need to be cognizant of the fact that there is a gender barrier that prevents many women business owners from accessing traditional financing. Providers can and should actively work to reduce and eliminate these barriers.

A good place to start is to analyze the lender’s history of ‘who applies for’ versus ‘who receives’ financing and the reasons for denial. Additionally, capital providers can proactively create products that are a good fit for female entrepreneurs and allow for outside the box thinking when it comes to risk and return.

A recent partnership between Greenline Access Capital, a mission-driven nonprofit financial institution that works to address the continued and persistent gap in access to capital for financially underserved entrepreneurs in Philadelphia, PA, and Everence Financial®, a faith-based financial services company, seeks to bridge this gap.

Since 2021, Greenline has served more than 250 people and has helped 48 clients connect with $5.3 million in grants and loans, including 23 loans from Greenline’s own funds. Of these loans, 48% were made to women-owned businesses. By collaborating with Everence, Greenline is able to connect mission-driven funds with underserved businesses, many of which are women-owned. By combining the provision of capital, customized technical assistance and training focused on entrepreneurial and financial success, these types of organizations are helping bridge the gap in serving communities and individuals often excluded.

By creating long-term relationships with organizations like Greenline Access Capital, capital providers can support impact at scale by increasing efficiency and productivity for all parties. These partnerships can cross public, private and non-profit capital sources and can function locally, regionally or across the country. Though more work is required, especially at the beginning of the relationship, in the long run these partnerships will pay off for both capital providers, alternative lenders and underserved communities.

Read the full article, that includes numerous resources, here – https://greenmoney.com/unlocking-opportunity-for-female-entrepreneurs-through-non-traditional-financing

=======