Month: February 2025

Cascale joined critical conversations in Paris at the recent OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment & Footwear Sector, tackling key challenges in responsible purchasing, traceability, and industry metrics on GHG emissions, wages, and responsible purchasing practices.

Dr. Marsha Dickson, co-founder and president of Better Buying Institute and Cascale’s Better Buying program consultant and Cascale’s James Crowley, manager of transparency and traceability (supply chain); Sophia Ellis, senior manager of transparency and accountability; and Hanna Griesbeck Garcia, manager of stakeholder engagement and project manager of The Industry We Want (TIWW) were among the speakers.

In one session featuring Dickson, the speakers unpacked empirical research on the uptake and impact of due diligence in the sector. They presented the OECD’s new monitoring and evaluation framework for the garment and footwear sector.

It also sought to explore how different user groups could use the framework. Dickson gave an overview of BBI’s surveys, methodology, and learnings about purchasing practices. She shared key findings from the 2024 Better Buying Partnership Index (BBPI) Report, highlighting comparisons and differences in sporting goods versus fashion. Dickson discussed Cascale’s acquisition of key assets of BBI, noting the significant alignment of both organizations’ missions and goals, and highlighted the joint commitment to firmly putting responsible purchasing practices on the global agenda.

The panel included Chikako Oka, associate professor, Université Paris-Est Créteil; Nazma Akter, president, Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation (SGSF); Prathika Kurian, senior manager, factory compliance, SanMar; Rachel Alexander, independent consultant and researcher, Copenhagen Business School & University of Johannesburg; Sarosh Kuruvilla, professor, industrial and labor relations, Cornell University, and Julia Schmidt, senior policy officer, Federal Ministry for Economic Development, Germany.

Later, Crowley and Griesbeck Garcia moderated two well-attended side sessions: “Bridging the Gap: Traceability to Enable Due Diligence” and “Mid-Decade Reflection: Insights from The Industry We Want’s 2025 Metrics and the Road to 2030,” in which Ellis also participated.

Crowley’s session aimed to provide industry guidance on what CSDDD legislation and OECD Guidance mean for data collection strategies, supplier engagement, and risk identification. The session also provided a platform for traceability initiatives to present intelligence, research, and programs that support due diligence for retailers, brands, and manufacturers.

Speakers in this session included Evonne Tan, senior director of data and technology at the Textile Exchange; Dorothy Lovell, sector lead for garments and footwear at the OECD; Lea Esterhuizen, founder and chief executive of &Wider; Josh Taylor, traceability manager at ISEAL; Saqib Shahzad, head of sustainability at Sapphire Diamond and co-founder of Transformers Foundation, and Jannis Bellinghausen, senior director of systems integrity at Better Cotton.

Crowley gave a brief overview of Cascale and the Higg Index, then shared a presentation on traceability guidance to enable risk identification. He showcased a high-level approach to categorizing traceability and supply chain data, focusing on the second step of the OECD guidance stages concerning the CS3D. Crowley noted the current traceability requirements of the CS3D and shared actionable steps companies can take for risk identification and prioritization.

Representing The Industry We Want, Griesbeck Garcia’s session explored the fourth cycle of the TIWW’s Industry Dashboard metrics before opening the discussion to the lived experiences and perspectives of those at the heart of the garment and footwear industry. The session highlighted the year-on-year trajectories of the metrics and explored crucial levers needed to realign the course and shape the industry into one that creates worthy and fair working conditions while safeguarding our planet.

Griesbeck Garcia started the discussion with an overview of the landscape, noting the need for a fundamental shift in power dynamics, greater accountability, and a commitment to implementing and scaling real solutions. Then Ellis shared key insights into the data presented, highlighting the rise in production volumes as a contributor to growing emissions outweighing decarbonization efforts. She emphasized the ongoing imperative for the sector to reduce emissions in alignment with a 1.5-degree future while also addressing the need to challenge traditional business models. During the discussion, she highlighted key essentials for achieving meaningful reductions, including supply chain engagement and effective target setting.

Ellis shared Cascale’s efforts to accelerate industry-wide decarbonization through the Industry Decarbonization Roadmap and address foundational environmental performance basics. She also noted the organization’s progress in driving the adoption of responsible purchasing practices with the purchase of key assets from the Better Buying Institute.

The sessions concluded with a clear consensus from participants across all sessions on an urgent need to collaborate and accelerate collective action to transform the industry.

French Version

Co-digestion of food organics at wastewater treatment plants has emerged as a promising approach to address two significant environmental challenges: the management of organic waste and the production of renewable energy. This process involves the anaerobic digestion of food waste alongside traditional wastewater sludge, offering numerous benefits such as increased biogas production, improved resource recovery and reduced landfill disposal. It is also an opportunity for local governments to leverage existing infrastructure and potentially reduce capital expenditures for new stand alone facilities. 

However, the implementation of co-digestion systems also presents various challenges that need to be addressed for successful operation. This post explores the opportunities and challenges associated with co-digestion of food organics at wastewater treatment plants, with a particular focus on the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) facility as a case study.

Opportunities

Enhanced Biogas Production : One of the primary advantages of co-digesting food waste with wastewater sludge is the significant increase in biogas production. Food waste typically has a higher energy content and biodegradability compared to wastewater sludge alone. The addition of food waste to anaerobic digesters can boost methane yields by 50-185%. This increased biogas production can be utilized for on-site electricity generation, heat production or upgraded to biomethane for injection into natural gas grids or use as vehicle fuel.Improved Resource Recovery : Co-digestion allows for the recovery of valuable resources from food waste that would otherwise be lost in landfills. The process not only generates renewable energy but also produces nutrient-rich digestate that can be used as a fertilizer or soil amendment. This approach aligns with circular economy principles, turning waste into a valuable resource and reducing the environmental impact of both food waste and wastewater treatment.Reduced Landfill Disposal : Diverting food waste from landfills through co-digestion at wastewater treatment plants can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with landfill disposal. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is produced when organic waste decomposes in landfills. By capturing and utilizing this methane through anaerobic digestion, wastewater treatment plants can contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.Economic Benefits : Co-digestion can provide economic benefits to wastewater treatment plants through increased energy production and potential revenue from tipping fees for accepting food waste. The MMSD, for example, has reported significant cost savings and revenue generation from their co-digestion program.Operational Synergies : Integrating food waste processing into existing wastewater treatment plant infrastructure leverages the facility’s assets and expertise. Wastewater treatment plants already have anaerobic digestion systems in place, making the addition of food waste a relatively straightforward process that can optimize the use of existing facilities.

Challenges

Feedstock Variability and Quality Control : One of the primary challenges in co-digestion is managing the variability in food waste composition and quality. Unlike wastewater sludge, which is relatively consistent, food waste can vary significantly in terms of moisture content, organic loading and contamination levels. This variability can impact digester performance and stability. Implementing robust pre-treatment and screening processes is crucial to ensure consistent feedstock quality.Operational Complexity : Introducing food waste into wastewater treatment plant digesters adds complexity to plant operations. Operators need to carefully balance the ratio of food waste to sludge to maintain optimal digester performance. Overloading digesters with food waste can lead to process instability, foaming and reduced biogas production. The Milwaukee facility, for instance, had to develop specific operational protocols and monitoring systems to manage their co-digestion process effectively.Infrastructure and Equipment Requirements : Many wastewater treatment plants require additional infrastructure and equipment to handle food waste effectively. This may include receiving stations, pre-treatment equipment, additional storage tanks and potentially larger or modified digesters. The capital investment required for these upgrades can be significant and may pose a barrier for some facilities.Regulatory Compliance : Co-digestion of food waste at wastewater treatment plants may be subject to additional regulatory requirements compared to traditional wastewater treatment. This can include permits for solid waste handling, air emissions and digestate management. Navigating these regulatory frameworks can be challenging and time-consuming for wastewater treatment plant operators.Market Development for End Products : While co-digestion produces valuable end products such as biogas and digestate, developing reliable markets for these products can be challenging. For biogas utilization, facilities may need to invest in upgrading equipment or establish partnerships with local utilities. Similarly, finding consistent markets for digestate as a fertilizer product may require extensive quality control and marketing efforts.Public Perception and Community Engagement : Introducing food waste processing at wastewater treatment plants may raise concerns among local communities regarding odours, increased truck traffic and potential environmental impacts. Effective community engagement and education programs are essential to address these concerns and gain public support for co-digestion initiatives.

Case Study: Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District

The MMSD has been a pioneer in implementing co-digestion of food waste at their Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility. This included processing food waste, in 2008 to supplement their anaerobic digestion process.

MMSD’s co-digestion program has demonstrated several successes:

Increased Biogas Production : The addition of food waste has significantly boosted biogas production, allowing the facility to generate more renewable energy.Economic Benefits : The program has generated additional revenue through tipping fees and reduced energy costs.Environmental Impact : By diverting food waste from landfills, MMSD has contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the region.

However, MMSD has also faced challenges, including:

Operational Adjustments : The facility had to develop new operational procedures and invest in additional equipment to manage the co-digestion process effectively.Quality Control : Ensuring consistent quality of incoming food waste has required ongoing efforts and collaboration with waste generators.Regulatory Compliance : MMSD had to navigate complex regulatory requirements to implement and expand their co-digestion program.

Co-digestion of food organics at wastewater treatment plants offers significant opportunities for enhancing renewable energy production, improving resource recovery and reducing the environmental impact of waste management. It is also an opportunity for local governments to leverage existing infrastructure and potentially reduce capital expenditures for new stand alone facilities. However, successful implementation requires addressing various challenges, including feedstock management, operational complexity and regulatory compliance. The experience of facilities like the MMSD demonstrates that with careful planning and management, these challenges can be overcome, leading to substantial environmental and economic benefits. As more wastewater treatment plants explore co-digestion, continued research, knowledge sharing, and policy support will be crucial in realizing the full potential of this innovative approach to waste management and renewable energy production.

English Version

La co-digestion des matières organiques alimentaires dans les usines de traitement des eaux usées est apparue comme une approche prometteuse pour relever deux défis environnementaux importants : la gestion des déchets organiques et la production d’énergie renouvelable. Ce procédé comprend la digestion anaérobie des déchets alimentaires aux côtés des boues d’épuration traditionnelles, offrant de nombreux avantages comme une production accrue de biogaz, une meilleure valorisation des ressources et une réduction de la mise en décharge. Il s’agit également d’une occasion pour les gouvernements locaux de tirer parti de l’infrastructure existante et de réduire éventuellement les investissements pour de nouvelles installations autonomes.

Cependant, la mise en œuvre des systèmes de co-digestion présente également divers défis qu’il convient de relever pour une exploitation réussie. Ce article explore les opportunités et les défis associés à la co-digestion des matières organiques alimentaires dans les usines de traitement des eaux usées, en prenant l’installation du Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) comme étude de cas.

Opportunités

Production accrue de biogaz : L’un des principaux avantages de la co-digestion des déchets alimentaires avec les boues d’épuration est l’augmentation significative de la production de biogaz. Les déchets alimentaires ont généralement une teneur en énergie et une biodégradabilité plus élevées que les boues d’épuration seules. L’ajout de déchets alimentaires aux digesteurs anaérobies peut augmenter le rendement en méthane de 50 à 185 %. Cette production accrue de biogaz peut être utilisée pour la production d’électricité sur site, la production de chaleur, ou transformée en biométhane pour être injectée dans les réseaux de gaz naturel ou utilisée comme carburant pour les véhicules.Meilleure valorisation des ressources : La co-digestion permet de valoriser des ressources précieuses à partir de déchets alimentaires qui auraient autrement été mis en décharge. Le procédé génère non seulement de l’énergie renouvelable, mais produit également un digestat riche en nutriments qui peut être utilisé comme engrais ou comme amendements pour les terres agricoles. Cette approche s’inscrit dans les principes de l’économie circulaire, en transformant les déchets en une ressource précieuse et en réduisant l’impact environnemental des déchets alimentaires et du traitement des eaux usées.Réduction de la mise en décharge : Éviter l’enfouissement de déchets alimentaires grâce à la co-digestion dans les usines de traitement des eaux usées permet de réduire considérablement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre associées à la mise en décharge. Le méthane, un puissant gaz à effet de serre, est produit lorsque les déchets organiques se décomposent dans les décharges. En capturant et en utilisant ce méthane par digestion anaérobie, les usines de traitement des eaux usées peuvent contribuer aux efforts d’atténuation du changement climatique.Retombées économiques : La co-digestion peut apporter des avantages économiques aux usines de traitement des eaux usées grâce à l’augmentation de la production d’énergie et aux revenus potentiels provenant des frais de déversement des déchets alimentaires. L’installation du MMSD, par exemple, a bénéficié d’importantes économies et de revenus générés grâce à son programme de co-digestion.Synergies opérationnelles : L’intégration du traitement des déchets alimentaires à l’infrastructure existante de l’usine de traitement des eaux usées tire parti des actifs et de l’expertise existants. Les usines de traitement des eaux usées ont déjà mis en place des systèmes de digestion anaérobie, ce qui fait de l’ajout de déchets alimentaires un processus relativement simple qui permet d’optimiser l’utilisation des installations existantes.

Défis

Variabilité des déchets alimentaires et contrôle de la qualité : L’un des principaux défis de la co-digestion est la gestion de la variabilité de la composition et de la qualité des déchets alimentaires. Contrairement aux boues d’épuration, qui sont relativement uniformes, les déchets alimentaires peuvent varier considérablement sur le plan de la teneur en humidité, de la charge organique et des niveaux de contamination. Cette variabilité peut avoir une incidence sur la performance et la stabilité du digesteur. La mise en œuvre de processus rigoureux de prétraitement et de criblage est essentielle pour garantir une qualité uniforme des déchets alimentaires.Complexité opérationnelle : L’introduction de déchets alimentaires dans les digesteurs de l’usine de traitement des eaux usées complexifie les activités de l’usine. Les opérateurs doivent équilibrer soigneusement le rapport entre les déchets alimentaires et les boues pour maintenir une performance optimale du digesteur. La surcharge des digesteurs avec des déchets alimentaires peut entraîner une instabilité du processus, la formation de mousse et une réduction de la production de biogaz. L’usine de Milwaukee, par exemple, a dû élaborer des protocoles opérationnels et des systèmes de surveillance spécifiques pour gérer efficacement son processus de co-digestion.Exigences en matière d’infrastructure et d’équipement : De nombreuses usines de traitement des déchets alimentaires nécessitent des infrastructures et des équipements supplémentaires pour traiter efficacement les déchets alimentaires. Il peut s’agir de stations de réception, d’équipements de prétraitement, de réservoirs de stockage supplémentaires et éventuellement de digesteurs plus grands ou modifiés. L’investissement en capital requis pour ces améliorations peut être important et constituer un obstacle pour certaines installations.Conformité réglementaire : La co-digestion des déchets alimentaires dans les usines de traitement des eaux usées peut être soumise à des exigences réglementaires supplémentaires par rapport au traitement traditionnel des eaux usées. Il peut s’agir de permis pour le traitement des déchets solides, les émissions atmosphériques et la gestion du digestat. Naviguer dans ces cadres réglementaires peut s’avérer difficile et chronophage pour les opérateurs des usines de traitement des eaux usées.Développement du marché des produits finis : Bien que la co-digestion produise des produits finis de valeur tels que le biogaz et le digestat, le développement de marchés fiables pour ces produits peut s’avérer difficile. Pour l’utilisation du biogaz, les installations peuvent avoir besoin d’investir dans la modernisation des équipements ou d’établir des partenariats avec les services publics locaux. De même, la recherche de marchés cohérents pour le digestat en tant qu’engrais peut nécessiter un contrôle de la qualité et des efforts marketing importants.Perception du public et engagement communautaire : L’introduction de la transformation des déchets alimentaires dans les usines de traitement des eaux usées peut susciter des inquiétudes au sein des communautés locales en ce qui concerne les odeurs, l’augmentation du trafic de camions et les incidences potentielles sur l’environnement. Des programmes efficaces d’engagement communautaire et d’éducation sont essentiels pour répondre à ces inquiétudes et obtenir le soutien du public pour les initiatives de co-digestion.

Étude de cas : Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District

L’installation du MMSD a été pionnière dans la mise en œuvre de la co-digestion des déchets alimentaires dans son installation de recyclage de l’eau de Jones Island. Il s’agissait notamment de traiter les déchets alimentaires, en 2008, pour compléter leur processus de digestion anaérobie.

Le programme de co-digestion de l’installation du MMSD a connu plusieurs succès :

Production accrue de biogaz : L’ajout de déchets alimentaires a considérablement stimulé la production de biogaz, ce qui a permis à l’installation de produire davantage d’énergie renouvelable.Retombées économiques : Le programme a généré des revenus supplémentaires grâce aux frais de déversement et à la réduction des coûts énergétiques.Impact environnemental : En évitant l’enfouissement des déchets alimentaires, l’installation du MMSD a contribué à réduire les émissions de gaz à effet de serre dans la région.

Cependant, l’installation du MMSD a également fait face à des défis, notamment :

Ajustements opérationnels : L’installation a dû élaborer de nouvelles procédures opérationnelles et investir dans des équipements supplémentaires pour gérer efficacement le processus de co-digestion.Contrôle de la qualité : Garantir une qualité constante des déchets alimentaires entrants a nécessité des efforts constants et une collaboration avec les producteurs de déchets.Conformité réglementaire : L’installation du MMSD a dû composer avec des exigences réglementaires complexes pour mettre en œuvre et élargir son programme de co-digestion.

La co-digestion des matières organiques alimentaires dans les usines de traitement des eaux usées offre d’importantes possibilités d’accroître la production d’énergie renouvelable, d’améliorer la récupération des ressources et de réduire l’impact environnemental de la gestion des déchets. Cela permet également aux gouvernements locaux de tirer parti des infrastructures existantes et de réduire potentiellement les investissements pour les nouvelles installations autonomes. Une mise en œuvre réussie exige toutefois de relever divers défis, notamment la gestion des matières premières, la complexité opérationnelle et la conformité réglementaire. L’expérience d’installations comme celle du MMSD démontre qu’avec une planification et une gestion rigoureuses, ces défis peuvent être relevés, ce qui se traduit par des avantages environnementaux et économiques substantiels. Alors que de plus en plus d’usines de traitement des eaux usées explorent la co-digestion, la poursuite de la recherche, le partage des connaissances et le soutien stratégique seront essentiels pour réaliser le plein potentiel de cette approche novatrice de la gestion des déchets et de la production d’énergie renouvelable.

By Liz Peters

Imagine a workforce where employees are constantly fatigued, sick days pile up and productivity plummets. What if that workplace could help address these issues with something as invisible as the air they breathe? When pathogens spread through the air, economic consequences to businesses can be vast, impacting productivity, absenteeism and healthcare costs. Businesses, institutions and policymakers should recognize the hidden financial burden of inaction and the value of investing in solutions that create healthier indoor environments.

The connection between indoor air quality and economic performance is well established. Research shows that adopting healthy building practices can yield incredible benefits to individuals and the economy at large:

$200 billion in annual productivity gains from reducing Sick Building Syndrome symptoms by 20% to 50%.$38 billion in annual economic benefits from increasing ventilation rates in U.S. offices.A return of $3.48 per dollar spent on workplace wellness programs due to reduced medical costs and an additional $5.82 from decreased absenteeism.Up to 101% improvement in cognitive function, translating to employee productivity gains of $6,500 to $7,500 per person annually.A net present value of $115 per square foot over 10 years in high-performance buildings, driven by better retention and well-being.

These figures underscore the gains to be had in addressing indoor environmental quality. From acute threats like COVID-19 to long-term challenges posed by climate change, investing in resilient and healthy buildings is a critical strategy for sustaining economic growth and workforce stability.

Technology-Driven Solutions
Various innovative technologies offer financial benefits by improving operational efficiency and fostering healthier, more productive environments. By minimizing airborne and surface pathogens, businesses help mitigate absenteeism, lower healthcare costs and sustain continuous operations.

As Daryl DeJean, VP and Director of International Trade at PathogenFocus, explains, “The future of economic resilience lies in how well we manage health risks in the built environment. Forward-thinking solutions that prioritize air and surface hygiene are not just about safety—they are about sustaining operations, improving workforce efficiency and driving long-term business success. The organizations that recognize this will be the ones that thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape.”

PathogenFocus’ atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) systems minimize energy use and waste production, which may qualify businesses for tax credits and sustainability incentives. In industries like food production, it can extend shelf life, reduce product loss and preserve nutritional value.

A Call to Action
Organizations that proactively address indoor air quality and biosecurity will not only safeguard occupant health but also bolster their bottom line. The International Healthy Building Accord urges governments and businesses to prioritize health in buildings by implementing strategic policies, financial incentives and research-backed innovations that enhance indoor air quality, water quality and sustainable design.

The cost of inaction is high. As businesses, policymakers and institutions navigate an evolving economic landscape, investing in healthy, resilient buildings is an imperative step toward a more productive and financially sustainable future that also helps safeguard public health—delivering measurable benefits today and long-term returns for generations to come.

View original content here.

In this episode of ESG Talk, Cassandra Garber, chief sustainability officer at Dell Technologies joins host Mandi McReynolds. Listen in as Cassandra and Mandi discuss how the global technology leader incorporates the measurement, management, and governance of ESG priorities into both its operations and product offerings.

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