Tag: 3BL

Originally published in International Paper’s *Thinking Inside the Box* white paper

Rethinking economic production as a continuous cycle of use and renewal has become a subject of great interest for businesses committed to a sustainable future. Likewise, economic benefits are gained from reduced fuel and raw material costs, and a closed-loop manufacturing process that minimizes energy waste.

For the containerboard box, circularity begins in the forest. From the forest, renewable fiber is transported to a paper mill, where it is converted to pulp in a process that yields cooking “liquors” as well as biomass that can be reintroduced into the process as fuel, considered carbon neutral biomass energy.

Paper mills are the catalyst in the circular lifecycle of a box: these facilities realize incredible energy savings through efficient biomass cycles and effective water treatment. Due in part to the high capital cost of updating mill and box plant equipment, the paper and packaging industry has a broad range of technology and energy efficiency in facilities. International Paper is committed to demonstrating strong leadership in manufacturing excellence, emissions reduction and process improvements. As part of IP’s Vision 2030 goals, the company is focusing its efforts on projects that minimize fossil fuel use, improve energy efficiency and expand the use of renewable energy. As a result, 70% of the company’s mill energy is derived from carbon-neutral biomass residuals, a by-product of the paper manufacturing process turned into energy.

International Paper implements circular principles and practices throughout its value chain to ensure that its products are responsibly sourced, recovered and recycled into new boxes. While wood fiber cannot be used indefinitely, it can be used many times before the fibers are too brittle and short and considered “lost”. These “lost” fibers, and other manufacturing byproducts, are captured and used for biomass-based fuel to power the mill.

After pulp is transformed into containerboard, it enters the converting process, where rolls of containerboard are cut, shaped and printed to fit customer specifications at box plants. Nearly all trimmings and scrap paper at box plants are recovered and returned to the paper mill to be recycled into new containerboard. After customer use, a robust network of recycling collectors, including IP’s own recycling business, transports recovered materials to a recycling facility, then to paper mills, where the fiber is broken down and reintroduced, beginning the circular process again.

Download International Paper’s white paper to learn more.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.

About International Paper – EMEA

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.

Key Points

Marathon Petroleum was named to the Women In Trucking Association’s 2024 Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation list for the third consecutive year.The company was honored at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas, showcasing its dedication to gender diversity and career advancement opportunities.Marathon Petroleum transport drivers have access to benefits like flexible schedules, fully paid parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition reimbursement, a 401k match and a company pension plan.

Marathon Petroleum (MPC) was named to the overall 2024 Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation list by the Women In Trucking Association (WIT). This is the third year in a row that MPC has been recognized by WIT.

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized by Women In Trucking,” said Marathon Petroleum Transport Supervisor Hannah Shank. “This honor reflects our commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment where women thrive and lead in shaping the future of our industry.”

MPC was recognized as an exceptional company for women to work in transportation at the WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo in Dallas in November. WIT selects companies with a corporate culture that fosters gender diversity, competitive compensation and benefits, flexible hours, professional development opportunities and career advancement opportunities.

“We’ve worked really hard to expand our partnership with WIT, and it shows how dedicated we are to making all drivers feel like they belong,” said Shank.

Benefits of Driving for MPC

In addition to support from the Women In Trucking partnership, four-day work weeks and the opportunity to be home every night, transport drivers at MPC have an extensive benefits package that include:

Eight weeks of fully paid maternity leaveFour weeks of fully paid paternity leaveAdoption assistanceTuition reimbursement401k employer matchCompany pension planSupport from the Women in Trucking partnership

Interested candidates should visit DriveForMPC.com.

ATLANTA, December 2, 2024 /3BL/ – The global economy is at a critical juncture, facing two powerful transformations: the AI revolution and the green transition to a low-carbon economy. These shifts could unlock substantial economic growth and benefit everyone, but only if they are built on gender equality and women’s skills and potential. A new CARE report, The Cost of Inequality: Why the Global Economy Cannot Afford to Leave Women Behind, examines the global gender gap in the context of the future economy, revealing widening inequality for women and girls globally, and how this compromises growth and prosperity for all.

“AI and the green economy have the potential to radically benefit society if we invest in women and girls. But if we leave women and girls behind, we will exacerbate the gap that is already holding the economy back,” said Emily Janoch, CARE’s Associate Vice President of Design and Thought Leadership, and one of the study’s authors.

According to the report, closing the gender gap in employment and entrepreneurship could boost global GDP by more than 20%, while bridging imbalances in lifetime earnings between men and women could unlock a staggering $172 trillion. And gender equality is not only crucial for economic growth, it also holds the key to achieving all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – none of which have been met yet, with just six years left to achieve them.

Unfortunately, data gathered and analyzed by CARE points to a move the wrong direction. Between 2019 and 2022, almost 40% of countries have stalled or backslid on gender equality for women, affecting over a billion women and girls. At the current rate, it will take 152 years to close the economic gender gap. Meanwhile, discrimination against women in the workplace is prevalent, with legal restrictions on their job opportunities in more than half of countries. Moreover, women face a lack of legal protections and unequal pay, with 92 countries lacking equal pay legislation and 155 lacking measures to enforce it. And the overrepresentation of women in informal work leaves two billion women and girls without social protections.

Left with the status quo, the gaps that undermine economic growth will continue to grow in the future without the right investments. This is especially true in a rapidly evolving and competitive economy where barriers for women are stark:

Young women are twice as likely to be out of school, employment, or training, and they make up just 35% of STEM graduates – and half of men’s concentration in AI talent.Women are excluded from leadership positions, with gender parity projected to take 140 years to achieve.Women struggle to access finance, with 730 million women remaining unbanked and women-owned businesses facing a $1.9 trillion financing gap in emerging economies.

“Despite the obstacles women face, these are problems we know how to solve,” said Janoch referring to some of the report’s recommendations to boost women’s leadership at work, support female entrepreneurs, and close the digital gap between men and women. “Leadership opportunities, workplace safety, support for care work, and access to education and skills for women and girls all help level the playing field.”

Read the full report here: https://www.care.org/resources/the-cost-of-inequality/

For media inquiries, contact: usa.media@care.org.

About CARE
Founded in 1945 with the creation of the CARE Package®, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE places special focus on working alongside women and girls. Equipped with the proper resources, women and girls have the power to lift whole families and entire communities out of poverty. In 2024, CARE worked in 121 countries, reaching 53 million people through 1,450 projects. To learn more, visit https://www.care.org/.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., December 2, 2024 /3BL/ – Tim Brown was a teenager with a fascination for aviation. Growing up near Charlotte, he cleaned corporate jets as part of the ground crew. He learned to fly. Today, he’s a 737 pilot for American Airlines.

To encourage other kids to pursue a career in aviation, Brown is director of the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals-operated educational program in Charlotte, Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academy. The group’s camps, courses and fieldtrips are inexpensive, and routinely sell out.

Brown will join 3BL Network Effect: Charlotte on Dec. 11 at Truist Center to share his story and discuss how the ACE Academy has become a talent pipeline for Charlotte-area companies seeking trained workers for a host of jobs ranging from air traffic controllers and jet mechanics to Air Force recruits and commercial pilots.

Network Effect: Charlotte will focus on trends in environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting and the business drivers behind corporate efforts to promote diversity in the workplace, STEM education in K-12 classrooms, and community relief programs following natural disasters.

The half-day program, the eighth such regional event from 3BL, is open to those working in corporate social responsibility, sustainability, social impact, communications, marketing, ESG and investor relations roles at companies, agencies and nonprofits. Breakfast will be provided.

Register here

Among the organizations participating in 3BL Network Effect: Charlotte are Aerospace Career Education Academy, Albemarle, Compass Group, Duke Energy, Ideas on Purpose, Mower, Trane Technologies, Trips for Kids Charlotte and Truist.

In addition to panel discussions, fireside chats and research revealing consumer sentiments about sustainability, the event is designed so practitioners from Carolina companies, nonprofits and NGOs can explore opportunities to partner for more impact.

About 3BL 
3BL is the leading sustainability and social impact communications partner, connecting organizations’ stories of purpose and progress with the audiences who matter most.

3BL partners with over 1,500 companies – from global corporations and mid-sized enterprises to NGOs and nonprofits – to elevate their reputations as players in the world of responsible business. We do this through unrivaled news and content distribution, bespoke storytelling support, and our digital media division, TriplePundit.

Nearly 40% of companies surveyed for this study have developed climate adaptation plans, yet only 6% have fully implemented adaptation measures.This report includes recommendations for large enterprises, the financial sector, and public administration to effectively plan and implement climate adaptation actions to ensure the resilience of businesses and communities amid the climate crisis.

Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has collaborated with Women Action Sustainability (WAS), a non-profit association that promotes sustainability among companies, institutions and society, to publish a new report entitled, “Creating Sustainable Impact: Building Resilience Through Climate Adaptation”. This report highlights the interdependencies between public and private stakeholders and the collective responsibility required to drive actions to build resilience amidst escalating climate change impacts.

“At Schneider Electric, we recognize the vital importance of integrating climate risk and adaptation strategies to enhance the resilience of businesses,” said Steve Wilhite, President, Schneider Electric Sustainability Business. “Climate change is impacting many companies financially, not only with destruction of physical assets but also due to higher interest and insurance rates. Schneider Electric is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of climate progress, collaborating with our network to integrate sustainable practices throughout our ecosystem.”

This report highlights how businesses from various industries and regions are addressing climate-related risks with adaptation strategies and identifies market opportunities and gaps that require attention. The following are several key findings from this report:

38% of companies have developed clear climate adaptation plans, however, only 6% have fully implemented outlined adaptation measures.Only 12% have detailed methods to quantify the financial impact of physical climate risks.Many have experienced climate-related impacts on their supply chains (30%) and on direct operations (28%).30% of companies surveyed do not have insurance coverage to mitigate financial risks linked to climate hazards.

Climate risk is broadly recognized as a financial risk and is expected to have a significant impact on corporate profit and loss statements. The United Nations reports that extreme weather events have led to $4 trillion in losses over the past 50 years. With the global temperature escalating, the frequency and severity of climate-related disasters are projected to rise annually, reinforcing the urgency to develop climate adaptation plans and actions. In the UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2024, the finance adaptation gap is estimated to be between $194-366 billion USD per year, which is a factor for the lag in adaptation planning and implementation efforts.

“Adaptation is highlighted as a major emerging trend, given the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and corporations are experiencing the impacts of climate change,” said Mónica Chao, President, Women Action Sustainability. “We aim to inspire action in climate adaptation at the corporate level. We invite not only corporations, but all stakeholders, including policymakers, financial institutions, and insurers, to engage in collaboration to drive and enable action.”

The report highlights that, while businesses around the world are showing efforts to mitigate their impact on the environment, current ways of operating will need to change to ensure the resilience of activities. This transformation requires investment. The involvement of the banking and financial services sector is key to support companies in the process of implementing their adaptation plans. WAS wants to call on public administration and scientists, also at the global level, to help companies on this path by providing guidance, tools and resources as needed.

Ana Peña, President of Women Action Sustainability’s Climate Change Group, adds, “in a world where demands and conditions change rapidly, accelerating infrastructure adaptation strategies is crucial to ensure resilience and efficiency. The ability to anticipate and respond agilely to new challenges and opportunities ensures that infrastructures not only support the present but are also prepared for the future.”

This report offers strategic recommendations to help corporations mobilize action, while emphasizing the critical roles of the financial sector, which serves as a catalyst for change, and public administration in facilitating climate adaptation planning. This report also addresses the need for businesses to not only adapt current physical assets, but also proactively design future physical assets to be more resilient and capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.

Download the full report here. 

About Women Action Sustainability 

Women Action Sustainability is a non-profit association, made up of more than 200 women managers, whose goal is to ensure that sustainability is present at the tables where decisions are made at the highest level. Thus, through female leadership, WAS calls on companies, institutions, entities and society in general; to boost their commitment to sustainability through an integrative, informed, diverse and professional approach. https://wasaction.com

About Schneider Electric 

Schneider’s purpose is to create Impact by empowering all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. At Schneider, we call this Life Is On.

Our mission is to be the trusted partner in Sustainability and Efficiency.

We are a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation and digitization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes. Anchored by our deep domain expertise, we provide integrated end-to-end lifecycle AI enabled Industrial IoT solutions with connected products, automation, software and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.

We are a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders. We embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all.

www.se.com

Discover the newest perspectives shaping sustainability, electricity 4.0, and next-generation automation on Schneider Electric Insights.

With a deep understanding of consumer megatrends and utilization of advanced technologies like AI and data clouds, this year Clorox continued to drive enduring innovation across our products, supply chain and business operations.

FY24 HIGHLIGHTS

Achieved our 2025 goal of knowing 100M consumers, helping us gain informed insights, deliver greater personalization to consumers and improve marketing return on investment.Launched new collaborations with Walmart and Instacart to create personalized, more frictionless and farther-reaching shopping experiences.Reduced our cycle time on innovation discovery by 50% through implementation of AI- and generative AI-enabled Digital Core to build bigger ideas faster.Introduced innovation across seven major brands to meet consumers’ needs and support their well-being, including new products from Burt’s Bees, Clorox, Glad and more.

New technologies and deeper insights are the key to innovation at Clorox. Modern AI-powered tools are boosting our agility, enabling us to learn from consumers at scale and bring exciting new products to market faster.”

Oksana Sobol
Insights Lead

GETTING TO KNOW 100 MILLION CONSUMERS

This year we met and surpassed our goal to know 100 million consumers, enabling better insights so we can meet consumers’ needs wherever they are in their journey and whenever they’re most receptive to hearing from us. To reach this milestone, we implemented a centralized cloud solution that allows us to store, enrich and activate our first-party data in a privacy-compliant manner. In powerful combination with our new digital asset management tool, the result is more personalized content and effective brand engagement across our entire portfolio of brands.

What does it look like in action? During cold and flu season, our Clorox brand adopted a new approach to authentically connecting with consumers. We leveraged data to gain a nuanced understanding of consumer needs, applying advanced AI algorithms to monitor signals across social media platforms, consumer reviews and market trends. This allowed us to gauge consumer sentiments and to identify their current and emerging needs. Then, we tailored our marketing outreach for maximum relevance and impact, with choiceful decisions about targeted digital advertising, influencer partnerships and how we place products in retail environments.

HARNESSING SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION TO TACKLE PLASTIC WASTE

Minimizing waste is top of mind as we formulate, manufacture and package our products, because delivering value to our consumers means helping them reduce the environmental impact left behind.

While we are proud of our work to reduce packaging waste, we remain realistic about the challenges, including a cyberattack which disrupted near-term plans to advance our 2030 plastic and waste reduction goals. We are taking stock of our goal progress while considering controllable as well as dynamic factors that will impact our ability to achieve them. This includes access to high-quality, post-consumer recycled plastic, limited recycling infrastructure and packaging technology, particularly for film and flexible materials that are not recyclable.

As we re-assess our goals, we continue to integrate sustainability into our business. Our business units have developed plans to enhance the sustainability of packaging for their product portfolios and have tailored sustainability targets that advance our overall enterprise goals. In recent years we also advanced the circularity of our product portfolio by introducing packaging formats across Brita, Clorox and Burt’s Bees products that enable consumers to refill and reuse primary packaging.

Recognizing that progress does not happen in a vacuum, our company continues to collaborate and advance solutions with industry groups, including the Association of Plastic Recyclers, CDP, Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy, rePurpose Global and the U.S. Plastics Pact. We also support Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which is critical for advancing waste management globally. We are doing our part to advocate in favor and support EPR through our participation in AMERIPEN, Circular Action Alliance and the Consumer Brands Association.

Learn more about Clorox’s broader business wins and social impact efforts in its full 2024 Annual Report.

St. PAUL, Minn., December 2, 2024 /3BL/ – Inogen Alliance is pleased to announce the publication of our 2023 ESG report. This report covers the associated operational impacts of Inogen Environmental Alliance Inc. Details related to Associate engagements and collaboration across the Inogen Alliance network are also included. Our priority is to work collaboratively on our direct impacts as an Alliance while influencing our nearly 70 independent Associate companies and providing ESG expertise to our multinational clients. The report outlines areas of influence and impacts within Planet, People and Governance; including our carbon footprint, sustainable travel guidance, commitment to Health & Safety, and cross-cultural understanding.

“I look forward to further successes and continued efforts to turn local commitments into global realities for our clients and the communities in which they operate.” said Angelique Dickson, President of Inogen Alliance.

We measure our ESG performance through our impact on:

Inogen Alliance operations (primarily meetings and travel)The activities of our independent Associates representing nearly 80 firms with more than 200 global officesOur influence on our client partners to advance their company EHS&S practices

2023 was year of growth for global collaboration and knowledge sharing with thought leadership at major venues and channels. Four Associates delivered thoughtful insights from differing geographical perspectives on climate change mitigation to COP28 attendees in Dubai as a global team. Our team joined BBC’s “The Climate and Us” series, which focused on the health impacts of climate change. The series highlighted both the direct and indirect effects that natural disasters such as floods and cyclones have on communities and health systems. The Inogen Alliance was also featured as a global EHS&S leader in the Vision 2045 campaign with The Economist.

Our teams conducted a full materiality assessment in 2023 to more clearly understand Alliance actual and potential material impacts. In our materiality assessment we identified key priority material areas to include the following:

Climate changeResource useCircularityWorking ConditionsEqual TreatmentBusiness Conduct

We will use the results of this assessment as the foundation of our sustainability strategy for the Alliance, which is still under development.

“We continue to evolve our ESG programs, and with the completion of our materiality assessment this year, we have sharpened our focus for the future. The unique structure of our Alliance provides unique opportunities for innovation and growth,” said Peylina Chu, Chair of the Board of Inogen Alliance and Senior Vice President, Antea Group USA.

View the 2023 Inogen Alliance ESG report and previous years reports here.

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.

For a growing number of sectors, it is now a business imperative to understand and report on the environmental impact of business operations — especially in terms of carbon emissions.

Navigating the complexities of carbon emission reporting can be challenging. This post will break down the key concepts and methodologies for carbon footprint measurement, so you can effectively manage and reduce your emissions.

Understanding Carbon Footprint Measurement 

A carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted directly or indirectly by an organization, individual or product, typically expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). For businesses, this measurement calculates the environmental impact of their operations and helps them identify key areas where emissions can be reduced.

Defining Carbon Emissions Measurements in Business 

While this post will focus primarily on GHG inventories, the terminology around measuring carbon emissions in business can be confusing. It’s important to understand the difference between the general concept of a business carbon footprint, product carbon footprint, and the more structured approach of a GHG inventory.

Business Carbon Footprint 

A carbon footprint is a broad calculation encompassing all emissions attributed to an organization. Carbon footprints can serve as a high-level indicator of environmental impact.

Product Carbon Footprint 

A related but distinct concept is the product carbon footprint, which refers to the total emissions associated with a specific product throughout its lifecycle, from raw material extraction through to end-of-life disposal or recycling.

This differs from a business’s overall carbon footprint because it focuses on the environmental impact of a single product rather than the organization as a whole. The timeframe and scale of product carbon footprints can vary, such as calculating emissions over the product’s lifespan or isolating a portion of the business’s overall emissions that are tied to that product.

GHG Inventory 

A GHG inventory is a detailed, methodical process used by businesses to systematically measure their emissions, usually following a recognized standard like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

This inventory focuses on quantifying emissions within defined operational boundaries, covering different sources such as fuel combustion, electricity use, and supply chain activities.

With this level of oversight, businesses can create targeted strategies for emission reductions, meet compliance standards, and set voluntary sustainability goals.

Take a closer look: A Decarbonization Journey with Neiman Marcus Group 

Breaking Down the Key Components of a GHG Inventory 

GHG inventories divide emissions into three primary scopes, each representing a distinct aspect of a business’s carbon emissions. These scopes help businesses systematically organize their data and identify key sources of emissions.

Scope 1: Direct Emissions 

Scope 1 refers to direct emissions that come from sources owned or controlled by the business. These are emissions that occur directly from activities within the company’s operations, such as:

Fuel combustion in company-owned vehicles or equipmentOn-site manufacturing processes that release GHGsStationary combustion from boilers or furnaces

Since these emissions are fully within the control of the business, they often present the most straightforward opportunities for reduction. Upgrading equipment, switching to cleaner fuels, or enhancing operational efficiency can significantly lower Scope 1 emissions.

Scope 2: Indirect Emissions from Purchased Energy 

Scope 2 emissions account for the indirect emissions associated with the generation of purchased energy — typically electricity, steam, heating, or cooling that is produced off-site but consumed by the business. Although these emissions occur outside of the company’s direct operations, they are attributed to the business because they result from its energy consumption.

Energy efficiency measures, such as upgrading lighting systems, optimizing HVAC usage, and sourcing renewable energy, are common strategies businesses can implement to reduce their Scope 2 emissions. Switching to renewable energy providers or investing in on-site renewable energy generation can further reduce the carbon footprint associated with purchased energy.

Scope 3: Emissions Across the Value Chain 

Scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions that occur throughout the company’s value chain, both upstream and downstream. This includes a wide range of activities that the business does not directly control but are critical to its operations, such as:

Emissions from suppliers producing raw materials or componentsTransportation and distribution of goodsEmployee commuting and business travelThe use and disposal of sold products by customers

Scope 3 emissions often represent the largest portion of a business’s overall carbon footprint, but they are also the most challenging to measure and reduce. Companies must engage with suppliers, logistics partners, and customers to identify areas where emissions can be minimized, such as through sustainable sourcing, product design improvements, or encouraging lower-impact behaviors among consumers.

Take a closer look: Navigating Greenhouse Gas Reporting: Best Practices for First-Timers 

Methods and Tools for Carbon Footprint Measurement 

When businesses undertake the process of measuring their carbon footprint or conducting a GHG inventory, they rely on well-established methodologies and tools. Below are the key methodologies and tools commonly used in this process.

Quantification Methods

The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol is one of the most widely recognized frameworks for measuring and managing GHG emissions. It sets global standards for creating GHG inventories and is used by businesses and governments alike. The GHG Protocol provides detailed guidance on how to categorize emissions into Scopes 1, 2, and 3, ensuring that all major sources of emissions are accounted for.

The GHG Protocol Corporate Standard is particularly valuable for businesses because it helps standardize their reporting processes, making it easier to compare emissions year over year and against industry peers.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) 

While the GHG Protocol is focused on organizational emissions, life cycle assessment (LCA) is a methodology used to measure the environmental impact of individual products.

LCA examines the emissions associated with a product throughout its entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction through production, distribution, use, and disposal. This makes LCA particularly useful for businesses seeking to understand and reduce the carbon footprint of their products.

LCA can also play a role in Scope 3 assessments, especially when evaluating emissions from the supply chain or customer use.

Publicly Available Emission Factor Sources 

To calculate the carbon emissions from different activities, businesses need access to reliable emission factors — values that quantify the amount of GHGs emitted per unit of activity (e.g., per kilowatt-hour of electricity used, or per gallon of fuel burned). There are several publicly available databases that provide these emission factors, allowing businesses to calculate accurate GHG inventories.

Key sources include:

EPA’s Emission Factors Hub: A comprehensive resource providing emission factors for a range of sectors, including power generation, transportation, and manufacturing.International Energy Agency (IEA) Data: The IEA offers emission factors specific to energy-related emissions, which are widely used in Scope 2 calculations for energy consumption.IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories: While designed for countries, the IPCC guidelines are also used by businesses to calculate emissions in line with global standards.

Using these sources ensures that companies can apply standardized emission factors, improving the reliability and comparability of their carbon footprint assessments.

Measurement Tools and Technology 

Measuring a business’s carbon footprint or conducting a GHG inventory can be made more efficient by using specialized technologies and software to streamline data collection, calculation, and reporting processes.

Carbon Accounting Software 

Dedicated carbon accounting software platforms allow businesses to track and manage their GHG emissions across all scopes (1, 2, and 3). These tools integrate data from various sources, such as energy consumption, fuel usage, and supply chain activities, and automatically apply the appropriate emission factors to calculate the total carbon footprint.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems with Sustainability Modules 

Many companies leverage their existing ERP systems by adding sustainability modules that track carbon emissions alongside financial and operational data. Leading ERP providers like SAP and Oracle offer add-ons or modules that allow businesses to integrate GHG tracking directly into their operational workflows.

Internet of Things (IoT) Devices 

As part of the data collection process, IoT devices play an increasingly important role in capturing real-time data related to energy usage, resource consumption, and operational efficiency. For example, IoT sensors can monitor energy use in manufacturing facilities, track vehicle fuel consumption, or measure the efficiency of HVAC systems.

Sustainability Dashboards and Analytics Tools 

In addition to accounting software, businesses often use sustainability dashboards and analytics platforms to visualize their carbon footprint data and track progress over time. These tools aggregate emissions data from multiple sources, presenting it in an easy-to-understand format that allows sustainability teams to identify trends and set reduction targets.

Importance of Accuracy and Verification 

Accurate measurement of a business’s carbon footprint is crucial for effectively managing and reducing emissions. Precise data enables organizations to pinpoint major sources of emissions, develop targeted reduction strategies, and track progress over time. 

Inaccurate or incomplete measurements can lead to misinformed decisions, regulatory non-compliance, and missed opportunities for carbon reductions.

The Verification Process 

Verification (or audit) ensures the credibility and reliability of carbon footprint data. By undergoing third-party verification, businesses can validate the accuracy of their GHG inventory, identify any data gaps or inconsistencies, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Verification is also critical for maintaining stakeholder trust, as it demonstrates transparency and commitment to sustainability goals.

Inventory Calculation Process 

Conducting a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory involves a systematic process that ensures all relevant emissions are accurately measured and reported. Each step in the process builds on the last, helping businesses develop a comprehensive understanding of their carbon footprint.

Below is a breakdown of the key steps involved in performing a GHG inventory.

1. Define Inventory Boundary

The first step in the inventory process is to define the inventory boundary, which establishes the limits of what will be measured. Businesses must decide which facilities, subsidiaries, and activities are included, ensuring that the selected boundary aligns with reporting standards like the GHG Protocol. Clearly defining the boundary helps avoid double counting or under reporting emissions.

2. Organize Emission Sources into Appropriate Scopes and Categories

Once the boundary is set, emission sources must be organized into the appropriate scopes, as outlined above. This step categorizes emissions based on their origin and ensures that each source is accounted for. Proper categorization is crucial for consistent reporting and for aligning with recognized sustainability frameworks.

3. Collect Data

Data collection is the foundation of any GHG inventory. Businesses need to gather accurate information from a variety of sources, including energy consumption records, transportation logs, waste management data, and supply chain activity. Data can come from internal systems, utility bills, vendor reports, and IoT devices, among other sources. The more detailed and comprehensive the data, the more accurate the inventory will be.

4. Identify Emission Factors

With the data collected, the next step is to apply emission factors to quantify the actual GHG emissions. Emission factors translate activity data (such as fuel consumption or electricity use) into emissions expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).

5. Verify the Accuracy and Completeness of the Data and Calculations

Once the data is collected and emission factors are applied, the next step is to verify the accuracy and completeness of the calculations. This includes reviewing data sources for consistency, checking for any assumptions made during the process, and identifying any gaps in data.

6. Calculate the GHG Emissions for Each Emission Source

After data and emission factors have been confirmed for accuracy, the actual calculation of GHG emissions can take place. For each emission source identified, the appropriate data is multiplied by the corresponding emission factor to determine the total emissions for that source. This process is repeated for each source across all three scopes, and the totals are aggregated to provide a comprehensive view of the business’s carbon footprint. Businesses can also opt for third-party verification at this time to further ensure that their GHG inventory meets industry standards and is credible for external reporting.

7. Prepare a Report Detailing the Methodology and Results of the GHG Inventory

The final step in the inventory process is to prepare a comprehensive report that details the methodology and emission factors used and any assumptions or data limitations. This report provides transparency for stakeholders, outlining the business’s emissions profile and how the inventory was conducted. It is also an essential tool for internal teams working on emissions reduction strategies.

8. Consider Disclosure of Calculated Emissions Totals in Sustainability Reports

Once the inventory is complete, many businesses choose to disclose their calculated emissions in sustainability reports. This transparency allows for year-over-year performance tracking, benchmarking against industry standards, and demonstrating progress toward carbon reduction goals. Public disclosure of emissions totals also helps build trust with customers, investors, and other stakeholders by showing a commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Take a closer look: Ready, Set, Go: Creating a Climate Action Plan to Reach Your Science-Based Targets 

Need help simplifying your carbon footprint calculation? Discover how Antea Group can assist you with comprehensive climate change and carbon management solutions. Learn more about our Climate Change Advisory services.

TBL Fund is excited to announce that it was recently awarded a $100,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to expand its decarbonization and energy efficiency efforts for Tribal Communities. These funds will contribute to our efforts with the New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs in creating a sustainable energy program aimed at providing access to clean energy, energy efficiency, and resiliency technologies to Tribal Nations in New Mexico. With an ambition to expand to surrounding states, this program will reduce carbon footprints in Tribal communities and foster energy sovereignty. This unique opportunity leverages our expertise in renewable energy solutions to create significant market impact and drive community development. This pilot program’s innovative approach will set the stage for future projects across the country.

“Access to clean energy, energy efficiency and resiliency can open avenues for economic advancement and safeguard the opportunity to build generational wealth for all communities as the economy transitions,” said Gregory Lopez, senior assistant vice president of sustainability philanthropy at Wells Fargo. “Through philanthropic support for organizations such as TBL Fund, we can help support historically marginalized communities gain access to affordable solutions.”

TBL Fund is extremely thankful to Wells Fargo for the opportunity this grant provides. Our funding partners are crucial to our overall organizational goals, such as expanding to all U.S. states and territories and serving over 100,000 low-income households annually.

About TBL Fund 

TBL Fund (www.tblfund.org) provides technical assistance and financing to drive energy efficiency and renewable energy (EERE) improvements for households living in multifamily affordable housing (MFAH) and disadvantaged communities (DAC). It provides customized solutions to its customers. To support and scale its efforts, TBL Fund collaborates with ICAST (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology), its project partner (www.icastusa.org).

Cummins

by Cummins Inc., Global Power Technology Leader

Growing up, Aidan was captivated by how things worked, especially cars and engines. “I spent countless hours tinkering and trying to fix whatever I could,” he recalls. This curiosity naturally led him to explore a career in mechanics. When he discovered Cummins Inc. and the Technician Apprentice Program (TAP), it felt like destiny. “The opportunity to combine my passion for engines with a reputable company was too good to pass up,” he says.

The appeal of the Technician Apprentice Program was undeniable. “I remain thankful that Cummins allowed me to join their team and pursue my Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Systems Technology at SLCC, where I was a proud valedictorian of my cohort,” Aiden explains. His journey has been nothing short of remarkable; Cummins supported his education and provided the chance to tackle exciting challenges, especially within the New Power and Accelera product lines.

Since starting in July 2019 as part of the TAP ‘19 cohort, Aidan graduated in November 2023 and now serves as a Level Two Engine Field Service Technician, primarily working on Accelera products. “The fact I have developed expertise within the New Power/Accelera space is a cool factor for me. Battery electric vehicles and other zero-emission technology is not only new and exciting, but it is the future and where we need to go to improve environmentally.”

A typical day for Aidan involves a blend of diagnostics and repairs. “I start by reviewing work orders and prioritizing tasks,” he explains. This hands-on role requires him to visit customer locations, inspect vehicles, and diagnose issues. “It’s essential to stay updated on the latest technologies and repair procedures,” he adds, highlighting the importance of continual learning. For Aidan, the impact of his work extends beyond the shop floor. “Being part of Cummins’ transition toward a zero-emission world is incredibly rewarding,” he asserts. He recognizes that his contributions are vital in creating a cleaner, more sustainable future. “It’s gratifying to see how our technology positively impacts the environment.”

One of his most memorable experiences was troubleshooting a complex electrical issue for a customer. “I managed to get their vehicle back up and running on the same day,” Aidan recalls. The gratitude from the customer brought a profound sense of accomplishment, underscoring the real-world impact of his skills. Every day brings new challenges, and for Aidan, the joy of problem-solving keeps him motivated. “There’s always a sense of accomplishment when a job is successfully completed,” he says. This dedication is matched by the supportive, collaborative culture at Cummins. “People here are passionate about their work and committed to delivering quality products and services.”

For anyone considering a career as a Cummins Technician, Aidan offers this insight: “If you’re passionate about mechanics and enjoy problem-solving, this is a great option. It’s a rewarding field with opportunities for growth and development.” Aidan is proud to be part of a company that champions sustainability and innovation. “Cummins’ focus on developing cleaner technologies aligns with my personal values and reinforces my belief in the positive impact that our work can have on the world,” he concludes. By contributing to sustainable transportation and power generation, Aidan feels he is making a meaningful difference in the world.

At Cummins, we celebrate the dedication and expertise of our technicians, like Aidan, who are driving the future of sustainable power and transportation. Together, we are shaping a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.