The CSR Group LLC

We're glad you're here. Welcome back to The CSR Group. It's been a while. During this season of gratitude, we give thanks for you, our community. It's been a while, and we've missed you!?We have been busy developing new products and services that we can’t wait to share with you! These developments, and the new team, mark a new era in our 22 years of serving clients sustainability needs and transform the way we do business. For 22 years, The CSR Group (www.thecsrgroup.com) has been at the forefront of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, guiding businesses on their journey to become more sustainable. This year, we're not just celebrating our 22-year legacy; we're expanding our team of leading experts – industry leaders who have decades of experience leading sustainability within global corporations. With fresh perspectives and new advisors on board, our ability to driving positive change has never been stronger. Celebrating 22 Years of HELPING CLIENTS NAVIGATE SUSTAINABILITY Expanding Our Horizons? In our quest to make sustainable practices more accessible, The CSR Group is broadening its focus beyond the Fortune 500 to include their suppliers and the mid-cap market. This strategic move is a response to an evident need in the marketplace for deep expertise and comprehensive, scalable solutions. Introducing our sister company, Teal Corporation, and its groundbreaking initiatives! We have seen the increasing need for sustainability solutions to ease the management of sustainability for medium size businesses, those just getting started on their journey. That is why we have spent the last few years developing a sister company to The CSR Group that is targeted to medium size business – Teal Corporation. These companies are, most likely, your suppliers. TealTech (www.tealtech.io) Sustainability is complex and complicated. Yet, we have spent years designing a platform to simplifying the management of sustainability for companies early in their journey. TealTech is a pioneering SaaS cloud based platform designed to ease the management of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices from the get-go. Navigate the complexities of ESG with a platform that grows with you. TealCSO (www.tealcso.com)?Experience meets innovation with TealCSO. Our cadre of Fractional Chief Sustainability Officers, each boasting at least 15 years of experience and expertise leading sustainability IN-HOUSE at global corporations, stands ready to lead your company's sustainability transformation and ESG integration seamlessly. We're Here for You? ? Your journey towards a sustainable future is unique, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Contact us to explore how our new developments can benefit your business and pave the way for a more sustainable tomorrow. Let's embark on, or continue, this exciting journey together. With sincere gratitude, The CSR Group Team. Paula Ivey Vijay Sudan Kristin T. Nabha Rege

EU to exempt 80% of companies from CSRD sustainability reporting requirements European Commission #sustainabilityreporting #csrd #ESGreporting #omnibus #duediligence

?? Understanding Science-Based Targets and the Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi)? Is your company being asked to set a science based target? Do you not know where to start? Keep reading to get a brief overview of how to start! What are Science-Based Targets? Science-based targets are emission reduction goals that align with climate science to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement, specifically limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) SBTi is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). It provides a framework for companies to set science-based emissions reduction targets. Benefits of Joining SBTi? - Public recognition on CDP, UNGC, and We Mean Business Coalition websites for eco-conscious commitments.? - Boosted investor confidence and preparation for upcoming regulations.? - Access to detailed feedback and support from SBTi’s technical experts.? - Drives innovation, increases competitive advantage and future-proofs against climate change risks. Process for Setting a Science-Based Target? Commit: Submit a letter of intent.? Develop: Create an emissions reduction target in line with SBTi’s criteria.? Submit: Present the target to SBTi for validation.? Communicate: Announce the target and inform stakeholders.? Disclose: Report company-wide emissions and track target progress annually. Preparing to Commit to SBTi? - Complete a full GHG inventory and calculate Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.? - SBTi offers two target-setting approaches: Absolute Reduction and Sector-specific pathways.? - For Scope 2 reductions, aim to purchase 80% renewable energy by 2025, increasing to 100% by 2030.? -If Scope 3 emissions exceed 40% of total emissions, set targets for those too. By adhering to these guidelines, companies can make significant strides toward sustainability and climate action, benefiting both the planet and the business.? Stay tuned next week to learn more about Scope 1! Need help with setting SBTi? Contact us – www.thecsrgroup.com?

More than 75% of CFOs expect to increase or maintain sustainability investment after Trump election: BDO survey BDO USA Karen Baum #sustainability #ESG #sustainableinvestment #CFO

?Evolving ESG Maturity: Where Does Your Company Stand? Companies tend to progress through different stages of ESG maturity. Where does your organization fall on this spectrum? ?? Reactive: No structured ESG practices, responding only when necessary. ?? Compliant: ESG initiatives are driven by regulatory or stakeholder requirements. ?? Tactical: ESG is embedded in some business operations but not fully integrated. ?? Strategic: ESG is integrated into business strategy, identifying both risks and opportunities. ?? Transformational: ESG is embedded in corporate DNA, shaping business models and driving positive change across industries and society. Companies operating in a reactive or compliance-driven ESG mode often view reporting as a cost rather than recognizing the strategic benefits of proactive sustainability initiatives. Need help with implementing a strategic approach to your sustainability program? Contact Us: www.thecsrgroup.com Paula Ivey Vijay Sudan Read our latest newsletter where we explain the benefits of a strategic approach to sustainability https://lnkd.in/gvyYfSff

??Sustainability and providing business value. ??Identifying and analyzing climate change-related risks and opportunities is another way for sustainability teams to demonstrate and provide business value to the company. Climate change means that the world will face more frequent and more severe weather events like flooding, drought, and storms, which bring physical risks that have financial implications for the business. Transition risks capture the financial implications of moving to a low-carbon economy. These challenges as also bring opportunities for the business. For example, see this detailed chart from Mondi Group's 2023 Integrated Report which captures the specifics of climate change related-risks and opportunities. As a packaging producer, Mondi Group sees an opportunity to capture the increased demand for paper-based packaging as changing customer behavior moves from plastic packaging to paper-based packaging. Your Carbon Steps - Practical Steps for a Sustainable Future #TCFD #climatechange #esg #sustainability

#TechnologyThursday - Sustainability and tracking emerging trends that benefit the business ?? At GreenBiz 2025, Trellis Group co-founder Joel Makower urged sustainability professionals to re-examine their practices to meet the moment. His suggestions included, "We need to focus on business value, not business virtue, producing outcomes that benefit everyday citizens." ?One way sustainability teams can help create business value is to track emerging technological developments that provide business benefits while moving the company into a sustainable future. ?For example, See the annual company report for DSV - Global Transport and Logistics for how @DSV is adopting, testing, and tracking new technology for "Designing the road transportation for tomorrow." https://lnkd.in/gAjWt5yK ?Driven by sustainability, technological development, and labor shortage, road freight is undergoing a transformation led by autonomous vehicles, alternative fuels, and innovations in last-mile delivery. ?How is your company tracking emerging technology, and how can sustainability teams participate in this overall business strategy? ?? Add your examples in the comments below. #climatetech #sustainability #businessvalue Your Carbon Steps - Practical Steps for a Sustainable Future Image source: DSV Global Transport and Logistics - Annual Report 2024

Challenges that sustainability teams often face include: 1. Driving internal buy-in and culture change 2. Balancing business goals with sustainability 3. Supplier engagement ?? Tackle these challenges by working with your supply chain management team! ??? Supply chain management is an interconnected web of several issues that require holistic systems thinking at the corporate level. This provides sustainability teams an avenue to integrate sustainability considerations into several parts of the company, including product design, procurement, logistics, and legal departments. Key drivers include: ??Regulatory compliance - Scope 3 Emissions reporting, CSDDD - Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, Extended Producer Responsibility, Right to Repair laws ??Risk mitigation - geopolitical risks, climate change risks, resource availability ??Reducing costs and operational efficiencies - tariffs, transportation logistics, waste reduction. ?? Brand reputation, customer expectations, ethical concerns, and alignment with company values ??Examining upstream and downstream value chains can help identify risks and opportunities in the value chain that can be used to drive innovation, mitigate risks, and create business value by identifying new opportunities. ??Identifying opportunities for circularity is one lens through which you can analyze supply chains. This lens can help inform: ? Design considerations that include ease in recyclability, resource availability, and extending product life through repair. ?Reverse logistics for take-back programs for refurbishment, recycling, and material recovery, creating closed-loop systems to reintegrate materials into new products. ?New business models like sharing and leasing products - moving away from ownership to service-based models. Working with your supply chain management teams can help integrate sustainability goals and initiatives into overall business strategy. #circularity #greeneconomy #supplychains Your Carbon Steps The CSR Group LLC

Looking forward to #GreenBiz25 from Trellis Group this week. I have been to almost every #GreenBiz since Joel Makower started it many years ago now…it plays such an important role in keeping our community of sustainable business professionals connected. This year, more than ever, we need each other. Please reach out if you are attending and let’s meet up!

Great takeaways Alex West. The CSR Group LLC enjoyed being part of the discussions, through the keynote talk, moderating the panel as well as meeting everyone at the Sustainability Manufacturing Expo #SMExpo. Paula Ivey Vijay Sudan #sustainability