Exploring Sustainability and Alternatives to Net Zero Declarations

Article reprint from drupa Show Daily, June 5, 2024.

Jonathan Graham is a resolute sustainability advocate. He is Chair of the SPG Foundation, past Chair of the SPG Partnership, and Head of Marketing for palamides GmbH He will be part of a workshop “SGP: Simple Strategies for Navigating Environmental Regulations” on June 5 CEST 15:00 in the drupa – no. 1 for printing technologies cube.

Here he shares some thoughts on the realities of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions and why building robust sustainability management systems (SMS) is critical for business.

In today’s business landscape, net zero has become a rallying cry for companies committed to combating climate change. The ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero is commendable, but the path to achieving net zero is fraught with challenges, particularly in accurately gathering and reporting emissions data. Understanding the intricacies of Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions is essential for comprehending these challenges and exploring alternatives to net zero commitments.

While Scopes 1 and 2 are challenging, Scope 3 emissions take the complexity to another level. Tracking emissions across a value chain that includes suppliers, transportation networks, and end-users requires immense effort and sophisticated tracking systems. Companies must rely on data from multiple external sources, often leading to inaccuracies and inconsistencies.

When discussing net zero, it is essential to address the challenges of carbon credits or offsets, a common strategy that companies strive for net zero. A significant issue with carbon credits is their reliance on vague and inconclusive predictions. For example, credits based on future emission reductions, like planting saplings expected to sequester CO2 over decades, must address current emissions effectively. The accepted practice is that compensation should occur with carbon credits sold after the carbon removal or emission avoidance.

As companies grapple with the complexities of achieving net zero emissions, focusing on activities that can bring real change and contribute to a more sustainable future is crucial. A critical activity is building robust sustainability management systems (SMS). An SMS provides guidelines for a facility to evaluate, manage, and improve sustainability by tracking and optimizing resource usage.

An SMS offers a structured framework for measuring, managing, and enhancing environmental performance across all emissions scopes. By implementing an SMS, companies can drive continuous improvement, enhance transparency, and build stakeholder trust. The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) offers a publicly vetted SMS template, providing companies with a valuable resource to develop their sustainability strategies. Investing in an SMS allows companies to lay the foundation for sustainable growth and resilience in an increasingly carbon-constrained world.

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