The keys to sustainability as seen at the APLANET Summit 2023

A few weeks ago we held the APLANET Summit 2023 | ESG Data & Business Growth. It was a very eventful day with expert speakers of different areas from whom we have learnt a great deal.

We have compiled the key points from each of the 3 panels and summarised them below for your insight.

In panel 1 (Environment), the importance of ESG (environmental, social and governance) data and its impact on sustainable business growth was discussed. The key points are presented here:

• Precise data collection: Accurate and traceable ESG data collection is critical for companies to understand and address environmental, social and governance challenges.

• Informed decision-making: ESG data helps companies make informed decisions, set realistic targets and measure their sustainability performance, leading to substantial business improvements.

• Transparency and accountability: Transparency and accountability are key elements of ESG data reporting. Investors and stakeholders require clear and accurate information to assess a company's social and environmental impact.

• Technology and innovation: The use of technology and innovation is essential to efficiently collect, analyse and manage ESG data. Technology solutions facilitate the measurement, monitoring and tracking of ESG metrics.

• Long-term financial benefits: ESG metrics are not only important for regulatory compliance, but also generate long-term financial benefits. Companies that invest in improving their ESG performance tend to show clear improvements in their financial performance.

You can watch the full recording of this panel here:

Click here to access the Panel

Panel 2 (Sustainable Finance) highlighted the importance of a global and cooperative vision to address the challenges of sustainability in finance and how each sector can contribute to this cause. The main conclusions were as follows:

• Importance of Data: One of the main challenges companies face is the collection of real and informative data to understand their environmental and social footprint. In addition, communicating this data to shareholders and stakeholders is crucial for effective sustainability management.

• Harmonisation of Standards: Companies should follow global standards for reporting their sustainability performance. This provides a consistent and comparative view of companies' sustainability performance to investors and other users of information.

• The Need for Education: The education sector has a crucial role to play in improving the understanding and implementation of sustainability regulations. Sustainability training must be a priority at all levels of an organisation to achieve real change.

• Effective Communication and ESG Ratings: ESG ratings are a key tool for companies to communicate with their stakeholders. Net Zero transition plans are also gaining relevance, providing additional transparency.

• Developing Sustainability Strategies: Companies should constantly develop or update their sustainability strategies, staying on top of emerging challenges. It is important to have a holistic approach that includes both the vision of top management and the active participation of all members of the organisation.

You can watch the full recording of this panel here:

Click here to access the Panel

Panel 3 (Supply Chain) focused on sustainability challenges in supply chains and the key findings were as follows:

• Data-driven measurements: Data is critical to understanding the environmental and social impacts of supply chains. Accurate and transparent measurement is essential to address challenges such as climate emergency, social inequality and the responsible use of resources.

• Innovation and technology: Incorporating innovation and technology into supply chains can help improve efficiency, reduce waste and develop more sustainable solutions. This includes using data to drive informed decisions and adopt more responsible practices.

• Transparency and collaboration: Collaboration between companies, suppliers and stakeholders is essential for tackling sustainability challenges in supply chains. Transparency across the value chain allows areas for improvement to be identified and concrete actions to be taken to drive positive change.

• Labelling and advertising: There is a need for greater clarity and accountability in the labelling and promotion of sustainability in products. Consumers must be able to trust the truthfulness of claims and have transparent information on the environmental and social impact of products throughout their supply chain.

• Empowerment and decision-making: Companies have a responsibility to make informed and responsible decisions in their supply chains. This involves understanding the impact of their actions, assessing the sustainability of the materials and processes used, and constantly seeking more sustainable solutions.

Panel available on 6 June. Subscribe here to stay up to date.

Content we have shared in recent weeks

ATALKS

• European Taxonomy to empowering SMEs and Corporates | Ricardo Pedraz

BLOG

• ESG Software: The Definitive Solution for Sustainability Management
• QHSE: What It Is and How to Implement It in Your Company
• Sustainability Plan: How it can be designed and implemented in your company
• SBTI: How Organisations Can Implement Science Based Targets

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