Monthly Sustainability News (January)

Hello!

As we start a new year, I'm sure that many of you are busy setting new goals for the months to come. January is a time full of optimism, ambition, and goals.

As you set about creating new business plans and strategies for 2024, finding ways to incorporate and mainstream sustainability throughout your business operations is probably also high on your agenda.

That's why this month's newsletter will focus on goal setting. Please share (in the comments below) your own sustainability goals and targets for this year.

I hope you enjoy reading the positive sustainability news from around the world in the section below. From science-based targets for cities, oyster reefs protecting coastal communities from flooding and storms, to the world's first solar powered lorry - these are inspiring stories about sustainability in action.

I value your feedback: let me know your thoughts and suggestions at [email protected] (or simply reply to this newsletter).

Setting ambitious goals for 2024, including sustainability goals

Setting goals is a valuable exercise that fosters strategic thinking and focus on desired outcomes. Having a strategy and plan for the year ahead is crucial for any business aiming for success.

When formulating new action plans and strategies, it's essential to consider integrating sustainability across all business operations.

The beginning of a new year offers a prime opportunity to re-evaluate and improve upon old goals, as well as to innovate and ambitiously incorporate sustainability into the heart of your business.

Ideas for setting business sustainability goals

Here are some ideas to establish or update your business's sustainability goals:

• Evaluate resource efficiency across your supply chain, including water, energy, and materials
• Explore designs, technologies, and innovations that can enhance the circularity of your products or services
• Consider setting science-based targets for nature, aiming to be nature-positive across your supply chain
• Look for opportunities to reduce your business's carbon footprint and become climate positive
• Think about how you can improve your company culture and policies to enhance support for your business’s sustainability initiatives and goals

Complement Business Sustainability Goals with Personal Sustainability Goals

I like to incorporate sustainability practices into my daily life and take achievable steps towards living a more sustainable lifestyle.

I've tried waste-free living, I recycle, I drive an electric vehicle, I support local businesses, and I'm conscious about the products I buy.

But there's always room for improvement. This January, I will be contemplating new ways to increase the sustainability of my lifestyle, so feel free to add in any suggestions you may have in the comments below.

Sharing some of my 2024 goals

As a business and sustainability strategist and consultant, I am excited to announce some of my professional goals for 2024.

I have been working towards launching a new nature podcast series with global nature experts.

I also plan to launch a new nature-positive education newsletter series (watch this space).

Furthermore, I am looking forward to creating more positive business and sustainability impacts for my clients and continuing to build new sustainability connections and networks in Australia and around the world.

Positive eco-news from January ?

January is the time of year to really get positive about eco-action and sustainability goals. Below are some of the most exciting news stories and happenings from around the globe.

Plans to develop first science-based targets for cities announced at COP28

The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) (SBTN) announced at the recent COP28 meetings that it plans to develop the world’s first science-based targets for nature which include cities.

The Cities Science Based Targets for Nature program will work with local governments and cities towards net-zero emissions, enhanced biodiversity, and creating climate resilience, taking cognisance of the impacts that cities have on both climate change and nature as well as their potential to shape the future of policies and catalyse positive environmental impacts.

Various of the world’s largest city networks and institutions are involved, including WWF , the World Resources Institute , C40 Cities , ICLEI , The Nature Conservancy and 奥雅纳 .

Could billions of oysters protect us from the next big storm?

Coastal communities around the world are using oyster bed restoration and farming as a means of enhancing coastal resilience to flooding and storms, while at the same time enhancing water quality and supporting local livelihoods.

The Billion Oyster Project in New York City plans to restore oyster beds by 2035, adding a million new oysters each year to the harbour area.

The project estimates that a billion oysters would be capable of filtering all the water in the city’s extensive harbour in 3 days, while sequestering carbon and acting as a buffer against coastal storms and floods.

It’s exciting to see nature-based solutions like these being scaled around the world, with the support of so many volunteers and community organisations.

France implements compulsory composting. Here’s how it will help slash emissions

France has made it mandatory for households and businesses to sort their bio-waste so that it can be collected and used to create biogas for energy or compost to be used as fertiliser.

The aim is to divert food waste and garden refuse, which currently accounts for around a third of all household waste, from being sent to landfills or incinerators. Instead, it can be used in a more circular way to produce energy and fertiliser, thereby reducing climate change impacts.

Could the world’s first solar power truck be the answer to decarbonising haulage?

Trucks contribute a quarter of all European transport emissions, which is why initiatives to reduce trucking emissions are increasingly important.

The Swedish company, Scania Group , has developed a solar-powered truck that could help to decarbonise the transport sector, in collaboration with Uppsala University.

Initial research has shown that this solution may be able to reduce?fuel consumption?by about 40 percent.

New York will plant thousands of trees using new tech to maximise foliage impact

New York City recently adopted a plan to plant more trees across the city. Increasing the current 22% canopy cover to 30% by 2035 will require planting around 250,000 new trees.

Planning where to plant this amount of trees is a significant undertaking and inspired the creation of a new Tree Folio NYC app to ensure effective and socially fair tree planting so that all residents can derive the many benefits associated with increased tree cover and shade.

Solar panel prices fell by over 50% in 2023

The switch to more renewable and clean energy sources has been steadily increasing. In 2023, several countries set new records for the amount of new solar installations including the US and China.

In many countries around the world, solar is also one of the most affordable energy sources, with prices having fallen to record lows in 2023.

2023 was also a year of acceleration for electric vehicles, with the cost of EV batteries having also fallen - making EVs a more affordable option in countries like the US.

Thank you for reading this month's edition of Sustainability in Action!

I’m excited about the start of 2024 and the opportunity to set new goals to work towards. I’m equally excited about the prospects for building corporate sustainability momentum this year and I hope that this newsletter has provided you with some positive inspiration.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights in future newsletters. Together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable world.

— JB

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