Newsletter Aug 2023 - New Decarbonisation Course For SMEs
Hi,
This morning, I read the recently released 2022 Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) Monitoring Report 2022 – Here are my key takeaway messages:
It’s easy to think for smaller and medium-sized businesses that they won’t be required to commit to ambitious climate targets, to calculate their carbon footprint or to work on their decarbonisation strategy. However, large customers downstream from these SMEs will soon be required to report on their emissions (if they are not already doing so). The pressure is mounting for suppliers to tackle their carbon footprint, which creates a cascade of science-based requirements across the economy, which means that more and more companies will be working on decarbonisation. ?
Many SMEs will be struggling with adjusting to these new circumstances, and it is important to help them with preparing their businesses for the changes to come. With great excitement, I would like to announce that we have created a new training series and toolkit that helps SMEs with their decarbonisation journey. The first sector we will help with this training series is the Mining Equipment and Technical Services (METS) sector. ? ?
The training project has been sponsored by Austmine, and our team at 100% Renewables has developed the training with input from BHP, Harmony Gold, other miners and Austmine members, as well as Austmine staff. If you would like to attend and are not an Austmine member, you can still take the training, as Austmine has generously opened it up to non-members as well.? The 3-part interactive and online workshop series titled "The Competitive Edge: Getting Started with Decarbonisation" will kick off on 14 September 2023.??
Registration fees vary for members and non-members. To learn more about the event details, including pricing and workshop schedules, please follow this link .
We are helping SMEs adjust to the new circumstances via training and the toolkit, but we are also helping large purchasers with their low-carbon procurement. For many of you, scope 3 emissions will be the biggest part of your carbon footprint. And most likely, purchased goods and services will be one of the largest emission sources in your business. To share our knowledge on low-carbon procurement, we are excited to announce an upcoming webinar. Our Low Carbon Procurement webinar will go live on the 11th of October 2023, and will provide valuable insights into how to work with your suppliers to reduce carbon emissions.
More information regarding this webinar will be provided in our upcoming special newsletter, or you can follow me on LinkedIn for updates.
Climate Active updates on FY2023-24 reporting and electricity carbon accounting rules
Climate Active has recently released guidance for the FY2023-24 reporting period, and they will also soon issue certification fee invoices for continuing Climate Active members. Please note that the Department’s banking details have changed. Please remember that if you are Climate Active certified, the due date of 31 October is fast approaching for your FY2022-23 annual report. All reports must be submitted via the user Portal, and Climate Active won’t accept emailed documents. If you need an extension, you can submit an extension request via the user Portal. To learn more about Climate Active reporting, please read their updated Technical Guidance Manual .
Climate Active has also rolled out significant updates to its rules on electricity carbon accounting. These updates, spanning March to August, include a revised electricity calculator and changes to rules for exporting renewable energy. Our latest blog post titled “2023 Climate Active electricity carbon accounting rules” provides you with an overview of these modifications.
B-corp vs. Climate Active
We recently released a blog post that compares B-Corp and Climate Active certifications for sustainable businesses. In this blog post, we look at the nuances of these certifications, shedding light on their strengths and attributes.?You can read the full article here:?B-Corp vs. Climate Active: Certifications for Sustainable Businesses in Focus .
IFRS publishes comparison of IFRS S2 and TCFD
The IFRS Foundation has published a comprehensive?comparison between the requirements in IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures and the TCFD recommendations . The requirements in IFRS S2 seamlessly integrate with the core recommendations and recommended disclosures outlined by the TCFD. The incorporation of TCFD recommendations into the ISSB Standards not only simplifies the landscape of disclosure initiatives but also underscores the ISSB's commitment to building on the legacy of the TCFD. You can explore the detailed comparison table through?this link .
More data on carbon offsetting needed as Australia plans emission disclosure rules
Australia is currently consulting on new climate-related disclosures, and the new rules may require more transparency around offsets. I’ve recently been interviewed by S&P Global on our take on emission disclosure rules and carbon offsetting. The article "Experts call for more data on carbon offsetting as Australia plans emission disclosure rules" talks about the need for heightened transparency and data surrounding carbon credits in Australia. Please note that the article is accessible exclusively to S&P Global members and subscribers.
Australia explores feasibility of a carbon border price mechanism?
Australia is making moves in an effort to combat carbon leakage with its exploration of a potential carbon border pricing mechanism (CBAM). This initiative aims to prevent industries from shifting production to regions with less stringent emission rules. Taking guidance from the EU's framework, Australian officials are engaging in public consultations to tailor the CBAM to national circumstances. We would like to urge businesses to stay informed, assess exposure, and engage stakeholders in preparation for potential policy shifts.
The Latest NGA Factors Document
The newly released National Greenhouse Account (NGA) Factors document represents a significant shift in emissions calculation. Bringing greater consistency with the Climate Active approach, it presents a market-based method alongside the usual location-based approach. A key improvement is a refined methodology for calculating the Residual Mix Factor (RMF), which removes the renewable electricity benefits from emissions factors.
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Speaking engagement and workshops
At the end of July, I was invited to?a 2-day conference, 'Pathways to net zero and climate positive campuses', hosted by?TEFMA (Tertiary Education Facilities Management Association) . There, I talked about the nuances of net zero and carbon neutral commitments and led a roundtable discussion and Q&A session dedicated to carbon data management.
On 9 August, Patrick Denvir ?(Co-CEO, 100% Renewables),?Nicolas Francois ?(Manager - Net Zero Business Transformation), and I?participated?in the?Zero Carbon Workshop ?led by the Western Sydney University. The event brought together a diverse range of experts and leaders who contributed their insights and perspectives to discussions centred on innovative strategies, impending transformations, and the collaborative frameworks pivotal for charting a course towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral world.
I participated in a panel discussion with?Meg McDonald , Environment Commissioner of the Greater Cities Commission; Sam Kernaghan , Director of the Resilience Program at the Committee for Sydney; Sue Crosbie, Environmental Sustainability Manager at Nepean Hospital; and Robbie Goedecke , Senior Strategic Planning Advisor at Sydney Water.
Finally, I'm excited to share the following future speaking engagements:
Blog posts
Navigating the evolving landscape of carbon reporting? Climate Active's 2023 updates on electricity carbon accounting are well worth a look. Check out our blog post for insights into the changes and their significance for your carbon reporting…
In today's world, where sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship have become paramount, it's crucial for organisations to understand the different certifications available. Two prominent certifications, B-Corp (Benefit Corporation) and Climate Active, have emerged as beacons of responsible business practices, each with its own unique focus and purpose. Our blog post dives deep into the comparison between these two certifications, shedding light on their purpose, focus, certification criteria, global reach, and scope of impact...? Continue reading?
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