Smart Sustain Solutions

Digital transformation is also a great opportunity to make our businesses more resilient and more sustainable. Way to go!

Smart Sustain Solutions wishes everybody a happy and peaceful Easter Holiday!

To all the doomsday prophets who think there is no alternative to de-growth: read the chart below. Then read it again and re-think.

Today, the concept of sustainability has transcended its initial environmental connotations to become a fundamental pillar of corporate strategy. It encompasses environmental responsibility, social justice, and economic viability. While many companies have embraced sustainability initiatives, the degree to which senior leadership actively engage in these efforts can significantly impact their success. Here's why CEOs and Executive Boards should not delegate sustainability solely to middle management or outside consultants: 1. Sustainability initiatives must be tightly integrated into a company's overall strategy. CEOs and Executive Boards possess the authority and perspective necessary to align sustainability goals with the organization's mission, vision, and long-term objectives. By actively engaging in sustainability discussions, top leadership ensures that these initiatives are not treated as mere add-ons (or worse as greenwashing) but rather as integral components of the company's identity. Leadership by example is a powerful driver of organizational culture. 2. CEOs and Executive Boards are responsible for overseeing risk management strategies, and sustainability should be considered a critical aspect of this function. By actively engaging in sustainability efforts, senior leadership can identify and mitigate risks early, safeguarding the company's long-term viability. 3. In an era of heightened stakeholder scrutiny, including investors, customers, employees, and communities, companies are increasingly expected to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. CEOs and Executive Boards serve as the primary interface between the company and its stakeholders. They can effectively communicate the company's values and actions, fostering trust and loyalty among stakeholders. 4. CEOs and Executive Boards, with their strategic vision and decision-making authority, are uniquely positioned to drive innovation and catalyze change within their organizations. By actively engaging in sustainability efforts, senior leadership encourages a culture of innovation and fosters the agility needed to address evolving sustainability challenges. 5. CEOs and Executive Boards have a duty to act in the best interests of their shareholders, which increasingly includes considering ESG factors. By embracing sustainability as a strategic imperative, senior leadership can unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and competitive advantage, driving sustainable value creation over the long term. In conclusion, CEOs and Executive Boards play a pivotal role in driving corporate sustainability efforts. By actively engaging in sustainability initiatives rather than delegating them, senior leadership can set the tone for organizational culture, manage risks effectively and create long-term value for both shareholders and stakeholders.

When legislation sometimes opposes sustainable business trips Videoconferencing via Teams, Zoom, or similar means, are a great way to address many subjects. Recent history has shown that not every business trip is actually necessary. But regardless of what a few "experts" claim, videoconferencing can not and will not replace face-to-face meetings and human interaction. In terms of efficiency, flying certainly has its benefits. However, in countries like France, high speed rail connection frequently offer the fastest door-to-door connection at competitive pricing. There is also a revival of slow, but comfortable night trains in some European countries. Germany´s steady refusal of adding a kerosene tax on air travel and its crazy bureaucratic constraints in developing high speed railroad are therefore questionable in a country which took pride in its thriving industry. This leads us to health and performance aspects of the traveller: would you rather spend the night in a comfortable sleeping car or wake up at 4 am to catch an early flight? Personally, I loathe the second option because I know that my alertness and my performance in a negotitation may not be at its peak after such a sleep disruption. Granted, the last time I spent a night on a train, I was on Army duty and it wasn´t comfortable. But I am sure there has been massive improvements since, so why not give it a try? When it comes to driving, 2 things come to my mind: - Though I love driving and its flexibility, I must acknowledge this is a non-productive time and even with all the new gadgets, it is highly questionable to attend phone conferences while at the wheel. From a productivity angle, nothing beats a continuous train ride when reading reports or writing memos. - I deeply regret that EU legislation has promoted plug-in hybrid cars instead of diesel cars without further distinction. Plug-in hybrids may have some benefits in city driving conditions where they can utilize their electric motors. However, most employees who are allowed a company car don´t even have an opportunity to charge the battery at home. A vast majority uses the gasoline engine instead, while flooring the car on long motorway trips. This totally negates the environmental benefits, especially for travelling sales employees or executives doing their weekly commute over several hundreds of kilometers. Business trips are critically important. But they need to be handled in a smart and sustainable manner. This benefits the environment but also the health and performance of employees, hence improving the company´s performance.

Future trends will undoubtedly be shaped by several key factors, including Sustainability, New Technologies, the ever-increasing unpredictability of the international context, and the predictable retirement of baby boomers. Here's an overview of how these factors might influence the industry:   1. Sustainability : Consulting firms like Smart Sustain Solutions will increasingly be needed to help businesses integrate sustainability into their strategies and operations. This includes advising on sustainable business practices, environmental impact reduction, carbon footprint management, and sustainable supply chain management. We have the expertise in assessing and mitigating environmental risks while also identifying opportunities for businesses to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable products and services.   2. Embracing New Technologies: The rapid advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics will continue to transform industries. Management consulting firms will play a crucial role in helping businesses navigate this digital transformation by providing insights on technology adoption, digital strategy development, data-driven decision-making, cybersecurity, and organizational change management. We also leverage these technologies to enhance our own service offerings and deliver more value to our clients.   3. Global Expansion and Cross-Cultural Management: With businesses increasingly operating in a globalized marketplace, we provide expertise in navigating international markets, cross-cultural management, global expansion strategies, and geopolitical risk assessment. We possess a deep understanding of diverse business environments, regulatory frameworks, and cultural nuances to effectively advise multinational clients. Collaboration with local partners and the establishment of global networks will be essential to deliver comprehensive solutions to clients operating across borders.   4. Succession Planning and Talent Development: As baby boomers retire from the workforce, there will be a significant talent gap in many industries. Firms will need to focus on succession planning, knowledge transfer, and talent development initiatives to ensure continuity and groom the next generation of leaders. This may involve implementing mentorship programs, offering training in emerging skills and technologies, and creating a supportive work culture that attracts and retains top talent from diverse age groups.   Companies which can adapt to these trends and provide innovative solutions to complex business challenges will be well-positioned to thrive in the evolving business landscape. #futureleaders #futuretrends #sustainability #consultingservices

Cooperation is the key For some smaller companies, it can be a struggle to comply with the Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility Directive (CSRD). Here's how you can take action: 1. Identify and write down your knowledge gaps: this sets the foundation for any further action. 2. Seek external support if you´re lacking internal expertise. First step would be to collaborate with external consultants or industry associations specialized in Sustainability. These experts can provide guidance on compliance requirements and help develop strategies tailored to your actual needs. 3. Engage with your suppliers to ensure the sustainability of the raw materials you are sourcing. 4. Partner with universities: they often have research expertise in sustainability and can provide valuable insights and resources, whether for research projects, internships, or knowledge exchange programs focused on sustainability initiatives. 5. Participating in industry networks can give you access to best practices, resources, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. These networks often organize workshops, webinars, and conferences focused on sustainability topics relevant to your industry. 6. Collaborate with competitors: while it may seem counterintuitive at first, collaborating with competitors on sustainability initiatives can benefit all parties involved. Sharing best practices, conducting joint research, or pooling resources for sustainability projects can accelerate progress towards common goals and raise industry standards. 7. Engage with customers and investors: both increasingly prioritize sustainability when making purchasing and investment decisions. By transparently communicating your sustainability efforts and progress, you can eventually attract more customers, and access capital from socially responsible investors. Last but not least, never forget that Sustainability is an ongoing process. Never hesitate to seek feedback, monitor progress, and adapt your strategy. Embracing the transformation will give you an edge in the market. #smallmediumbusiness #csrd #cooperation #caas #share

The challenge of reporting Scope 3 emissions Unlike Scope 1 and Scope 2, estimating and reporting Scope 3 emissions can be a challenging task especially for small companies with limited resources. However, there are several steps and strategies that can help these companies meet their obligations in a cost-effective and efficient manner: Start with the Basics: - Understanding the CSRD requirements and identifying Key Emissions Sources is the foundation. Focus on identifying the most significant sources of Scope 3 emissions within your organization. These might include emissions related to purchased goods and services, business travel, and employee commuting. Collaborate and Seek External Expertise: Given limited internal resources, consider collaborating with industry associations, consultants, or sustainability experts who can provide guidance and support in estimating Scope 3 emissions. They can help you identify data sources, calculation methodologies, and reporting best practices. Subscribe our CaaS model in order to keep visibility over your budget. Prioritize Emission Categories: Our experts at Smart Sustain Solutions help you prioritize efforts on the categories that have the most significant impact and align with your sustainability goals. Data Collection and Data Management: Collect data from reliable sources, such as suppliers, travel records, and employee surveys. Use simplified calculation methods and emission factors from recognized sources like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol whenever possible. Set Realistic Goals: If resource constraints limit your ability to calculate precise Scope 3 emissions, consider setting interim goals for emission reduction and disclosure. This demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and compliance while acknowledging limitations. Transparency and Continuous Improvement: Clearly communicate the limitations and uncertainties in your Scope 3 emissions calculations in your sustainability report. Commit to ongoing improvement and refinement of your reporting as your resources and capabilities grow. Benchmark and Learn: Compare your Scope 3 emissions and sustainability performance with industry benchmarks and peers. This can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and help set achievable targets. Engage Stakeholders: Involve key stakeholders, such as employees, customers, and suppliers, in your sustainability efforts. They may offer valuable insights, support, and resources to help meet your compliance requirements. Remember that compliance with sustainability reporting regulations is a journey, and small companies can take incremental steps towards more accurate and comprehensive Scope 3 emissions reporting as resources and expertise become available over time. #csrd #complexitysimplified #sme #scope3emissions #caas

🌍✈️ Redefining Aviation's Climate Journey: Embracing Carbon Removal Technologies As we soar into 2024, the aviation industry faces a formidable challenge in reducing its carbon footprint. With a return to pre-pandemic travel levels, the industry, accountable for 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, is at a pivotal moment in its climate journey. 🔗 Sustainability Magazine recently highlighted an essential piece of this puzzle: Carbon Removal Technology. Despite various strategies like newer aircraft, improved efficiency, electric and hydrogen-powered planes, and sustainable fuels, a crucial gap remains in achieving the ambitious net-zero targets by 2050. 🌲 Enter Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS). This emerging tech, using giant fans to filter CO2 directly from the air, is gaining traction as a vital complement to other carbon-reduction efforts. 🌐 Industry giants like Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Airbus, and Air Canada are not just exploring but investing in DACCS. Airbus’s Carbon Capture Offer (ACCO) initiative is a groundbreaking step, offering airlines carbon removal credits to offset emissions. 🤝 This isn't just an aviation story. Tech majors like Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Apple are also joining the carbon capture movement, underscoring its significance across industries. 💡 As we navigate the complexities of sustainable aviation, it's clear that carbon capture and removal technologies are not just an option but a necessity. By integrating these innovations with ongoing efforts, we're not just dreaming of a cleaner future – we're building it, one flight at a time. 🔍 To learn more about how carbon removal is transforming the path to net-zero aviation, check out the insightful article from Sustainability Magazine. https://lnkd.in/esc8gXST #Aviation #Sustainability #CarbonCapture #ClimateAction #Innovation #NetZero2024

When writing their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reports, companies must accurately determine and report their Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions. These emissions categories are essential for assessing and disclosing a company's environmental impact. Scope 1 Emissions: These are direct emissions generated from sources that are owned or controlled by the company, like emissions from fossil fuel combustion in company-owned facilities and vehicles. It is important to measure and track all sources of direct emissions, whether stationary (factories) or mobile (company vehicles). It is important not to omit any sources and also to update the date regularly. Scope 2 Emissions: These are indirect emissions associated with purchased energy, such as electricity, steam, or heat. Energy suppliers should provide you with accurate data. Scope 3 Emissions: These are indirect emissions that result from a company's activities but occur in its value chain. These emissions are typically the most extensive and diverse, encompassing categories like supply chain, business travel, and product use. They are the most difficult ones to assess. There is a risk of ignoring or downplaying some, though they generally consitute the majority of a company's carbon footprint. Clearly document methodologies, data sources, and assumptions used in emissions calculations will enhance transparency and credibility. Over time, you should regularly update and refine emissions data, using best practices and standards like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The benefit of this report is that it allows you to establish clear emission reduction targets for all three scopes and communicate progress to your stakeholders. It sets the ground for continuous improvement and makes your company operate in a healthier and more effective manner. #esgreporting #csrd #greenhousegasemissions #efficiencymatters #scope3emissions