Yesterday, we reported on the CSRDDD (Directive) becoming law and how it will influence larger companies to seek SMEs that can help the larger company address its requirements under the Directive.

Per this, the EU markets regulator, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), advised by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG), has now proposed that as part of the Directive, SMEs be required to report on positive sustainability impacts and opportunities to avoid greenwashing and improve access to lenders, investors and clients.

Those SMEs that are proactive and become certified sustainable, differentiating from their non-certified peers, will take market share, as the world transitions to environmental reporting.

If you wish to use this to your advantage, read this on what you want in a sustainability program, watch this master class, and contact us.

On 24 May, 2024, the EU finalized its adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (‘Directive’).

In effect, starting with larger companies, then expanding to smaller companies, the Directive requires companies do a number of things, beginning with the duty to:

• Identify, prevent, and mitigate actual and potential adverse impacts on people and the environment that result from either the entity’s own operations anywhere in the world (including subsidiaries) or from the operation of upstream and certain downstream business partners.

Why does this matter to you?

• Simply stated, via the “upstream and certain downstream business partners” language, these larger, (then later, smaller) organizations will be seeking vendors that help them address the Directive.
• Some large companies have thousands of vendors. They are already out of time in their attempt to satisfy the Directive.

If you prefer others to lead, ignore this. 

If you care about the environment, see yourself as a leader, and want to take market share, watch this webinar and give us a call.

Climate change lawsuits continue to be on the rise.  As this article explains, some states are now soliciting parties to file suit against entities like fossil fuel companies.

Is your company exposed? 

• Are you making environmental claims or do you have an environmental mark in your logo or advertising….without being certified sustainable under a globally-respected program that includes 3^rd party verification?

If you are exposed

• Stop your claims until you become certified sustainable and have 3^rd party verification
• Then, only claim the things your certification allows

 If you wish to benefit from market demand but do not want the risk of being exposed or greenwashing, read this on what you want in a sustainability program, watch this master class, and contact us.

We like this list from the Forbes Business Council of 18 reasons why sustainability can be a strategic advantage for your business:

• It can set your business apart
• It indicates long-term viability
• It enables proactive responses to industry changes
• It provides a competitive edge
• It expands your target audience
• It can narrow the divide between large and small businesses
• It enables the surrounding ecosystem to thrive
• It brings your business in alignment with clients’ values
• It demonstrates care for more than profits
• It enhances business efficiency
• It can facilitate cost savings
• It enhances brand reputation
• It provides long-term financial benefits
• It can drive operational efficiency
• It enables risk mitigation
• It centers future buyers
• It grants access to innovative tech
• It strengthens the company’s reputation

However, we would add two to the very top:

• It is the right thing to do
• It allows your company to be part of the solution

If this list looks attractive, read this on what you want in a sustainability program, watch this master class, and contact us.

In this episode of Wash Talk:  The Carwash Podcast, Rich DiPaolo, Associate Publisher of Professional Carwashing & Detailing magazine and host of the podcast, asked David Goodman, CEO of Edenark Group, to explain greenwashing, the risks of same, and what companies should do to satisfy market demand that they show they are environmentally proactive, without the risk of greenwashing.

As Goodman explained, any company making environmental claims without being certified under a globally-recognized program and verified via 3^rd party, is greenwashing.

Here is an example of a company in the car washing industry that has chosen to do it the right way.

No matter what your industry, if you care about the environment and want to differentiate from your peers with the #1 talking point in the world, read this on what you want in a sustainability program, watch this master class, and contact us.

Mary Ann Shaner, of WXED Radio, 107.3 FM, conducted this interview with David Goodman, which will air on WXED at 12 noon EST on June 11, 13 and 15, 2024.

We appreciate Mary Ann’s interest in our work, and WXED supporting sustainability by providing this free air time.   

A few weeks ago, we published this post to prepare for World Environment Day.

Today is the day!

What is your company doing to celebrate? 

• If you forgot about it, or didn’t plan anything, don’t overthink it. Celebrate in whatever way is convenient for you.  Like all things in life, taking that first step is key. 
• If you have fun with it, you will remember it and want to do something next year.
• If that happens, you are on your way to being more involved in the environment you live.

Here is a statement from Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme.

Per this JLL article, soaring demand for sustainable / low carbon offices will outstrip supply.

– Green-certified buildings enjoy the following premiums

+7.1% in North America

+11.6% in London

+9.9% in Asia

So, the question – Is your building certified sustainable?

Answer – Probably not.

Reason – You have run the numbers and the cost of most building-certifications produce a negative ROI, even with the above increases in rent.

What if we told you that those building-centric certifications are energy-efficiency certifications, not sustainability certifications?  And, what if we told you there is a better way?

Discussion:

How many entities can be certified in a 100-tenant building via a building certification?

Answer: 1 (the building)

How many entities can be certified in a 100-tenant building via a business certification?

Answer – 101 (the building and every tenant)

Who pays for the building certification?

Answer – You

Who pays for the business certification?

The business (ie, your tenants)

What is more impactful for a business to say?

• “I lease space in a certified energy efficient building” – nope
• “My company is a certified sustainable business” – yep

What is going to motivate a tenant to renew?

• Having a lease in your certified energy efficient building – nope
• Having a certified sustainable business that was certified in the space in your building – yep

What is going to meet Scope 3 mandates and government regulations?

• Leasing space in a certified energy efficient building – nope
• Being a certified sustainable company – yep

What is the more respected and also the larger standard?

• The building-centric energy-efficient program – nope
• The business-centric sustainability program – yep

What is less expensive?

• The building-centric energy-efficient program – nope
• The business-centric sustainability program – yep

What delivers the greatest ROI to both landlord and tenant?

• The building-centric energy-efficient program – nope
• The business-centric sustainability program – yep

If you would like to learn more, watch this master class, then contact us.

In 2023 renewables reached 30% of global electricity generation.

2024 is expected to begin the slow decline of fossil fuel power production, with a drop of 2%. 

The COP28 goal is 60% renewable energy by 2030 – that’s 5.5 years to double our current position. 

If this occurs, fossil fuel production will be cut in half; materially helping our efforts to slow global warming.