The platform for waste heat provides an overview of industrial waste heat potential in Germany for the first time. The aim is to make this waste heat usable and thus further increase energy efficiency in Germany. To this end, the waste heat data of companies with a total final energy consumption of more than 2.5 gigawatt hours per year will be made available and visible on a public platform.
After several dry years, this year’s summer has brought much-needed relief for nature. The forests in Hesse in particular, which had suffered greatly from the dry periods in previous years, were able to recover thanks to the rainfall.
With an innovative, globally unique approach to binding corporate due diligence, the new EU regulation for deforestation-free products aims to ensure deforestation-free supply chains.
The regulation stipulates that in all EU member states, certain raw materials and products may only be imported into, exported from, or placed on the Union market if they are not associated with deforestation or forest degradation.
As we approach 2024, businesses operating in the European Union and preparing for climate risk and sustainability reporting mandates, similar requirements will soon follow in the U.S. With increasing pressure from investors and consumers, companies are urged to provide more comprehensive information about their environmental impacts. This includes complying with new regulations concerning scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions reporting, as outlined in climate rules in the EU and California. The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) mandates reporting on environmental, social, and governance efforts starting in 2024. In California, companies will need to comply with two climate bills starting in 2026, requiring reporting of carbon emissions and climate-related financial risks. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is also finalizing its climate risk disclosure rule, which could further impact reporting requirements for publicly traded companies. As these regulations loom, it’s essential for businesses to start preparing now to meet these obligations effectively.
Nordic countries, including Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, have joined forces by signing the Aalborg Declaration to enhance European collaboration on CO2 capture, use, and storage (CCUS). The declaration emphasizes the need to scale up CCUS efforts nationally and across Europe to advance the green transition and achieve climate goals. Denmark’s Climate, Energy, and Supply Minister, Lars Aagaard, stressed the significance of this step, highlighting its importance in reaching climate objectives. The EU’s designation of two Danish CCS projects as Projects of Common Interest (PCI) further underscores Europe’s commitment to CCUS initiatives.
Read more about this exciting development in the original article.
Concerns about the environment are on the rise due to extreme weather events. Consumers are willing to make changes and pay an average of 12% more for sustainable products. However, a study by Bain & Company reveals that over 60% of businesses are falling behind in meeting their sustainability goals This is highlighting the pressing need for a comprehensive approach involving technology, policy, and behavior change. In this context, an increasingly conscious base of consumers and employees can play a crucial role in driving the progress. Discover the surprising insights, such as the willingness of consumers to pay more for sustainable products and the misconceptions surrounding sustainability. Explore how companies can devise future-proof and flexible strategies, acknowledge the diversity of consumer segments, leverage marketing experimentation, and proactively engage with changing regulations. This article also emphasizes the importance of upskilling employees to effectively embed sustainability into business operations and outlines how Bain is leading by example in this regard through its partnership with world-class universities. Don’t miss the opportunity to delve into these compelling insights and learn how your organization can navigate the evolving landscape of sustainability successfully.
We would like to inform you about an important change in the field of energy efficiency that may concern you. On November 17, 2023, the new Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) was published, which came into effect on November 18, 2023.
The EnEfG obligates all companies with an average total final energy consumption of more than 7.5 GWh per year to establish and operate an energy or environmental management system according to recognized standards. Additionally, companies with an average total final energy consumption of more than 2.5 GWh per year must create, have reviewed, and publish implementation plans for economic energy-saving measures.
The EnEfG has also supplemented certain aspects of the existing Energy Services Act (EDL-G), such as updating the standard for energy audits.
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the new requirements and assess whether you are affected by them. We are available for any further questions and guidance.
The EU Commission’s early warning report reveals the status of recycling goals in Europe. Thanks to its effective deposit return system, Germany is excelling in meeting its targets. However, 18 other EU member states risk falling short in municipal waste recycling and landfill reduction. Particularly, countries in areas such as municipal waste recycling and reducing landfill usage are affected. Collaboration and best practices are crucial to overcome these challenges. The significance of collaboration and sharing best practices among these nations cannot be overstated. Let’s work together for a greener future!
The European Union is gearing up for the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The recently approved position emphasizes the opportunities that ambitious climate action brings for the planet, the global economy, and people. It’s crucial to ensure a transition to sustainable, climate-resilient, and climate-neutral economies that leave no one behind. Are you curious to learn more about our position and commitments?
How can books become more sustainable?Paper causes the majority of the carbon footprint in the production of books, but printing and distribution also consume resources. Increasingly, publishers are focusing on sustainability. What does it take? And what role does the size of a publishing house play?