Cross industry News | ESG & Sustainability | OneStop ESG
1326 articles · Page 104 of 111
India Launches First Energy Transition Startup Accelerator
India’s first startup accelerator focused on energy transition has been launched by Transition VC, in collaboration with T-Hub and IEEE. This initiative aims to support innovative startups working on decarbonization, electric transportation, long-duration energy storage, and clean energy solutions. The launch coincides with NITI Aayog’s upcoming national policy framework, designed to propel India towards its Net Zero ambitions. The accelerator will incubate 7-8 startups in its first phase, offering funding from Transition VC’s ₹400-crore fund, alongside mentorship, R&D, and prototyping assistance. T-Hub will act as the Innovation Execution Partner, providing resources for product development, while IEEE will contribute academic expertise and skill-building support. The program addresses the shortage of deep-tech hardware startups in India’s energy transition sector. Through this initiative, Transition VC seeks to foster an ecosystem where startups can innovate, reducing India’s dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to the nation's climate and energy goals.
10 October 2024by Sourav Das
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The Green Glass Ceiling: Women are Being Left Out of Sustainable Jobs, Says IMF Report
A recent analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlights a significant gender gap in green jobs, with women being underrepresented in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management. Despite the rise in employment opportunities within these industries, men hold two-thirds of green jobs globally, leaving women disproportionately stuck in more polluting sectors. A major factor behind this disparity is the lower number of women graduating in STEM fields, which are crucial for green careers. This underrepresentation not only perpetuates the gender gap but also hampers the effectiveness of climate policies, as economies with inclusive workforces are better equipped for a green transition. While green jobs offer higher wages and narrower gender pay gaps, women continue to miss out on these benefits. To close the gap, the report calls for increased STEM education for women and addressing gender biases in recruitment and management.
10 October 2024by Sourav Das
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Asda Links Supplier Financing Rates to Decarbonization and ESG Performance
Asda has launched a new sustainability-linked supply chain finance program in partnership with HSBC UK, incentivizing suppliers to adopt sustainable practices. Starting in 2025, the program will offer more than 250 suppliers enhanced financing rates based on their ESG performance, including data disclosure, target-setting, and decarbonization efforts. Suppliers performing well against key performance indicators (KPIs), assessed by EcoVadis, will benefit from preferential terms. The initiative aligns with Asda's commitment to reducing Scope 3 emissions, which account for 98% of its carbon footprint, while also encouraging transparency and improved ESG practices in its global supply chain.
04 October 2024by Sourav Das
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California Enacts Landmark Climate Disclosure Law for Large Companies
On October 1, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new climate disclosure law, requiring large companies operating in the state to report emissions and climate-related financial risks. The law, incorporating SB 253 and SB 261, mandates businesses with over $1 billion in revenue to disclose emissions from all scopes, while those with over $500 million must report on climate-related risks. Despite earlier concerns, the original 2026 start date remains intact. Key amendments include more flexible reporting for Scope 3 emissions and consolidated reporting at the parent company level, solidifying California’s role in advancing corporate climate transparency.
02 October 2024by Sourav Das
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The Rise of Greenhushing: Why Companies Stay Silent on Sustainability
Greenhushing is when companies deliberately withhold information about their sustainability efforts, even if they have achieved carbon neutrality or made significant environmental progress. This trend is driven by fear of legal repercussions, consumer misconceptions about green products, and concerns about public scrutiny or greenwashing accusations. While these companies take meaningful actions toward sustainability, they choose not to advertise them, often to avoid negative perceptions or backlash. Greenhushing is increasing across industries, potentially slowing the spread of environmental solutions and reducing the visibility of corporate climate action.
02 October 2024by Sourav Das
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EU Commission Takes Action Against 17 Member States for Failing to Implement CSRD Rules
The European Commission has initiated infringement procedures against 17 EU member states for not fully transposing the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) into their national laws. The CSRD, an update to the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), significantly expands the scope of mandatory sustainability reporting to over 50,000 companies. It introduces stricter reporting requirements on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts and risks. Despite the July 2024 deadline, countries like Germany, Belgium, and Spain have not yet complied. The Commission warned that without transposition, the harmonization of sustainability reporting across the EU would be compromised, affecting investment decisions. Member states have two months to respond before further legal action is taken. Additionally, the Commission has opened infringement cases against 26 states for failing to meet renewable energy permitting provisions, with only Denmark meeting the deadline for compliance.
01 October 2024by Sourav Das
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Atlas Metrics Secures €12.2 Million to Expand ESG Reporting Platform
Berlin-based ESG software startup Atlas Metrics has raised €12.2 million in Series A funding to expand its team, enter new markets, and enhance its ESG compliance and performance management platform. Founded in 2021, the company helps mid-sized businesses and financial institutions meet regulatory requirements, including the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Atlas Metrics’ platform automates ESG reporting, utilizing AI and advanced analytics to transform sustainability data into strategic insights. The funding round was led by MMC Ventures, alongside existing investors Cherry Ventures, b2venture, and Redstone.
01 October 2024by Sourav Das
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Hong Kong Introduces IFRS-Aligned Sustainability Reporting Standards
The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) has released drafts for new sustainability and climate-related reporting standards, fully aligned with the IFRS Foundation’s International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). These standards are proposed to be effective from August 2025. The initiative follows the Hong Kong government’s vision to develop a robust sustainability disclosure framework for companies, including financial institutions, aligning with global reporting practices. The HKICPA’s proposed standards, HKFRS S1 and S2, mirror IFRS S1 and S2, which were developed by ISSB to offer investors consistent information on companies’ sustainability risks and opportunities. A technical feasibility study conducted in June 2024 supported this alignment. HKICPA President Roy Leung highlighted that these standards will improve the reliability and comparability of sustainability data for investors, while ISSB Vice Chair Jingdong Hua emphasized the benefits of global consistency. The HKICPA is inviting public comments on the drafts until October 27, 2024.
30 September 2024by Sourav Das
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The Growing Importance of ESG: 64% of Asset Owners Prioritize Environmental Impact
The rising importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment strategies is reshaping priorities for global asset owners. According to Morningstar's Voice of the Asset Owner Survey, 64% of asset owners now prioritize environmental issues, a notable increase from 52% in 2023. Climate change, especially the transition to net zero emissions, stands out as the top concern for 55% of respondents. This shift highlights the growing materiality of climate risks in financial decision-making and the alignment of ESG considerations with fiduciary responsibilities. Additionally, 78% of asset owners believe active engagement with portfolio companies is the most effective way to drive ESG policies. However, asset owners stress the need for more accurate, standardized ESG data, with 43% identifying data quality as crucial for improving sustainable investment practices. As environmental concerns take precedence, ESG integration continues to evolve as a critical component of long-term financial strategies.
29 September 2024by Sourav Das
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EU to Introduce Standardized Carbon Labels for Flights
The European Commission has proposed a new initiative, the EU Flight Emissions Label (FEL), aimed at offering passengers clear information on the carbon emissions of their flights. Part of the broader ReFuelEU Aviation regulations, the FEL will standardize how flight emissions are calculated, addressing current discrepancies across airlines. Passengers will see this information when booking flights within or departing from the EU, enabling them to make more environmentally conscious decisions. With only 5% of passengers currently having access to emissions data, despite high demand for it, the FEL will include factors like aircraft type, passenger load, and fuel used. The initiative is voluntary for airlines starting in 2025, and a dedicated website will allow public comparison of emissions across airlines. This move aims to combat greenwashing and promote cleaner operations by rewarding airlines that invest in sustainable practices, fostering competition towards lower emissions in the aviation sector.
27 September 2024by Sourav Das
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Climate Change Impacting 75% of Farmers Globally: Survey Highlights Need for Innovation
The 2024 Farmer Voice survey, conducted by Kynetec for Bayer, reveals that 75% of farmers globally are experiencing the effects of climate change or are concerned about its future impact. Key challenges include reduced crop yields, pest attacks, and financial losses due to extreme weather events. In India, 41% of farmers cite pest attacks as their primary issue, while rising costs of crop protection chemicals and labour shortages add further stress. Despite these hurdles, 80% of Indian farmers are willing to adopt new technologies, though high costs pose barriers. Regenerative agriculture is also gaining traction, with 80% of Indian farmers employing soil-health-focused practices, though awareness of the term remains limited. The survey underscores the need for increased innovation and collaboration between farmers, businesses, and society to build resilient, sustainable farming systems that can withstand the growing impacts of climate change.
27 September 2024by Sourav Das
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Urgent Call to Action: UNEP FI Urges Governments to Address Systemic Climate Risk
UNEP FI urges governments to urgently tackle systemic climate risks, emphasizing the need for robust regulations and collaboration to protect economies and promote sustainable finance.
25 September 2024by Sourav Das
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