www.thecioworld.com
Architects of a Greener Tomorrow ‘
Inanerawhereenvironmentalconsciousnesshas
becomeparamount,thebusinessworldisundergoinga profoundtransformation.Aswestepinto2024,therole ofsustainabilityincorporatestrategyhasneverbeenmore crucial.Thisshiftisn'tjustaboutmeetingregulationsor appeasingstakeholders;it'saboutreimaginingthevery essenceofhowbusinessesoperateandthriveinaworld strugglingwithclimatechangeandresourcescarcity
LeadingthisrevolutionaretheChiefSustainabilityOfficers (CSOs),theunderratedleaderssteeringtheirorganizations towardsagreenerfuture.Inthisspecialeditiontitled'Top ChiefSustainabilityOfficersLeadingtheWayin2024', weshineaspotlightonthesevisionarieswhoareredefining corporateresponsibilityandenvironmentalstewardship.
TheseCSOsaremorethanjustenvironmentaladvocates; theyarestrategicthinkers,innovators,andchange-makers. Theynavigatethecomplexintersectionofprofitabilityand sustainability,provingthatethicalbusinesspracticesand financialsuccessarenotmutuallyexclusive.
Asyoudelveintothesepages,you'llencounterstoriesof determinationandingenuity.Fromimplementingcircular economyprinciplestospearheadingambitiouscarbon
neutralitygoals,theseleadersaresettingnewbenchmarks forcorporateenvironmentalresponsibility
Forthoseaspiringtomakeadifferenceinthesustainability field,thisissueservesasbothinspirationandaroadmap.It offersinsightsintothechallengesandtriumphsof integratingEnvironmental,Social,andGovernance(ESG) principlesintothecoreofbusinessoperations.
Weinviteyoutoexplorethesenarrativesoftransformation andinnovation.Letthemsparkyourimaginationandfuel yourownjourneytowardscreatingamoresustainable businessenvironment.Thefutureofourplanetdependson visionarieslikethese–andperhaps,likeyou.
Turn the page for an enlightening read.
Editor-in-Chief
Deputy Editor
Managing Editor
Assistant Editor
Visualizer
Art & Design Head
Art & Design Assitant
Business Development Manager
Business Development Executives
Technical Head
Assitant Technical Head
Digital Marketing Manager
Research Analyst
Circulation Manager
David
Richard
08. Johan Geduhn
ABiculturalJourneyfromFinancialLawto GlobalSustainability
16.
GreeningthePath
26. Sandya Lang
LeadingaSustainableRevolutionintheFashionIndustry
ARTICLES
22. 30. Evan van Hook
EngineeringtheFuture:BPGIC-PioneeringInnovation andSustainabilityinEnergyInfrastructure
MetricsthatMatter:HowCSOsMeasurethe ImpactofSustainability
- Anand Mahindra
Featuring
Albert Obregon
Chief Sustainability Officer
Seajoy™ Group seajoy.com/ Company
Bader Khalifa
Chief Communica ons and Sustainability Officer
Beatrice Lapeyre
Chief Sustainability Officer
Dominica Adam
Chief Sustainability Officer
Evan Hook
Chief Sustainability Officer
Jeane Bergan
Chief Sustainability Officer
Johan Geduhn
Chief Compliance Officer & Chief Sustainability Officer
Keri Talucci
Chief Sustainability Officer
Mar n Gisbourne
Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer
Sandya Lang
Chief Sustainability Officer
Beyon beyon.com/
Southbridge Insurance Company sbins.cl/
Seven2 apax.fr/ Viridi viridiparente.com/
Aker ASA akerasa.com/
TRADEWIND tradewindfinance.com/ The Sak thesak.com/ Genuit Group genuitgroup.com/
Nudie Jeans Co nudiejeans.com/
Descrip on
Albert Obregón is an environmental management professional with exper se in implemen ng interna onal sustainability standards in the fishing and aquaculture sectors.
Bader Khalifa is a communica ons and sustainability expert with over 20 years of experience across diverse sectors.
Beatrice Lapeyre is a sustainability and finance expert who specializes in integra ng environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into the insurance industry
Dominica Adam is an experienced sustainability expert driving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ini a ves.
Evan van Hook is a sustainability expert with over 20 years of experience in environmental law, academia, and leading sustainability ini a ves.
Jeane Bergan is a sustainability expert focused on driving responsible business prac ces and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ini a ves.
Johan Geduhn is a mul lingual execu ve with exper se in interna onal law, compliance, and sustainability, driven by a passion for bridging diverse cultures and promo ng ethical business prac ces globally
Keri Talucci, a sustainability leader commi ed to driving posi ve social and environmental impact through ethical business prac ces and sustainable product development.
Mar n Gisbourne is an experienced business leader with over 20 years of experience in the construc on products sector, specializing in strategy, marke ng, and sustainability
Sandya Lang is an experienced sustainability professional with a background in development studies and a focus on corporate social responsibility in the fashion industry.
Top Chief Sustainability Officers Leading the Way in 2024
Johan Geduhn
A Bicultural Journey from Financial Law to Global Sustainability
C O V E R S T O Y
Johan Geduhn Chief Compliance Officer & Chief Sustainability Officer Tradewind
A Story of Cultural Fusion and Environmental Leadership in International Finance!
Howcanwebuildbridges betweendiverseculturesand languages,fostering understandinginaglobalizedworld?
JohanGeduhn,ChiefCompliance
OfficerandChiefSustainability
OfficeratTradewind,embodiesthe answertothisquestionthroughhis biculturaljourneythatspans continents.Growingupinvarious countries,hewasexposedtodifferent culturesatanearlyage,helpinghim cultivateadeepappreciationfor diverseethnicitiesandlanguages.This foundationbecamethecornerstoneof hiscareer,propellinghimintothe realmsofinternationalandfinancial law
JoiningTradewind12yearsago markedapivotalmomentforJohan. HistailoredCVseamlesslyaligned withthecompany'svision,earninghim aninstanthire.Whatcaptivateshim aboutTradewindisthedynamic spectrumofworkandtheextensive communicationwithpeoplefrom differentcornersoftheglobe.Hisentry intothefinancialsectorwasanatural evolutionofhisacademicfocuson financiallawduringhiscommercial lawstudies.
Yet,hisjourneytookanunexpected turnasheembracedsustainabilitylater inhiscareer.Recognizingagapinthe industry'sapproach,Johan,drivenbya personalinterestinsustainability, spearheadedaprojecttointroduceand implementasustainabilityprogramat Tradewind.Overtime,hisdedication andvisionexpandedhisrole,leading tohiscurrentpositionastheChief SustainabilityOfficer.
Johan’sstorycombinespassionfor businesslawandpioneering sustainabilityeffortsinaglobal company.Hisjourneyhighlightsthe
importanceoffosteringunderstanding acrossculturesandembracing sustainabilityinthefinancialsector As Tradewind'scompasspointstowardsa moresustainablefuture,Johanstands atthehelm,steeringtheshipwitha uniqueblendofculturalinsight,legal acumen,andacommitmenttoabetter world.
Let us explore his journey:
EmpoweringGlobalTradeby AddressingUniqueChallenges
Establishedin2000amidafinancial crisisinTurkey,Tradewindcameinto beingasaresponsetothechallenges facedbyTurkishexportingcompanies duringthatperiod.Thesecompanies foundthemselveswithashortageof fundsandunabletoturntobanksfor support.Specifically,theypossessed receivablesthatwerenotbeing financedatthetime.Recognizingthis opportunity,thefoundersestablished thecompany,whichheldadifferent nameoriginally,andimplementeda strategyoffundingTurkishexporters byacquiringtheirreceivablesand providingfundsbasedonthem.This innovativeapproachprovedtobe highlysuccessful.
AsthefinancialstormshookTurkeyin 2000,exportingcompanieswerefacing myriadchallenges.Amidthese difficulties,Tradewindemergedasan anecdotetoexporters’uniqueneeds. Foundedbytwoentrepreneurs, Tradewindsawanopportunitywhere otherssawonlyacrisis.Theirradical
ideainvolvedpurchasingthedebts owedtoTurkishexportersbyforeign buyers,providingmuch-neededcash upfront.Thisaudaciousmove, unprecedentedatthetime,turnedout tobeagame-changer.Tradewind's innovativemodelnotonlyhelped exportersstayafloatbutalsofueled Turkey'sexportengine,propellingit backtowardscalmerwaters.
Overtime,thecompanyexpandedits operationstoincludenumerous countries.Itsclienteleprimarily consistsofexporterslocatedinpro manufacturingcountries,spanning fromTurkeyacrossSouthAsiato China.Presently,thecompanyoperates globally,withMr.AnsgarHütten,one ofthefounders,servingastheCEO.
Incontrasttohowindividualsfrom MicrosoftorGooglemaylistafew coreactivitiesthattheircompaniesare knownfor,Tradewind'smissioncanbe distilledtoenablingtrade.Many exportersfacethechallengeof extendedpaymenttermsfromtheir buyers,leavingthemcash-strappedfor anextendedperiod,oftenupto90days ormore.Tradewindaddressesthis issuebyofferingservicesthatprovide fundsuponexport,allowingexporters topromptlyinitiatetheirnext productioncycleandcontinue exporting.Inessence,Tradewind facilitatestradebyalleviatingcash flowconstraintsforexporters.
Fundingisacrucialaspectof Tradewind'sservices,complemented bytheaddedlayerofsecurityoffered
Individuals focused on compliance and sustainability play a crucial role in ensuring that deals, both new and existing, align with regulations and meet sustainability standards. ,, ,,
It is essential to acknowledge and give a voice to all team members, ensuring that their efforts are recognized. Appreciating the efforts of everyone, not just those at the Clevel, is crucial in portraying a comprehensive picture of the team's dedication to compliance and sustainability.
throughcreditinsuranceforinvoices. Thisensuresthatclientsneednot worryaboutthepossibilityoftheir buyerfacingbankruptcy,as comprehensivecoverageisprovided. Additionally,supportisextendedinthe collectionprocess.Forinstance,ifa sellerinIndiahasabuyerinEuropeor NorthAmerica,thegeographical distancecanposechallenges.However, Tradewind'sglobalpresenceofoffices allowsthemtoassistinthecollection ofpaymentsandoverdueinvoices, facilitatingsmoothtradetransactions.
Tradewind'sprimaryobjectiveisto facilitateinternationaltradeby leveragingitsexpertise.Theychargea percentagebasedontheinvoicevalue, determinedbyvariousfactors, includinglocationandassociatedrisks. Essentially,theirservicerevolves aroundmanagingaccountsreceivable entrustedtothembybusinesses.
Togetabetterpictureoftheprocess, envisionanexportbusinessintheFood &Beverageindustry.Ifabusinessman inthissectorweretoutilize Tradewind'sservices,thenhisbusiness wouldreceivecashadvancesupfront thatwouldessentiallyexpeditethe paymentprocess,ratherthanhavingto waituntilpaymentwasduefromthe buyer.Thereleaseoffundsis contingentuponspecific documentation,andTradewind communicateswiththebuyertoensure promptpaymentfromthemupon invoicematurity,requiringevidence confirmingboththeshipment's existenceandtheplacedorder When theinvoicematures,thebuyerwould transferfundsdirectlytoTradewind. Thoroughverificationoftheactual goodsisessentialtomitigatetherisk ofcommitmentdefault.
SynergiesinCorporateManagement
Effectivecorporatemanagementrelies
onadiversearrayoftools,butamong them,acohesiveandskilledteam standsoutasparamount.Aproficient teamisessentialforcomprehensive oversightandoperationalsuccess.A well-trainedandcollaborativeteamnot onlynavigatesvariouschallengesbut alsocontributestoinformeddecisionmakingcrucialforthecompany's success.Fortunately,Tradewind’steam isnotonlycompetentbutalsoworks seamlesslytogether
InJohan’sexperience,managingthe dualrolesofChiefComplianceOfficer andChiefSustainabilityOfficeris unique.Thesynergybetweenthetwo positionsliesinthesharedobjectiveof ensuringthecompanyadherestoall applicablerulesandoperatesethically andsustainablyineveryjurisdiction. Thismarkshisfirstexperienceholding bothtitlesconcurrently.Managingboth complianceandsustainabilityentails morethanjustadheringtolaws;it involvesconductingoperations responsiblyandsustainably
Thesignificanceofcombiningthese rolesbecomesevidentinpotential overlaps.Forinstance,violationsof environmentallawsorincidentslike spillsmaybridgebothcomplianceand sustainabilityconcerns.By comprehendingthenuancesofboth sides,Johancanassessandaddress suchissueseffectively Thisdualrole notonlyenhancesoperational efficiencybutalsounderscoresthe company'scommitmentto sustainability,showcasingits importanceintheorganizational structure.
JourneyofEvolution
Asthecompanyexpanded,Johan playedapivotalroleinstructuring variousdepartmentsandrefining processes.Whenentrustedwithleading theoperationsdepartment,hisinitial focuswasonbuildingandoptimizing itsfunctionstoensuresmooth operations.
Thisphasepresentedthetypical challengesassociatedwiththe transitionfromasmalltoamediumsizedcompany,agrowthexperience manymaybefamiliarwith.Itproved tobeaformidablebutrewarding challenge.
Bytheconclusionof2019,the operationalaspectswerefunctioning seamlessly.Thedepartmenthadbeen established,andallthenecessaryrules andguidelineswerefirmlyinplace.At thatjuncture,hissuperiorapproached himwithanintriguingproposition—to takeonanewchallenge.This challengeinvolvedenhancingthe sustainabilityaspectandassumingfull responsibilityforcompliance,which hadbeenasignificantprojectforhim previously Thegoalwasnotonlyto focusonthesekeyareasbutalsoto buildthemup,likewhathehad accomplishedfortheoperations department.
Thisopportunityaroseatatimewhen sustainabilitywasgainingincreasing significance.Itjustifiedthecreationof adedicatedrole,essentiallyahybrid betweensustainabilityandcompliance, withinthecompany.He enthusiasticallyacceptedthechallenge andembarkedonestablishingthisnew department.Theterm"sustainability" hasvariedinterpretations.Someview itintheliteralsense—ensuringthe continuedgrowthandenduranceof processes.Meanwhile,othersassociate sustainabilitywithenvironmental consciousness,emphasizingthe reductionofcarbonemissions especiallyastheseconcernsgained traction.
SustainableFinancePractices
Johanemphasizedthat,while managingtheircarbonfootprint remainsapriority,thefinancial institutionherepresentshasrelatively lowdirectemissions.Theprimary focusofTradewindisonevaluatingthe
sustainabilitypracticesoftheirclients, thoroughassessmentsthatemphasize bothenvironmentalandsocialaspects.
Inthesocialdimension,theinstitution scrutinizeswhetherclientsengagein practicessuchaschildorforcedlabor toensureadherencetoethical standards.Ontheenvironmentalfront, assessmentsareconductedto determinewhetherclientshavea recordofcommittingenvironmental offenses.Theinstitutionaimsto prioritizesustainabilityinboth environmentalandsocialcontexts, seekingtoensurethatclientsalignwith responsiblebusinesspracticesand committoethicalandeco-friendly standards.
Thoroughassessmentsareconducted onclientsduringtheonboarding processtoensurecompliancewiththe institution'sstandards.Whileavailable certificationsandreportsareoneaspect usedduringtheassessment,the institution'sapproachencompassesa widerangeofanalyses.Personal interactionisdeemedsignificant,and visitstoclients'officesandproduction facilitiesaremadetobetterunderstand theiroperationsandconduct comprehensiveduediligencechecks.
Theonboardingprocessinvolvesa strategicapproach,whereglobal colleaguesstrategicallypositionedin thecountriesofclientsandprospects eliminatetheneedforextensive internationaltravel,reducing associatedcostssignificantly This approachminimizestheriskand financialburdenofflyingsomeonein, especiallyifadealdoesn'tmaterialize.
Duediligenceprimarilyreliesonthe institution'sin-houseteamand dedicatedemployeesstationedin relevantcountriestoensurealocalized andthoroughunderstandingofthe market. Financingcostsarebasedon variousfactors,includingthefunding periodandtheportfolioofbuyers.
WordsofWisdom
Inofferingadvicetoaspiring entrepreneurs,Johanemphasizesthat compliancehasbeenaprominenttopic foralongtime,withsustainabilitynow emergingasthenewfocalpoint. Currently,thereisahighdemandfor individualsstudyingsubjectsrelatedto sustainability,presentingnumerousjob opportunities.Thepotential, particularlyinthesustainabilitysector, issubstantialatthistime.
Thechallengeforthoseexcellingin theseroles,isthattheymaynot necessarilybecomethemostpopular figureswithintheircompanies. However,suchpositionsare undeniablyrewarding.Excellingin one'srolecouldmeanoperatingbehind thescenesandbecomingapartofthe backboneoftheorganization. Individualsfocusedoncomplianceand sustainabilityplayacrucialrolein ensuringthatdeals,bothnewand existing,alignwithregulationsand meetsustainabilitystandards.It positionsthemasessential contributors.Evenifoneworksatthe executivelevel,ateamworking togetheristhekeytomaintaining complianceandsustainability standards.
Itisessentialtoacknowledgeandgive avoicetoallteammembers,ensuring thattheirworkisrecognized. Appreciatingtheeffortsofeveryoneis crucialinportrayingacomprehensive pictureofthecompany'sdedicationto complianceandsustainability
If it can't be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled, or composted, then it should be restricted, designed or removed from production.
- Pete Seeger, Folk Singer & Social Activist
Sustainability Officer
Evan van Hook Chief
Viridi
Evan vanHook Greening the Path
A 360-Degree Perspective on a Career Shaping Sustainable Futures!
Howcanwepavethewayforasustainablefuture whilestillmeetingthedemandsofarapidly growingglobaleconomy?Thisburningquestion hasbeenattheforefrontofdiscussionsastheworld grappleswiththeurgentneedtoaddressclimatechange.In searchofanswers,weturnourspotlightonEvanvanHook, aseasonedsustainabilityexpert,andthecompanyhenow leadsinitssustainabilityefforts-Viridi.
Withadistinguishedcareerthatspansenvironmentallaw, academia,andtwodecadesatthehelmofsustainability effortsforHoneywellInternational,EvanvanHookbrings awealthofexperiencetohiscurrentroleasChief SustainabilityOfficer
VanHook'scommitmenttosustainabilityisevidentinhis impressivetrackrecord.Frompioneeringenvironmental lawataprestigiouslawfirmandeducatingthenext generationatColumbiatospearheadingsustainability projectsatHoneywell,wherehesuccessfullydecarbonized operationsbyover90%,hislegacyprecedeshim.
Now,hehassethissightsonViridi,acompanypoisedto revolutionizetheenergystoragelandscape.
AtViridi,EvanvanHookischampioningagroundbreaking failsafebatteryenergystoragesystemtechnology.This innovationholdsthekeytoajustenergytransition, addressingthecriticalneedforreliableandsustainable energysolutions.Withhisleadership,Viridiaimstoreshape thenarrativesurroundingenergystorage,providingaviable pathtowardagreenerandmoresustainablefuture.
Viridi's unique failsafe battery energy storage system is critical to a just energy transition.
Below are the highlights from the interview!
Canyoupleasebriefusaboutyourcompanyandits inceptionstory?
ViridiwasfoundedbyJonM.Williams,oneofthemost creativeserialinnovatorsI’vemet.Jonispassionateabout thejustenergytransition,andheunderstoodthatenergy storagewasanecessarycomponent.However,thebest technologyforenergystorage,lithium-ion,alsoposedarisk ofcell-to-cellpropagation,whichcanresultinseriousfires. Viridi'sinnovationteam,ledbyDr.JRLinna,developeda batterystoragesystemarchitecturethateliminatesthisrisk. IthasbeentestedtoallrelevantULstandards,andhasbeen approvedforinstallationinoccupiedspaces.Toour knowledge,Viridiistheonly,orcertainlythelargest,BESS systemthathasbeenapprovedforthistypeofuse.
Howdoyouengagewithstakeholders,bothinternaland external,tofosteracultureofsustainabilitywithinthe organization?
Viridi’scultureisdrivenbythefounderandCEO,JonM. Williams.Hehasalwaysbeenapurpose-drivenand community-focusedindividual.Throughouthiscareer,he hasusedinnovationtocreatesustainableoutcomes,andin fact,lastyearhewonanationalawardataconference sponsoredbytheUSEPAforthenation’smostsustainable repurposingofalegacyindustrialsite.It’salsoshownby hisestablishmentofViridiinanabandonedmanufacturing facilityintheheartofoneofthemosteconomically challengedzipcodesinNewYork.Heestablishedanew nonprofit,GreenForce,ledbyExecutiveDirector,Jeffrey M.Conrad,thattrainscommunitymembersforjobsat Viridiandprovidesthemwithwraparaoundsupportto ensuretheyaresuccessful.Theselocalinvestmentshavea multipliereffect,resultinginmillionsofdollarsforthe surroundingcommunity.So,it’spartoftheethosatViridi: ourproductiskeytothesustainableenergytransition,and Jonisbuildinganewtypeofcompany,onethatrollsupits sleevesandgetsdirectlyinvolvedinthejusttransitionof thecommunity.
Canyouhighlightaspecificsustainabilitychallenge yourorganizationfaced,andwhatinnovativesolutions orstrategiesdidyouimplementtoovercomeit?
IwouldhavetosaythatthekeychallengeViriditookon wasthetechnologyitself.Everyoneknowsthatrenewable energyiskeytodecarbonization,butthisenergyis intermittent:solardoesnotgeneratewhenthesunisnot shining,andwinddoesnotgeneratewhenthewindisnot blowing.Also,theelectricitygridgeneratesexcessGHGs becauseitmustaccommodatewidelyfluctuatingpeak demands,oftenrequiringthefiringofmorepolluting
I’m helping to bring Viridi’s unique failsafe battery energy storage system technology to market, which will be critical to a just energy transition. ,, ,, ,, ,,
generatingplants.Theenergysectoraccountsforabout 75%ofglobalGHGs,sowesimplyarenotgoingtosolve globalwarmingifwecan’tmanageenergymoreeffectively. ithium-iontechnologystandsoutasthemostefficient meansofmanagingenergy,offeringunparalleled performance.However,likeanyinnovativesolution,itdoes comewithchallenges,notablytheriskofthermalrunaway. Fortunately,Viridihasingeniouslyaddressedthisissuewith itsgroundbreakingfailsafetechnology
Whatmetricsorkeyperformanceindicatorsdoyou prioritizetomeasurethesuccessofsustainability
initiatives,andhowdoyoucommunicatethese achievementstostakeholders?
Weareintheprocessofdevelopingourfirstsustainability report,butsomeofourkeymetricsarethepercentageof ouremployeeswhograduatedfromGreenForce,whichis 100%graduationrateand84%overallretentionrate.We seeGreenForceasoneofthekeysustainabilitymeasuresof thecompany,andwebelieveitisunique.Wealsotrackour GHGsandareimplementingmeasurestoreducethem. WhileourBESSsystemsareexpectedtolastmorethan15 years,wearealreadyplanningwithanNGOtoensurethat ourbatteriesareresponsiblyrepurposedorrecycledatthe endoftheirusefullives.
AsaChiefSustainabilityOfficer,howdoyoustay informedaboutemergingtrends,technologies,andbest practicesinthesustainabilityfield?
Thisiscriticallyimportantbecausethisisarapidly changingarea.Ipersonallyfinditveryhelpfultoaccept speakingengagementsatsustainabilityconferences.This notonlygivestremendousopportunitiestolearnfrom othersattheconferences,buttherearealsopreparatory meetingswhereyoutrulygettoknowotherspeakers.I’ve formedsomegreatrelationshipswithothersustainability expertsthatI’vemetthroughspeakingengagements.There
isnosubstituteforbeingabletospeaktoindividuals“inthe trenches”managingorthinkingabouttheseissues.Of course,Ireadincessantly,andfrankly,I’malsopleasantly surprisedbythenumberofpodcastsonsustainability. Duringallthose“down”timeslikegoingshopping, commuting,etc.,youwillusuallyfindmewithheadphones listeningtosomethingaboutsustainability.
Inyourexperience,whatroledoescollaborationplayin advancingsustainabilitygoals,bothwithinthe organizationandthroughexternalpartnerships?
Ifyouweretokeepscore,you’dfindthattheword “collaboration”cameupmorethananyotherin sustainabilitydiscussionslately.Sustainabilityisaboutrethinkingsystems,bothtechnologicalandsocial.Noone companyorindividualhascompleteanswersinthisarea; allsolutionsmustbedeployedwithinecosystems,andthe entireecosystemmustevolvetoachievedifferentresults.
Howdoyouensurethatsustainabilityeffortsalignwith thevaluesandexpectationsofyourorganization's employeesandcustomers?
Asindicatedearlier,GreenForceisauniquefeatureof Viridi’smakeup.100%oftheViridiworkforcehasaccess toGreenForcesupport,andthishasasignificantimpacton
ensuringouremployeesarealignedaroundacommon vision.Thereisconsensusthatbatterystorageisacore necessityoftheenergytransition,andViridiismaking batterystoragepossibleinthoseareaswheresafetyis critical.Failsafebatterystorageiswhatwedo,sothere’s notalotofroomformisalignmentwithourstakeholders’ objectives.
Whatdoyouseeasthemostsignificantchallengesand opportunitiesinthefieldofsustainability,andhowdo youplantoaddresstheminyourrole?
Asindicated,failsafeenergystorageisoneofthecentral challengesinsustainability,andthatispreciselywhat Viridi’sexpertteamisfocusedoneveryday.Sojustdriving towardthatcoreobjectiveisveryfulfilling.Anotherkey challengeinsustainabilityhasalwaysbeenandwill continuetobeacquiring,managing,andactingontheright data.Oneseesthisinvirtuallyeverysustainability discussion.Viridiisplayingitspartinthisareaby incorporatingintoourBESSoneofthemostsophisticated InternetofThings(IoT)andAIsystemsinthemarket.Our IoTcancollecteverypossibleparameteraroundBESS functioning,energyusage,connectivitytobuilding managementsystemsandbacktotheutilities,etc.sothe BESScanperformatitspeak,anditusesAItohelpcreate anenergyecosystemthatminimizesemissionsand maximizesefficiencyandresilience.Wearegoingto continuetoseestridesinobtainingandmanaging sustainabilitydata,andViridi'sIoTwillbeavitalpartof that.
We never know the worth of water till the well is dry
- Thomas Fuller, Historian
BPGIC Pioneering Innovation and Sustaina bility in Energy Infrastructure
ngineerSaifAl-Hazaima,the Edistinguishedandvisionary ChiefExecutiveOfficerof BroogePetroleumandGas InvestmentsCompany(BPGIC),stands atthehelmofanenterprisethatserves asabastionofinnovationandprogress withintheenergyinfrastructure servicessector.Sinceitsinceptionin 2013,BPGIChasembarkedonan audaciousmissiontoredefinethe paradigmsofstorage,refining,and futureenergysolutions,solidifyingits positionasanindomitableforce drivingchangeandadvancementinthe industry.Letusembarkona comprehensiveexplorationofthe myriadfacetsthatdistinguishBPGIC initsrelentlesspursuitofexcellence:
ABeaconofUnrivaledInnovation andIngenuity
Establishedonthepillarsofinnovation andingenuityin2013,BPGICremains
steadfastinitscommitmentto pioneeringbreakthroughsthat transcendconventionalnorms, continuallypushingtheboundariesof whatisachievableintheever-evolving landscapeofenergyinfrastructure services.
EpitomeofAdvancedEnergy InfrastructureandTechnological Sophistication
Strategicallysituatedoutsidethe volatileStraitofHormuz,atthe prestigiousPortofFujairahinthe UnitedArabEmirates,BPGICboasts anarrayoftheworld'smostadvanced andsophisticatedliquidbulkstorage facilities.Thesecutting-edge installationsaremeticulously engineeredtomeetthedynamicand evolvingneedsoftheindustry,setting newbenchmarksforoperational excellenceandefficiency.
ExemplaryFacilitiesRedefining IndustryStandardsandBest Practices
Withanawe-inspiringstoragecapacity ofupto6.3millionbarrelsofcrudeoil andpetroleumproducts,BPGIC emergesastheundisputedleaderinthe field,redefiningindustrystandardsand bestpractices.Itsunwavering
commitmenttooperationalefficiency andcustomersatisfactionensures minimalproductlossandmaximal serviceexcellence,settingaprecedent forexcellencethatreverberates throughouttheindustry.
ChampioningEnvironmental StewardshipandSustainable Practices
AttheheartofBPGIC'sethosliesa profoundcommitmentto environmentalstewardshipand sustainablepractices.Fromthe implementationofPV-powered lightingsystemstothemeticulous installationoflinerstoprevent groundwatercontamination,every aspectofthecompany'soperationsis imbuedwithadedicationtoecological preservationandresponsibility
Forward-ThinkingVisionShaping Tomorrow'sEnergyLandscapeand Dynamics
Withaboldandforward-thinking vision,BPGICchartsacoursetoward shapingtomorrow'senergylandscape anddynamics.Ambitiousexpansion plans,includingtheadditionof supplementarystoragecapacityandthe establishmentofamodularrefinery, underscorethecompany'sunwavering
resolvetoleadthechargetowarda moresustainableandresilientenergy future.
ChampioningEnergySecurityand SustainabilityonaGlobalScale
Alignedwiththebroaderenergy strategyoftheUnitedArabEmirates, BPGICemergesasastalwart championofenergysecurityand sustainabilityonaglobalscale. InitiativessuchastheGreenAmmonia projectexemplifythecompany's commitmenttoharnessingrenewable energyandcutting-edgetechnologies todrivepositiveenvironmentalchange andfosteramoresustainablefuturefor generationstocome.
Underthesagaciousleadershipof EngineerSaifAl-Hazaima,BPGIC transcendsitsidentityasamere storageterminal,emergingasan indispensablecatalystforprogress, innovation,andsustainabilitywithin theenergysector Witharesolute visionandanunwaveringcommitment toexcellence,BPGICispoisedto shapethetrajectoryofglobalenergy dynamicsforgenerationstocome, leavinganindeliblemarkontheannals ofhistory
- Robert Swan, Author
Sandya Lang Chief Sustainability O cer
Nudie Jeans
Sandya Lang
LeadingaSustainable Revolution in the Fashion Industry
Sustainabilityinthefashion industryhasbecomeanincreasinglyvitalconcerninrecent years,andSandyaLangstandsatthe forefrontofthismovement.Asthe ChiefSustainabilityOfficeratNudie Jeans,aleadingSwedishdenimbrand, Langhasplayedacrucialrolein shapingthecompany’scommitmentto environmentalandsocialresponsibility
Withademonstratedhistoryof workingintheapparelandfashion industry,particularlyinEuropeand Asia,Langbringsawealthofexpertise incorporatesocialresponsibilityand sustainablepracticestoherroleat NudieJeans.Herjourneywiththe brandbeganin2011whenshejoined astheCSRmanager,responsiblefor developingthecompany’s sustainabilityinitiatives.
Overtheyears,Langhaswitnessedthe remarkablegrowthandevolutionof thesustainabilitylandscapewithinthe industry.UnderLang’sguidance,the roleexpandedintoadedicated sustainabilitymanagerposition, ultimatelyleadingtothecreationofa sustainabilitydepartmentwithinthe company.Herundyingdedicationhas
beeninstrumentalindrivingNudie Jeans’philosophyofcreatingsustainable,long-lastingdenimproductsthat customerscancherishforyears.
Below are the highlights from the interview:
Couldyoupleasetellusabout yourselfandwhatmotivatedyouto embarkonthissector?
Icomefromabackgroundindevelopmentstudies.I´vebeenliving, studying,andworkingabroadinIndia, SriLanka,andVietnaminbothtextile andshoeproduction.Duringmyyears abroad,Igainedalotofexperienceon thefactoryfloorandgottoseethings fromtheemployee’sperspectivewhen itcomestoproductionissues,delivery times,sustainabilitytopics,etc.
Laborrightsconditionsandthe environmentalimpactwereareasthatI connectedwithandwantedtoimprove. In2011,IjoinedNudieJeansasthe CSRmanagerresponsiblefordevelopingthebrand´ssustainabilitywork. Thefieldofsustainabilityand corporatesocialresponsibilityhas developedtremendouslyoverthe years;backthen,quiteafewSMEs
employedtheirownstaff,butNudie Jeanssawthevalueofit,andI´mtruly gratefulforthat.Theroledeveloped intosustainabilitymanager,andwe createdasustainabilitydepartment.
Todaytheroleismorestrategic, althoughI´mclosetotheoperational sustainabilityworkthroughmy colleaguesinthesustainability department.
Canyoupleasebriefusaboutyour companyanditsinceptionstory?
NudieJeansisaprivatelyowned Swedishdenimcompany,foundedin 2001byMariaandJoakimLevin.The coreproductisdrydenim,and sustainabilityisintegratedintothecore ofthecompanystrategy Today,Nudie Jeanshasretailstoresgloballyin Europe,theUS,andAustraliathatalso offerfreerepairs,repairpartners,and otherwholesaleaccountsglobally,as wellasagrowinge-commerce business.
Theproductrangeismainlydenim,but therearealsootherproductgroups suchasjackets,t-shirts,shirts,etc.The productiontakesplaceinTunisia,Italy, Portugal,India,andTurkey,andallthe
cottonusedisorganic,traded,or recycled.
Theservicesofferedarefreerepairs,a take-backsystem,sellingreused (second-hand)jeans,andupcycling products.
Inyourrole,howdoyouintegrate sustainabilitypracticesintothe overallbusinessstrategy,andwhat keyinitiativeshaveyouchampioned todrivesustainablebusiness practices?
NudieJeanshasacompanystrategy, CreateTomorrow´sVintage ( )www.createtomorrowsvintage.com whichhassustainabilityembeddedin itscore.Wearenottalkingabout today´svintage,buttomorrow’s,which includesabetterwayofproducing garmentsthataremeanttolivefora longtime.Itincludesnotonlyhowwe producenewproductsbutalsohowwe co-createtomorrow’svintagewiththe customers.
Wearedependentonthecustomersto executeourstrategy Weneedthemto usetheproductslonger,anduseour servicewithrepairs,reuse,andthe take-backscheme,sowecantake responsibilityfortheusedgarmentsfor ourre-usesectionorrecyclingprojects.
Overtheyears,I´vebeeninvolvedin drivingtransparencyprojectsand livingwageprojects,amongother things.
Howdoyouengagewithstakeholders,bothinternalandexternal, tofosteracultureofsustainability withintheorganization?
Stakeholderswithspecialtiesinsocial orenvironmentalareasareacrucial partofourdailywork.Wehave collaboratedwithSwedishand internationalNGOsasasupport systemorframeworkforour sustainabilitywork.Wehavealways beenopentocollaboratingand
learningfromotherswithin sustainability.
Duringtheyears,wealsohadaclose relationshipwithuniversitieson researchprojects,masterthesis,and stakeholdergroupmeetings.Thishas fosteredacultureofcuriosityabout continuouslearningandmutual benefitsforbusinessandacademia.
Canyouhighlightaspecific sustainabilitychallengeyour organizationfaced,andwhat innovativesolutionsorstrategiesdid youimplementtoovercomeit?
Thetransparencyinthetextileindustry isoneexampleofareaswe´vebeen workingwithforalongtime,over10 years,andwhenwereleasedour productionguidein2013onlinefor consumerstoseeandreadaboutour productionlocations,therewerenot manyotherexamplesintheindustry equallytransparent.
Sincethen,thingshaveluckily developed,andmoreandmorebrands haveseentheimportanceofatransparentandtraceablesupplychain.Our strategyoftransparencyisclosely connectedtooursourcingstrategy, wherewelimitourselvestoasfew countriesaspossibleandasshort supplychainsaspossible.
Thisincreasesourpossibilityoftracing thesupplychainforeachproduct, visitingthesuppliersinalltiers,and buildingrelationshipsandanunderstandingofthelocalcontext,which hashelpeddevelopsustainability activitiesanddatacollection.The resultcanbeseeninouronline products,which,sinceafewyearsago, havehadtheirfullsupplychaintraced, withdetailsliketrims,rawmaterials, andnumberofemployees,for example.
Whatmetricsorkeyperformance indicatorsdoyouprioritizeto measurethesuccessofsustainability
initiatives,andhowdoyoucommunicatetheseachievementsto stakeholders?
Wemeasuremanythings,suchasthe numberofrepairsandreusessold,for example,ourscope1,2,and3,and howourCO2reductionsalignwithour climateplan.Andwhatwereleasefor thefirsttimeisthepercentageofthe turnoverofourcircularbusiness model.Wecommunicatetheyearly progressandallthegoalsinthe sustainabilityreport https://nj.io/susrep2023
AsaChiefSustainabilityOfficer, howdoyoustayinformedabout emergingtrends,technologies,and bestpracticesinthesustainability field?
Wearepartofdifferentnetworksand meetmanyotherbrands,whichisa goodsourceofinformationforkeeping uptodateonwhat´sgoingoninour field.Ialsohaveabroadnetworkof otherprofessionalsandenjoyreading booksandarticlesonsustainability,as wellasonsocialmediaandLinkedIn, sothatiswhereIgetinspired.
Inyourexperience,whatroledoes collaborationplayinadvancing sustainabilitygoals,bothwithinthe organizationandthroughexternal partnerships?
Collaborationiskeyifyouwantto drivechange!
Wehavealwaysbeenopentocollaborationandlearningfromotherswithin sustainability.Wethinkparticipatingin differentnetworksandbrand discussionshasbeenverygood,not onlytogetinsightintotheindustrybut alsotoleverageoursustainability impactatthesupplierlevel.
Wehaveseveralexamplesofhowwe worktogetherwithotherbrandsto leveragethesustainabilityimpactat
thesupplierlevel,wherewesharethe samesuppliers.
Howdoyouensurethat sustainabilityeffortsalignwiththe valuesandexpectationsofyour organization’semployeesand customers?
Aspartofthemanagementgroupand workingcloselywiththeCEOandthe board,wehaveanongoingdialogue aboutsustainabilityactionsaligning withthecompanystrategyandits executionintheorganization.
Whatdoyouseeasthemost significantchallengesandopportunitiesinthefieldofsustainability,and howdoyouplantoaddressthemin yourrole?
Thechallengeweallseeisthe increasedreportingdirective,whichwe thinkispositive.AsanSME,weare notdirectlyaffectedbutwilleventually,andwealsohavehighambitions, sowewanttomakesurewestay compliantwiththenewEUregulations.
However,thisrequiresabalance betweentheactionsandtheactual impactwewanttodriveinthe industry.OneofthestrengthsofNudie Jeansisthatwearemaybeatourbest when“doing”sustainabilityratherthan reportingonit.Andthatissomething wedon´twanttolose,althoughthe reportingrequirementsgettougher.We aimtostillworkhands-onon sustainabilityprojectsandmakean impactinoursupplychain. CIO
How CSOs Measure the impact of Sustainability
Inthefaceofmountingglobal
environmentalchallenges,theroleof ChiefSustainabilityOfficers(CSOs) hasneverbeenmorecritical.Theseleaders aretaskedwiththeimmenseresponsibility ofsteeringtheirorganizationstowardsmore sustainablepractices.Buthowdothey measuretheimpactoftheirefforts?Thekey liesinthemetricstheychoosetomonitor.
TheEssentialMetrics
1.CarbonFootprint:
Oneofthemostfundamentalmetricsisthe carbonfootprint.Thismeasuresthetotal greenhousegasemissionscauseddirectlyor indirectlybyanorganization.CSOsusethis metrictounderstandtheircompany's contributiontoclimatechangeandto identifyareaswhereemissionscanbe reduced.ToolsliketheGreenhouseGas Protocolprovidestandardizedmethodsfor measuringandmanagingemissions.
2.EnergyEfficiency:
Energyconsumptionisanothercriticalarea. CSOstrackenergyuseacrossalloperations, aimingtoreduceconsumptionandincrease efficiency Thisincludesmonitoringtheuse ofrenewableenergysourcesand implementingenergy-savingtechnologies. Improvementsinenergyefficiencynotonly
reduceenvironmentalimpactbutalso cutcosts,makingitawin-winfor businesses.
3.WaterUsage:
Waterscarcityisagrowingconcern worldwide.CSOsmonitorwaterusage toensuretheiroperationsarenot depletinglocalresources.Thisinvolves trackingwaterconsumption,recycling, andwastewatermanagement.Effective watermanagementstrategiescanlead tosignificantenvironmentalbenefits andsupportthesustainabilitygoalsof theorganization.
4.WasteManagement:
Reducingwasteisafundamental aspectofsustainability.CSOstrackthe amountofwasteproducedandthe proportionthatisrecycledor composted.Implementingazero-waste strategy,whereallwasteisreused, recycled,orcomposted,isan ambitiousgoalthatmanyorganizations arestrivingtowards.
5.SupplyChainSustainability:
Acompany'ssupplychaincan significantlyimpactitsoverall sustainability.CSOsevaluatethe environmentalandsocialpracticesof suppliers,aimingtoworkwiththose whosharetheirsustainabilityvalues. Thisinvolvesassessingsuppliers' carbonfootprints,wastemanagement practices,andlaborconditions.
6.SocialImpactMetrics:
Beyondenvironmentalfactors, sustainabilityalsoencompassessocial aspects.CSOsmeasuresocialimpact throughmetricssuchasemployee wellbeing,communityengagement, andethicallaborpractices.These metricshelpensurethatthe organization'soperationsarenotonly environmentallysustainablebutalso sociallyresponsible.
ToolsandFrameworks
1.TheGlobalReportingInitiative (GRI):
TheGRIprovidesacomprehensive frameworkforsustainabilityreporting. Itincludesawiderangeofmetrics coveringeconomic,environmental, andsocialimpacts.ManyCSOsuse theGRIstandardstoguidetheir sustainabilityreportingandensure transparency
2.TheDowJonesSustainability Index(DJSI):
TheDJSIevaluatesthesustainability performanceofcompaniesbasedon environmental,social,andgovernance (ESG)criteria.Beingincludedinthe DJSIisaprestigiousrecognitionofa company'scommitmentto sustainability.CSOsstrivetomeetthe stringentcriteriasetbytheDJSIto enhancetheircompany'sreputationand attractsustainability-mindedinvestors.
3.TheCarbonDisclosureProject (CDP):
TheCDPprovidesaplatformfor companiestodisclosetheir environmentalimpacts.Itfocuseson metricsrelatedtoclimatechange, watersecurity,anddeforestation.By participatingintheCDP,companies canbenchmarktheirperformance againstpeersandidentifyareasfor improvement.
The
ChallengesofMeasuring Sustainability
Whilethesemetricsandtoolsare invaluable,measuringsustainability impactisnotwithoutchallenges.Data accuracyisasignificantissue. Collectingreliabledataacrosscomplex operationsandsupplychainscanbe difficult.Additionally,thereisnoonesize-fits-allapproachtosustainability metrics.Eachorganizationmusttailor itsmetricstoalignwithitsspecific goalsandindustrystandards.
Anotherchallengeisthedynamic natureofsustainability Asscientific understandingandsocietal expectationsevolve,sotoomustthe metricsandstrategiesusedbyCSOs. Thisrequiresongoinglearningand adaptation,whichcanberesourceintensive.
Conclusion
TheroleofCSOsinmeasuringand drivingsustainabilityimpactiscrucial forthefutureofourplanet.By focusingonkeymetricssuchascarbon footprint,energyefficiency,water usage,wastemanagement,supply chainsustainability,andsocialimpact, CSOscanleadtheirorganizations towardsamoresustainablefuture. Utilizingestablishedframeworksand continuallyadaptingtonewchallenges ensuresthattheseeffortsareboth effectiveandtransparent.As sustainabilitybecomesincreasingly integraltobusinesssuccess,the metricsthatmatterwillcontinueto evolve,shapingabetterworldfor generationstocome.
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