ICTSI starts to decarbonize, launches initiative to fight climate change

Manila International Container Terminal at the Port of Manila functions of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council, are expected to be consolidated with SB 605.

The bills are SB 615 (Senator Cynthia Villar), SB 1044 (Sen. Joel Villanueva), SB 1145 and SB 1552 (Senator Lito Lapid), SB 1118 (Senator Loren Legarda), SB 1145 (Win Gatchalian) and SB 2172 (Senator Jinggoy Estrada).

The bamboo is a unique Filipino cultural symbol because of the “bahay kubo” and the innovative industrial design works of Bobby Manosa and Kenneth Cobonpue.

The Philippines has the world’s fifth biggest bamboo industry. Yet, it has to keep up with the huge bamboo industries of China and Vietnam, said Zubiri. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) estimated the local market at $17 billion. SB 605 fortifies PBIDC’s policy-making role in creating community-based enterprises that will have sufficient supply of quality materials and produce new products from research and development-inspired technologies. Manufacturers under the bill are mandated to use bamboo on at least 25 percent of their raw materials inputs for furniture, lumber (wood processed into uniform sizes such as beams and planks), and manufactured products that can use bamboo as an alternative to wood.

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), the biggest port operator in the Philippines, is making significant progress towards a more sustainable future with the launch of its Climate Change Action Initiative. The undertaking underscores ICTSI’s efforts to decarbonize and contribute to global efforts in addressing climate change.

Recognizing the urgent need to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the initiative will develop a comprehensive roadmap for ICTSI to align its business strategy with the goals of the UN Climate Change Paris Agreement.

The roadmap will set decarbonization targets for the entire ICTSI Group to include all terminals, covering Scope 1–direct emissions and Scope 2–indirect emissions from generation of purchased electricity. ICTSI will announce a decarbonization target for Scope 1 and 2 by the end of 2023.

What is circular economy and why does it matter? (Part 2)

as recycling, repair, rent and remanufacture, it would create 6 million jobs globally by 2030. Challenges

A more circular world is possible, but the transition isn’t a simple one. Several challenges exist.

The first challenge is limited knowledge. Not every country knows about the potential of circular economy or has a strategy in place for creating it. A better understanding of the benefits and impacts of circular economy measures, particularly for climate and biodiversity, is needed.

Businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as other organizations and actors, often struggle to access adequate finance to transition from linear to circular business models or systems. For example, it is estimated that it takes approximately three years for a smallholder farmer to shift from conventional cotton production to organic cotton production, and shifting to circular, regenerative practices can take equally long, if not longer. This transition, therefore, requires not only adequate investment and finance, but also knowledge transfer, community-building, and training throughout the transition period.

ICTSI is also working towards accounting for the full GHG emissions footprint of the entire value chain including Scope 3 emissions. An inventory is expected to be established by 2025, followed by a review of relevant targets.

“Through the launch of our Climate Change Action Initiative, we are demonstrating our commitment to a sustainable future. By decarbonizing our operations and addressing the challenges of climate change, ICTSI aims to contribute significantly in the global efforts towards a greener and more resilient world,” said ICTSI executive vice president, compliance officer and chief sustainability officer Christian R. “We believe that by embracing innovative solutions and fostering collaboration, we can create a positive impact on both the environment and our industry. Together, we can build a future that is both economically prosperous and environmentally responsible,” he added.

Even if implementing or mainstreaming circular economy practices were easier, assessing their impact may prove to be a challenge. Hence, tracking and reporting progress can often be complex. For example, tracking reductions in “scope 3” emissions (the indirect emissions that an organization or company is responsible for up and down its value chain) presents challenges due to issues such as lack of transparency of supply chains, lack of direct connections with different tiers of suppliers, and complex accounting, among others.

Hubby Simek’s tears of joy cap

Vondrousova’s fairytale victory

LONDON—Marketa Vondrousova said her husband’s unexpected show of emotion after Saturday’s shock Wimbledon final victory against Ons Jabeur was the perfect end to her “impossible” triumph.

Vondrousova became the first unseeded woman to win Wimbledon as she stunned the Tunisian world number six on Centre Court.

The 24-year-old held her nerve in a tense 6-4, 6-4 win, securing her first major title four years after losing her only previous Grand Slam final at the French Open.

So unexpected was her Wimbledon run that the world number 42 told her husband Stepan Simek to stay at home in Prague to look after their cat Frankie, until a pet sitter was found to allow him to travel to London for the final.

Twelve months after their wedding, Simek cried tears of joy when he saw Vondrousova after the match.

“I think when I came to the box, he cried. I saw him after and he cried a lot,” Vondrousova said.

“It’s amazing, tomorrow is our first wedding anniversary.

“That’s the first emotion I saw from him over eight years. I think he cried on the wedding day also, but that was it!”

With the family cat clearly a major figure in the Vondrousova household, the champion said her pet would get a reward after missing out on the party at the All England Club.

“I’m going to buy her some good fish. She’s with the cat sitter now. My mom is coming tomorrow to watch her,” she said.

“She has to wait for us. She doesn’t really care what’s happening.”

The outpouring of emotion from Vondrousova’s family was triggered by her unlikely journey to Wimbledon glory.

She had endured two serious wrist injuries that stalled her promising career since losing the 2019 French Open final.

Hampered by her injuries, Vondrousova was reduced to watching her best friend Miriam Kolodziejova attempt to qualify for the Wimbledon main draw last year.

“I had a cast last year at that time. I was a tourist here. When I was coming back, I didn’t know if I can play at that level again. This seems impossible,” she said. AFP