#sustainability assessment

[sutras1]

Sustainable Progress Assessing Sustainability in Brooklyn, NY

In the bustling borough of Brooklyn, New York, sustainability is emerging as a key focus for both residents and policymakers alike. As the global community grapples with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, local initiatives and assessments are essential to ensure a sustainable future. Brooklyn, known for its vibrant communities and diverse neighborhoods, has been proactive in evaluating and enhancing its sustainability efforts.

One significant aspect of sustainability assessment in Brooklyn involves evaluating the ecological footprint of the community. This includes measuring and analyzing energy consumption, waste generation, and water usage. By understanding these metrics, local authorities can identify areas for improvement and implement targeted strategies to reduce environmental impact. Community-wide awareness campaigns have also played a crucial role in encouraging residents to adopt eco-friendly practices and reduce their carbon footprint.

Green spaces and urban agriculture are integral components of Brooklyn's sustainability agenda. Assessing the availability and accessibility of parks, community gardens, and green infrastructure is vital in promoting biodiversity and enhancing overall environmental health. These spaces not only contribute to cleaner air and water but also foster a sense of community engagement and well-being.

Transportation is another critical factor in Brooklyn's sustainability assessment. The borough has been investing in public transportation, cycling infrastructure, and electric vehicle charging stations to reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuel-based transportation. By evaluating the efficiency and accessibility of these initiatives, Brooklyn aims to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly urban mobility system.

Economic sustainability is also a focal point in Brooklyn's assessment strategy. Local businesses and industries are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, from sourcing eco-friendly materials to implementing energy-efficient technologies. This approach not only benefits the environment but also enhances the long-term resilience of the local economy.

[indecisivelesbian]

when i was in a level psychology my teacher once asked my class how long we thought we had left before our species went extinct. most of us gave variations in the realm of thousands of years, but my friend said it would be within this century. when we asked her why she just said 'idk i just don't think we're going to last much longer' and we all laughed it off and said she was just being pessimistic. but now i see the way the world is absolutely refusing to respond to climate change the way it needs to and i think she was right.

[jcmarchi]

Two MIT teams selected for NSF sustainable materials grants

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/two-mit-teams-selected-for-nsf-sustainable-materials-grants/

Two MIT teams selected for NSF sustainable materials grants

Two teams led by MIT researchers were selected in December 2023 by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator, a part of the TIP Directorate, to receive awards of $5 million each over three years, to pursue research aimed at helping to bring cutting-edge new sustainable materials and processes from the lab into practical, full-scale industrial production. The selection was made after 16 teams from around the country were chosen last year for one-year grants to develop detailed plans for further research aimed at solving problems of sustainability and scalability for advanced electronic products.

Of the two MIT-led teams chosen for this current round of funding, one team, Topological Electric, is led by Mingda Li, an associate professor in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering. This team will be finding pathways to scale up sustainable topological materials, which have the potential to revolutionize next-generation microelectronics by showing superior electronic performance, such as dissipationless states or high-frequency response. The other team, led by Anuradha Agarwal, a principal research scientist at MIT’s Materials Research Laboratory, will be focusing on developing new materials, devices, and manufacturing processes for microchips that minimize energy consumption using electronic-photonic integration, and that detect and avoid the toxic or scarce materials used in today’s production methods.

Scaling the use of topological materials

Li explains that some materials based on quantum effects have achieved successful transitions from lab curiosities to successful mass production, such as blue-light LEDs, and giant magnetorestance (GMR) devices used for magnetic data storage. But he says there are a variety of equally promising materials that have shown promise but have yet to make it into real-world applications.

“What we really wanted to achieve is to bring newer-generation quantum materials into technology and mass production, for the benefit of broader society,” he says. In particular, he says, “topological materials are really promising to do many different things.”

Topological materials are ones whose electronic properties are fundamentally protected against disturbance. For example, Li points to the fact that just in the last two years, it has been shown that some topological materials are even better electrical conductors than copper, which are typically used for the wires interconnecting electronic components. But unlike the blue-light LEDs or the GMR devices, which have been widely produced and deployed, when it comes to topological materials, “there’s no company, no startup, there’s really no business out there,” adds Tomas Palacios, the Clarence J. Lebel Professor in Electrical Engineering at MIT and co-principal investigator on Li’s team. Part of the reason is that many versions of such materials are studied “with a focus on fundamental exotic physical properties with little or no consideration on the sustainability aspects,” says Liang Fu, an MIT professor of physics and also a co-PI. Their team will be looking for alternative formulations that are more amenable to mass production.

One possible application of these topological materials is for detecting terahertz radiation, explains Keith Nelson, an MIT professor of chemistry and co-PI. This extremely high-frequency electronics can carry far more information than conventional radio or microwaves, but at present there are no mature electronic devices available that are scalable at this frequency range. “There’s a whole range of possibilities for topological materials” that could work at these frequencies, he says. In addition, he says, “we hope to demonstrate an entire prototype system like this in a single, very compact solid-state platform.”

Li says that among the many possible applications of topological devices for microelectronics devices of various kinds, “we don’t know which, exactly, will end up as a product, or will reach real industrial scaleup. That’s why this opportunity from NSF is like a bridge, which is precious, to allow us to dig deeper to unleash the true potential.”

In addition to Li, Palacios, Fu, and Nelson, the Topological Electric team includes Qiong Ma, assistant professor of physics in Boston College; Farnaz Niroui, assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science at MIT; Susanne Stemmer, professor of materials at the University of California at Santa Barbara; Judy Cha, professor of materials science and engineering at Cornell University; industrial partners including IBM, Analog Devices, and Raytheon; and professional consultants. “We are taking this opportunity seriously,” Li says. “We really want to see if the topological materials are as good as we show in the lab when being scaled up, and how far we can push to broadly industrialize them.”

Toward sustainable microchip production and use

The microchips behind everything from smartphones to medical imaging are associated with a significant percentage of greenhouse gas emissions today, and every year the world produces more than 50 million metric tons of electronic waste, the equivalent of about 5,000 Eiffel Towers. Further, the data centers necessary for complex computations and huge amount of data transfer — think AI and on-demand video — are growing and will require 10 percent of the world’s electricity by 2030.

“The current microchip manufacturing supply chain, which includes production, distribution, and use, is neither scalable nor sustainable, and cannot continue. We must innovate our way out of this crisis,” says Agarwal.

The name of Agarwal’s team, FUTUR-IC, is a reference to the future of the integrated circuits, or chips, through a global alliance for sustainable microchip manufacturing. Says Agarwal, “We bring together stakeholders from industry, academia, and government to co-optimize across three dimensions: technology, ecology, and workforce. These were identified as key interrelated areas by some 140 stakeholders. With FUTUR-IC we aim to cut waste and CO2-equivalent emissions associated with electronics by 50 percent every 10 years.”

The market for microelectronics in the next decade is predicted to be on the order of a trillion dollars, but most of the manufacturing for the industry occurs only in limited geographical pockets around the world. FUTUR-IC aims to diversify and strengthen the supply chain for manufacturing and packaging of electronics. The alliance has 26 collaborators and is growing. Current external collaborators include the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI), Tyndall National Institute, SEMI, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Intel, and the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Agarwal leads FUTUR-IC in close collaboration with others, including, from MIT, Lionel Kimerling, the Thomas Lord Professor of Materials Science and Engineering; Elsa Olivetti, the Jerry McAfee Professor in Engineering; Randolph Kirchain, principal research scientist in the Materials Research Laboratory; and Greg Norris, director of MIT’s Sustainability and Health Initiative for NetPositive Enterprise (SHINE). All are affiliated with the Materials Research Laboratory. They are joined by Samuel Serna, an MIT visiting professor and assistant professor of physics at Bridgewater State University. Other key personnel include Sajan Saini, education director for the Initiative for Knowledge and Innovation in Manufacturing in MIT’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering; Peter O’Brien, a professor from Tyndall National Institute; and Shekhar Chandrashekhar, CEO of iNEMI.

“We expect the integration of electronics and photonics to revolutionize microchip manufacturing, enhancing efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and paving the way for unprecedented advancements in computing speed and data-processing capabilities,” says Serna, who is the co-lead on the project’s technology “vector.”

Common metrics for these efforts are needed, says Norris, co-lead for the ecology vector, adding, “The microchip industry must have transparent and open Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) models and data, which are being developed by FUTUR-IC.” This is especially important given that microelectronics production transcends industries. “Given the scale and scope of microelectronics, it is critical for the industry to lead in the transition to sustainable manufacture and use,” says Kirchain, another co-lead and the co-director of the Concrete Sustainability Hub at MIT. To bring about this cross-fertilization, co-lead Olivetti, also co-director of the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium (MCSC), will collaborate with FUTUR-IC to enhance the benefits from microchip recycling, leveraging the learning across industries.

Saini, the co-lead for the workforce vector, stresses the need for agility. “With a workforce that adapts to a practice of continuous upskilling, we can help increase the robustness of the chip-manufacturing supply chain, and validate a new design for a sustainability curriculum,” he says.

“We have become accustomed to the benefits forged by the exponential growth of microelectronic technology performance and market size,” says Kimerling, who is also director of MIT’s Materials Research Laboratory and co-director of the MIT Microphotonics Center. “The ecological impact of this growth in terms of materials use, energy consumption and end-of-life disposal has begun to push back against this progress. We believe that concurrently engineered solutions for these three dimensions will build a common learning curve to power the next 40 years of progress in the semiconductor industry.”

The MIT teams are two of six that received awards addressing sustainable materials for global challenges through phase two of the NSF Convergence Accelerator program. Launched in 2019, the program targets solutions to especially compelling challenges at an accelerated pace by incorporating a multidisciplinary research approach.

[the-4thwheel]

Key Guidelines for Creating Effective Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks

At The 4th Wheel, we recognize that a well-structured monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework is essential for driving project success. Our approach focuses on helping organizations establish clear objectives, engage stakeholders throughout the process, develop meaningful key performance indicators (KPIs), set baseline data, and design thorough data collection strategies. By adhering to these essential practices, we empower our clients to measure progress accurately, evaluate impact, and make data-driven decisions that foster continuous growth and improvement.

[southernassessors24]

Elevate sustainability with BREEAM expertise. Offering expert Air Testing in Kent, Dorset and London. Enhance your home's air quality today. Southern Assessors.

[delicatelysublimeforester]

Green Hearts Unite: Celebrating Charity in Afforestation

[labelaverydennison]

Unwrapping the Future of Green Packaging

In today's world, where environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discussions, sustainable solutions have become a powerful tool for change. From reducing waste to conserving resources, the shift towards eco-friendly packaging is more than just a trend—it's a necessary evolution. This blog post aims to guide eco-conscious consumers, small business owners, and packaging manufacturers through the myriad of sustainable solutions available. Expect to learn about eco-friendly packaging materials, life cycle assessments, recyclable solutions, compostable choices, and how they all contribute to a healthier planet.

Why Sustainable Packaging Matters

Sustainable solutions are essential in mitigating the environmental impact of waste. Traditional packaging materials often contribute to pollution and landfill overflow. With eco-friendly packaging, we reduce resource consumption and lower emissions. This shift is crucial for preserving our planet for future generations.

Understanding the broader impact of packaging choices is vital for eco-conscious consumers. By opting for sustainable solutions, individuals can significantly decrease their carbon footprint. Sustainable solutions also align with ethical business practices, appealing to modern consumers who prioritize environmental responsibility.

For businesses, green packaging is an opportunity for differentiation. Companies that adopt green packaging can enhance their brand image and attract environmentally conscious customers. By showcasing their commitment to sustainable solutions, businesses can build stronger relationships with customers who share these values.

Overview of Eco-Friendly Packaging Options

Eco-friendly packaging is diverse, featuring options that cater to different needs and industries. The most popular choices include biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable materials. These alternatives not only reduce environmental impact but also provide practical sustainable solutions for businesses.

Biodegradable materials are designed to break down naturally over time. This process minimizes waste and reduces the burden on landfills. Commonly used biodegradable materials include cornstarch, cellulose, and PLA plastics. These materials offer a balance between functionality and environmental responsibility.

Recyclable materials, such as paper and certain plastics, can be reprocessed into new products. By choosing recyclable packaging, businesses can participate in a circular economy. This approach reduces the need for raw materials and lowers overall waste generation. Recyclable packaging is both sustainable and economically viable.

Compostable packaging takes sustainability a step further by breaking down into organic matter that enriches the soil. Made from natural materials like bagasse and bamboo, compostable packaging supports eco-friendly packaging solutions. This option is particularly beneficial for industries focused on food service and delivery.

An In-Depth Look at Biodegradable Materials

Biodegradable materials are a key component of eco-friendly packaging. They decompose naturally, reducing waste and environmental impact. These materials are sourced from renewable resources, making them an eco-friendly choice for various applications.

Cornstarch is a popular biodegradable material used for packaging. Derived from corn, it is a renewable resource that breaks down easily. Cornstarch packaging is versatile, used in products ranging from cutlery to containers. Its natural composition makes it a safe and sustainable solution.

Cellulose is another biodegradable material commonly used in packaging. It is derived from plant fibers and is known for its strength and versatility. Cellulose can be used to create films and coatings that are fully biodegradable, providing a green packaging alternative to traditional plastics.

PLA (polylactic acid) plastics are gaining popularity as a biodegradable option. Made from fermented plant starch, PLA plastics decompose under specific conditions. These materials are used in various green packaging applications, including bottles, films, and containers. PLA plastics combine practicality with sustainability, making them a valuable addition to the eco-friendly packaging landscape.

Analysis of Recyclable Materials and Their Impact

Recyclable materials play a crucial role in sustainable solutions. By reprocessing these materials, we can reduce the need for virgin resources and lower overall waste. This approach supports a circular economy, promoting environmental and economic benefits.

Paper is a widely used recyclable material in packaging. It is versatile, lightweight, and easy to recycle. Paper packaging includes products such as cardboard boxes, paper bags, and wrapping paper. These materials are biodegradable and can be recycled multiple times, making them an excellent choice for sustainable solutions.

Recyclable plastics, like PET and HDPE, are commonly used in eco-friendly packaging. These plastics can be reprocessed into new products, reducing the demand for raw materials. By choosing recyclable plastics, businesses can minimize their environmental footprint while maintaining product durability.

Glass is another recyclable material frequently used in packaging. It is non-toxic, durable, and can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality. Glass packaging is commonly used for food and beverage products, providing an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics.

Introduction to Compostable Packaging

Compostable packaging is designed to break down into organic matter, enriching the soil and supporting a healthy ecosystem. This type of packaging is made from natural materials, offering a sustainable solution for reducing waste.

Bagasse, a by-product of sugarcane processing, is a common material used in compostable packaging. It is versatile, strong, and can withstand heat, making it suitable for food containers and tableware. Bagasse packaging decomposes quickly, returning valuable nutrients to the soil.

Bamboo is another material used in compostable packaging. It is fast-growing, renewable, and biodegradable. Bamboo packaging includes items like utensils and straws, providing an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.

Mushroom-based packaging is an innovative compostable option. It is made from agricultural waste and fungal mycelium, creating a fully biodegradable material. Mushroom packaging offers a green packaging solution for protective packaging needs.

Guide to Eco-Friendly Labelling Options

Eco-friendly packaging materials and labelling are essential aspects of sustainable solutions. It involves using labels made from renewable materials and environmentally friendly inks. These labels complement green packaging efforts and enhance overall sustainability.

Recycled paper labels are a popular choice for eco-friendly packaging materials. They are made from post-consumer waste and are fully recyclable. Recycled paper labels provide a sustainable solution for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Biodegradable labels are another option for eco-friendly packaging materials. These labels are made from materials that break down naturally, such as corn starch and cellulose. Biodegradable labels offer a green packaging alternative to traditional labels, supporting eco-friendly initiatives.

Water-based inks are an environmentally friendly choice for label printing. They are non-toxic and reduce the release of hazardous chemicals into the environment. By choosing water-based inks, businesses can improve their sustainability efforts and align with eco-conscious values.

Case Studies of Successful Sustainable Packaging Implementations

Many companies have successfully adopted sustainable solutions, setting an example for others to follow. These case studies highlight innovative approaches to eco-friendly packaging and demonstrate the benefits of sustainable solutions.

Lush, a cosmetics company, has implemented eco-friendly packaging materials across its product line. The company uses biodegradable materials like cornstarch and recycled paper for packaging. Lush's commitment to sustainability has strengthened its brand image and attracted environmentally conscious customers.

Patagonia, an outdoor clothing brand, has embraced green packaging by using recycled materials and reducing packaging waste. The company has implemented a take-back program to recycle old garments, further supporting its sustainability efforts. Patagonia's approach has set a benchmark for other companies in the industry.

Unilever, a global consumer goods company, has committed to using 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025. The company has already implemented eco-friendly packaging solutions for many of its products, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable solutions and innovation.

How Small Business Owners Can Switch to Sustainable Packaging

For small business owners, transitioning to sustainable solutions can seem challenging. However, with the right approach, it is achievable and beneficial. Here are some steps to help small businesses make the switch.

Assess your current packaging needs and identify areas for improvement. Consider the materials you use and explore eco-friendly packaging materials. This initial assessment will help you understand the potential impact of switching to sustainable solutions.

Research green packaging suppliers and evaluate their offerings. Look for suppliers that prioritize renewable materials and environmentally friendly practices. Building relationships with trusted suppliers will support your transition to eco-friendly packaging materials.

Educate your customers about your commitment to green packaging. Use your website, social media, and packaging to communicate the benefits of your eco-friendly packaging choices. Engaging your customers in your sustainability efforts will strengthen your brand and build customer loyalty.

The Future of Sustainable Packaging Materials

The future of sustainable solutions is promising, with ongoing innovations and advancements. Emerging technologies and materials are poised to revolutionize the packaging industry and further support environmental sustainability.

Bioplastics are gaining traction as a future-forward green packaging material. Made from renewable resources like plant starch, bioplastics offer a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics. Continued advancements in bioplastic technology will enhance their functionality and affordability.

Smart packaging is another area of innovation, combining technology with sustainability. Smart packaging includes features like QR codes and sensors that enhance the user experience while supporting environmental goals. This technology can improve supply chain efficiency and reduce waste.

The circular economy will play a significant role in the future of sustainable solutions. By prioritizing reuse and recycling, businesses can minimize waste and conserve resources. The circular economy model encourages innovation and collaboration, driving sustainable growth across industries.

Conclusion and Call to Action for a More Sustainable Future

Sustainable packaging is essential for a healthier planet and a brighter future. By understanding the options and benefits of eco-friendly packaging, businesses and consumers can make informed decisions that align with their values. Avery Dennison plays a crucial role in this movement by providing innovative solutions that support sustainable packaging initiatives.

Whether you're an eco-conscious consumer, a small business owner, or a packaging manufacturer, Avery Dennison offers the tools you need to explore sustainable packaging materials and implement green packaging solutions. Engage with your community to create meaningful change, and look to Avery Dennison for the resources that can help drive your sustainability goals forward.

[sustainablecore]

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)   | The Bright Future of Sustainable Development

Four essential steps are usually involved in the LCA process:

Goal and Scope Definition: Clearly defining the objectives of the assessment and the boundaries of the system under study.

Inventory Analysis: Collecting data on the inputs (e.g., energy, raw materials) and outputs (e.g., emissions, waste) associated with each stage of the product or service's life cycle.

Impact Assessment: Evaluating the potential environmental impacts, such as climate change, resource depletion, and ecosystem degradation, based on the inventory data.

[townpostin]

Solar Power Boost for Jamshedpur Workers College

Institution Prepares for NAAC Evaluation with Green Energy Initiative 50 KVA solar plant installation underway as college enhances facilities and readies for accreditation. JAMSHEDPUR – While preparing for a national assessment, a local educational institution is incorporating sustainable energy. The installation of a 50 KVA solar facility at Jamshedpur Workers College is a substantial stride…

[westvalleyfaultph]

DILG to Collaborate on New Earthquake Assessment Tool for Buildings

Scan the QR code to get this post on the go. In an effort to enhance disaster preparedness, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced plans to develop a comprehensive tool for assessing buildings’ vulnerability to earthquakes. This initiative, spearheaded by DILG Undersecretary Marlo Iringan, aims to involve various government agencies and stakeholders, including the…

[sustecsol]

Employ our Company for the Best Sustainable Solution for Light Pollution & Waste Management 

We are a renowned company providing the best and most effective sustainable solutions. Our company is fully aware of the detrimental impact of light pollution on our environment and communities. It wastes a lot of energy and disturbs the natural ecosystem. It disturbs wildlife behavior. 

Here, we enter with our motto of preserving the dark sky by implementing the best and most efficient lighting solution that minimizes upward light spillage and glare. Our focus is to develop sustainable solutions for the betterment of the environment. Contact us if you are seeking the best assistance for the Light Pollution Dark Sky. Our company is the perfect solution. 

Moreover, you can coordinate with us regarding the MEAS, greenhouse effect solution, etc. Apart from this, we can also help you with waste management. It is necessary to dispose of all the waste in the right way for the betterment of the environment. Call us if you need professional assistance in disposing of factory or building waste. Our company provides the best and most effective waste management sustainable solutions.

We have professionals who are experienced and well knowledgeable, providing the best service. Our focus is to provide the best service to all our clients. Contact our team for the best assistance if you have any concerns or doubts. Proper waste disposal reduces the carbon footprint and eliminates the hazardous environmental impact. If you are searching for the best waste management sustainable solution company, then our company is right here to provide the best service. 

Our mission is not just to provide sustainable solutions, but to create a better, more sustainable environment for future generations. We're here to provide the best sustainable solutions, and if you need help with global reporting initiative sustainability, we're ready to assist. Join us in our unwavering commitment to a brighter, greener future. Our company is not just renowned, but also reliable. You can trust us to provide the best and most effective sustainable solutions. Whether you need help with smart building solutions or Light Pollution Dark Sky, we're just a call away, ready to deliver the service you can depend on. Our reliability is our promise to you. 

[sustainabletechnologysolutions]

ESG and Sustainability Reporting: Comprehensive Guide and Best Practices

In today's business landscape, ESG and Sustainability Reporting have become crucial for companies aiming to demonstrate their commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. This comprehensive guide explores the importance of ESG and Sustainability Reporting, its benefits, and best practices for effective implementation.

The Importance of ESG and Sustainability Reporting

ESG and Sustainability Reporting helps organizations:

Enhance transparency and accountability.

Attract socially conscious investors.

Improve risk management.

Foster a positive corporate reputation.

Comply with regulatory requirements.

Benefits of ESG and Sustainability Reporting

Investor Attraction: Companies with robust ESG practices often attract investors looking for sustainable and ethical investments.

Risk Management: Identifying and addressing ESG risks can prevent potential issues and reduce long-term costs.

Reputation Management: Transparent reporting on ESG efforts can enhance a company's public image and build trust with stakeholders.

Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to ESG reporting standards helps companies meet regulatory requirements and avoid penalties.

Best Practices for ESG and Sustainability Reporting

Define Clear Objectives: Establish clear goals and objectives for your ESG initiatives.

Engage Stakeholders: Involve stakeholders in the reporting process to ensure comprehensive and accurate data.

Use Standardized Frameworks: Adopt recognized frameworks such as GRI, SASB, or TCFD for consistent reporting.

Ensure Data Accuracy: Implement robust data collection and verification processes to ensure the accuracy of reported information.

Communicate Transparently: Clearly communicate your ESG performance, achievements, and areas for improvement.

Continuously Improve: Regularly review and update your ESG strategies and reporting processes.

FAQs

Q: What is ESG and Sustainability Reporting? A: ESG and Sustainability Reporting involves disclosing a company's environmental, social, and governance practices and performance to stakeholders.

Q: Why is ESG and Sustainability Reporting important? A: It enhances transparency, attracts investors, improves risk management, builds reputation, and ensures regulatory compliance.

Q: What frameworks are used for ESG and Sustainability Reporting? A: Common frameworks include the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Q: How can companies improve their ESG and Sustainability Reporting? A: By defining clear objectives, engaging stakeholders, using standardized frameworks, ensuring data accuracy, communicating transparently, and continuously improving their practices.

Conclusion

ESG and Sustainability Reporting is essential for modern businesses seeking to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. By following best practices and using standardized frameworks, companies can enhance their transparency, attract investors, and build a positive reputation.

Source:- https://esgandsustainabilityreporting.blogspot.com/2024/06/esg-and-sustainability-reporting.html

[jcmarchi]

New tool empowers pavement life-cycle decision-making while reducing data collection burden

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/new-tool-empowers-pavement-life-cycle-decision-making-while-reducing-data-collection-burden/

New tool empowers pavement life-cycle decision-making while reducing data collection burden

Roads are the backbone of our society and economy, taking people and goods across distances long and short. They are a staple of the built environment, taking up nearly 2.8 million lane-miles (or 4.6 million lane-kilometers) of the United States’ surface area.

These same roads have a considerable life-cycle environmental impact, having been associated with over 75 megatons of greenhouse gases (GHG) each year over the past three decades in the United States. That is equivalent to the emissions of a gasoline-powered passenger vehicle traveling over 190 billion miles, or circling the Earth more than 7.5 million times, each year. 

By 2050, it is estimated that pavement sector emissions will decrease by 14% due to improvements like cement clinker replacement, but it is possible to extract a 65% reduction through measures like investing in materials and maintenance practices to make road networks stiffer and smoother, meaning they require less energy to drive on. As a practical example, consider that in 2022, vehicles in the United States collectively drove 3.2 trillion miles. If the average surface roughness of all pavements were improved by 1%, there would be 190 million tons of CO2 saved each year.

One of the challenges to achieving greater GHG reductions is data scarcity, making it difficult for decision makers to evaluate the environmental impact of roads across their whole life cycle, comprising the emissions associated with the production of raw materials to construction, use, maintenance and repair, and finally demolition or decommissioning. Data scarcity and the complexity of calculation would make analyzing the life cycle environmental impacts of pavements prohibitively expensive, preventing informed decisions on what materials to use and how to maintain them. Today’s world is one of rapid change, with shifting weather and traffic patterns presenting new challenges for roads. 

“Conducting pavement LCA is costly and labor-intensive, so many assessments simplify the process using fixed values for input parameters or only focus on upfront emissions from materials production and construction. However, conducting LCA with fixed input values fails to account for uncertainties and variations, which may lead to unreliable results. In this novel streamlined framework, we embrace and control the uncertainty in pavement LCA. This helps understand the minimum amount of data required to achieve a robust decision” notes Haoran Li, a postdoc at CSHub and the study’s lead author.

By keeping the uncertainty under control, the CSHub team develops a structured data underspecification framework that prioritizes collecting data on the factors that have the greatest influence over pavement’s life-cycle environmental impacts.

“Typically, multiple pavement stakeholders, like designers, materials engineers, contractors, etc., need to provide extensive input data for conducting an LCA and comparing the environmental impacts of different pavement types,” says Hessam AzariJafari, deputy director of the CSHub and a co-author on the study. “These individuals are involved at different stages of a pavement project and none of them will have the necessary inputs for conducting a pavement LCA.”

The proposed streamlined LCA framework reduces the overall data collection burden by up to 85 percent without compromising the robustness of the conclusion on the environmentally preferred pavement type. 

The CSHub team used the proposed framework to model the life-cycle environmental impacts of a pavement in Boston that had a length of one mile, four lanes, and a design life — or “life expectancy” — of 50 years. The team modeled two different pavement designs: an asphalt pavement and a jointed plain concrete pavement.

The MIT researchers then modeled four levels of data specificity, M1 through M4, to understand how they influenced the range of life-cycle assessment results for the two different designs. For example, M1 indicates the greatest uncertainty due to limited information about pavement conditions, including traffic and materials. M2 is typically used when the environment (urban or rural) is defined, but detailed knowledge of material properties and future maintenance strategies is still lacking. M3 offers a detailed description of pavement conditions using secondary data when field measurements are not available. M4 provides the highest level of data specificity, typically relying on first-hand information from designers.

MIT researchers found that the precise value for greenhouse gas emissions will vary from M1 to M4. However, the proportionate emissions associated with different components of the life cycle remain similar. For instance, regardless of the level of data specificity, embodied emissions from construction and maintenance and rehabilitation accounted for about half of the concrete pavement’s greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, the use phase emissions for the asphalt pavement account for between 70 and 90 percent of the pavement’s life-cycle emissions.

The team found that, in Boston, combining an M2 level of data specification with an M3 knowledge of maintenance and rehabilitation produced a decision-making process with 90 percent reliability.

To make this framework practical and accessible, the MIT researchers are working on integrating the developed approach into an online life-cycle assessment tool. This tool democratizes pavement LCA and empowers the value chain stakeholders, such as departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations, to identify choices that lead to the highest-performing, longest-lasting, and most environmentally friendly pavements. 

[reasonsforhope]

No paywall version here.

"Two and a half years ago, when I was asked to help write the most authoritative report on climate change in the United States, I hesitated...

In the end, I said yes, but reluctantly. Frankly, I was sick of admonishing people about how bad things could get. Scientists have raised the alarm over and over again, and still the temperature rises. Extreme events like heat waves, floods and droughts are becoming more severe and frequent, exactly as we predicted they would. We were proved right. It didn’t seem to matter.

Our report, which was released on Tuesday, contains more dire warnings. There are plenty of new reasons for despair. Thanks to recent scientific advances, we can now link climate change to specific extreme weather disasters, and we have a better understanding of how the feedback loops in the climate system can make warming even worse. We can also now more confidently forecast catastrophic outcomes if global emissions continue on their current trajectory.

But to me, the most surprising new finding in the Fifth National Climate Assessment is this: There has been genuine progress, too.

I’m used to mind-boggling numbers, and there are many of them in this report. Human beings have put about 1.6 trillion tons of carbon in the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution — more than the weight of every living thing on Earth combined. But as we wrote the report, I learned other, even more mind-boggling numbers. In the last decade, the cost of wind energy has declined by 70 percent and solar has declined 90 percent. Renewables now make up 80 percent of new electricity generation capacity. Our country’s greenhouse gas emissions are falling, even as our G.D.P. and population grow.

In the report, we were tasked with projecting future climate change. We showed what the United States would look like if the world warms by 2 degrees Celsius. It wasn’t a pretty picture: more heat waves, more uncomfortably hot nights, more downpours, more droughts. If greenhouse emissions continue to rise, we could reach that point in the next couple of decades. If they fall a little, maybe we can stave it off until the middle of the century. But our findings also offered a glimmer of hope: If emissions fall dramatically, as the report suggested they could, we may never reach 2 degrees Celsius at all.

For the first time in my career, I felt something strange: optimism.

And that simple realization was enough to convince me that releasing yet another climate report was worthwhile.

Something has changed in the United States, and not just the climate. State, local and tribal governments all around the country have begun to take action. Some politicians now actually campaign on climate change, instead of ignoring or lying about it. Congress passed federal climate legislation — something I’d long regarded as impossible — in 2022 as we turned in the first draft.

[Note: She's talking about the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Act, which despite the names were the two biggest climate packages passed in US history. And their passage in mid 2022 was a big turning point: that's when, for the first time in decades, a lot of scientists started looking at the numbers - esp the ones that would come from the IRA's funding - and said "Wait, holy shit, we have an actual chance."]

And while the report stresses the urgency of limiting warming to prevent terrible risks, it has a new message, too: We can do this. We now know how to make the dramatic emissions cuts we’d need to limit warming, and it’s very possible to do this in a way that’s sustainable, healthy and fair.

The conversation has moved on, and the role of scientists has changed. We’re not just warning of danger anymore. We’re showing the way to safety.

I was wrong about those previous reports: They did matter, after all. While climate scientists were warning the world of disaster, a small army of scientists, engineers, policymakers and others were getting to work. These first responders have helped move us toward our climate goals. Our warnings did their job.

To limit global warming, we need many more people to get on board... We need to reach those who haven’t yet been moved by our warnings. I’m not talking about the fossil fuel industry here; nor do I particularly care about winning over the small but noisy group of committed climate deniers. But I believe we can reach the many people whose eyes glaze over when they hear yet another dire warning or see another report like the one we just published.

The reason is that now, we have a better story to tell. The evidence is clear: Responding to climate change will not only create a better world for our children and grandchildren, but it will also make the world better for us right now.

Eliminating the sources of greenhouse gas emissions will make our air and water cleaner, our economy stronger and our quality of life better. It could save hundreds of thousands or even millions of lives across the country through air quality benefits alone. Using land more wisely can both limit climate change and protect biodiversity. Climate change most strongly affects communities that get a raw deal in our society: people with low incomes, people of color, children and the elderly. And climate action can be an opportunity to redress legacies of racism, neglect and injustice.

I could still tell you scary stories about a future ravaged by climate change, and they’d be true, at least on the trajectory we’re currently on. But it’s also true that we have a once-in-human-history chance not only to prevent the worst effects but also to make the world better right now. It would be a shame to squander this opportunity. So I don’t just want to talk about the problems anymore. I want to talk about the solutions. Consider this your last warning from me."

-via New York Times. Opinion essay by leading climate scientist Kate Marvel. November 18, 2023.

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1st Session, 5th Joint meeting of WG on Integrated Water Resources Management & Monitoring and Assessment.

The 19th meeting of the Working Group on Integrated Water Resources management and the 19th meeting of the Working Group on Monitoring and Assessment under the Water Convention will be held in Geneva. It will start on Monday, 6 May 2024 at 10.00 a.m., and end on Wednesday, 8 May 2024 at 1 p.m. The meetings of the two Working Groups are held jointly to exploit synergies in the work of the two bodies.

Watch the 1 st Session, 5th Joint meeting of WG on Integrated Water Resources Management & Monitoring and Assessment

Fifth joint meeting of the Working Group on Integrated Water Resources Management and the Working Group on Monitoring and Assessment