Latest news with #supplychains
Associated Press
19 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Sustainability Resource Hub: Strategies, Metrics, and Best Practices
The world is changing fast. Building resilience into your overall business strategy is key for continued growth. Investing in corporate sustainability has become a reliable source of competitive differentiation—yet many companies still struggle to quantify its value. This post provides a starting point for businesses to learn about sustainability and why it is crucial for long-term success. The Business Case for Sustainable Strategies Sustainability has substantial business benefits well beyond mitigating environmental impact. A comprehensive sustainability strategy can improve profitability, strengthen supply chains, and position businesses to meet investor, customer, and regulatory expectations head-on. Operational efficiency boosts profitability Sustainability initiatives often start as risk mitigation efforts but quickly reveal themselves as great drivers of efficiency. Take energy efficiency: businesses investing in advanced building automation and renewable energy integration are lowering operational expenses while reducing exposure to volatile energy markets. Investor expectations play a key role Capital markets are no longer neutral on sustainability. Institutional investors and lenders are evaluating businesses through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance metrics, and companies with weak sustainability strategies are seeing higher borrowing costs and diminished investor confidence. For C-suite leaders, the question is no longer if sustainability matters in financial performance, but how to maximize its impact. Risk management amidst shifting regulations Regulatory pressure on environmental performance is intensifying across industries, from carbon pricing mechanisms to supply chain due diligence laws. But compliance isn't the only concern—businesses that lag behind in sustainability commitments are losing ground to competitors that are proactively managing risks and adapting ahead of regulatory shifts. Beyond compliance, companies are also contending with increasing supply chain volatility. Extreme weather events, resource scarcity, and geopolitical instability are all creating material risks that sustainability-minded organizations are better equipped to navigate. The impact on brand reputation Customer and workforce expectations are evolving, and companies that fail to demonstrate authentic, measurable sustainability commitments are losing credibility. In B2B and B2C markets alike, procurement teams are prioritizing suppliers with clear environmental and social responsibility commitments, while employees are choosing employers that align with their values. The companies that lead on sustainability aren't just meeting expectations—they're setting the standards that others will follow. Related resource: Environmental Sustainability Meets Business Sustainability Core Sustainable Business Strategies Organizations that take a structured, data-driven approach to sustainability are better positioned to optimize operations and future-proof their business. Below are four key areas where sustainability delivers measurable impact. Optimizing resources through waste reduction Waste can be a serious financial liability. Companies that systematically reduce material waste, water consumption, and excess energy see the dual benefits of improving costs while mitigating supply chain risks. Circular economy principles are reshaping industries, with businesses designing waste out of their systems through closed-loop manufacturing, product take-back programs, and materials innovation. Supply chain sustainability and responsible sourcing A company's sustainability impact extends far beyond its own walls. Supply chain emissions (scope 3) often dwarf direct operational emissions, making procurement strategies a critical component of any sustainability plan. Businesses that actively engage suppliers on ESG performance are not only reducing environmental impact but also improving supplier reliability, lowering risks related to resource scarcity, and ensuring compliance with new and changing regulations. Implementing energy-efficient operations Energy costs and carbon reduction targets are pushing businesses to rethink their approach to power consumption. Companies investing in energy-efficient infrastructure, such as smart building systems, process automation, and heat recovery technologies, are seeing immediate returns in the form of lower utility bills and improved operational stability. Many are also shifting toward renewable energy, leveraging on-site solar and wind installations, power purchase agreements, and microgrids to stabilize costs and hedge against energy market volatility. Sustainable product design Sustainability is being engineered into products from the ground up. Companies are responding to regulatory shifts and consumer demand by prioritizing recyclable, biodegradable, and lower-carbon materials. Modular product designs, where components can be easily repaired or replaced, are reducing waste while unlocking new revenue models, such as product-as-a-service offerings. In sectors from packaging to electronics, organizations are redesigning products to meet end-of-life recovery goals, ensuring compliance with circular economy legislation, and differentiating themselves in increasingly sustainability-conscious markets. Related resources: Five Ways to Optimize Sustainability Across Global Facilities Legislation and Best Practices in Supply Chain Sustainability Measuring and Reporting Sustainability Performance Sustainability commitments are only as strong as the data behind them. Investors, regulators, and customers increasingly demand measurable, transparent reporting. Companies that integrate robust sustainability metrics into their business strategy gain a competitive edge by demonstrating that accountability. Establishing KPIs for sustainability goals Setting clear, quantifiable sustainability goals is essential for driving real impact. Leading organizations establish key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with business objectives and stakeholder expectations. These may include: The role of corporate sustainability reporting Sustainability reporting has evolved a great deal. Frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) are shaping how companies disclose environmental and social impacts. High-quality sustainability reports are: Related resource: Back to Basics: A Step-by-Step Guide for Preparing an Annual Sustainability Report Understanding ESG ratings and rankers Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings influence capital investment, brand perception, and stakeholder trust. However, the ESG rating landscape is complex, with different agencies using varying methodologies to assess corporate performance. Businesses aiming to improve their ESG scores must proactively engage with raters, ensure accurate data submission, and align their sustainability efforts with investor priorities. Understanding how these ratings impact financial performance, regulatory compliance, and competitive positioning is critical for long-term success. Related resources: A Guide for Preparing an Annual Sustainability Report ESG vs. CSR: Key Differences & What Businesses Need to Know Understanding ESG Raters, Rankers & Corporate Sustainability Resources for Sustainability Leaders Whether you're shaping corporate sustainability strategy, navigating ESG regulations, or seeking innovative solutions, staying informed and up to date on the latest developments is key. Below is a curated selection of books, podcasts, and conferences that provide expert insights, practical guidance, and global perspectives on sustainability. Top books on sustainability and ESG For executives and sustainability professionals looking to refine their strategies, these books offer research-backed insights and actionable frameworks: Leaving Planet Simple: Embracing Sustainability, ESG, and Resilience to Transform Your Business by Dr. Alex Gold Dr. Alex Gold challenges business leaders to embrace a resilience mindset. Drawing from his expertise in resilience science and corporate strategy, he explores how businesses can thrive by recognizing their role within interconnected ecosystems rather than operating in isolation. A compelling guide for leaders looking to embed sustainability and ESG into long-term success. Where to Find It: | Amazon Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse by Dave Goulson Biologist Dave Goulson sounds the alarm on the devastating decline of insect populations and what it means for the planet. Through accessible storytelling and rigorous research, he connects biodiversity loss to climate change and food security, highlighting the dangers of pesticide overuse while offering solutions to restore balance. A must-read for those concerned about the future of our ecosystems. Where to Find It: | Amazon Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard by Douglas W. Tallamy Douglas W. Tallamy presents a powerful grassroots approach to conservation, showing how homeowners can turn their yards into vital wildlife habitats. By planting native species, individuals can play a direct role in biodiversity restoration—without waiting for government action. Practical, inspiring, and full of actionable steps, this book makes conservation feel personal and achievable. Where to Find It: | Amazon Explore more must-read ESG and sustainability books. Podcasts: Sustainability Insights from Industry Experts Podcasts provide a convenient way to stay informed on sustainability trends, regulatory shifts, and corporate best practices. Recommended listens include: GreenBiz 350 Sustainability news, industry insights, and expert analysis—delivered with wit and clarity by GreenBiz veterans Joel Makower and Heather Clancy. This weekly podcast unpacks the latest trends shaping the future of sustainable business. Available On: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud ESG in Conversation Stay ahead of the ESG curve with expert-driven discussions on sustainability risks, investment opportunities, and corporate responsibility. Each episode breaks down the latest research and insights shaping business, finance, and global markets. Available On: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Sustainability Defined Sustainability can be complex—this podcast makes it clear. Hosts Jay Siegel and Scott Breen tackle key sustainability topics with expert guests, making the issues (and solutions) easy to understand for pros and newcomers alike. Available On: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify Find more top sustainability podcasts here. Conferences to consider Attending industry conferences and following key sustainability voices helps leaders stay ahead of trends, connect with peers, and gain insights into the future of corporate sustainability. Top Conferences: Reuters Responsible Business USA 2025Sustainable Brands: SB'25FORUM25: NAEM EHS & Sustainability Management Forum See more must-attend sustainability conferences Sustainability leadership requires continuous learning. Bookmark this page to help stay ahead of industry shifts as you refine your sustainability strategies. Discover how Antea Group's Sustainability Consulting services can empower your business. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Antea Group
BBC News
21 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Brexit: New schemes to secure veterinary medicine supplies to NI
Two new schemes to help guarantee the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland are to be introduced by the UK 2026, the supply of those medicines will be covered by EU rather than UK rules, a requirement of Northern Ireland's Brexit led to concerns that many medicines could become unavailable in NI as they have traditionally been supplied from elsewhere in the government now believes the majority of medicines will remain available due to suppliers adapting their supply lines. What is covered by the schemes? Those remaining medicines which are at risk of withdrawal will be covered by the new schemes, allowing them to be supplied from Great a statement, the government said that out of about 3,000 products licensed for supply in Northern Ireland, its "current expectation is that there will be very limited disruption, with fewer than 20 products due to face discontinuation that we consider are likely to result in significant adverse impacts if not addressed".The main measure to address those impacts is the Veterinary Medicine Internal Market Scheme under which vets can order medicines from GB if it is impractical to get them from the can also hold stocks of products made available under that scheme rather than having to order them for each patient. The government said vets would be able to buy a limited amount of products under the scheme pre-emptively where, in their professional judgment, the products may become necessary in the course of their treatment of specific new arrangements are not a negotiated outcome with the EU, rather they are unilateral actions taken by the it is understood the EU has been kept aware of what the UK was developing and that the new schemes are compliant with EU Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said the government was confident that Northern Ireland would continue to have access to the veterinary medicines necessary to protect the health and welfare of said further guidance would be issued "in due course" and the government would continue to "monitor emerging risks to animal health and veterinary medicine availability". "Intensive engagement will continue through 2025 and beyond to address any gaps," he added.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump's Envoy to China Calls Out Threat of Foreign Supply Chains
(Bloomberg) -- The US wants to revamp its trading relationship with China and the world by bringing many critical supply chains back onshore, the American ambassador to Beijing said. Security Concerns Hit Some of the World's 'Most Livable Cities' JFK AirTrain Cuts Fares 50% This Summer to Lure Riders Off Roads How E-Scooters Conquered (Most of) Europe Taser-Maker Axon Triggers a NIMBY Backlash in its Hometown NYC Congestion Toll Cuts Manhattan Gridlock by 25%, RPA Reports 'Unfettered globalization has increasingly created single-source supply chain vulnerabilities,' David Perdue, who assumed his post last month, told a dinner in Washington on Thursday. 'We have all witnessed the extent to which our businesses have become overly dependent on China for components, inputs, intermediate goods and even entire supply chains,' he said, adding that American leaders had been 'blind to the hollowing out of many US strategic industries.' The assessment echoes criticism by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said at the recent Group of Seven meeting that the world is experiencing a new 'China Shock.' Her accusation, which drew a sharp retort from Beijing, took aim at what von der Leyen characterized as China's use of its quasi-monopoly over some sectors as both a bargaining chip and a weapon to undermine competition. Perdue took a more measured view, noting in his comments that President Donald Trump doesn't blame China for pursuing its own national interest. 'President Trump's vision is to have a trading relationship with China that is based on reciprocity, fairness and respect — one in which the United States puts the American people first, just as China does for its own people,' he said via a video message to the annual dinner of the US-China Business Council. In earlier remarks at the same event, China's ambassador to the US, Xie Feng, made a case for America to become a partner and not a rival to his country, calling for the removal of still 'unreasonably high' tariffs imposed by Trump. Xie also argued that the trading relationship between China and the US was a 'two-way street,' and neither side was getting ripped off. While the US had a goods trade deficit with China, American companies generated a lot of revenue in China, which in turn ran a shortfall in its services trade with the US. For Perdue, however, the lopsided commerce between the world's two biggest economies can't go on as before. 'We must remedy the current imbalance in our relationship,' he said. 'If the United States is to pursue its own national interest in global trade while ensuring the dollar's place as world's reserve currency, then our economy cannot be so dependent on foreign supply chains that can be severed at any moment.' Ken Griffin on Trump, Harvard and Why Novice Investors Won't Beat the Pros Is Mark Cuban the Loudmouth Billionaire that Democrats Need for 2028? How a Tiny Middleman Could Access Two-Factor Login Codes From Tech Giants The US Has More Copper Than China But No Way to Refine All of It Can 'MAMUWT' Be to Musk What 'TACO' Is to Trump? ©2025 Bloomberg L.P. Sign in to access your portfolio
Bloomberg
a day ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Trump's Envoy to China Calls Out Threat of Foreign Supply Chains
The US wants to revamp its trading relationship with China and the world by bringing many critical supply chains back onshore, the American ambassador to Beijing said. 'Unfettered globalization has increasingly created single-source supply chain vulnerabilities,' David Perdue, who assumed his post last month, told a dinner in Washington on Thursday.
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Rejigging Asean supply chains will hurt but won't kill, says S'pore economist
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy dean Danny Quah said the global economic landscape was no longer overwhelmed by any single power. KUALA LUMPUR : A senior economist from Singapore has called on Asean to rejig its supply chains to navigate a new global landscape marked by rising economic protectionism, particularly by the US. Danny Quah, dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, said Asean urgently needed to adapt to the new economic landscape and focus on building resilience and a robust internal market. 'The US has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, and it will probably continue to do that (with other international pacts),' he said at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable here today. The conference, organised annually by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, brings together experts from across Asia-Pacific to discuss key issues impacting the region. Quah said that while the US remained important, its share of Chinese trade had almost halved from 25% to 13% over the span of two decades, showing that the global economic landscape was no longer overwhelmed by any single power. 'We are already looking at a world without the US (as the sole dominant economic force). We need to prepare for it. 'We need to consider what policy is going to work best for the new US-protectionist landscape. We need to remember that while the US is important, it no longer overwhelms the landscape. 'We should rewire our supply chains and carry on. It will hurt, but it will not kill us.' Deputy investment, trade and industry minister Liew Chin Tong agreed with Quah and suggested that Asean set up a development fund of its own to acquire excess production capacity in various sectors, including manufacturing. He pointed out that the world was shifting from one that was unipolar, with the US no longer dominating the global economy. 'Instead, we are moving to a multipolar world, with Asean and the EU as a middle ground. It is increasingly apparent that tariffs will be a part of the new world order, especially with the steel industry,' Liew said. 'It is not enough to consider moving supply chains to Southeast Asia to continue exporting to the US. The Trump administration will set goalposts and change them at the last minute. We should think about the long-term and re-wire the way we think about trade. 'Asean cannot just be about free trade agreements. We should start thinking about an Asean Fund to buy excess production capacity.'
