Greenwashing

"Cracking Down on Misleading Eco-Friendly Claims: Global Efforts to Combat Deceptive Environmental Marketing"

Amundi introduces Article 8 global fixed income strategy
Amundi has introduced the Quantitative Global Absolute Return Bond strategy, which invests across all fixed income asset classes to generate positive returns in any market scenario. The fund will primarily invest in highly liquid derivatives, with cash allocated to money markets and high-quality short-term bonds. To ensure diversity, Amundi will focus on factors like beta, carry, and momentum, which are believed to be uncorrelated over the long term. The strategy, classified as Article 8 under SFDR regulations, aims to achieve an ESG score above its investment universe. Lionel Pigeon, with over 13 years of experience at Amundi, will manage the fund. He has been a portfolio manager for Amundi s absolute return strategy since 2016. The fund targets investors seeking to reduce risk in their portfolios or complement a benchmarked fixed income portfolio. Registered in the UK, Luxembourg, and France, Amundi plans to expand the strategy across Europe. Grégoire Pesquès, CIO of global fixed income and head of aggregate strategies, expressed satisfaction in offering investors a strategy that can quickly and effectively manage risks while capitalizing on opportunities presented by current market conditions.
Source: portfolio-adviser.com
Published on 2024-10-02

Azerbaijan is using Cop29 to peacewash its global image
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Source: irishexaminer.com
Published on 2024-10-02

Baker Baker Selects TraceGains Best - In - Class Supplier Management Ecosystem To Drive Efficiency Save Time And Minimise Risk
Baker & Baker, a prominent bakery products manufacturer, has partnered with TraceGains to automate and streamline its supplier operations. TraceGains, a leading provider of compliance, quality, ESG, and product innovation solutions in the food and beverage industry, offers Baker & Baker a real-time holistic view of suppliers, items, and documentation. This solution addresses the challenges Baker & Baker faced with manual processes and labor-intensive methods for managing its network of almost 1,000 ingredient suppliers. The adoption of TraceGains has enabled Baker & Baker to gain real-time visibility into operations, streamline processes, and enhance efficiency. The company can now access integrated 3rd party ESG data and information at the ingredient and supply location layers, directly mapped to their unique suppliers. This has allowed Baker & Baker to complete supplier approvals more efficiently, reducing approval time from weeks to hours, saving valuable resources, time, and money. TraceGains Horizon Scanning Global provides real-time monitoring and automatic alerts mapped directly to Baker & Baker s supply chain, drawing from thousands of data sources across 170,000 suppliers worldwide. This enriched risk assessment is crucial for maintaining the highest standard in quality and safety. The partnership between Baker & Baker and TraceGains supports Baker & Baker s commitment to efficiency and innovation in the bakery industry. The agile and data-driven approach to supply chain management helps the company proactively manage risks and stay ahead in the ever-evolving industry. TraceGains, with over 1,200 global clients and a network of 85,000 supplier locations and a robust database of 550,000 ingredients, serves the needs of Product Development, Compliance, and ESG. Baker & Baker, a leading supplier of bakery products, is dedicated to delighting customers and consumers with innovative products and high-quality service. The company serves customers in the retail, food service, and artisan channels under a portfolio of trusted brands. For more information about TraceGains, visit their website.
Source: supplychainmarket.com
Published on 2024-10-02

Beeja House Launches the 100 book FORUM series by IIT Alumni Council with Accelerate your journey on Climate Resilience
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Source: business-standard.com
Published on 2024-10-02

Bunker Hill Mining Announces Appointment of Kelli Kast as Director and Chair of the Board Corporate Governance , Nominating and Compensation Committee
Bunker Hill Mining Corp. (TSX-V:BNKR) has announced the immediate appointment of Kelli Kast to its Board of Directors. Kast, a senior natural resource legal professional with over 30 years of experience, will serve as the Chair of the Board’s Corporate Governance, Nominating, and Compensation Committee. She brings a wealth of experience from her roles at Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, and Rare Element Resources Ltd. Richard Williams, Executive Chairman, expressed excitement about Kast s expertise in governance, legal and government affairs, ESG, and corporate leadership. Kast s appointment comes as Bunker Hill aims to restart and develop the Bunker Hill Mine, a key step in consolidating and optimizing several mining assets into a high-value portfolio of operations initially centered in North America. The company s information can be found on its website or within the SEDAR+ and EDGAR databases. The news release cautions that certain statements are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. These include Bunker Hill s ability to secure sufficient project financing, future metal prices, and the stability of financial and capital markets. The company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information. The company also reminds readers that the risks and uncertainties mentioned are not exhaustive and additional information can be found in the company s annual report. The news release is subject to regulatory approval and does not guarantee the achievement of project finance initiatives or the actual size or terms of those financing initiatives.
Source: juniorminingnetwork.com
Published on 2024-10-02

CIMB partners with Credit Guarantee Corporation to offer RM1 . 5 bln scheme for SMEs
CIMB Bank and CIMB Islamic Bank have announced a strategic partnership with Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC) to inject an additional RM1.5 billion into a portfolio guarantee scheme aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. This initiative brings CIMB s total working capital financing for SMEs to RM6.5 billion, with a focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) adoption, digitalisation, and investment in strategic technologies. The agreement was signed by CIMB Bank s head of SME banking, group commercial banking, Jaya Balan Kathiravalu, and CGC s chief business officer Sean Tan. The event was witnessed by CIMB Group s CEO Novan Amirudin, CGC s CEO Datuk Mohd Zamree Mohd Ishak, and CIMB Group s co-CEO Lawrence Loh. This partnership marks a decade of collaboration between CIMB and CGC in supporting SME development. CIMB s RM6.5 billion financing initiative aligns with the bank s broader commitment to support SME growth, with a target to surpass RM50 billion in SME financing by the end of 2024. Since 2019, CIMB has held an 11% market share in Malaysia s SME sector. Novan emphasized the importance of SMEs embracing digitalisation and automation, focusing on talent development and ESG principles to remain competitive, particularly in capitalizing on foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities. Mohd Zamree highlighted the longstanding relationship between CIMB and CGC, noting the successful financing of RM5.22 billion through 36 tranches since their partnership began in 2014. In addition to financing, CIMB has introduced educational and enabling programs, such as CIMB SMEBizReady, MicroBizReady, and iTEKAD CIMB Islamic Rider Entrepreneur Programme. These initiatives provide SMEs with guidance
Source: theborneopost.com
Published on 2024-10-02

Competition Act changes leave lingering risks for greenwashing , Quebec researchers say
New research from the Quebec Environmental Law Centre highlights the risks of greenwashing in Canada s climate-conscious finance and ESG sectors, despite recent changes to the federal Competition Act aimed at preventing false environmental claims. The legislation, which could impose financial penalties on companies whose green assertions fail to withstand scrutiny, leaves significant gaps in regulation, particularly in areas where compliance is mandatory. The act s shortcomings are exacerbated by the simultaneous development of voluntary guidelines for environmental disclosure by various self-governing and regulatory organizations. This lack of a central authority has led to confusion among investors, who may be misled by inaccurate assumptions about a company s overall environmental impact. Lead author Julien Beaulieu emphasizes the need for a unified set of mandatory standards to avoid confusion and ensure transparency. Efforts to adapt international guidelines for climate and sustainability reporting to the domestic economy are underway, and the federal government is studying a draft green and transitionary taxonomy to certify investments environmental standards. Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, has criticized Canada s piecemeal approach to climate-related finance. The Business Council of Alberta has also expressed concerns about the legislation, warning that it could lead to years of legal judgments and restrict companies from discussing their environmental actions and aspirations. The report recommends regulating new products and services such as voluntary carbon offsets, green and sustainability-linked bonds, and ESG ratings services. It also calls for strengthening labelling standards for investments and improved professional qualifications for financial advisers to better educate retail investors on the topic. In conclusion, while the federal Competition Act aims to prevent greenwashing, there are still significant risks for investors due to the lack of detailed rules and regulation in Canada s climate-conscious finance and ESG sectors. A unified set of mandatory standards, improved disclosure guidelines, and enhanced professional qualifications for financial advisers are necessary to address these issues and ensure transparency in the market.
Source: theglobeandmail.com
Published on 2024-10-02

Cushman : Minimum wage increases have been having highest impact on office occupancy costs
The occupancy costs in Bucharest have risen by around 10% in the past two years, primarily due to increased operational costs and rent indexations amidst high inflation. The main factors influencing these operational costs include the rise in minimum wage and the return of employees to offices. Smaller office buildings have seen a more significant increase compared to larger ones, which benefit from economies of scale. Operational costs, which are added to the rent, consist of property tax, technical maintenance, insurance, cleaning services, security, internet services, and property management. Property taxes often account for up to 50% of the total operating expenses. The increase in waste disposal, driven by higher building occupancy rates, has also contributed to the rise in operational costs. To manage these costs effectively, the Cushman & Wakefield Echinox Asset Services team has implemented measures such as monitoring and controlling utilities consumption, ensuring efficient waste collection, and regularly assessing supplier performance. Simple methods like tracking weather forecasts, public holidays, and employee presence in the office can also help optimize costs. By adhering to preventative maintenance schedules, long-term cost savings can be achieved by reducing repair expenses, avoiding premature equipment replacement, and minimizing tenant disruption. The company manages 14 real estate projects with a total area of over 450,000 sq. m and a market value nearing €500 million nationwide, serving 150 tenants from various industries. In Bucharest, the company oversees several iconic office buildings, with operational budgets exceeding €9.5 million. In summary, the increase in occupancy costs in Bucharest is driven by factors such as higher minimum wage, increased office occupancy rates, and inflation. Property managers face the challenge of maintaining competitive costs while meeting tenants needs and ensuring quality standards. The Cushman & Wakefield Echinox Asset Services team has implemented various measures to optimize costs and support tenants ESG objectives.
Source: business-review.eu
Published on 2024-10-02

DAABON Launches World First Carbon Neutral Palm Oil
DAABON UK, a subsidiary of the global sustainable agriculture leader DAABON Group, has introduced the world s first carbon-neutral organic palm oil. This innovative product not only meets the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) but also sets a new standard for sustainability in the palm oil industry. The carbon-neutral organic palm oil has a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) CO2eq of -977kg per tonne, significantly lower than industry averages. The palm oil, produced at DAABON s CI Tequendama SAS mill in Colombia, is certified sustainable and complies with the ISO 14067 standard. The company s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by its various accreditations, including RSPO, Fair Trade, Regenerative Organic Certification, Organic Certification, and Non-GMO Project. DAABON s carbon-neutral palm oil aims to help customers reduce their Scope 3 carbon emissions and drive sustainability improvements. The company plans to replicate this achievement at its other refinery and eventually make all its palm oil carbon-negative and climate-positive. As a signatory of The Climate Pledge, DAABON is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. The company has also been recognized as the most transparent palm oil producer in the world by SPOTT for its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies. DAABON s carbon-neutral organic palm oil is now available, and more information can be found on their website (https://www.daabonuk.com/). The DAABON Group, founded in 1914, employs over 2,500 people and has offices across five continents. In summary, DAABON UK s carbon-neutral organic palm oil represents a significant step forward in sustainable agriculture, setting a new standard for the industry and demonstrating the company s commitment to combating climate change and promoting sustainability.
Source: pressreleases.responsesource.com
Published on 2024-10-02

Dutch Crack Down on Cruise Industry Greenwashing
MSC Cruises, a subsidiary of the shipping company MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA, has been instructed by the Dutch Advertising Code Committee to remove certain green claims from its advertisements in the Netherlands. The committee s verdict came after Dutch environmental campaigners accused the cruise operator of greenwashing. The company is now prohibited from stating that it is making progress towards net-zero emissions by 2050 and that liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a clean shipping fuel. Additionally, MSC Cruises cannot claim that passengers can cruise responsibly or green with the company. The case was initiated by three Dutch action groups: Fossielvrij NL, Advocates for the Future, and Reclamejagers. Some of their concerns, such as a general restriction on cruise ads, were dismissed by the Dutch advertising body. MSC Cruises has already implemented most of the recommended changes. This incident is part of a broader trend in Europe, where regulators are adopting a stricter approach to suspected greenwashing in various industries. In the UK, the advertising regulator took over 20 enforcement actions against greenwashing in the previous year, targeting airlines, banks, and automakers. Earlier this year, an Amsterdam court ruled that Dutch airline KLM misled customers through advertisements that falsely suggested its flights were climate-friendly. Cruise operators have been transitioning from oil-based fuel to LNG, promoting it as a more environmentally friendly option. However, environmental activists have raised concerns that this change could have a negative short-term impact on the climate. This case highlights the growing scrutiny on green claims and the need for companies to ensure their advertising accurately reflects their environmental efforts.
Source: gcaptain.com
Published on 2024-10-02

Energy & Sustainability Litigation Updates October 2024 | Mintz - Energy & Sustainability Viewpoints
The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) has disbanded its Climate & ESG Task Force, which was established in March 2021 during the Biden administration. Despite the task force s relatively few enforcement actions over the past three-and-a-half years, it pursued high-profile cases against various entities, including asset managers and mining companies. The SEC also focused on ESG-related activities, such as greenwashing, without involving this task force. In California, Governor Newsom s proposal to delay the implementation of recently enacted climate disclosure laws was rejected by the California Legislature. Instead, S.B. 219 was passed, granting the state agency an additional six months to adopt the regulations but not extending the compliance deadline for companies. Governor Newsom has not yet signed this legislation, and the laws are currently being challenged in court. Recent greenwashing litigation has primarily targeted the consumer products sector. A private plaintiff filed a consumer protection lawsuit against Tyson Foods, alleging misrepresentations about climate-smart beef. Additionally, the SEC filed an enforcement action against a coffee machine manufacturer for false statements about the recyclability of coffee pods. These cases highlight the ongoing focus on consumer products in greenwashing litigation and suggest that more lawsuits or enforcement actions may be forthcoming against similar companies. In summary, the SEC s disbandment of the Climate & ESG Task Force may not significantly impact ESG enforcement, while California s legislative response to the climate disclosure laws and recent greenwashing litigation demonstrate the continued attention to environmental issues in the consumer products sector.
Source: jdsupra.com
Published on 2024-10-02

European Commission Opens Infringement Procedures Regarding Sustainability Reporting Rules | Latham & Watkins LLP
The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) took effect in 2024, mandating sustainability reporting by a first set of companies in 2025. The deadline for Member States to transpose the Directive into national law was July 6, 2024. However, on September 26, 2024, the European Commission (EC) adopted a package of infringement decisions for untimely transposition of certain EU Directives, including the CSRD. The EC can take legal action against EU countries that fail to implement EU law. The CSRD, which amends the existing Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), broadens the scope and depth of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) information that must be reported. It requires detailed disclosures on ESG impacts, risks, and opportunities. The Directive applies to large companies, small and medium enterprises, and non-EU parent companies. The EC sent formal notice letters to 17 Member States that have not yet fully transposed the CSRD into national law, initiating the EU infringement procedure. While the EC s actions do not directly affect companies, they may expedite the CSRD implementation process in these Member States. Companies should monitor these developments as Member States might extend the scope of companies required to report under the CSRD or impose additional ESG reporting requirements. Member States now have until November 26, 2024, to respond and complete their transposition into national law. If they fail to do so, the EC may take further steps in the infringement procedure to ensure the CSRD s implementation. Latham & Watkins will continue to monitor developments relating to the CSRD and ESG reporting globally. ENDNOTES: The EC may take legal action against EU countries that fail to implement EU law. For more information on the formal procedure, see the provided link.
Source: jdsupra.com
Published on 2024-10-02

Ferguson Enterprises : 2024 ESG Report - MarketScreener
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Source: marketscreener.com
Published on 2024-10-02

FIDO AI Raises Series B Investment to Scale Its Innovative Water Management Technology
FIDO AI Ltd, a software company specializing in AI-led non-revenue water (NRW) reduction and water data insights, has secured Series B funding to scale its business. The investment round, led by CRH Ventures, the venture capital unit of CRH, a leading provider of building materials solutions, joins existing investors SKion Water GmbH, Emerald Technology Ventures, and others. The new funding will enable FIDO AI to accelerate its commercial success in global water management and corporate water stewardship, as well as pursue strategic opportunities in adjacent markets. CRH Ventures investment in FIDO AI aligns with CRH s focus on developing innovative and sustainable solutions for the built environment. The strategic partnership between FIDO AI and CRH is expected to position FIDO AI as a world leader in smart water resilience and stewardship across infrastructure build, maintenance, management, and sustainability reporting. FIDO AI s unique volumetric AI technology has become a leading solution in smart water management since its development in 2019. The technology provides unparalleled data insight on hidden water leaks and is increasingly used for broader watershed level management, including proactive maintenance and collaborative corporate water replenishment programs. FIDO AI is now used in five continents, with offices in the UK and the US. The company s AI technology can find leaks and other events on water pipeline networks in real-time and rank them by size for effective prioritization. The results are validated using volumetric water benefit accounting, a methodology for valuing water stewardship activities recognized by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS). Microsoft and other multinational companies are using FIDO Plus, FIDO AI s innovative corporate water stewardship model, as a key part of their global water stewardship programs. The volume of water saved through FIDO AI s technology contributes to water availability through watershed replenishment and can be claimed as a volumetric water benefit (VWB) against corporate environmental, social, and governance goals.
Source: marketscreener.com
Published on 2024-10-02

GenAI edges closer to enterprise maturity
Enterprise Strategy Group s research reveals that IT leaders are prioritizing generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) projects to enhance productivity and operational efficiency. Despite a 70% increase in investment over the past year, less than 10% of IT decision-makers have deployed GenAI in live environments, with only 8% in mature production. However, there has been a significant rise in early production (36%) and pilot projects (22%), indicating that over a quarter of IT executives are involved in GenAI initiatives. The IT department is the primary beneficiary of AI deployments, with GenAI being used in an average of 3.5 application areas. Software development is the top application, with 41% of respondents utilizing GenAI for tasks such as test script generation, troubleshooting, code reviews, and documentation. PwC has identified additional use cases, including automatic generation of user stories, acceptance criteria, test cases, and APIs. Other areas experiencing increased GenAI usage include research, IT operations (7% growth), and cybersecurity (6% growth). AI-driven automation is being employed to optimize cloud operations and enhance customer experiences, while GenAI s pattern recognition and natural language processing capabilities are being leveraged to strengthen cybersecurity defenses. Organizations with mature AI deployments are more likely to use GenAI for software development, IT operations, and finance. The survey also highlights the importance of using internal data to support GenAI initiatives, as 84% of IT leaders believe it is crucial for their organization to train its own models. Two-thirds of IT leaders use multiple LLMs for GenAI deployment, with 9% using five or more. In conclusion, while GenAI adoption is still in its early stages, IT leaders are recognizing its potential to improve productivity and operational efficiency. The focus is shifting towards early production and pilot projects, with a growing emphasis on using internal data to train customized GenAI models. This trend is expected to continue as organizations seek to harness the power of AI to drive innovation and enhance their competitive advantage.
Source: computerweekly.com
Published on 2024-10-02

Indian and U . S . Air Force leaders meet for 25th Executive Steering Group Meeting – Indian Defence Research Wing
Pacific Air Forces (PAF) Deputy Commander, Lt. Gen. Laura Lenderman, led a U.S. Airmen delegation to the 25th Executive Steering Group (ESG) Meeting with Indian Air Force (IAF) counterparts in New Delhi, India, from September 24-26. The annual meeting aimed to strengthen the longstanding bilateral partnership between the two nations air forces. During the meeting, leaders discussed force interoperability opportunities, knowledge exchanges, humanitarian aid efforts, and military exercise planning. Lt. Gen. Lenderman emphasized the importance of strong partnerships for PAF, highlighting the ESG as a foundational part of the ongoing collaborative efforts between the India and United States air forces. The close ties between the two nations working together to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region were also stressed. The ESG meeting was preceded by Tarang Shakti 24, India s largest multinational exercise, which took place at Jodhpur Air Force Station, Rajasthan, from August 29 to September 14. The IAF-led exercise involved 10 participating nations and 18 observers, fostering ties through 16 days of cooperative air missions and cultural exchange opportunities. The event aimed to improve multilateral integration among the participating countries. In summary, the 25th ESG Meeting and Tarang Shakti 24 exercise reinforced the strong partnership between the U.S. and Indian air forces, focusing on force interoperability, knowledge exchanges, humanitarian aid, and military exercise planning. These collaborations contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Source: idrw.org
Published on 2024-10-02

INSEAD Directors Forum - Rethinking the Growth Dilemmas in the
The INSEAD Directors Forum, set for November 15-16, 2024, at INSEAD Europe Campus, will explore the evolving role of boards amidst global changes. The event, hosted by the INSEAD Corporate Governance Centre, will focus on three key areas: understanding mega trends shaping businesses, evaluating growth pathways through innovation and partnerships, and rethinking board competencies, structures, and practices for long-term value creation. The forum aims to provide a platform for learning, group work, and networking with peers, academics, and experts. It will also celebrate newly certified directors from the International Directors Programme (IDP) with a special dinner at the Fontainebleau castle. In addition, the INSEAD Directors Network will hold its AGM on Saturday morning, November 16, inviting alumni club members to participate. The forum comes at a time when boards of directors are facing disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic shifts, rapid AI advancements, and urgent ESG concerns. The event seeks to equip directors with the necessary insights and strategies to navigate these challenges and drive effective governance for strategic growth and responsible stewardship. Participants can register now to gain continuous exchange and inspiring learning and networking opportunities.
Source: insead.edu
Published on 2024-10-02

KPMG International 2024 CEO Outlook shows confidence high , but pressure intensifying - Canadian Manufacturing
Canadian business leaders, while maintaining confidence in their three-year growth outlooks, are increasingly under pressure to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments and enhance productivity. According to KPMG International s 2024 CEO Outlook survey, 76% of CEOs from Canada s largest companies feel this pressure, with 76% confident in their growth prospects and the Canadian economy. Similarly, 86% of decision makers at small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Canada express confidence in their growth and the economy, but also feel the pressure for long-term prosperity. CEOs are actively seeking ways to improve productivity, optimize revenue, and leverage new technologies like generative AI. The top concerns for derailing their growth plans include operational risks, cybersecurity, and environmental/climate change. Cybersecurity is a top concern for both Canadian CEOs and SMBs, with SMBs also prioritizing emerging technologies and energy security. Economic uncertainty is a significant challenge for both Canadian CEOs (59%) and SMB leaders (31%), with growing protectionist attitudes in some markets also a concern. In response to scrutiny from stakeholders, regulators, and lawmakers, Canadian CEOs prioritize executing on their ESG strategy, with 50% feeling prepared to withstand potential scrutiny. In contrast, SMB leaders rank ESG as their fourth operational priority, with generative AI as their top concern. The skills shortage is a perennial concern for SMBs, with 84% expecting labor market shifts to impact their organizations. Only 28% of CEOs share similar concerns, but 79% agree on the importance of investing in skills development and lifelong learning within local communities to secure future talent. In summary, Canadian business leaders are confident in their growth prospects but face increasing pressure to meet ESG commitments and enhance productivity. Cybersecurity, economic uncertainty, and labor market shifts are among the top concerns, with a focus on implementing new technologies and investing in skills development to safeguard future success.
Source: canadianmanufacturing.com
Published on 2024-10-02

MET Group reaches partnership agreement with Celsius to build first MET LNG vessel
Swiss-based MET Group has entered a partnership with Celsius to construct its first LNG vessel, set to be delivered in 2027. This modern and efficient LNG carrier will be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu). The vessel will support MET Group s expanding LNG activities and align with its strategy to supply LNG to customers from various sources, including a recent agreement with Shell to purchase US LNG for a decade. MET Group boasts a diverse LNG import structure in Europe, with long-term regasification capacity bookings in Germany, Croatia, and Spain. The company has imported LNG into eight different Mediterranean countries, Northwest Europe, and the Nordic region. In 2023, MET Group delivered over 30 LNG cargoes to Europe. MET Group, an integrated European energy company headquartered in Switzerland, operates in natural gas and power markets. With subsidiaries in 15 countries, 30 national gas markets, and 39 international trading hubs, the company employs over 1,000 individuals from nearly 60 nationalities. MET has extensive experience in operating green and flexible energy assets, supporting the energy transition. Celsius Group, a leading ship owner and operator, focuses on sustainable, infrastructure-like investments and special opportunities within the maritime industry. The company has a modern fleet of over 40 vessels, including 20 ultra-efficient LNG carriers. Celsius Group actively promotes ESG through its Celsius Crew Welfare program. In summary, MET Group s partnership with Celsius aims to enhance its LNG supply capabilities, supporting its diverse import structure and commitment to sustainable energy. The new LNG vessel will be part of Celsius Group s modern fleet, further strengthening the collaboration between the two companies in the maritime industry.
Source: en.portnews.ru
Published on 2024-10-02

MSP Innovation Awards 2024 : All the winners
The MSP Innovation Awards 2024, hosted by CRN, took place on October 1, 2024, at the Sofitel London. The event celebrated the best and brightest in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) sector, highlighting outstanding achievements and innovation. Comedian Naomi Cooper entertained the attendees, ensuring a lively and memorable evening. The awards recognized MSPs and technology partners who demonstrated exceptional innovation, service delivery, and commitment to advancing the industry. The categories acknowledged individual and team successes, including technological advancements and exceptional service in the face of challenges. The winners of the MSP Innovation Awards 2024 were: Vendor categories: 1. Best Cybersecurity Offering for MSPs: Barracuda XDR for MSPs 2. Best MSP Partner Program: eSentire 3. Best Sustainability/ESG Initiative – Vendor: Riverbed Technology 4. Best Vendor Security Offering: Salt Communications (Highly commended: Kaseya) 5. Cloud Services Vendor of the Year: Nerdio MSP MSP categories: 1. Best Cybersecurity MSP: Performanta (Highly commended: SharkStriker) 2. Best Diversity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year – MSP: Stechad Ltd 3. Best MSP for Technical Support: Kascade 4. Best Place to Work: Opus Technology 5. Best Sustainability/ESG Initiative – MSP: Smart CT 6. MSP of the Year: Creative ITC 7. Next Generation MSP: Park Place Technologies – Immersion Cooling Technology 8. MSP of the Year: Auxilion The MSP Innovation Awards provided a platform for outstanding companies and individuals to be celebrated for their achievements, showcasing groundbreaking solutions and demonstrating the capacity to improve business efficiency, security, and service delivery. The event highlighted the growing competitiveness of the MSP sector and the importance of innovation and dedication to customer service. For more information,
Source: channelweb.co.uk
Published on 2024-10-02

Net Group to Develop an International ESG Tool
Net Group, in partnership with Estonia s Creditinfo, is developing an international sustainability tool to foster cross-border cooperation and assist companies in adhering to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The tool aims to promote sustainable practices, support stakeholder mapping, and impact assessment for small and medium-sized businesses in Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Joanna Annion, representing the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, highlighted the platform s role in helping companies align with the EU s sustainability objectives. The project, funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme, will be led by Net Group and Creditinfo, with a budget of 235,000 euros and a deadline of December 2025. Priit Kongo, Net Group s CEO, emphasized the platform s potential to help companies comply with new regulations and stay ahead of global sustainability trends. Elari Tammenurm, CEO of AS Creditinfo Estonia, and Reynir Smári Atlason, Director of Sustainability at Creditinfo Group, expressed their commitment to sharing their expertise from the Icelandic market to support the Baltic Sea region s companies in their sustainability efforts. The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote digital innovation and transformation in the region, involving various ministries, ICT associations, and organizations. The collaboration aims to make significant progress in the region s use and adaptation of reporting standards, ultimately creating long-term value for businesses and society.
Source: baltictimes.com
Published on 2024-10-02

Senior Officials Join CIFAL Shanghai Sustainability Training
Day four of the training program at UNITAR featured insightful sessions led by experts in various fields. Mr. Kjartan Sorenson, Senior Programme Specialist, provided a tutorial on UNITAR and UNCTAD s Digital Academy, which aims to equip civil servants with skills for implementing digital government systems. He highlighted the successful pilot project in Kenya, showcasing the delivery of e-government tools. Mr. Luca Dell-Oro, Senior Programme Specialist at UNOSAT, discussed the use of satellite imagery and geospatial technologies to enhance climate and disaster resilience. He emphasized the importance of earth observation technology, emergency mapping services, and space applications in building resilience against climate change and disasters. The final session of the day was delivered by Mr. Mejia, who focused on the role of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG), and Sustainable Development in decision-making processes. He stressed the significance of responsible innovation and science and technology in addressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and infrastructure development. To conclude the training program, participants engaged in a SWOT analysis led by Mr. Stephen Joyce, an Individual Contractor at UNITAR. The analysis aimed to identify internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats, related to Shanghai s efforts to become a globally influential Science and Technology Innovation hub. Overall, the training program provided valuable insights into the use of digital government systems, satellite imagery, and ESG principles in addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable growth. The participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of responsible innovation and science and technology in shaping the future of science and technology innovation hubs.
Source: miragenews.com
Published on 2024-10-02

The Best Choice For Business Leaders Is Social Change
Angelina Jolie announced a bipartisan update to the Violence Against Women Act at a news conference on Feb. 9, 2022. The Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Survey highlights the challenges businesses face in being socially responsible amidst a polarized political climate. The survey reveals varied public expectations on societal issues, with a majority desiring businesses to take a stand on climate change, diversity, equity, and mental health. However, businesses are cautious about alienating stakeholders and are hesitant to publicly endorse their initiatives. The survey also notes a decline in social progress in countries like the U.S., UK, Syria, and Venezuela. Despite this, businesses have the potential to be a force for good, with clear priorities from employees and consumers, such as ethical practices, quality healthcare benefits, mental health support, and flexible work arrangements. To navigate this complex landscape, businesses can focus on the social issues most important to their stakeholders, engage in Lobbying for Good to influence legal and regulatory contexts, and create opportunities for citizen engagement in co-creating solutions to social challenges. The report suggests that business leaders should ask questions, listen, and learn to determine a strategy. It emphasizes the importance of commitment to change beyond superficial measures, as businesses have the power to make a significant impact on societal issues. The future of corporate social responsibility lies in seizing the opportunity to address the concerns of employees and consumers, rather than reverting to a narrow focus on profit and legal compliance.
Source: forbes.com
Published on 2024-10-02

TNW Conference is coming back with a bang and 6 thrilling new themes
In 2025, Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary and hosts the 19th TNW Conference, featuring a diverse range of topics and themes. The conference, set in the heart of the city, will bring together startups, investors, executives, and policymakers. The event will focus on six main themes: Growth & Venture, AI & Deeptech, Sustainable Societies, Enterprise Innovation, Ecosystems, and Next-Gen Talent. Growth & Venture will cover strategies for scaling businesses, with a focus on case studies and trends impacting the industry. AI & Deeptech will delve into the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum, and robotics. Sustainable Societies will explore innovations in climate, energy, health, and agrifood industries. Enterprise Innovation will address challenges and opportunities for corporate innovators, while Ecosystems will examine the role of public-private partnerships in nurturing startups and regional development. Lastly, Next-Gen Talent will discuss the impact of HR tech and edtech on the future of work. The conference promises a mix of inspirational talks, networking opportunities, and festival vibes. Attendees can also benefit from a 30% discount on their pass by using the code TNWXMEDIA2025. Overall, the TNW Conference 2025 aims to build links between Dutch tech and the world, providing valuable insights and opportunities for participants in various sectors.
Source: thenextweb.com
Published on 2024-10-02