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China’s second supply chain expo boosts green development: WBCSD President & CEO Peter Bakker

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23 Jan, 2025

This post was originally published on WBCSD

The 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), held from November 26 to 30, was a beacon for global collaboration in industrial and supply chains. With a focus on six major chains—Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Smart Vehicles, Digital Technology, Healthy Living, and Green Agriculture—the Expo was a testament to the importance of fostering partnerships for a sustainable future. This comprehensive display highlighted key segments of the chains from upstream to downstream, fostering clustering and complementary advantages among large, medium, and small enterprises. Over 600 companies and institutions from nearly 70 countries and regions participated in the exhibition. Vice President of China, Han Zheng, attended and addressed the opening ceremony.

WBCSD President & CEO Peter Bakker highlighted China’s pivotal role in advancing green technologies that are crucial for decarbonizing economic and industrial processes. With China leading in clean energy, smart mobility, battery, and hydrogen technologies, Bakker emphasized the country’s potential to remain at the heart of the global industrial supply chain.

Without global supply chains, the world would be much different,” Bakker stated. “China, as a key link in many supply chains, is crucial for our continued cooperation. It’s also imperative that we work towards making supply chains greener; innovation and collaboration are key to achieving these goals. WBCSD will continue to promote green development with Chinese enterprises.

Peter Bakker, WBCSD President & CEO

Media Coverage

Peter Bakker Highlights:

CCTV: Without a global supply chain, the world would look very different. China plays a crucial role in many supply chains, so it’s clear that continuing to work together is essential. Read here.

CGTN: The U.S. is not the only country in the world. While the U.S.’s involvement is important, it will not determine the future of the planet. Read here.

China News: Peter Bakker emphasized at China’s Supply Chain Expo that China’s leadership in green technologies—like clean energy and hydrogen—can drive global decarbonization. He highlighted China’s investments in renewable energy and the importance of carbon accounting and a circular economy for sustainable supply chains. Bakker also stressed material reuse and innovation as opportunities for new jobs and sustainability improvements. Read here.


Dominic Waughray Highlights:

China News: Dominic Waughray highlighted China’s innovations in clean energy, batteries, and manufacturing as key to decarbonization. Waughray stressed that without China’s input, green technology costs would rise by 20%. He advocated for international cooperation, citing initiatives like the Belt and Road and partnerships with emerging markets to align green development with equitable growth and poverty reduction. Read here.

CRI Online (China Radio International): Dominic Waughray stated that the scale and diversity of domestic and international exhibitors participating in this year’s Chain Expo are immense, highlighting China’s pivotal role in the global supply chain. He pointed out that currently, enhancing the resilience of the global supply chain and deepening international cooperation in industrial and supply chains are becoming increasingly important. China’s innovative capabilities and technological level in the supply chain field are remarkable, and its active participation in global economic and trade cooperation has played a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the global supply chain. Read here.

The post China’s second supply chain expo boosts green development: WBCSD President & CEO Peter Bakker first appeared on WBCSD.

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Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Embedding environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks

Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks has become essential as businesses increasingly prioritise sustainability. IT operations contribute significantly to carbon emissions, energy consumption and electronic waste (e-waste). Organisations that embed environmental responsibility into their IT governance can reduce their ecological footprint, improve operational efficiency and strengthen their brand reputation.

Erica Smith, chief alliance officer and environmental, social and governance lead, Blue Connections IT, said, “Environmental stewardship supports financial performance, risk mitigation and brand differentiation. With rising energy costs, increased consumer demand for sustainable products and services, and growing pressure from investors and regulators, companies can no longer afford to overlook their environmental responsibilities.

“Poor sustainability practices in IT can lead to high operational costs, supply chain risks and reputational damage. Conversely, a proactive approach improves efficiency, attracts environmentally conscious customers and helps future-proof businesses against evolving policy and regulatory changes.

“Integrating environmental responsibility into IT governance integrates sustainability initiatives into decision-making systematically. Organisations can reduce waste, lower energy consumption and extend the lifecycle of technology assets while positioning themselves as responsible leaders in an increasingly climate-aware market.”

There are four key areas that present opportunities to embed environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks.

1. Device lifecycle management

A structured approach to managing the lifecycle of IT assets ensures devices are deployed efficiently, maintained properly and retired responsibly at the end of their useful life. Embracing a circular economy model, where equipment is refurbished, reused or ethically recycled, can significantly reduce e-waste and resource use. Companies that adopt this approach lower their environmental impact and unlock financial value by extending the lifecycle of IT assets.

Smith said, “Effective asset recovery strategies further support sustainability efforts. Integrating secure data erasure and refurbishment into IT governance policies lets businesses repurpose functional devices within the organisation or resell them to external buyers. Responsible e-waste recycling also supports companies to process materials ethically in instances where resale is not viable, reducing landfill contributions and preventing environmental contamination. The adoption of industry-certified data sanitisation methods also safeguards compliance with security and privacy regulations.”

2. Sustainable procurement

IT governance frameworks should prioritise the selection of technology vendors and partners committed to sustainable manufacturing, responsible sourcing and energy-efficient product design. This includes favouring IT hardware with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled materials and using minimal packaging. Additionally, employing Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) models optimises IT asset utilisation while reducing upfront investment and unnecessary hardware purchases.

Partnerships with sustainability-driven IT service providers can further enhance an organisation’s environmental impact. Working with partners that offer end-to-end IT asset management solutions, encompassing secure device deployment, certified data sanitisation and ethical recycling, simplifies the process of aligning IT operations with sustainability goals. Companies that prioritise environmental stewardship in their IT governance framework gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to responsible business practices.

3. Energy consumption

Data centres, cloud services and enterprise networks require substantial energy resources, making green IT practices essential. IT governance frameworks should include policies to reduce consumption by optimising server efficiency, reducing redundant infrastructure and using renewable energy sources. Cloud providers with strong sustainability credentials can support carbon reduction initiatives, while virtualisation strategies can consolidate workloads and improve overall energy efficiency.

4. Employee engagement

Educating staff on sustainable IT practices, such as energy-efficient device usage and responsible e-waste disposal, creates a culture of accountability. Organisations that implement green workplace initiatives, such as responsible end-of-life disposal programs, reinforce their commitment to sustainability at all levels.

“IT governance must also align with corporate environmental, social and governance commitments. Companies can contribute to broader sustainability objectives by embedding environmental stewardship into IT policies, such as net-zero emissions targets and responsible supply chain management. Clear reporting mechanisms and regular sustainability audits aid transparency, letting businesses track their progress and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders,” Smith said.

Government regulations and evolving industry standards are increasingly shaping the sustainability expectations for organisations. Aligning IT governance frameworks with best practices for environmental stewardship keeps companies ahead of regulatory requirements. Proactive adoption of sustainable IT practices positions businesses as industry leaders in environmental responsibility.

Smith said, “Integrating environmental stewardship into IT governance frameworks is not just about meeting compliance obligations; it’s about futureproofing company operations and prioritising the broader environment. Taking a proactive approach to sustainability lets organisations drive efficiency, reduce long-term costs and contribute to a healthier planet. Businesses that lead in sustainable IT governance will be well-positioned for long-term success as environmental concerns continue to shape consumer and corporate priorities.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Petmal

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