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October 2024 Newsletter Recap: Just Energy Transition

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02 Nov, 2024

This post was originally published on Climate Links

October 2024 Newsletter Recap: Just Energy Transition
jschoshinski
Thu, 10/31/2024 – 20:38

Did you miss the Climatelinks October newsletter? We’ve got you covered. Please find a recap of the October ‘Just Energy Transition’ theme below. You won’t want to miss this short list of top resources and blogs from the month. Subscribe to our newsletter today. Do you want to contribute to the Climatelinks community? Send us a resource, blog, or event.

Inclusive, gender-equitable, and participatory decision making are essential for a just energy transition. This includes assisting people, industries, employees, and countries to foster a just transition to climate-resilient livelihoods and employment. USAID programs and initiatives are helping the global economy transition to become low-carbon and resilient while producing positive environmental, social, and economic outcomes.

Fresh Blog Posts

Advancing Equity for Women and Underrepresented Groups in Energy and Transportation

When women are incorporated into transportation planning, systems are often safer, more affordable, and more efficient, with better routes and greater workforce opportunities. Similarly, when a diverse range of affected community members can give input on energy projects, outcomes improve and are more sustainable. The USAID-National Renewable Energy Laboratory Partnership recognizes this and is working to increase gender integration and participation from underrepresented groups.

Filling the Gap: A Framework for Ensuring a Just Energy Transition for Coal Communities

To date, just transition practices have often come from isolated, grassroots initiatives with limited guidance from past efforts, such as “best practice” resources or frameworks for success. A new resource from USAID, Arizona State University, and the United States Energy Association attempts to fill this gap by outlining key principles of a just transition and best practices to enhance outcomes of investments in decarbonization, specifically for coal workers and communities.

Editor’s Pick: Just Energy Transition Blogs

Advancing a just transition to a low-carbon economy is an important aspect of USAID’s 2022-2030 Climate Strategy. This roundup highlights blogs that showcase how USAID is catalyzing a just energy transition by supporting inclusive workplace policies, reducing air pollution, and more. 

New Resources

Just Energy Transition for Coal Communities: An Actionable Community-Based Framework

As decarbonization accelerates, this report seeks to lay out some guidance and best practices for facilitating a just energy transition, specifically for coal workers and communities. The action-based just transition framework consists of three stages: making the transition decision, identifying and engaging all stakeholders and planning the transition, and executing the transition and offering assistance during and after coal is phased out.

Just and Sustainable Mobility Transition in the Transport Sector: A Conceptual Framework and Gender Mainstreaming Case Studies

The rapid global shift towards low-carbon transport creates the opportunity to reimagine the world’s transport systems through a holistic and sustainable approach, shifting to low- and zero-carbon modes and offering wider access. This report from the USAID-National Renewable Energy Laboratory Partnership proposes a conceptual framework that may, in the long term, enable just and sustainable mobility transitions in the transport sector.

Tanzania Sustainable Landscapes Opportunity Analysis: Desk Review

This Sustainable Landscapes Opportunity Analysis, commissioned by USAID, provides an overview of options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land-based conservation, management, and restoration in Tanzania. Based on a review of peer-reviewed literature, articles, and reports, this analysis identifies several land-based climate mitigation options with the potential to mitigate the effects of climate change while providing benefits for people and nature.

Nature-Based Solutions for Agricultural Resilience Factsheet

Under the Nature-Based Solutions for Agricultural Resilience Window, the USAID Climate Finance for Development Accelerator (CFDA) will partner with the private sector to pilot or scale innovative models for financing both sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation in the countries where USAID works. CFDA anticipates issuing three or more grant awards at $500,000 each.

Climate Risk Management Spotlight

Evaluation of Climate Risk Management at USAID

This report presents results from the performance evaluation of climate risk management (CRM) at USAID. The evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach including a document review, an online survey of USAID staff, key informant interviews with USAID staff and implementing partners, group interviews with activity beneficiaries, and four country case studies. The evaluation found that CRM integration into the program cycle should be viewed as a longer-term process of institutional change.

Call for Content

Share your events and resources or write a blog related to an upcoming monthly theme! Check out our upcoming themes to see if your climate work aligns:

  • November: COP29—we’re especially looking for implementation stories about USAID initiatives announced at previous COPs!
  • 2024 Cross-cutting Themes: Systems Change and Locally Led Development

If your USAID-related climate change work relates to these themes, Climatelinks would love to feature your work and share your resources. Send us a resource or blog.

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Did you miss the Climatelinks October newsletter? Please find a recap of the October ‘Just Energy Transition’ theme.

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Thu, 10/31/2024 – 12:00

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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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