Material Guide: Can Polyurethane Ever Be Sustainable?
Polyurethane is often used as a fabric coating to improve durability and has been touted as an alternative to animal-derived leather—but it is a plastic, and it has serious implications for the planet. Here, we explore what polyurethane is and whether it can ever be considered sustainable. What is polyurethane and how is it used […]
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WMRR talks about recycled materials during National Recycling Week
The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) is using National Recycling Week 2024 (11–17 November 2024) to encourage the community and business to actively choose to buy Australian recycled materials.
WMRR CEO Gayle Sloan said: “Recycling plays a vital role in protecting the environment, reducing the strain on the planet’s natural resources and cutting carbon emissions. Whilst the ideal is we do not create waste, the reality is we do. Of all the waste generated in Australia, 63% of it is recovered.
“Recycling does not stop at placing material in the correct bin. It starts and continues at the shelf with what we buy and keep buying, using, sharing and repairing,” Sloan said.
WMRR encourages the community, business and government to actively think about what they buy and how they can use less for longer.
“We must extend the life of materials by keeping them circulating for longer and valuing them in the same way we value new. Recycling the planet’s valuable resources and reducing demand on virgin materials and reducing emissions must always be the goal,” Sloan said.
Image credit: iStock.com/EyeEm Mobile GmbH
My Brain Took an Extended Vacation: Ben Zank Playfully Twists the Banal
When words can’t quite sum up a feeling, Ben Zank leans into a bizarre visual language.
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article My Brain Took an Extended Vacation: Ben Zank Playfully Twists the Banal appeared first on Colossal.
How to navigate Australia’s new climate regulations
Australia’s new climate reporting requirements are fast approaching, and for many businesses, the time to act is now. These rules demand more than just ticking boxes — they push organisations to think differently about their role in tackling climate change. Whether you’re just starting or refining your strategy, understanding how to navigate the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS) will be key to staying ahead.
Here’s how your business can prepare and make the most of these changes.
From compliance to opportunity
Initially, these standards might seem like a compliance headache. But think of it like preparing for a marathon. You wouldn’t wait until the last minute to start training. Similarly, aligning with these regulations requires a steady build-up, and the benefits extend far beyond simply meeting deadlines.
Enterprise Performance Management (EPM): beyond financials
EPM has traditionally focused on financial metrics, but that’s no longer enough. Today, sustainability, diversity and stakeholder engagement are equally important. For CFOs, this means embedding climate and ESG goals into strategic planning. Think of it as a new way to gauge your organisation’s health and resilience.
Rethinking risk management
Risk management traditionally focuses on immediate threats like market volatility or cyber risks. Climate risk adds a new dimension.
ERM must now incorporate climate risks and ESG factors, from carbon emissions to resource scarcity. Social and governance considerations, like diversity and ethical practices, also play a pivotal role.
Climate risks are not future problems — they’re already here. Embedding them into your risk assessments is crucial for resilience.
The carbon accounting shift
Reporting on Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions is a central part of the ASRS. Relying on manual spreadsheets is like using a sundial in the digital age. Automated systems provide precise, financial-grade reporting, which not only ensures accuracy but also supports better decision-making.
This isn’t about tech for tech’s sake and automation is more than a buzzword here. It’s about making carbon accounting manageable and actionable.
Data foundations
Reliable climate reporting starts with solid data. But let’s face it, data is often messy.
Robust climate reporting hinges on data that is FAIR — findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. Imagine knowing not only your total emissions but being able to pinpoint the biggest contributors. This framework ensures data integrity and enhances transparency, enabling reliable financial and non-financial reporting.
Supply chain management
Managing the extended supply chain is now more critical than ever. Reducing Scope 3 emissions involves considering both upstream and downstream impacts. A holistic view of your supply chain will drive comprehensive carbon reduction and support broader sustainability objectives.
Five steps to get started
Preparing for the ASRS doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are five actionable steps to ensure your business is ready:
Assess gaps: identify where your business falls short of the new climate regulations. This will clarify the scope of necessary changes and help prioritise efforts.
Evaluate materiality: conduct a materiality assessment to pinpoint the most significant climate-related risks and opportunities for your business and stakeholders.
Review data and technology: examine your current systems. Leveraging existing technology while addressing gaps will streamline the transition and minimise disruptions.
Set a carbon baseline: establishing your carbon footprint is a vital first step in planning your decarbonisation strategy. It provides a benchmark for tracking progress and setting future goals.
Model climate scenarios: analyse potential risks and opportunities under different warming scenarios, such as 1.5 and 2.5°C, to guide strategic decision-making.
Preparing for the future
The ASRS is more than a regulatory requirement — it’s a chance to future-proof your business. By embedding sustainability into your operations now, you’ll not only meet compliance deadlines but also position your organisation for long-term success.
In the coming weeks, we’ll delve deeper into each of these steps, offering practical insights and strategies to help your business navigate this new landscape. Remember, this isn’t just about compliance. It’s about leading in a world where sustainability is non-negotiable.
Thierry Lotrian is CEO of Climate & Decisions, specialising in helping organisations navigate climate regulations through data and AI technologies.
Top image credit: iStock.com/VectorMine
