03/30/2021
By applying circular strategies, we can cut excessive material consumption and emissions. The Circularity Gap Report 2021 shows if we continue business-as-usual, we will emit 65 billion tonnes of GHGs (greenhouse gas) emissions in 2030. GHG emissions are directly linked to the way we extract, produce, and consume.
The report suggests if we change the way we produce and consume materials and double global circularity, we can make a big impact. Think reducing global emissions by 39% by 2032 and reducing total material footprint by 28% by 2032. We can also ensure we steer well below a 2-degree temperature rise.
In my book, Sustainable in a Circular World, I narrow in on this very topic citing what might happen if we don’t take the steps to move to a more circular economy.Today, this linear economy of take-make-waste, where we see material flow directly from resource extraction through manufacturing processes to landfills has reached its capacity. More specifically, environmentalists point to unsustainable assembly that depletes natural resources and consistently pollutes the environment. While the goal of a circular economy is based on reducing the load, reuses, and redeveloping resources through a renewable process.We are hearing over and over again we are on the precipice of failure unless we act now. We are within a decade of pure carbon collapse unless we heed the global warnings of the scientists. And what’s more, the United States is the second largest culprit of CO2 emissions, trailing only China.
According to the Circularity Gap Report, the upward trend in resource extraction and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions still flows in the wrong direction. Simply meaning it is only at 8.6% circular. And that means the gap is not narrowing. Interestingly, two years ago it was at 9.1% circular. Things are clearly going in the wrong direction. No surprise there when you think about how we consume things in this world. So, guess what? There is a lot of work to be done, especially if there’s any hope of achieving climate change and reducing current levels of 1.5° Celsius (2.7° Fahrenheit). Perhaps the bigger question is whether we can even consider reaching the aforementioned goals if we can’t get individuals, companies, and countries all on the same page?
The good news is we are making some very big moves in the right direction. Will it be enough to double global circularity to make the impact we need to restore the ecosystem? The Circularity Report has made some good points, but we need to move faster, sharper, and all row together. Time will tell.
Want to tweet about this article? Use hashtags #IoT #sustainability #AI #5G #cloud #edge #futureofwork #digitaltransformation #green #ecosystem #environmental #circularworld #circularity
03/23/2021
From our cities to our homes, technologies can help make our buildings more energy efficient and green. A new report from Guidehouse Insights analyzes the global market for residential LED, non LED, and connected LED lights. It shows the global revenue for residential lighting controls is expected to reach $2 billion by 2029.
Here is the takeaway: LED adoption continues to grow as prices decline, building codes evolve, and connected functionality becomes ubiquitous.
This is in line with a recent NAHB (National Assn. of Home Builders) report that uncovers the top three sustainable and green building trends and features in homes. Yes, efficient lighting made the list, along with windows and appliances, and ENERGY STAR rating for the whole home.
Smart, sustainable buildings use centralized, intelligent energy control systems that are often combined with solar panels, geothermal wells, harvested rainwater, natural lighting, and other environmentally friendly techniques to significantly lower energy usage.
What is really cool is the companies providing the lighting technologies are uncovering how they can be more sustainable and circular as well. In my book, Sustainable in a Circular World, I give the example of Signifyon page 103. Here is an excerpt from the book.
Signify is one company. The Philips Lighting brand designs streets lights and components with recycled parts. In fact, the company has a circular strategy program, to double revenue by 32% by 2025. Interactive software manages, monitors, and controls lighting systems, luminaires, sensors, and connected devices from Signify and other manufacturers. Philips also encourages other businesses to take advantage of its LED connected lighting with embedded IoT sensors and software to manage and optimize building efficiency and create a sustainable smart office.
In my book, I have a number of case studies, demonstrating how the corporate world has turned to greater sustainability, helping to lead the charge to a more sustainable world.
Want to tweet about this article? Use hashtags #IoT #sustainability #AI #5G #cloud #edge #futureofwork #digitaltransformation #green #ecosystem #environmental #circularworld
03/16/2021
In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to see businesses remain committed to achieving sustainability goals—while also setting some big, new targets for the coming decade.
Case in point: Ericsson’s new Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility Report. It shows how it creates value by focusing on three pillars: responsible business, environmental sustainability, and digital inclusion. Within its own operations, Ericsson reported a 57% reduction in carbon emissions and remains on track to be carbon neutral by 2030.
This is simply one example. In my book, Sustainable in a Circular World, I highlight a number of different case studies. One is the story of Bechtel. Here is a short excerpt from the book:
Companies are doing sustainability. Sustainability needs to be part of the day-to-day work. As a company, understanding what sustainability means by first defining it, and working with communities on a shared vision is essential. Some of the best advice perhaps is don’t think of it as circular economy, but rather as part of the everyday culture.
To a company like Bechtel, achieving sustainability begins with design, material sourcing, continuing through construction to work toward the least amount of waste and water consumption for the community.
According to Bechtel’s Global Head of Sustainability Tam Nguyen, it’s a shared vision with the community and stakeholders. It’s about creating and enabling the environment the team is working in and benefiting the community in the long term.
Bechtel has been working diligently to integrate the United Nations sustainable goals across everything it does by 2030.
One example, Bechtel likes to point to is the work it was part of in the Bechtel-Enka Joint Venture, in South Caucasus Pipeline
Expansion (SCPx) Project in the Republic of Georgia. The project includes building two compressor stations, a metering and pressure-reducing station, and associated access roadways at several locations across the country along an existing pipeline.
Nguyen described this as a little city because at the peak period of work there were some 4,175 workers spread across three sites and another 1,945 people living on camps set up for the project. In order to mitigate the impact on the community Bechtel and the customer had to be innovative. As part of this development these little communities had to function like traditional towns, providing their own energy, waste systems, and sourcing.
To read the full story and to learn more about what Bechtel and other companies are doing, be sure to get a copy of my book “Sustainable in a Circular World” on Amazon.
Want to tweet about this article? Use hashtags #IoT #sustainability #AI #5G #cloud #edge #futureofwork #digitaltransformation #green #ecosystem #environmental #circularworld
03/09/2021
ESG: Climate Change Top ConcernMoney managers who use ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors in their investment analysis say climate change continues to be their top concern, according to a report released at the end of last year.
The US SIF Foundation’s 2020 biennial “Report on US Sustainable and Impact Investing Trends,” shows that sustainable investing assets totals show a 42% increase over the last report. Insurance companies and educational institutions cite climate change as their top ESG investment focus overall.
The bottomline is ESG is the new three-letter acronym to keep an eye on and climate change remains the most important environment issue. I challenge this a little bit in my book, Sustainable in a Circular World. Here is an excerpt for p 114:
When examining the broader sustainability issue, it’s important to look beyond just climate. In the current context, a lot of attention is increasingly being brought on non-financial, environmental, social, and governance factors.
Not just for sustainability issues, but when examining the competitiveness issues to win marketshare and investment across the ESG investing, some put the dollars about $30 trillion of ESG investment worldwide. It’s important to recognize, there is a lack of market integrity and transparency in some of these assets. And that is why it is essential to have a better definition, understanding of the criteria, and the impact assessments outlined. A problem still exists that companies can receive high-credit rating for the E metrics (or the environmental part of ESG metrics), but still be a very, high carbon-intensive corporation.
Perhaps another point to consider is the concept ESG is used in relation to investing and philanthropy. Oftentimes it is used to evaluate financial performance for measuring positive outcomes such as decreasing costs, improving profitability, and better energy efficiency. Ultimately, these companies will provide better behavior and to evaluate the future financial performance by measuring their sustainability. U.S. and European-based companies alike recognize the money flowing into ESG. Impact investing and philanthropy have increased significantly in recent years and as a result we are seeing more companies view corporate social responsibility (CSR) as part of environmental strategies.
When we look at what many other countries are doing, they tend to look at CSR as being more socially accountable to make a positive environmental impact. There is clearly no one way to achieve corporate sustainability. It’s all about being a socially conscious environment, coupled with employees, partners, and customers.
Want to tweet about this article? Use hashtags #IoT #sustainability #AI #5G #cloud #edge #futureofwork #digitaltransformation #green #ecosystem #environmental #circularworld #ESG #climatechange
03/02/2021
A whopping 80% of companies worldwide now report on sustainability, according to a study released by KPMG at the very end of last year. The survey digs into trends related to sustainability reporting throughout the year 2020. Here is what it found.Geographically, we see in North America 90% of companies report sustainability, making it the highest regional reporting rate. When looking at it by vertical, we see the same six sectors that led in 2017 also continue to lead in 2020. Verticals such as technology and telecommunications, mining, automotive, oil and gas, chemicals, and forestry and paper, all top the list for sustainability reporting.
In my book Sustainable in a Circular World, I bring readers through the basics of sustainability, circularity, and trends we currently see in our personal and professional lives. Here is a short excerpt from the book:
Merriam-Webster defines sustainability as relating to or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged. Simply put, it is environmentally sound living without compromising the needs of future generations.Today many refer to sustainability as corporate, social, responsibility (CSR) or environmental, social, and governance (ESG). If you peel back the layers of the onion, you will discover the sustainability conversation is somewhat more complex depending on how you view it and your interpretation of it. In fact, all too often people will inadvertently use the acronyms CSR and ESG and the word sustainability interchangeably.
Acronyms are funny things. They can mean a lot of things, but that doesn’t mean they may be correct for everything. Naturally, in the aforementioned case they can be the right definition, but they shouldn’t be used in the same sentence.
Look at it this way, when talking about CSR, we are talking about the best practices to uphold corporate governance that comes from disclosing and even benchmarking data and information. These are the ways you measure your sustainable development goals. There is a distinct set of objectives and governance guidelines. A key difference when interpreting the role and function of each objective and how to be economically sustainable to the environment.Alright, that is just a sample. The rest of that chapter goes much deeper into reporting for stakeholders, consumers, and partners. It talks about sustainable stewardship for our economy, environment, and society. We are just getting started. How about you?
Want to tweet about this article? Use hashtags #IoT #sustainability #AI #5G #cloud #edge #futureofwork #digitaltransformation #green #ecosystem #environmental #circularworld
02/23/2021
A new demand for contact-free sensing technologies has led to the rise of the touchless sensing market. It is projected to reach $15.3 billion in 2025, up from $6.8 billion in 2020. This represents an increase of 17.4%, according to MarketsandMarkets. One new example comes from thyssenkrupp Elevator.
The company launched a mobile app that allows tenants to operate elevators with their smartphone or wearable device. The app is part of its AGILE elevator enhancement suite of solutions. Also, an administration portal allows the building management to process user requests individual or in batch uploads. The portal can integrate with most access control companies.
In addition to the mobile app, another important touchless solution is thyssenkrupp Elevator’s Social Distancing Service. It can be paired with the AGILE platform and helps tenants to stay safe by limiting elevator passengers so they can maintain physical distance.In my book, Sustainable in a Circular World, I wrote a detailed case study about what thyssenkrupp Elevator is doing both internally and with its elevators to contribute to being more sustainable. Here is a portion of that case study.
Elevators have been in buildings for hundreds of years. They have even found their way into some of the most elaborate of homes and into the highest peaks in the world. As these vertical transport capabilities get more sophisticated, they are showing up at some of the most unimaginable heights.
There was a time when people referenced these movable rooms as cage lifts from the depths of coal mines; to rollercoasters, tram-like elevators, and even robots, and with the pandemic we have seen the rise of touchless solutions and kick-button solutions. The point is elevators are changing faster today than they have in 100 years previously.
Sustainable Design Manager, Monica Miller Brown, at thyssenkrupp Elevator admitted that most people struggle with the idea of closing the loop when it comes to talking about circularity and sustainability. For instance, traction elevator systems are equipped with an energy recovery function that allows for energy generated by braking to be put back into the building’s power grid.
This energy regeneration can account for up to 50% of the energy used by the elevator itself. The company understands that efficient vertical transportation is critical to efficient land use and sensitivity to the environment and society.
thyssenkrupp Elevator has committed to a set of environmental goals that include operational use of an innovation smart-routing system to optimize use and reduce energy consumption.To read the rest of the case study, purchase the book today.
Want to tweet about this article? Use hashtags #IoT #sustainability #AI #5G #cloud #edge #futureofwork #digitaltransformation #green #ecosystem #environmental #circularworld
02/16/2021
A new demand for contact-free sensing technologies has led to the rise of the touchless sensing market. It is projected to reach $15.3 billion in 2025, up from $6.8 billion in 2020. This represents an increase of 17.4%, according to MarketsandMarkets. One new example comes from thyssenkrupp Elevator
The company launched a mobile app that allows tenants to operate elevators with their smartphone or wearable device. The app is part of its AGILE elevator enhancement suite of solutions. Also, an administration portal allows the building management to process user requests individual or in batch uploads. The portal can integrate with most access control companies.
In addition to the mobile app, another important touchless solution is thyssenkrupp Elevator’s Social Distancing Service. It can be paired with the AGILE platform and helps tenants to stay safe by limiting elevator passengers so they can maintain physical distance.
In my book, Sustainable in a Circular World, I wrote a detailed case study about what thyssenkrupp Elevator is doing both internally and with its elevators to contribute to being more sustainable. Here is a portion of that case study.
Elevators have been in buildings for hundreds of years. They have even found their way into some of the most elaborate of homes and into the highest peaks in the world. As these vertical transport capabilities get more sophisticated, they are showing up at some of the most unimaginable heights.
There was a time when people referenced these movable rooms as cage lifts from the depths of coal mines; to rollercoasters, tram-like elevators, and even robots, and with the pandemic we have seen the rise of touchless solutions and kick-button solutions. The point is elevators are changing faster today than they have in 100 years previously.
Sustainable Design Manager, Monica Miller Brown, at thyssenkrupp Elevator admitted that most people struggle with the idea of closing the loop when it comes to talking about circularity and sustainability. For instance, traction elevator systems are equipped with an energy recovery function that allows for energy generated by braking to be put back into the building’s power grid.
This energy regeneration can account for up to 50% of the energy used by the elevator itself. The company understands that efficient vertical transportation is critical to efficient land use and sensitivity to the environment and society.
thyssenkrupp Elevator has committed to a set of environmental goals that include operational use of an innovation smart-routing system to optimize use and reduce energy consumption.
To read the rest of the case study, purchase the book today.
Want to tweet about this article? Use hashtags #IoT #sustainability #AI #5G #cloud #edge #futureofwork #digitaltransformation #green #ecosystem #environmental #circularworld
02/09/2021
Electric motorcycles haven’t been as quick to catch on as other electric vehicles. Now, a new report shows the technology holds strong potential in the next 10 years due to increasingly rigorous emissions standards, new incentives, and the establishment of low and zero emission zones.
A new report from Guidehouse Insights shows the global annual unit sales of e-motorcycles are expected to grow from nearly 1.1 million in 2021 to 3.6 million by 2030. This is due to a number of factors including: cost decreases, improvements to battery technology, and fleet electrification opportunities.
China currently holds a large portion of the market, accounting for 90% of e-motorcycle unit sales in 2021. Its dominance in the market will decrease to 42% by 2030, as other countries grow far more quickly. We will see a rise in this market in India, the rest of Asia Pacific, and Europe.
In my book, Sustainable in a Circular World, I share the example of how electrification of vehicles can help on large campuses. Here is an excerpt from the book:
It comes down to transitioning traditional energy supplies through solar supplies and energy efficiency, recycling programs, water bottle refilling stations, organic farming, reimbursements for going green, shuttle buses and carpooling, and so much more on campuses.
The University of Michigan is just like any other university, and of course, is part of the Big Ten, which means it has a lot of operational expenditures and capital investments. For instance, campus buses are run on biodiesel or electricity. It is transitioning its HVAC systems to use renewables and is investing in solar parks on its campuses. It is also looking at transitioning to natural gas.
The energy question discussion has to be viewed via two separate lenses. One is the operational lens of a university, which aims to transition to net zero carbon. There is an extremely high priority that renewable energy becomes a big part of the discussion, a big part of the deployment. The second is the endowment where it’s really more about the university investing its capital from which it draws funds to support operations. This includes investment in fellowships as well as investments in the campus all while improving buildings and whatever else it does to ensure resilience and adaptation to this ever-changing climate change.
Perhaps there is an opportunity for electric motorcycles on a more global scale in the next decade. One thing is for sure, we will certainly see widespread adoption in China and a growing interest in other countries to the East.
Want to tweet about this article? Use hashtags #IoT #sustainability #AI #5G #cloud #edge #futureofwork #digitaltransformation #green #ecosystem #environmental #circularworld
02/02/2021
What type of long-term impact will the COVID-19 pandemic have on energy? The good news is predictions show that the impacts of behavioral changes due to the crisis are small and the long-term impact is modest—but there are still other hurdles that lurk ahead.
To address the various pathways for the energy transition, McKinsey’s new Global Energy Perspective identifies some common themes that stand out. These include:· As the world rapidly exhausts its carbon budget, there is a growing momentum towards decarbonization of the global economy.· Fundamental trends shaping the energy transition in the coming decade remain in place and appear resilient to the COVID-19 crisis.· Fossil fuels continue to play an important role in the energy system.· Electricity demand grows through direct electrification and the update of green hydrogen. Renewables quickly ramp up and account for half of power generation by 2035.· Investment flows remain stable in the next 15 years, with several tipping points ahead in the energy transition.
One interesting point it makes is the fact that change is too slow to reach the 1.5 degrees C pathway. McKinsey predicts global energy-related emissions will remain flat until 2030, followed by a gradual, approximately 25% decline until 2050. That isn’t good enough to reach the goals set forth. carbon dioxide emissions need to reach net zero by 2050 in order to move to that 1.5 degrees C, which will require stronger ambition and accelerated implementation at a global scale. The coming decade is going to be particularly important, as it will require a decline in global emissions of more than 50% by 2030.
In my book, Sustainable in a Circular World, I dig into this topic a little bit deeper. Here is a quick excerpt from the book.
Here’s a known fact: the first global warming prediction was made as far back in 1896. It was actually made when Svante Arrhenius had estimated the burning of fossil fuels would eventually release enough carbon dioxide to warm the Earth by 5 degrees C. The fundamental physics underlying the calculations has not changed, according to scientists, but not surprisingly, predictions on the other hand are all over the place when it comes to really putting a finger on what exactly the future holds.
We will get into a greater discussion on the Paris Agreement in the next chapter. But for now, let’s acknowledge the Paris Agreement’s underlying objective is not without merit—global collaboration, social justice, and systemic change. The goal of getting all countries to set a low-carbon agenda for all world countries to be supportive and complementary is lofty and worthwhile, but is it reasonable in a world that global leaders march to the beat of their own drum when it comes to pollution and building coal plants, and the like?
I go a lot deeper in the book about the Paris Agreement and you can learn more in this vlog. More importantly, what are your thoughts? What are some of the biggest hurdles that lurk ahead for our energy?
Want to tweet about this article? Use hashtags #IoT #sustainability #AI #5G #cloud #edge #futureofwork #digitaltransformation #green #ecosystem #environmental #circularworld #energy
01/26/2021
It’s that time of year when companies are reviewing their ESG (environmental, social, and governance) performance from the previous year. They are also comparing their progress to their existing goals. It’s important to recognize the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on these goals.
One such company is PSEG (Public Service Enterprise Group), a publicly traded diversified energy company. It recently launched its first ESG Performance Report. This report comes in addition to its Climate Report and its Sustainability Report. The objective here is to increase disclosures and transparency. It also makes the company’s data clearer and easier for the public to find and understand.
Some of the impressive strides include a $1 billion expansion of its energy efficiency programs to help customers save energy and money; advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts; corporate giving initiatives and commitments to organizations providing pandemic response; reduction of methane emissions; production of a 2020 Climate Report consistent with the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures framework and continued issuance of the Sustainability Report, among others.
In my book, Sustainable in a Circular World, I highlight a number of examples just like this one of how companies are meeting or exceeding ESG goals. But I also argue there is a fourth pillar you should consider. Here is an excerpt:
Many organizations insist the three pillars are the most important when we talk about sustainability. We are talking about the environmental, social, and governance, the fourth pillar intersects with all the other pillars and will easily intersect with any of the other pillars that will arise from innovative future generations and that is digital transformation.
• Digital Transformation: The ability to transform and disrupt nations and countries for generations brings it all together.
• Environmental: Maintain air quality, reduce CO2 emissions, eliminate exposure to water contaminants, improve aging infrastructure systems, innovative technologies, and processes.
• Social: Protect and sustain human health, address water scarcity, stop child trafficking, end human right violations, ensure inclusion and diversity.
• Finance/Execution: Reducing costs, improving customer satisfaction, and creating greater societal value for generations, all while increasing stakeholder profits.
What makes this so important is that this raises questions about how we deploy money from either pension funds, or sovereign wealth funds, or government money, to actually create public good, is an undervalued asset that gets into this whole sustainability conversation.
As more ESG and sustainability reports come out in the coming weeks, it will be interesting to see how the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately did play into ESG.
Want to tweet about this article? Use hashtags #IoT #sustainability #AI #5G #cloud #edge #futureofwork #digitaltransformation #green #ecosystem #environmental #circularworld #ESG
01/19/2021
We have to know our history, or we will be doomed to repeat it. When it comes to sustainability, we need to understand the Paris Agreement—and what it means for world nations coming together to achieve a goal to move from grey to green.
In my book, Sustainable in a Circular World, I explain the historical context of the Paris Agreement. A sampling of the historical background provided in the book is:
“In 2015, there was huge support of the Paris Agreement, vowing to attempt to limit the planet’s warming to 1.5 °C (2.7 °F), attempting to go back to pre-industrial levels. Many nations were more than willing participants to improve the climate.
Today, however, some of these nations are discovering these targets are extremely ambitious. When U.S. President Donald Trump was sworn into office as the 45th President of the United States, he was determined that America should withdraw from the Paris Agreement. President Trump said compliance with the terms of the Paris Accord created onerous energy restrictions on the United States and would cost the United States a loss of about $3 trillion in GDP (gross domestic product) and 6.5 million industrial jobs.
Whether you consider President Trump’s decision to be reckless or brazen to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, his point was it would never succeed. It was doomed to fail if other egregious polluters did not commit to climate change immediately.
In 2015, China had successfully argued that it was still a developing economy and it was for this reason it deserved developing nation status and should not have to share the same burden of curbing emissions as a developed nation whose pollution went unchecked for decades. China was granted the request and is able to continue to increase its emissions for another staggering 13 years under the accord. This only fueled the ire of the leader of the free world and confused other environmentalists.
China abruptly reversed its thinking in November 2020. It has stated that as a world leader it is now pledging to lead by example, befitting a country that aspires to be a superpower.
All of this was coming at a time when the U.S., was transitioning leadership from then former President Trump to President-elect Joe Biden who has said he will reinstate the United States in the Paris Agreement once he has taken office.”
So what lies ahead for the Paris Agreement in 2021 and beyond? A new report from Production Gap finds to follow a 1.5°C-consistent pathway, the world will need to decrease fossil fuel production by roughly 6% per year between 2020 and 2030. Countries are instead planning and projecting an average annual increase of 2%, which by 2030 would result in more than double the production consistent with the 1.5°C limit.
What comes next for the Paris Agreement is still very much unknown, but either way we need to continue to move toward being more Sustainable in a Circular World.
Want to tweet about this article? Use hashtags #IoT #sustainability #AI #5G #cloud #edge #futureofwork #digitaltransformation #green #ecosystem #environmental #circularworld
Copyright © 2021 Sustainable in a Circular World - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy