During the global pandemic, senior leadership engagement in health and safety (H&S) reached remarkably high levels, and this commitment has endured. According to our 2024 Global Health and Safety Survey, only five percent of the health and safety Function Leaders interviewed reported lower engagement over the last three years, while 81% saw further increases beyond the Covid-induced baseline. The top factor reported to be underpinning higher levels of leadership engagement is a shift in senior leaders' perceptions of H&S—better understanding of the risks and increased recognition of the business benefits of robust H&S performance, which almost half of the participants identified as a factor. Our research also revealed a positive correlation between middle management engagement in health and safety and overall performance. This insight underscores the importance of focusing on safety leadership capabilities within organizations beyond just senior and frontline leaders. Access the full study here: https://www.erm.com/insights/erm-2024-global-health-and-safety-survey/
This week, we celebrated Menstrual Hygiene Day, and we used the occasion to highlight the amazing work done by Palesa Pads, an organization dedicated to empowering females by training them to produce Power Pads—reusable sanitary products. Since its foundation seven years ago, Palesa Pads has created jobs for around 50 women, sold more than 950 000 pads, and provided over 130 000 girls with reusable sanitary pads through its #KeepAGirlChildInSchool initiative. Through our ERM Foundation, we helped fund the installation of solar panels at the production facility and the purchase of a laser cutting machine, significantly reducing textile waste and increasing production speed. Sherie de Wet, Founder and CEO of Palesa Pads, says, “Palesa Pads believes that no woman should compromise her health or well-being due to a lack of access to proper menstrual care. Menstruation is a beautiful, natural part of being a woman. It’s a fundamental aspect of the female experience which is vital for women's health, self-confidence, and overall well-being. ”We created Palesa Pads to ensure every woman can access her own sustainable, reusable sanitary pads to feel confident and comfortable and live her life normally, without her period holding her back.” Learn more about and support the project here: https://palesapads.com/
We are excited to join forces with Salesforce, NatureMetrics, and Planet to form a new partnership - the NatureTech Alliance. Together, we will focus on biodiversity measurement, management, and disclosure, supporting businesses in getting ahead of their nature impact reporting commitments. The partnership will enable companies to develop a comprehensive understanding of the impact of their business on nature and prepare accordingly to report against new and impending nature regulations and frameworks such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). It will also provide an integrated toolkit for biodiversity management and disclosure, including: -Value Chain Biodiversity Impact and Dependency Assessment -Supplier Engagement on Biodiversity -Multi-Site Program Management and Field Service -Regulatory Reporting and Compliance Learn more about the NatureTech Alliance and its four partners below.
We are very proud to announce the launch of ERM Climate Markets, a new business line designed to help companies mitigate unabated greenhouse gas emissions by investing in impactful carbon credits that support their decarbonization and broader sustainability goals. Building on our existing carbon markets strategy, due diligence and development services, ERM Climate Markets will help clients access high-quality carbon credit portfolios that complement their decarbonization action, offer social, biodiversity and economic benefits, and accelerate the global transition to net zero. The ERM Climate Markets team will also work with project developers to offer clients high-quality carbon project development opportunities that deliver positive outcomes, not just for the climate, but for communities and ecosystems. Clients will be able to access enhanced due diligence, supported by ERM’s global network of environmental, social and economic specialists, to help de-risk their investments. We look forward to helping our clients access the high-quality carbon credits and broader mitigation solutions that will contribute to a transparent and credible net zero outcome, while supporting nature and helping to deliver a just transition for all.
The ERM Foundation is committed to creating impact through our people and partnerships. Over the past year, we have partnered with 49 organizations in 29 countries, blending grant funding, professional pro bono support, and employee volunteering to create a meaningful, lasting impact globally. In FY24, we supported the delivery of: -11,706 people with provided with environmental education and/or training. -18,484 people with improved access to low-carbon products, services, and initiatives. -2,766 livelihoods supported in the green economy, particularly in developing economies. -13,160 people with improved access to clean water and sanitation, including menstrual health and hygiene education. -9,895 hectares planted, restored, reforested, or protected. To learn about selected organizations we have worked read our 2024 Annual Review - https://www.erm.com/erm-foundation/
What is the current pace and trajectory of renewable energy procurement and development in the US? Find the answer in the latest episode of “Sustainable Connections,“ where host Mark Lee talks to Kevin Hagen, Interim CEO at the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), and Nikki Payne, North America Renewable Energy Lead at ERM. Listen to their conversation below.
What practical steps can companies take to drive immediate, decisive action aligned with long-term sustainability ambition and market success? Last year, WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development and ERM Sustainability Institute carried out a series of in-depth interviews and active engagements with over 130 global business executives and sustainability experts, to discover what needs to be unlocked within their operations and in the mindsets of their senior business leaders to drive change. A picture quickly emerged of companies working hard to integrate sustainability thinking and operationalize it within their commercial strategy. But at the same time, these companies are: -Constrained by short-term financial pressure, accountability, and incentive models. -Navigating sustainability challenges under often insufficient regulatory guidance and/or misaligned government policies, and lack of capital access, while facing significant geopolitical volatility. -Facing regional variations in sustainability maturity. -Waiting for many crucial technologies to reach full commercial scale. -Downplaying the formidable risks of inaction despite the vast commercial potential on offer. Unlock all the findings, in our newly launched report ‘Catching the Wave: Seizing the opportunities of sustainability transformation' below.
The key to success for any organization is bringing together a group of people who feel strongly about the same topics. Just like Joelle Way, Senior Geoscience Consultant, we’re proud to have gathered people who feel strongly about the environment and sustainability at ERM. ”To me, ERM is unique because it cares about successful project delivery accompanied by self-love for the environment, its workers and encouraging clean sustainability through the whole project lifecycle.” Learn more about what it’s like to ERM at www.erm.com/careers
n 2023, offshore wind energy continued to grow in markets across all regions, with Governments awarding nearly 40 GW of offshore wind lease and power contracts through competitive auctions. Excluding China, developers brought another 3 GW online to reach a global total of 68 GW in operation. This continued growth comes against a backdrop of economic headwinds, including rising inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and supply chain constraints. This growth puts the world on track for up to 233 GW of operational offshore wind capacity in 2030 – less than half of the 2030 capacity of 494 GW, which International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates is necessary to keep temperatures below 1.5°C. Looking ahead, it is estimated that over 1,360 GW of offshore wind is in development globally - meaning that there is more than enough capacity in the pipeline for offshore wind to grow in line with what is needed to triple global renewable capacity by 2030. However, developers and governments now need to move quickly to unlock it. Find out more and download a copy of the Executive Summary of our 2024 Global Offshore Wind Report:
ERM Sustainability Institute Our quarterly trends report provides a concise summary of the latest sustainability issues impacting the private sector. This quarter’s update tracks four key corporate sustainability macro trends affecting business decision-making. This is essential reading for any business leader looking to understand the strategic implications of today’s sustainability context.
