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Enhancing Transparency and Reliability in the Food Manufacturing Supply Chain

Ensuring the highest standards of transparency and reliability in the food manufacturing supply chain is paramount. Consumers today are more conscious than ever about where their food comes from and how it’s produced. Every step in the supply chain needs to be meticulously monitored from farm to table to ensure safety, quality, and compliance. Trust Your Supplier (TYS) offers a cutting-edge blockchain-based solution that transforms supplier and risk management for food manufacturers, ensuring unparalleled transparency and reliability.

The Challenge: Complexity and Risk in the Food Supply Chain
Food manufacturing companies face a unique set of challenges in their supply chains. With numerous suppliers, from farmers to packaging companies, the complexity is immense. This complexity often leads to issues such as: 

  • Lack of Visibility: Difficulty in tracking supplier information and credentials 
  • Compliance Risks: Ensuring all suppliers adhere to food safety regulations and standards 
  • Inefficiencies: Manual processes can lead to errors and delays
  • Risk Management: Predicting and mitigating risks related to supplier reliability


The TYS Solution: Blockchain-Based Supplier Information Management
Trust Your Supplier addresses these challenges head-on with our innovative blockchain-based platform, providing a single source of truth for supplier information and updates. Here’s how TYS enhances transparency and reliability in the food manufacturing supply chain: 

  1. Immutable Records and Transparency: Blockchain technology ensures that every update or change to supplier information is immutable, meaning it cannot be altered or deleted. This immutability guarantees that all information about suppliers is accurate and tamper-proof, providing complete transparency to food manufacturers.
  2. Comprehensive Supplier Profiles: TYS supplier profiles are owned by each supplier, and firmographics are aggregated with risk intelligence data. These profiles are continuously updated with real-time data, ensuring food manufacturers have the most current information to make informed decisions. This comprehensive visibility helps identify and mitigate risks before they become issues.
  3. Enhanced Compliance and Approval Workflows: With TYS, food manufacturers can automate compliance checks and approval processes. TYS approval workflows streamline validating supplier information and compliance documents.
  4. Real-Time Monitoring and Updates: TYS offers real-time monitoring of supplier information, including risk data and updates to firmographics or documents such as certifications and tax documents. This ensures that food manufacturers are always aware of the current status of their suppliers and can react swiftly to any changes.
  5. Predictive and Prescriptive Insights: Leveraging advanced analytics, TYS reports provide insights into potential risks within the supply chain. By analyzing historical data and trends, users can mitigate these risks to maintain a steady and reliable supply chain.
  6. Efficient and Trustworthy Data Exchange:  By using a distributed ledger, all parties have access to the same information in real-time, reducing misunderstandings and errors. This transparency fosters trust and collaboration among suppliers and internal stakeholders. 


Use Case: Streamlining Supplier Management
Consider the scenario where a food manufacturing company sources ingredients from multiple suppliers. With TYS, each supplier’s information, including compliance questionnaires, certifications, and risk assessments, is recorded on the blockchain. As suppliers update their documents or firmographics, TYS provides real-time alerts to the food manufacturer, ensuring they always have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. 

Maintaining transparency and reliability in the food manufacturing supply chain is not just a regulatory requirement but a critical differentiator. Trust Your Supplier provides a reliable blockchain-based solution that helps food manufacturers manage compliance checks, real-time monitoring, and supplier information effectively. By offering comprehensive supplier profiles and streamlined approval workflows, TYS supports food manufacturers in confidently managing their supplier relationships.  

Reach out to discuss how you can enhance the integrity and efficiency of your supply chain with TYS.

 


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April Harrison Blockchain, Blog, Consumer Products, Risk & Compliance, Risk Management, Supplier Information Management, Supply Chain 0 Comments , , , ,

Navigating Geopolitical Shifts

How the Swiss Climate Ruling Reshapes Supply Chains and Risk Management

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Engineering and George Coe, Prism Cofounder & Partner

On April 9, 2024, a Swiss Court determined that the Swiss government had a legal obligation to combat climate change, based on European Human Rights Law. The case will have significant implications for ESG and supply chains. 

This adds to a wave of climate litigation, against both countries and companies, but stands as a landmark ruling due to the use of human rights law broadly, and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) specifically, for which a precedent is now set for all 46 countries that are signatories. 

The implications go far beyond the direct ruling. TYS partner, PRISM, a geopolitical risk advisory firm, breaks down the issues for supply chain leaders to watch in three categories. 

Risk of rapid regulatory expansion: the ruling implies that governments have an obligation to take appropriate measures to meet their stated climate goals. Current policy in almost every country comes far short of stated climate goals, such as the Net Zero by 2050 targets set in most Western economies. Legal obligations to put in place policies that match stated goals would mean transformative new climate regulations that would require far larger changes to supply chains than current law. This could range compliance burdens like greater disclosures, but the ruling implies effort aimed more directly at cutting climate risk, making it more likely that direct supply chain costs would be imposed by policies that require renewables investments, more ambitious emissions reductions, reduction of high emissions imports, and other more fundamental changes. 

More countries: a range of other cases exist using human rights and other laws. Other countries, from France to Portugal to India and beyond must be watched for similar precedent-setting rulings that would expand the implications of this legal framework beyond Switzerland and the ECHR. 

Direct corporate lawsuits: the ruling accelerates the impact of climate litigation from activists, which has also been aimed directly at companies. It can be expected to boost efforts to sue companies directly for failures on climate change, creating financial risk to companies and their suppliers, if more lawsuits are successful. 

More broadly, the case could act as a catalyst for enhanced international cooperation. By framing climate action as a human rights imperative, it may lead to a concerted effort among nations to standardize environmental policies and regulatory frameworks, especially at a time when human rights and environmental goals are being pursued in tandem in supply chain regulations like the EU’s CSDDD. 

The case itself is a crucial moment in the use of litigation by climate activists, bringing together years of work at the intersection of environmental advocacy, human rights, legal strategy, and political dynamics. If a precedent has truly been set that expands to more countries, we can expect a rapid rise in transformative climate action, rather than just stated goals, in the coming years. 

Learn more about our TYS partner Prism.

Read more about the landmark Swiss case.

#TYS #Prism #ClimateLitigation #ESG #HumanRightsLaw #RegulatoryExpansion #CSDDD #Sustainability #GeopoliticalRisk 

April Harrison Blog, ESG, Geopolitical Issues, Risk & Compliance, Risk Management, Value Engineering 0 Comments , , , , ,

Mitigating Cyberattack Fallout

How Trust Your Supplier Could Safeguard Pharmacy Operations

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

In the wake of the recent cyberattack disrupting US pharmacies’ prescription filling processes, it’s evident that the healthcare sector remains vulnerable to digital threats. The incident, as reported by major news agencies, underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive patient data and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.

The cyberattack, which targeted a major supplier, has caused significant delays in prescription filling across numerous pharmacies nationwide. Such disruptions not only inconvenience patients but also pose serious risks to their health, particularly for those dependent on timely medication refills.

Amidst this tumultuous landscape, Trust Your Supplier (TYS) emerges as a beacon of hope for pharmacies striving to fortify their supply chain resilience and security protocols. TYS, a blockchain-based platform designed to enhance supplier qualification processes, offers several key advantages in mitigating the aftermath of cyberattacks:

1. Verified Supplier Networks: Trust Your Supplier leverages blockchain technology to establish a trusted network of suppliers vetted through stringent qualification processes. By onboarding verified suppliers, pharmacies can minimize the risk of engaging with potentially compromised entities, thereby safeguarding their supply chain integrity.

2. Enhanced Transparency and Traceability: With Trust Your Supplier, pharmacies gain unprecedented visibility into their supplier ecosystem. The platform facilitates transparent communication channels and real-time tracking of transactions, allowing pharmacies to identify and address vulnerabilities promptly. By fostering transparency and traceability, TYS empowers pharmacies to proactively mitigate cyber threats and respond effectively to disruptions.

3. Immutable Data Integrity: The immutable nature of blockchain ensures the integrity and immutability of critical data stored on the Trust Your Supplier platform. By leveraging blockchain’s tamper-resistant architecture, pharmacies can trust the accuracy and reliability of supplier information, mitigating the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.

4. Streamlined Compliance Management: Trust Your Supplier simplifies compliance management by standardizing supplier qualification processes and documentation. Pharmacies can effortlessly verify suppliers’ compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards, thereby reducing the likelihood of regulatory violations and associated penalties.

5. Resilient Supply Chain Operations: In the face of cyberattacks and other disruptions, Trust Your Supplier enables pharmacies to maintain continuity in their supply chain operations. By leveraging blockchain’s decentralized architecture, TYS mitigates the single point of failure inherent in traditional supply chain systems, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical medications and healthcare supplies.

In conclusion, the recent cyberattack targeting US pharmacies underscores the urgent need for proactive cybersecurity measures and resilient supply chain solutions. Trust Your Supplier offers pharmacies a comprehensive framework for enhancing supply chain security, fostering trust among stakeholders, and safeguarding patient well-being in an increasingly digital healthcare landscape. By embracing innovative technologies like blockchain, pharmacies can navigate the challenges of cyber threats with confidence and resilience, ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential healthcare services to those who depend on them most.

Discover how Trust Your Supplier can revolutionize your supply chain security. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a demo. 

April Harrison Blog, Pharmaceutical, Risk Management, Supply Chain, Value Engineering 0 Comments , , ,

Revolutionizing FMCG Procurement and Compliance

A New Era of Efficiency, Transparency, and Sustainability

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

Unlock Efficiency, Transparency, and Trust
In the fast-paced world of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), procurement and compliance teams face unique challenges. From ensuring a steady flow of quality supplies to adhering to stringent regulatory standards, the demands are relentless. That’s where Trust Your Supplier (TYS) comes into play, offering an innovative solution that transforms the way FMCG companies manage their supplier relationships. 

Why Trust Your Supplier? 

  1. Enhanced Transparency and Trust
    Trust Your Supplier provides a comprehensive digital passport for suppliers, offering real-time insights into their operations, compliance status, and more. This transparency fosters trust between FMCG companies and their suppliers, ensuring that procurement decisions are based on accurate and up-to-date information. 
  1. Streamlined Supplier Onboarding and Management
    Gone are the days of cumbersome onboarding processes. TYS simplifies and accelerates supplier integration, allowing FMCG companies to quickly benefit from their services. With TYS, managing supplier information becomes effortless, enabling procurement teams to focus on strategic decision-making rather than administrative tasks. 
  1. Risk Management and Compliance Assurance
    In the FMCG sector, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards is paramount. Trust Your Supplier not only facilitates easy access to supplier compliance documentation but also provides tools for monitoring and managing risk. This proactive approach to compliance helps FMCG companies avoid costly penalties and reputational damage. 
  1. Improved Operational Efficiency
    By automating key procurement processes, TYS significantly reduces manual workload, leading to improved efficiency and cost savings. Procurement and compliance teams can allocate their resources more effectively, optimizing their supply chain operations. 
  1. Building Sustainable Supply Chains
    Sustainability is a pressing concern in the FMCG industry. Trust Your Supplier supports the development of sustainable supply chains by enabling companies to identify and collaborate with suppliers that adhere to environmental and social standards. This alignment with corporate sustainability goals not only benefits the planet but also enhances brand reputation. 

The Future of FMCG Procurement and Compliance
In an industry where speed, quality, and compliance cannot be compromised, Trust Your Supplier stands out as a beacon of innovation. By leveraging blockchain technology and a network of trusted information, TYS is redefining what’s possible in FMCG procurement and compliance. 

Join the Revolution
For FMCG procurement and compliance teams looking to enhance their operations, reduce risk, and build stronger, more sustainable supplier relationships, the choice is clear. Trust Your Supplier is not just a platform; it’s a strategic partner in your supply chain transformation journey. 

Discover how Trust Your Supplier can revolutionize your procurement and compliance strategies. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a demo. 

April Harrison Blog, ESG, Risk Management, Supply Chain, Value Engineering 0 Comments , , , ,

The Hidden Environmental Cost of Financial Laundering as a Service (FLaaS)

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

In the digital age, the “as a Service” model has revolutionized how we access technology, from software to infrastructure, making it easier and more efficient for businesses and consumers alike. However, this model’s darker iteration, Financial Laundering as a Service (FLaaS), poses significant challenges not just to the global financial system but also to environmental sustainability efforts, particularly in managing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. While the connection between financial laundering and environmental degradation might not be immediately obvious, the ripple effects of FLaaS can undermine global efforts to combat climate change in several ways. 

Diverting Crucial Resources
The fight against FLaaS requires substantial financial, technological, and human resources. Governments and businesses must invest heavily in detecting, preventing, and prosecuting financial laundering activities. These resources could otherwise be allocated to renewable energy projects, conservation efforts, and the development of low-carbon technologies. The diversion of such resources compromises the effectiveness of GHG management initiatives, delaying progress in the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon economy. 

Undermining Regulatory Frameworks
Financial laundering is often linked with environmental crimes, such as illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and unregulated mining. These activities directly contribute to GHG emissions and are driven by the profitability enabled by laundering illicit proceeds. FLaaS, by facilitating easier and more accessible financial laundering, can exacerbate these environmental crimes. It undermines regulatory efforts aimed at promoting sustainability and holding businesses accountable for their environmental impact, making it more challenging to enforce laws designed to reduce GHG emissions. 

Impact on Corporate Governance and Investment
The involvement of any business in FLaaS, directly or indirectly, can lead to significant reputational damage. This undermines corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, including commitments to environmental sustainability and GHG emission reductions. Furthermore, the opaque nature of financial flows resulting from FLaaS can lead to investments in industries with high GHG emissions, rather than in clean energy and green technologies. Strengthening anti-money laundering (AML) measures can redirect investments toward sustainable initiatives, promoting environmental stewardship and reducing GHG emissions. 

Economic Stability and Environmental Policy
A stable and transparent financial system is foundational to effective environmental governance and the implementation of GHG management policies. Financial laundering, particularly through FLaaS, threatens this stability, potentially corrupting the political processes essential for environmental policy-making. The destabilizing effect of laundered money can impede the allocation of public funds to critical environmental projects and weaken international cooperation on climate change mitigation. 

The Path Forward
Combating FLaaS is not just a financial imperative but an environmental necessity. Strengthening AML measures, enhancing international cooperation, and fostering transparency in financial transactions can mitigate the adverse effects of FLaaS. By ensuring that financial systems are not exploited for laundering activities, we can secure the resources and stability needed to address GHG emissions effectively. Investments can be channelled into sustainable industries, driving innovation in green technologies, and supporting the global transition to a low-carbon economy. 

Trust Your Supplier (TYS) stands as a critical tool in the arsenal against the environmental degradation exacerbated by FLaaS. By leveraging blockchain technology, TYS provides a secure and transparent platform for managing supplier information, ensuring that data integrity is maintained across the supply chain. This level of transparency is vital in identifying and mitigating the risks associated with suppliers that may be involved in environmental crimes or lack proper compliance with environmental regulations. Through comprehensive MDM capabilities, TYS allows companies to maintain an accurate and up-to-date repository of supplier data, including their environmental compliance records. This data can be instrumental in making informed decisions about which suppliers to engage with, prioritizing those that adhere to sustainable practices and contribute positively to GHG management efforts. 

TYS’s robust risk and compliance monitoring features enable businesses to proactively assess and manage the environmental risks associated with their suppliers. By setting criteria for compliance with environmental standards, TYS can help flag suppliers that fall short of these benchmarks, allowing businesses to take corrective action before any reputational or regulatory consequences arise. This is particularly relevant in industries prone to high GHG emissions, where selecting environmentally responsible suppliers can significantly contribute to a company’s overall sustainability goals. 

In the battle against FLaaS and its indirect facilitation of environmental harm, Trust Your Supplier emerges as a potent solution to ensure that businesses do not inadvertently support activities contributing to GHG emissions. By fostering a more transparent, compliant, and sustainable supply chain, TYS not only aids in the fight against financial crimes but also aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change. This dual function underscores the importance of integrating advanced supplier management tools like TYS in strategic efforts to secure a sustainable future, making it clear that the fight against financial laundering is inextricably linked with the broader struggle for environmental sustainability. 

April Harrison Blog, Financial, Risk Management, Value Engineering 0 Comments , , , , ,

Shielding the Financial Frontline

Master Data Governance and Continuous Monitoring in the Battle Against FLaaS

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

The digital age has ushered in unparalleled opportunities for the banking and insurance sectors, driving innovation and customer convenience to new heights. However, this transformation has also opened the door to sophisticated financial crimes, notably Financial Laundering as a Service (FLaaS). This emerging threat utilizes the digital world’s complexity to obscure illicit financial flows, posing significant risks to the integrity and stability of financial institutions and insurance companies. Addressing this challenge requires more than traditional measures; it demands a strategic approach centered around master data governance and continuous monitoring.

The Growing Threat of FLaaS
Understanding FLaaS: Financial Laundering as a Service represents a sinister evolution of money laundering, exploiting digital platforms to clean dirty money. By offering laundering services as a package, FLaaS operators provide criminals with anonymity and operational ease, complicating the task of tracking and combating these activities for financial bodies.

Impact on Banking and Insurance Markets: The banking and insurance sectors, integral to the global financial ecosystem, are particularly vulnerable to FLaaS. The potential for regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and financial losses from FLaaS activities is immense. The intricate nature of these markets, combined with the volume of transactions, creates numerous blind spots that FLaaS exploits.

Master Data Governance: A Shield Against FLaaS
Defining Master Data Governance: Master data governance refers to the management and oversight of an organization’s critical data to ensure accuracy, consistency, and security. In the context of combating FLaaS, it serves as a foundation for integrity and transparency across financial transactions and relationships.

Role in Combating FLaaS: By implementing robust master data governance, banks and insurance companies can significantly enhance their ability to detect and prevent money laundering activities. This approach ensures that all transactional data is accurate and traceable, making it more difficult for FLaaS operations to succeed.

Continuous Monitoring: The Watchful Eye
The Need for Continuous Monitoring: Given the dynamic nature of FLaaS, static security measures are insufficient. Continuous monitoring provides real-time oversight of transactions and activities, enabling the early detection of suspicious patterns that may indicate money laundering.

Benefits for the Financial Sector: Continuous monitoring, supported by advanced analytics and AI, allows for the automatic identification of anomalies in transaction data. This capability is crucial for maintaining compliance with evolving regulatory requirements and protecting against the reputational risks associated with FLaaS.

Conclusion
The battle against Financial Laundering as a Service is complex and ongoing. For the banking and insurance sectors, the stakes are high, with the integrity of the financial system and the trust of customers in the balance. Master data governance and continuous monitoring emerge as essential weapons in this fight, offering a path to safeguard operations and ensure compliance. As the landscape of financial crime continues to evolve, so too must the strategies to combat it. Embracing these advanced measures is not just a regulatory necessity; it is a strategic imperative for survival and success in the digital age.

April Harrison Blog, Financial, Risk Management, Value Engineering 0 Comments , , , , ,

GHG Protocol Decoded: Tech Solutions for Scope 3 Reporting

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

 

Scope 3 emissions, often referred to as “value chain emissions,” are a part of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s corporate standard for greenhouse gas accounting. These emissions are generally the most significant share of an organization’s carbon footprint but are also the most complex to manage and mitigate, as they involve activities not directly owned or controlled by the reporting company. Scope 3 includes both upstream and downstream emissions and encompasses a wide range of indirect emissions sources.

The regulations and guidelines around Scope 3 emissions vary depending on the region and the specific regulatory framework. However, there are some general aspects to consider:

  • Voluntary vs. Mandatory Reporting: In many regions, reporting Scope 3 emissions is still voluntary but is increasingly being encouraged or required as part of broader sustainability reporting frameworks. For example, the European Union’s Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) encourages companies to report on their Scope 3 emissions.
  • Standards and Protocols: The Greenhouse Gas Protocol provides the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions, including Scope 3.
  • Corporate Sustainability Reporting: Companies may choose to report Scope 3 emissions as part of their sustainability or corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting. This is often done to improve transparency, manage risks, and identify opportunities for reducing emissions in the supply chain.
  • Investor and Stakeholder Pressure: There is increasing pressure from investors, customers, and other stakeholders for companies to report and reduce their Scope 3 emissions. This pressure often drives more detailed and rigorous reporting and reduction strategies.
  • Sector-Specific Guidelines: Certain industries have specific guidelines or expectations for Scope 3 reporting. For example, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) provides methods and guidance for companies to set science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including Scope 3.
  • Local and National Regulations: Some countries have specific regulations or guidelines for Scope 3 reporting. These can vary significantly and may be more or less stringent than international standards.
  • Integration with Broader ESG Goals: Scope 3 emissions reporting is often part of broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies and goals within organizations.

Technological Approaches for Measuring Scope 3 Emissions

Measuring Scope 3 emissions involves complex data collection and analysis due to the broad range of indirect emission sources across a company’s value chain. Technology plays a crucial role in this process, with several key approaches:

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Tools: These software tools analyze the environmental impacts of products or services throughout their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. LCA tools can be instrumental in quantifying Scope 3 emissions related to product use and end-of-life stages.
  • Supply Chain Analysis Software: These platforms focus on mapping and assessing emissions within a company’s supply chain. They help identify hotspots of high emissions and opportunities for reduction by analyzing supplier data and activities.
  • Carbon Accounting Platforms: These comprehensive tools enable companies to track and manage their carbon emissions across all scopes, including Scope 3. They often feature dashboards, reporting capabilities, and scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making.
  • Energy Management Systems (EMS): While primarily focused on direct energy consumption (Scope 1 and 2), EMS can also contribute to Scope 3 analysis by providing insights into the energy use and associated emissions of leased assets, franchises, and outsourced activities.
  • Blockchain and IoT: Emerging technologies like blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) offer new ways to track and verify emissions data across complex supply chains, enhancing transparency and accuracy.

Data Sources for Scope 3 Emissions Measurement

Scope 3 reporting platforms gather data from a variety of sources:

  • Supplier Surveys and Self-Reporting: Direct communication with suppliers to collect data on their emissions and environmental practices.
  • Industry Averages and Benchmarks: Utilizing established databases and benchmarks to estimate emissions for common processes or products in the absence of specific data.
  • Public and Proprietary Databases: Accessing government or commercial databases that provide emissions factors and environmental impact data for a wide range of activities and materials.
  • Sensor and IoT Data: Collecting real-time data from sensors and IoT devices embedded in products or supply chain operations to monitor emissions.

Reliability and Approaches

The reliability of Scope 3 measurement can vary significantly based on the data quality, the methodologies used, and the comprehensiveness of the analysis. Approaches that incorporate primary data from direct suppliers and use robust, widely recognized methodologies (like those recommended by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol) tend to be more reliable. However, even with the best tools and intentions, Scope 3 measurements often involve a degree of estimation and uncertainty, especially when relying on secondary data or industry averages.

Watch-Outs When Sourcing Scope 3 Reporting Software

  • Data Quality and Transparency: Ensure the software supports high-quality, verifiable data collection and offers transparency about its methodologies and data sources.
  • Customization and Scalability: The platform should be adaptable to your specific industry and supply chain complexity and scalable as your business and reporting needs evolve.
  • Integration with Existing Systems: The software should integrate seamlessly with your existing ERP, CRM, and other management systems to streamline data flow and avoid silos.
  • Compliance and Standards Alignment: Verify that the software supports compliance with relevant regional regulations and aligns with international standards like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
  • User Support and Training: Adequate user support, training, and resources are essential to ensure the successful implementation and ongoing use of the platform.

In conclusion, technology offers powerful tools for measuring Scope 3 emissions, but the choice of platform and approach requires careful consideration of your company’s specific needs, the quality and source of the data used, and the ability to integrate and align with broader sustainability goals

April Harrison Blog, ESG, Risk & Compliance, Risk Management, Value Engineering 0 Comments , ,

International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

Complying with the global standards set by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) involves aligning your business’s sustainability reporting with internationally recognized guidelines. The ISSB, operating under the IFRS Foundation, aims to provide a global baseline of high-quality sustainability disclosure standards to meet investors’ information needs. Here’s a guide for your business to align with the ISSB standards: 

Understand the ISSB Standards and Their Objectives

  • Overview of ISSB Standards: Familiarize yourself with the ISSB’s aim to standardize sustainability disclosures, focusing on providing relevant, reliable, and comparable information to investors. 
  • Scope and Relevance: Understand how these standards are relevant to your business, particularly in communicating sustainability-related financial risks and opportunities to investors. 

Assess Current Sustainability Reporting Practices

  • Gap Analysis: Evaluate your current sustainability reporting practices against the ISSB standards to identify gaps. 
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders, including investors, to understand their needs and expectations regarding sustainability information. 

Integrate Sustainability into Governance

  • Governance Structure: Ensure your board and management are equipped to oversee sustainability issues in line with the ISSB standards. 
  • Accountability and Responsibility: Assign clear roles and responsibilities for sustainability reporting and disclosure within your organization. 

Enhance Data Collection and Management

  • Robust Data Systems: Develop or enhance systems to collect accurate and verifiable sustainability data. 
  • Quality and Consistency: Focus on the quality, consistency, and reliability of the data collected for sustainability reporting. 

Align Reporting with ISSB Requirements

  • Disclosure Practices: Adapt your sustainability reporting practices to align with the ISSB’s disclosure requirements, focusing on materiality, clarity, and completeness. 
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update your reporting practices to align with evolving ISSB standards and best practices. 

Prepare for External Assurance

  • Assurance Readiness: Prepare for external assurance of your sustainability disclosures to ensure they meet the ISSB standards. 
  • Transparency and Credibility: Use external assurance to enhance the credibility and transparency of your sustainability reporting. 

Implement Effective Communication Strategies

  • Investor Communication: Develop a strategy to effectively communicate your sustainability performance and risks to investors. 
  • Public Reporting: Ensure public disclosures are clear, concise, and provide meaningful information to investors and other stakeholders. 

Monitor Developments and Participate in Dialogues

  • Stay Informed: Keep abreast of developments and updates in ISSB standards and related regulatory changes. 
  • Industry Collaboration: Participate in industry forums and dialogues to stay informed and influence the development of sustainability standards. 

Train and Educate Staff

  • Internal Training: Provide training for staff involved in sustainability reporting to ensure understanding and compliance with ISSB standards. 
  • Building Expertise: Develop internal expertise or seek external support for interpreting and applying the ISSB standards. 

Conclusion
Aligning with the ISSB standards is a strategic move towards globally consistent and comparable sustainability reporting. It not only aids in meeting investor demands but also enhances the overall credibility and transparency of your business’s sustainability efforts. As these standards evolve, staying proactive in adapting and improving your sustainability reporting practices will be key to maintaining alignment and demonstrating your commitment to sustainable business practices. 

April Harrison Blog, ESG, Risk & Compliance, Risk Management, Value Engineering 0 Comments , ,

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

Complying with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) involves a strategic approach to climate-related risk management and disclosure. The TCFD aims to improve and increase the reporting of climate-related financial information. Here’s a comprehensive guide for your business to align with the TCFD recommendations: 

Understand the TCFD Framework

  • Framework Overview: Familiarize yourself with the TCFD’s four core areas: Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics and Targets. 
  • Applicability and Benefits: Understand how the TCFD recommendations apply to your organization and the benefits of enhanced climate-related financial disclosures, including better risk management and more informed strategic planning. 

Integrate Climate-Related Risks into Governance

  • Board Oversight: Ensure your board of directors is informed about and oversees climate-related risks and opportunities. 
  • Management’s Role: Establish management-level roles responsible for assessing and managing climate-related issues. 

Incorporate Climate Change into Organizational Strategy

  • Impact Assessment: Assess the potential impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on your organization’s businesses, strategy, and financial planning. 
  • Scenario Analysis: Conduct scenario analysis to understand the resilience of your organization’s strategy under different climate-related scenarios. 

Manage Climate-Related Risks

  • Risk Identification and Assessment: Identify and assess climate-related risks to determine how they could affect your organization. 
  • Risk Management Processes: Integrate climate-related risks into your existing risk management processes, ensuring an organization-wide approach to addressing these risks. 

Develop and Disclose Climate-Related Metrics and Targets

  • Metrics Selection: Choose appropriate climate-related metrics that are relevant to your organization. 
  • Setting Targets: Set and disclose targets your organization uses to manage climate-related risks and explain how these targets align with your strategy. 

Enhance Transparency and Disclosure

  • Reporting: Prepare to disclose climate-related financial information in your organization’s annual financial filings or other public documents. 
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly update and refine your disclosures as practices and knowledge evolve. 

Engage with Stakeholders

  • Stakeholder Communication: Communicate with stakeholders about your organization’s approach to managing climate-related risks and opportunities. 
  • Feedback Incorporation: Use stakeholder feedback to enhance your climate-related financial disclosures. 

Monitor Regulatory Developments

  • Regulatory Awareness: Stay informed about current and upcoming regulations related to climate disclosure in the jurisdictions where your organization operates. 
  • Compliance Preparation: Prepare your organization for potential regulatory changes or requirements related to climate reporting. 

Provide Training and Build Capacity

  • Internal Training: Ensure relevant employees and management are trained on the importance of climate-related risks and the TCFD recommendations. 
  • Expertise Development: Develop in-house expertise or seek external support to understand and implement TCFD-aligned disclosures effectively. 

Conclusion
Aligning with the TCFD recommendations is essential for forward-thinking organizations committed to addressing climate change risks and opportunities. It facilitates compliance with emerging regulations and positions your business as a leader in sustainable practices, enhancing investor confidence and public trust. By taking proactive steps in governance, strategy, risk management, and transparent reporting, your organization can effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change. 

April Harrison Blog, ESG, Risk & Compliance, Risk Management, Value Engineering 0 Comments , ,

Complying with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

by Michelle Armstrong, TYS Global VP of Value Solutions Consultant

Complying with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)involves several key steps and considerations for businesses. The CSRD significantly expands the sustainability reporting requirements for companies in the EU. Here’s a guide to what your business needs to do: 

 Understand the Scope and Applicability

  • Determine Eligibility: The CSRD applies to all large companies, whether they are publicly listed or not. Specifically, it targets companies with more than 500 employees. 
  • Timeline Awareness: Be aware of when the CSRD requirements will apply to your business. The directive is expected to be applied in stages starting from 2024 for reports published in 2025. 

 Develop Robust Data Collection Systems

  • Data Collection and Management: Establish or enhance systems for collecting a wide range of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) data. This includes environmental impact, social practices, and governance structures. 
  • Technology Integration: Consider implementing technology solutions that can help in accurately collecting and managing sustainability data.

Align Reporting with CSRD Requirements

  • Understand Reporting Criteria: Familiarize yourself with the specific reporting standards and formats that the CSRD mandates. This includes details on sustainability-related matters such as environmental protection, social responsibility, and treatment of employees. 
  • External Standards and Frameworks: Align your reporting with recognized sustainability frameworks and standards that are consistent with CSRD requirements. 

Integrate Sustainability into Business Strategy

  • Strategic Alignment: Ensure that your company’s strategy reflects a commitment to sustainability, as the CSRD aims for sustainability to be integrated into the business model. 
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and suppliers, to understand their perspectives and incorporate their feedback into your sustainability practices. 

Establish a Sustainability Governance Structure

  • Governance Framework: Set up a governance framework for sustainability reporting, ensuring that there is oversight and accountability within the organization. 
  • Training and Awareness: Train relevant staff on CSRD requirements and the importance of sustainability reporting. 

Prepare for Assurance and Verification

  • Assurance Readiness: Prepare for external assurance of your sustainability reporting, as the CSRD requires assurance on the reported sustainability information. 
  • Transparency and Accountability: Focus on the accuracy and transparency of your reporting to build trust with stakeholders and comply with the directive. 

Stay Informed and Adapt

  • Regulatory Updates: Stay updated on any changes or updates to the CSRD and related regulations. 
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update your sustainability practices and reporting to ensure ongoing compliance and improvement. 

Communicate and Disclose

  • Effective Communication: Develop a communication plan to effectively disclose sustainability information both internally and externally. 
  • Report Preparation: Prepare your sustainability reports in line with CSRD guidelines and ensure they are accessible to stakeholders. 

Conclusion
Compliance with the CSRD is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s an opportunity to embed sustainability into the core of your business operations. By taking these steps, businesses can not only comply with the directive but also demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development and corporate responsibility. 

April Harrison Blog, ESG, Risk & Compliance, Risk Management, Value Engineering 0 Comments , ,
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