ESG reporting has shifted from a supplementary task to a fundamental aspect of business that influences financial decisions and supply chain management. Scope 3 emissions represent a significant challenge as they reflect complex, indirect impacts. Companies that effectively integrate ESG into their operations enhance credibility and build resilient systems, while those neglecting this face reputational risks and scrutiny.

On 29th April last year, a blackout in the Iberian Peninsula highlighted the fragility of the electricity grid, prompting a shift in corporate energy strategies. Businesses globally now prioritise solar and battery storage systems for cost predictability and resilience, moving from viewing electricity as a mere utility to an integral part of operational planning.

Homeowners in Europe and the US are facing increased insurance premiums linked to climate change risks, while construction continues to rely heavily on concrete, a significant contributor to global CO₂ emissions. The industry is beginning to address embodied carbon, but progress remains slow. Urgent changes in material practices and regulations are needed to reduce emissions and adapt to climate realities.

Federal law required majority of documents to be released by 19 December, but only 125,575 pages have been published

Falling battery costs have transformed solar energy economics, making it reliable and dispatchable. This transition enhances grid stability, reduces emissions, and reshapes industrial strategy.

The article discusses the significant advancements in solar energy since its inception, highlighting a price drop from £15/W to €0.10/W and a predicted surge in efficiency driven by perovskite-silicon tandem cells. It underscores solar's vital role in combating climate change, enhancing energy security, and evolving business models like Power Purchase Agreements, marking the beginning of a transformative solar era.

This week’s FutureProof covers COP30 momentum, AI leaps from OpenAI & Google, electric trucks shaking oil markets, and a new fossil-free plastics breakthrough

A mid-sized SaaS company, previously unaware of its indirect emissions contribution, faced a mandatory value-chain emissions data request due to its significant revenue from oil and gas clients. As regulations tighten, Scope 3 reporting is becoming essential, revealing hidden emissions and compelling companies to address their climate impact transparently.

In a recent discussion, the challenges of Scope 3 emissions reporting were explored, highlighting that significant emissions data is often inaccessible to companies. The food sector exemplifies this issue, but innovative approaches like eAgronom's are paving the way for solutions that can standardise, verify, and incentivise supplier data, ultimately enhancing supply chain transparency and resilience across industries.

In late 2023, Europe's energy vulnerability was highlighted by Houthi drone attacks disrupting shipping. This chaos underscored the need for electrification from renewables as a survival strategy. Reports indicate a significant shift as solar power surpassed coal globally, emphasizing energy independence, cost-effectiveness, and resilience against geopolitical threats. Europe's future hinges on mastering clean energy systems.