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RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Washoe County is asking the community to participate in their climate action plan.
The plan is part of the county’s aim to achieve sustainability and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. You are asked to participate through upcoming listening sessions and an online survey.
According to a report by Climate Central, the city of Reno is the fastest warming metro in the nation.
The county says it is seeking to address inequalities in climate change impacts, especially for the poor and disadvantaged.
They will be hosting a series of in-person and virtual listening sessions throughout the month of June to understand and incorporate the perspectives of people from across Reno.
The in-person listening sessions will be at these dates and times:
The virtual community listening sessions will take place over Zoom on June 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and June 26 from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Washoe County residents can also participate in the “Clean Air in Washoe County: Transportation and Residential Energy Use” survey.
Copyright 2024 KOLO. All rights reserved.

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Sustainability reports offer insights into companies’ environmental and social impacts, but the influence of external consultants raises concerns of transparency and greenwashing.
In today’s corporate landscape, sustainability reporting has become a cornerstone of accountability, purportedly showcasing companies’ commitments to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Yet, behind the glossy veneer of these reports lies a complex web of consultants, data manipulation and selective disclosure. 
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The proliferation of sustainability reports is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. These reports offer insights into a company’s environmental impact, social initiatives, and governance practices.
However, what many fail to realise is the significant role external consultants play in shaping the narrative presented in these reports. These consultants, hired by companies to compile and frame data, often operate behind the scenes, unseen and unchecked.
This lack of external scrutiny opens the door to greenwashing – the practice of presenting a misleadingly positive image of a company’s sustainability efforts.
In an article that appeared in The Conversation on April 29, entitled ‘Invisible’ consultants help companies write sustainability reports. Here’s why that’s a problem, Hendri Yulius Wijaya, a PhD student in political science at the University of Melbourne, along with Kate Macdonald, an associate professor of political science at the same institution, have highlighted several key issues with the current process of sustainability reporting. 
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They argue that as companies worldwide increasingly publish sustainability reports to showcase their impacts on society and the environment, there’s a growing reliance on externally hired consultants to compile and frame this data.
This reliance, they contend, can lead to a lack of transparency and accountability in the reporting process.
Furthermore, Wijaya and Macdonald point out that while some regulators do not mandate external assurance of sustainability reports, this absence of oversight can allow for potential greenwashing.
They stress the need for greater scrutiny of consultants’ roles in sustainability reporting, urging for more transparency and independent evaluation of these reports to ensure their accuracy.
Drawing on Wijaya’s experience as a sustainability reporting professional in Indonesia, they shed light on the power dynamics between consultants and companies. They argue that sustainability reports should not be treated as one-off projects but rather as ongoing processes of measurement and disclosure. 
However, they note that constraints such as limited exposure to a company’s operations, pressure to meet reporting deadlines, and the influence of company management can hinder consultants’ ability to conduct meaningful data analysis and produce comprehensive reports.
To address these challenges, Wijaya and Macdonald suggest several changes. They advocate for a diverse range of experts in sustainability reporting teams to cover a wide range of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) topics. 
They also propose that more countries should pass laws requiring external assurance of sustainability reports to enhance transparency and accuracy. 
Additionally, they stress the importance of returning to the core principle of sustainability reporting as a means to measure impacts, risks, and challenges, rather than merely producing marketing material. 
Lastly, they call for stakeholders to adopt a sceptical approach to sustainability reports, recognising that transparency is crucial for meaningful progress in sustainability efforts.
As Wijaya and Macdonald suggest, the time has come to lift the veil of opacity shrouding sustainability reporting. We must demand greater transparency, accountability, and integrity in how companies compile, frame, and disclose their sustainability efforts. 
HSBC penalised over greenwashing
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Standards for sustainability, BS ISO 32210:2022
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LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio, a member-supported public media network.
Today on AirTalk, we look into how a long-standing environmental law has affected California housing projects. Also on the show, we examine some of the risks associated with taking supplements; we continue our conversation on neurodiversity, looking into the history of diagnosis; AirTalk listeners who are expats and transplants share what they love about SoCal; and more.
Under a California law created more than 50 years ago, housing projects large and small across the state have been required to undergo environmental review. The process outlined by the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (widely known as CEQA) is intended to push developers to mitigate potential environmental harms. It can also delay projects for years, cost developers millions of dollars and even kill projects in wealthy neighborhoods that rarely build new housing. Now, an independent state agency is recommending that lawmakers broadly exempt new urban housing from these reviews in the interest of moving the needle on the state’s intractable housing crisis. Joining to discuss is David Wagner, LAist housing reporter, David Petit, senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council’s (NRDC) Environmental Health Department, and Scott Epstein, policy and research director for Abundant Housing LA. If you have questions, call 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
Read David Wagner’s full story here

Clouds naturally reflect sunlight, helping cool the earth. But a group of scientists are experimenting with ways to make clouds even brighter and more reflective. The study is the first of its kind, aiming at infusing clouds with artificial sea salt that will, in theory, brighten clouds and cool the planet. Earlier research has shown that emissions from both natural sources and human activity provide a cooling effect. Of course, we know pollution from human activities can have a terrible impact on our health, but strangely, the particles increase the reflectivity of clouds which in turn helps cooling. Now, scientists are testing whether or not they can put non-polluting particles into clouds to achieve a cooling effect. Will it work and is it safe?
Joining us to discuss is Tapio Schneider, professor of environmental science and engineering at CalTech.

Hundreds of bottles of dietary supplements line the shelves in the “natural remedies” section of your drugstore. Options are dizzying, but that hasn’t stopped almost 60% of adults in this country from taking some sort of supplement, whether it’s a probiotic or multivitamin or obscure herb touted by enthusiasts. A recent piece in the Washington Post outlines the risks of taking supplements: among them, limited regulation of their contents, and potential interactions with medications. So when are supplements the right choice? And what about the risks? Joining us to discuss is David Seres, professor of medicine in the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

For most of the 20th Century, neurodiverse conditions like autism were considered to be quite rare, having less to do with their prevalence but more so with their researcher characteristics. Despite books like “The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” having definitions for disabilities like ADHD or autism, the 1990s saw notable increases for both once clinical diagnoses began to understand the complexities of neurodiversity. So today on AirTalk, for this installment of our neurodiversity series, we get into this century-long development of definitions and how recent decades have led to a much more nuanced look into what neurodiversity is.
Joining hosts Austin Cross and Julia Paskin for this discussion are Steve Silberman, science writer and author of the book “NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity”, and Dr. Shulamite Green, licensed clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at UCLA.

For many of us who aren’t from Southern California originally, there’s a certain…mystique to the idea of living here. Growing up from somewhere like the East Coast or another country altogether, our idea of what it’s like to live in SoCal might be informed by the way it’s often portrayed in TV and movies — a sun-splashed, palm tree-laden utopia with horrible traffic where people go surfing before work and your morning trip to the coffee shop could land you in line behind a celebrity or movie star. Such was the mental image that LAist senior editor Suzanne Levy, who grew up in London and lived in New York before finally settling in L.A. with her husband, had conjured up before coming here. And as she writes in a new essay for LAist, that early vision of SoCal she had in her head wasn’t one she was necessarily excited about being part of in the time leading up to her living here. But that all changed when she arrived in SoCal to discover that while some of those preconceived notions about living here were true, they just added to the charm and allure of it all. Today on AirTalk, Suzanne joins us to share some of her reflections from her essay “A Love Letter To L.A., From A Brit Who Never Thought She’d Fit In.”
LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio, a member-supported public media network.

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Published 18 hours ago
Submitted by Nasdaq
Nasdaq
ESG and sustainability data are increasingly used by investors, regulators, customers, employees, and other stakeholders to assess the sustainability and value of a company. This expanded use has prompted audit and assurance practices, as they help de-risk sustainability data by enhancing data credibility and reducing the risks of errors, omissions, and misstatements.
International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) research showed 69% of companies globally obtained assurance on some of their sustainability disclosures in 2022 and were expanding the scope of their assurance engagements year over year. Moreover, according to 2024 Nasdaq ESG Solutions research, 97% of companies report that audit and assurance of ESG and sustainability data is a challenge ^[1].
Because inaugural assurance engagements can be overwhelming, Nasdaq ESG Solutions outlines best practices to help sustainability leaders secure the right resources and engage the right people in pursuit of investor-grade sustainability and ESG data. We additionally highlight key examples of assurance expectations in regulatory and voluntary reporting.
Terminology Sustainability Leaders Should Know
Before digging into how audit and assurance are currently leveraged for sustainability data, it is helpful to take a step back to define key terms. Audit and verification are the processes of examining and verifying the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of data and information and assurance is the deliverable or outcome of the audit. There are different levels of assurance, and companies often begin with a lighter touch and work their way up to more in-depth verification.
The literal outcome of this work is a written statement, which is often attached to the sustainability report. The statement will cite the values and protocols to which the data has been verified. In addition, the company will receive a report indicating errors and other learnings from the audit. This is an important tool for companies to continue improving their ESG and sustainability data management.
Where Assurance Fits into Sustainability Reporting
There are many examples of assurance requirements or recommendations in both regulatory and voluntary reporting. A few are outlined below and others can be found across many frameworks and standards supported in Nasdaq Metrio™, Nasdaq’s sustainability reporting and data management solution.
Regulatory requirements around the globe prescribe levels of assurance for climate and other ESG data. While these regulations do not apply to every company, examples include:
Voluntary ESG and sustainability reporting frameworks also address assurance. For example, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) states that “disclosures should be subject to internal governance processes that are the same or substantially similar to those used for financial reporting.” Some entities that score or rank companies’ sustainability disclosures reward or allocate points for assurance practices, such as:
Building the Right Team
Audit and assurance of ESG and sustainability data involve internal and external parties. If ESG and sustainability responsibilities sit within the finance function, the company may already have created these cross-team connections given familiarity with existing financial auditing practices. For ESG and sustainability leaders assembling their teams for the first time, consider including the following:
Audit Trail and Traceability
In addition to proactively assembling a cross-functional team, the following practices may help companies prepare for assurance:
How Sustainability Leaders Can Get Started with Audit & Assurance
Whether your company will be required to meet regulatory requirements for assurance of sustainability and ESG data, now is the time to plan for audit-readiness to ensure investor-grade data for all stakeholders. Sustainability leaders have long been responsible for delivering and communicating ESG and sustainability strategy and are now layering in assurance of their data to meet evolving stakeholder and regulatory expectations.
Nasdaq Metrio is designed to help increase efficiency and effectiveness by facilitating audit-readiness for ESG and sustainability data. Nasdaq’s platform enables cross-team collaboration, data centralization and documentation, workflow automation, and clear audit trails, while keeping the needs of sustainability strategy and KPI achievement in focus.
To learn more or inquire about how Nasdaq Metrio can help future-proof your sustainability data and reporting, get in touch with our team here.
^{[1] Nasdaq ESG Solutions (2024). 2024 ESG & Sustainability Software Strategy Report. [Publication in preparation].
This communication and the content found by following any link herein does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only and do not establish an attorney-client or other fiduciary or principal-agent relationship. Information in these materials may not constitute the most up-to-date information. Please contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Nasdaq accepts no liability for any actions taken by you or any third party based on Nasdaq services, nor for any penalties, fines, or legal consequences faced by you as a result of non-compliance with laws or regulations.}

Nasdaq is on a mission to fuel inclusive growth and prosperity through technological innovation and expert insights. We develop and deliver purpose-built ESG and climate solutions for hundreds of businesses globally, empowering them to collect, measure, disclose and communicate audit-grade environmental, social, and governance data.
We support our clients to meet stakeholder demands and regulatory compliance, improve efficiency, attract investors & reduce cost of capital, all while driving towards a more sustainable world.
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The demise of La Corona makes Venezuela the first nation in the Andes without a glacier. It won’t be the last.
CARACAS, Venezuela — The last of Venezuela’s glaciers has disappeared, scientists say, despite an unusual government effort to save it.
The demise of La Corona, downgraded to an ice field after shrinking from more than 1,100 acres to less than five, makes this South American nation the only one in the Andes range without a glacier — but it’s unlikely to be the last. Scientists, who long predicted the end of La Corona, say warming temperatures will render the entire Northern Andes, which snakes through Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador, glacier-free by 2050.

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Explore the 2023–24 MIT Sloan Year in Review.
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Can mini solar grids bring electricity to more people?
Can solar energy be more accessible?
How These Sloanies Are Propelling Startups Across MIT
Alumni
Sustainability
By
Tracey Palmer
Apr 23, 2024
When Rubén Lozano Aguilera, MBA ’13, submitted his MIT Sloan admission application, he stated that his ultimate goal was to work on sustainability at a major corporation—he’s reached that goal in a big way.
Rubén Lozano Aguilera, MBA ’13, Senior Product Manager at Google Maps
Before MIT, Rubén was part of a Microsoft team bringing ecommerce to people across the globe. That’s when he realized that the opportunities and challenges developing countries were facing in adopting and embracing new technologies extended far beyond the technical realm. “From my perspective, technology is a powerful tool, but ultimately, it remains just a tool,” he reflects. “Human, political, social, and economic factors all need consideration when introducing tech to people, including future implications.”
Rubén discovered like-minded professionals at MIT and within the MIT Sloan sustainability community. “MIT Sloan felt a bit more relaxed, more informal, more nerdy, more human—more interested in substance than pretense,” he says. “And most importantly, I felt I belonged. I believe MIT Sloan has a much higher threshold for people who don’t fit the mold—who are not your classic b-school students. For me, that was magical, I felt a humble intellectual curiosity permeating the atmosphere and I loved it.”
On campus, Rubén was quick to take on leadership roles—as president of the MIT Sloan Pride Club, an MIT Sloan Ambassador, and director of content for the MIT Sustainability Summit. As an MIT Public Sector Service Grant recipient, Rubén conducted field research in Africa, contributing to an SEID project focused on solving a human resource challenge for a low-cost energy provider in Tanzania.
Rubén joined Google in 2018, after stints at Samsung in Seoul and at Amazon in Seattle, across strategy and product management. As a senior product manager for Google Maps, he initially focused on helping drivers maneuver the new realities of navigating urban environments. But it wasn’t long before he pitched a sustainability-specific product feature for the app.
As with any new idea, Rubén had to advocate persistently for his product feature. In 2020, after CEO Sundar Pichai made a public announcement about Google’s commitment to help 1 billion people live more sustainably by using the company’s core products, like Search and Maps, Rubén knew his time had come.
He explains, “I had already identified pollution as a key challenge for the future of transportation in urban areas as part of my long-term strategy. So when Sundar announced Google’s commitment, I knew I had the perfect opportunity to make my proposal a reality.”
Sustainability has been a priority for Google for a long time—starting with decarbonizing its business and increasingly investing in helping others—but there was still opportunity to help people around the world make sustainable choices in their daily lives using Google’s products, Rubén says. In early 2021, Rubén and his team got the green light to launch a new product in Maps, eco-friendly routing—an algorithm that not only prioritizes getting drivers to their destination as quickly as possible, but also optimizes for lower fuel consumption, saving people money on gas while simultaneously reducing CO₂e emissions.
Of course, as with any new initiative, the project required a lot of foundational research, usability studies, experimentation, technical partnerships, and continuous learning to understand what it meant to deliver a high-quality product in this space that users would embrace. During the entire process, Rubén found himself relying on what he learned at MIT Sloan.
“One of the most important lessons was learning to see problems as dynamic systems, in which multiple factors influence their ups and downs,” he says. “And also realizing that many of those factors involve humans, so exploring why we behave the way we do is key. We’re both rational and irrational beings”.
Rubén highlighted a class taught by Andrew W. Lo (Charles E. and Susan T. Harris Professor; Professor, Finance) that introduced the adaptive market hypothesis, a novel multi-disciplinary framework for tackling complex problems. “After learning about how evolutionary biology and neuroscience can help explain how humans make decisions in financial markets, it wasn’t a big leap for me to apply the same mindset to climate change”.
For Rubén, one of the most exciting aspects of the new product is that his team can actually measure its impact. By tracking both the route that Google Maps would have recommended without the innovation, as well as the one the driver ended up choosing, they can tally up the differences and produce a good estimation.
“As of the end of Sep 2023, we estimated that our efforts have helped prevent 2.4M+ metric tons of CO2e emissions since launch—equivalent to taking approximately 500K fuel-based cars off the road for a year. All of that with a software update on a mobile app!”
But Rubén anticipates an even greater impact as his team expands eco-friendly routing coverage and collaborates with partners like the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and transportation leaders to empower people worldwide to travel more sustainably. From suggesting public transit or walking options alongside comparable driving routes to simplifying EV ownership by addressing EV charging concerns, the goal is making sustainable travel the easiest choice, no matter where people are at in their sustainability journey.
The mission of the MIT Sloan School of Management is to develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world and to generate ideas that advance management practice.

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Emirates Group: 3 Pillars of Environmental Sustainability

The Emirates Group’s Environmental Sustainability Framework, focusing on reducing emissions, consuming responsibly, and preserving wildlife and habitats, exemplifies commitment to responsible practices.
During the fiscal year 2023-24, The Emirates Group has made significant progress in implementing its Environmental Sustainability Framework. This framework focuses on three key pillars: reducing emissions, consuming responsibly, and preserving wildlife and habitats. These pillars guide the company’s efforts to enhance its environmental performance and reflect its dedication to sustainable practices.
Leading the Way in Reducing Emissions
In the fiscal year 2023-24, The Emirates Group has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint. Their efforts are a part of a broader commitment to environmental sustainability. By focusing on fuel efficiency, sustainable aviation fuels, and electrifying ground support equipment, Emirates is setting new standards for the aviation industry.
Emirates has implemented several initiatives to improve fuel efficiency. A key component of this strategy is the Green Standard Operating Procedures (Green SOPs). These procedures educate pilots on reducing unnecessary fuel burn. By using data analytics and advanced technology, Emirates has significantly minimized fuel consumption. In the past year alone, these efforts reduced fuel burn by over 48,000 tonnes and carbon emissions by more than 151,000 tonnes​​.
The Green SOPs involve multiple tactics. Pilots receive training on optimal flight paths, efficient speed management, and effective use of aircraft systems. Emirates also invests in fleet modernization. Newer aircraft models are more fuel-efficient and have lower emissions. These combined efforts make a substantial difference in reducing the overall carbon footprint.
Emirates is pioneering the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). SAF is produced from renewable sources and has the potential to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions significantly. In 2023-24, Emirates signed new supply agreements, allowing them to uplift SAF at their Dubai hub for the first time. They also operated the first A380 demonstration flight using 100% SAF in one engine. This data collection effort supports industry-wide initiatives to enable a future of flying with sustainable fuels​​.
The commitment to SAF is a long-term strategy. Emirates has established a US$ 200 million fund to support research and development projects focused on reducing the impact of fossil fuels in commercial aviation. Collaborations with international experts, such as the Aviation Impact Accelerator at the University of Cambridge, are pivotal in advancing these efforts​​.
Another significant area of focus for Emirates is the electrification of Ground Support Equipment (GSE). dnata, a part of The Emirates Group, has made substantial investments in this area. In the past year, dnata introduced more electric and hybrid vehicles into its global GSE fleet. This includes new baggage tractors, cargo loaders, and pushback tractors. These vehicles are now operational in the United States and other key markets​​.
In addition to new electric vehicles, dnata has also refurbished existing diesel-powered GSE to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil and electric power. This transition not only reduces emissions but also enhances operational efficiency. dnata’s efforts have been recognized with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) environmental management certification, highlighting their commitment to sustainability across their UAE operations​​.
Emirates leverages advanced data analytics to monitor and improve fuel efficiency. By analyzing flight data, they can identify areas for improvement and implement changes quickly. This proactive approach ensures that fuel efficiency is continuously optimized. The use of real-time data helps in making informed decisions that directly impact fuel consumption and emissions​​.
To further optimize ground operations, dnata uses Vehicle Tracking Management Systems. These systems monitor fuel consumption across the GSE fleet. By analyzing the data, dnata can optimize logistics, reduce distances traveled, and promote responsible driver behavior. This not only enhances efficiency but also significantly reduces emissions from ground operations​​.
Emirates’ commitment to reducing emissions is evident in its investment in research and development. The US$ 200 million fund dedicated to R&D projects is a testament to their long-term vision. By collaborating with international experts and institutions, Emirates is at the forefront of developing sustainable aviation solutions. These efforts are crucial in driving industry-wide change and ensuring a sustainable future for aviation​​.
Emirates actively participates in global initiatives and collaborates with industry leaders to promote sustainable practices. Their involvement in the Air-CRAFT consortium and The Solent Cluster in the UK demonstrates a commitment to advancing renewable and advanced aviation fuels. These collaborations are essential in developing viable solutions to reduce carbon emissions and achieve sustainability goals​​.
Pioneering Responsible Consumption in Aviation
The Emirates Group demonstrates its dedication to responsible consumption through partnerships with ethical suppliers and waste minimization initiatives. The company’s Supplier Code of Conduct ensures that suppliers align with its responsible sourcing requirements. In 2023-24, Emirates focused on supplier engagement for more sustainable inflight service products​​.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, The Emirates Group has taken substantial steps to embrace responsible consumption. Their initiatives focus on ethical sourcing, waste minimization, and sustainable practices across operations. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
The Emirates Group is dedicated to building a supply chain that aligns with its values and environmental best practices. A cornerstone of this approach is the enhanced Supplier Code of Conduct, implemented in 2022. This code ensures that suppliers adhere to responsible sourcing requirements without compromising quality. In 2023-24, Emirates focused on engaging suppliers for more sustainable inflight service products, with plans to expand these efforts to a broader supplier base in the coming months​​.
Additionally, dnata, a subsidiary of The Emirates Group, has integrated supplier questionnaires for Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and product procurement in its catering businesses. This strategy nurtures a more responsible supply chain, ensuring that environmental considerations are embedded in procurement processes​​.
Waste minimization is a key pillar of Emirates’ Environmental Sustainability Framework. A significant initiative launched in June 2023 is the closed-loop recycling program. This program repurposes millions of damaged and unserviceable meal tray items, such as plastic trays, bowls, and casserole dishes, into new meal service products. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also supports a circular economy within the aviation industry​​.
dnata has made remarkable progress in waste management. In the UK, dnata has implemented zero-waste-to-landfill contracts with waste management providers. This initiative has been extended to operations in the Netherlands, where zero-waste-to-landfill practices are also in place. Furthermore, dnata has eliminated single-use plastics across several of its catering businesses, demonstrating a robust commitment to reducing plastic waste​​.
Emirates has introduced a range of sustainable inflight amenity kits made from alternative materials. These kits include items made from washable kraft paper and durable travel essentials. Complimentary toy bags, baby amenity kits, and plush toys are crafted from recycled plastic bottles and other alternative materials. Additionally, belt bags, duffle bags, and backpacks are made from yarn produced from 100% recycled plastic bottles​​.
In May 2023, Emirates phased out paper boarding passes for flights departing Dubai. This move significantly reduces paper waste and is part of a broader effort to digitize operations and minimize environmental impact​​.
dnata actively participates in global environmental initiatives, such as World Clean Up Day. In September 2023, dnata Travel organized an event that encouraged recycling of paper, expired medication, electronics, plastics, and cans. This event underscores the company’s commitment to community engagement and environmental responsibility​​.
In February 2023, dnata Travel volunteers in Dubai built a dedicated green space outside their office using recycled wooden pallets. This initiative not only promotes green living but also demonstrates how recycling can be creatively used to enhance community spaces​​.
To minimize waste, Emirates has implemented a closed-loop recycling initiative where damaged meal tray items are repurposed into new products. dnata has adopted zero-waste-to-landfill contracts and eliminated single-use plastics across several of its catering businesses. Additionally, Emirates has introduced a range of inflight amenity kits made from alternative materials, including recycled plastic bottles​​.
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A Commitment to Preserving Wildlife and Habitats
Preserving biodiversity and habitats is crucial to The Emirates Group’s sustainability strategy. The company has long supported the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), Dubai’s largest national park, dedicated to protecting indigenous flora and fauna. Emirates also contributes to the conservation of the unique biodiversity at Wolgan Valley in Australia, a World Heritage-listed region​​.
The Emirates Group is deeply committed to preserving wildlife and natural habitats. Their efforts encompass a wide range of initiatives, from supporting conservation reserves to engaging in global wildlife protection partnerships. In the fiscal year 2023-24, Emirates made significant progress in these areas, reinforcing its role as a leader in environmental stewardship.
For over 20 years, Emirates has supported the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), Dubai’s largest national park. The DDCR, covering 5% of the emirate’s total land area, is dedicated to protecting indigenous flora and fauna. Emirates has managed this reserve since its establishment in 2002. In October 2023, the DDCR unveiled a new visitor center that provides an immersive introduction to the UAE’s indigenous flora and fauna .
Emirates’ commitment to habitat conservation extends to Australia, where the company has contributed to preserving the unique biodiversity of Wolgan Valley in the Greater Blue Mountains region. Since opening the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in 2009, Emirates has invested over AU$ 125 million into this luxury conservation-based resort. The resort occupies just 1% of a 2,800-hectare nature reserve and has seen the planting of over 175,000 native trees and shrubs .
dnata, a subsidiary of The Emirates Group, actively participates in conservation efforts worldwide. Employees are involved in various initiatives, such as mangrove plantation projects in the UAE, tree planting across global stations, establishing bee pollinator zones in Italy and Ireland, and maintaining the Walled Orchard in the UK. These activities highlight dnata’s dedication to protecting critical habitats and biodiversity .
In 2023, Emirates joined Project Vikela, aiming to deploy an automated system for detecting illegal wildlife products in security screening systems at priority airports in Africa. This project is part of a broader effort to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species .
Emirates has a strict zero-tolerance policy on carrying banned species, hunting trophies, and products associated with illegal wildlife activities. The company continuously supports CITES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) protocols in collaboration with entities such as the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment .
In 2023, Emirates achieved the IATA IEnvA Illegal Wildlife Trade certification for its Environmental Management System. This certification, endorsed by United for Wildlife, helps strengthen business procedures to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. Emirates also rolled out comprehensive wildlife awareness training for over 30,000 employees, equipping them with the skills to identify signs of wildlife trafficking and report suspicions through dedicated channels .
Arabian Adventures, part of The Emirates Group, launched a range of educational trips for UAE schools and universities in January 2023. These trips are based on the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve’s wildlife, habitat, and conservation efforts. The initiative aims to raise awareness among the younger generation about the importance of conservation .
In September 2023, dnata Travel published its Animal Welfare Policy, providing stakeholders with guidelines for responsible travel activities that contribute to wildlife preservation across its network. This policy is part of dnata’s broader commitment to promoting ethical practices in the travel and tourism industry .
(Copyright@India CSR)
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ACD and ACC recognize the value of their performance programs in advancing these shared objectives.
May 15, 2024
Alliance for Chemical Distribution (formerly the National Association of Chemical Distributors), and the American Chemistry Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support continued collaboration and enhance safety and sustainability in the chemical supply chain, from manufacture to distribution.

ACD and ACC recognize the value of their respective performance programs, ACD Responsible Distribution and ACC Responsible Care, in advancing these shared objectives.

The memorandum recognizes the complementary nature of each organization, their respective performance programs, and their members’ critical roles in the chemical supply chain. Through the MOU, ACD and ACC pledge to work together to promote excellent performance, recruit unaffiliated organizations, and support public policy efforts to benefit the entire chemical industry.

“ACD has long worked in conjunction with ACC, and this memorandum represents a positive step forward in our continued commitment to upholding the highest standards in the chemical industry value chain,” said Eric R. Byer, president and CEO of ACD. "The collaboration between chemical manufacturers and chemical distribution experts is essential to countless industries across the nation, and our performance programs are vital to improving the quality, safety, and sustainability of the entire chemical supply chain. We are excited to continue our collaboration with ACC to support these programs and advance the best interest of our member companies.”

Since 1991, ACD Responsible Distribution has been a trusted, comprehensive set of environmental, health, safety, security, and sustainability standards within the chemical distribution industry. This framework demands continuous improvement in every phase of chemical storage, handling, transportation, and disposal.

Launched in the US in 1988, ACC’s Responsible Care program drives continual improvement and supports innovation in products and processes in manufacturing and throughout the supply chain. A mandate of ACC membership, Responsible Care companies track and transparently report performance metrics, holding themselves accountable to employees, stakeholders, and community members.

“Programs like Responsible Care and ACD Responsible Distribution are vital to helping companies of all sizes understand and enhance their safety and sustainability performance,” said Chris Jahn, ACC president and CEO. “At their core, they help our industry be responsible stewards of our people and our planet. We are excited to embark on this next chapter of collaboration with ACD to meet our collective goals.”

ACD and ACC have a longstanding collaborative relationship, working together on many projects.
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Clouds and some breaks of sun. Possible shower mainly in the Poconos and New Jersey..
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Updated: May 16, 2024 @ 4:05 am

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SHILLINGTON, Pa. – Goodwill Keystone Area has started accepting electronic recycling as part of a new program.
“Is it a service that’s needed… absolutely it is. But even more pressing is the service that it helps us provide,” said Bruce Brockman, VP of operations for Goodwill Keystone Area.
“What we’re looking to do is provide an opportunity with Reworld to be able to provide that service free of charge and still have it responsibly dealt with,” he added.
Brockman says the response has been overwhelming so far.
“We are seeing a lot of stuff come to our stores, which we’re happy about,” Brockman said. “That is what we wanted to happen. That is what we’re looking to do. The fact that it is happening speaks to how badly it was needed.”
The non-profit accepts a wide variety of items including things like old computers, monitors and VCRs as well as phones, TVs and cameras. Even some small appliances.
“By allowing opportunity for people to dispose of electronics or before they had to pay to get rid of them or could not get rid of them at all, we’re hopeful that we can do that and also those people would bring in other gently used items that could be sold in our stores,” said Brockman.
The goal is to promote economic and environmental sustainability.
“I always want to emphasize on our mission of providing opportunity for employment, training for employment in advancement and sustainability for residents of central and south-central Pennsylvania, which is the overarching reason why we’ve done this,” Brockman said.
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