Training And ESG Governance: An Advantage For Companies

Company training is crucial to neutralise CO2 emissions and consists of a set of knowledge and strategies that help companies reduce, offset and manage their emissions. This process is called carbon neutrality or carbon neutrality and considers eight main elements: 1. measuring CO2 emissions; 2. definition of reduction targets 3. implementation of sustainable technologies and practices; 4. offsetting emissions; 5. staff training and awareness-raising; 6. continuous monitoring and reporting; 7. transparent communication; 8. adherence to regulations and incentives.

A key aspect of sustainability is employee involvement. There is a need to train staff on how to reduce energy consumption, manage waste sustainably and adopt green behaviours. Involve staff in encouraging sustainable ideas and practices within the organisation, such as the use of green technologies or reducing plastic. It becomes crucial for proper emissions management to apply constant monitoring and reporting solutions. Specifically, companies should: 1. monitor progress towards emission reduction targets; 2. publish annual sustainability reports highlighting actions taken and results achieved; 3. use recognised standards and certifications such as ISO 14064 (greenhouse gas emission management) or the B-Corp certification for corporate sustainability

The report Global Carbon Budget Report 2023 showed a 1.1% increase in global emissions in 2023 compared to 2022. Emissions from fossil fuels exceed efforts to remove them by more than a million times. In Europe, emissions decreased by about 7% year-on-year, while in the US there was a 3% reduction. However, emissions from coal, oil and natural gas continue to rise, with countries such as India and China showing a steady increase. Currently, these two countries account for almost 40% of global fossil fuel emissions, although Western countries, including the US, are the largest historical emitters.

The use of technology is seen as a valuable support for climate neutrality, The UN Panel on Climate Change emphasised that carbon removal is essential to achieve international climate goals, keeping warming below 1.5 °C compared to pre-industrial levels. In this context, the proposed long-term national strategy identifies pathways to achieve 'climate neutrality' in Italy by 2050. This condition implies that residual greenhouse gas emissions are to be offset by CO2 removals and, if necessary, by the use of CO2 geological storage and reuse technologies (CCS-CCUs).

To quantify and qualify the effort required, the national strategy is divided into two main phases: reference scenario and decarbonisation scenario. The reference scenario is characterised by three key elements: 1. it aligns with the objectives of the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (NIPEC), maintaining positive energy-environmental trends until 2050; 2. adopts external projections for GDP and population in line with the latest ISTAT forecasts 3. integrates the effects of climate change, considering changes in degree days, agricultural yields and the frequency of fires, highlighting priority actions for adaptation.

It is divided into 3 levers that identify the combination and potential critical issues to achieve climate neutrality by 2025. Specifically, these are: 1. a significant reduction in energy demand, especially for consumption in the private mobility sector; 2. a radical change in the energy mix in favour of renewable sources of energy (RES), accompanied by a strong electrification of end uses and the production of hydrogen, which can be used directly or transformed into other fuels for the decarbonisation of non-electric uses; 3. an increase in CO2 removals from forest areas, achieved through sustainable management, restoration of degraded areas and reforestation, possibly supported by CCS-CCU technology.

The first step in neutralising emissions is to understand how much CO2 emissions are generated. This is done through an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions (carbon footprint), which includes emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company (called direct emissions). Instead, emissions from electricity and heat consumed by the company are indirect emissions. Finally, there are also other indirect emissions and they are related to the supply chain, company travel and the transport of goods. After measuring emissions, the company should define concrete and measurable reduction targets in line with international regulations and climate agreements (such as the Paris Agreement). These targets can include reducing emissions in specific areas such as transport, energy, heating and cooling, and improving energy efficiency and reducing waste.

To reduce emissions, the company should adopt innovative solutions and technologies. These include: 1. energy efficiency: improve insulation, optimise lighting and heating/cooling systems, use more efficient machinery; 2. renewable energy: switch to the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind or hydro; 3.reduction of consumption: optimise the use of resources, reduce waste and promote recycling; 4. sustainable mobility: encourage car sharing, the use of electric vehicles, remote working to reduce travel. Not all emissions can be eliminated. Therefore, companies can offset residual emissions through the purchase of carbon credits that consist of credits that finance emission reduction projects, such as reforestation, clean energy projects or CO2 capture and storage.

Communication of actions taken towards carbon neutrality is crucial. Companies should inform customers, partners and shareholders of measures taken to reduce emissions and avoid 'greenwashing' by providing concrete and verifiable data on actual reductions in CO2 emissions. In order to achieve steady progress in sustainability practices, training and constant updates on local, national and international regulations concerning the reduction of CO2 emissions is of great value. In addition, companies can access tax incentives, financing or facilities to implement sustainability projects

3Bee offers customised solutions for assessment, regeneration and training, all integrated into a single platform that complies with ESRS E-4 and GRI 101 standards. The aim is to help companies integrate biodiversity into their business strategies. Through a technological approach aligned with ESG objectives, 3Bee helps organisations and companies optimise their biodiversity protection and conservation policies. This commitment is based on three core values: Monitoring, Regeneration and Education.