Latest news with #Scope3
NDTV
5 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Why Microsoft Has Inked A Deal To Buy 4.9 Million Tons Of Human Waste
Tech giant Microsoft has inked a $1.7 billion deal with US startup Vaulted Deep to purchase 4.9 million metric tons of organic waste, including human waste, for 12 years, starting from 2026. The move comes as part of the company's effort to reduce increasing carbon emissions due to its AI systems, The Wall Street Journal reported. Each ton of carbon is currently priced at approximately $350. The electricity required for running the company's AI operations has led to a sharp rise in pollution levels. According to Microsoft's annual Environmental Sustainability Report, its total carbon emissions have surged by almost 30 per cent since 2020. Vaulted Deep is a startup that specialises in removing carbon from the environment by burying organic waste underground. So, the startup will collect the organic waste, including human sewage, farm manure, paper mill sludge, and other byproducts, and convert it into a bioslurry. The company will then inject the bioslurry deep underground, over 5,000 feet beneath the Earth's surface. Once buried, the waste doesn't release greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. Julia Reichelstein, CEO of Vaulted Deep, said, "We're taking different types of organic waste that today cause problems above ground, and instead we put it really deep underground for permanent carbon removal." The addition of new data centres and the carbon found in building materials and hardware components like servers, racks, and semiconductors are the main causes of the increase in their Scope 3 emissions, as read in the company's blog post. The WSJ reports that the company has so far bought over 83 million tons of carbon removal credits, including 59 million tons bought this year. Microsoft aims to become carbon negative by 2030 and hopes to create 100 per cent of its electricity from carbon-free sources. By 2050, it seeks to clean up more greenhouse gases than the company has emitted since its founding.
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Explore the depths of ESG
The upcoming Asia ESG Summit 2025 will feature regional-level conversations and industry insights. Pictured: Matrade's export promotion and market access division senior director Jai Shankar offering one such perspective at last year's local edition, held at KLCC. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star The Asia ESG Summit 2025 is poised to spark conversation and change ASEAN's rapid growth presents an opportunity to lead on ESG issues that matter. Covering a broad spectrum of topics—from climate change and the circular economy to renewable energy financing and innovative cleantech—the Asia ESG Summit 2025 offers a platform to explore the ESG priorities shaping Asia's sustainable future. Taking place from Nov 5 to 7 in Kuala Lumpur, the three-day summit will enable attendees to dive deep into practical strategies, share regional best practices and engage in meaningful dialogue about integrating ESG principles into business and investment decisions and enhancing existing strategies. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and network with policymakers, business leaders, investors and sustainability professionals from across the region and beyond. The event is structured around three thematic streams, each designed to address critical ESG areas: responsible investment and circular economy (Stream One), climate and value chain decarbonisation (Stream Two), and innovative cleantech and sustainable change (Stream Three). Stream One focuses on integrating ESG into investment strategies and sustainable finance, covering carbon pricing, renewable energy financing and circular economy models. Stream Two addresses net-zero goals by managing Scope 3 emissions, enhancing sustainability reporting, and tackling industry-specific decarbonisation challenges with practical case studies and data strategies. Stream Three explores cutting-edge climate technologies like carbon capture and sustainable agriculture, featuring product demos, startup showcases and investor networking to drive clean technology innovation. This tailored approach allows participants to customise their experience based on their interests and expertise, fostering rich discussions and collaboration. Gain exclusive insights, hear pioneering strategies and learn how key decision-makers are shaping Asia's sustainable future. Don't miss your chance to be part of this impactful ESG event. The Asia ESG Summit 2025 marks the inaugural summit of the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (A-EPIC), whose members include Star Media Group (SMG), KG Media and the Inquirer Group of Companies. The summit is organised by SMG, with Sime Darby Property Bhd as the Urban Biodiversity Partner. Join a growing community committed to building inclusive, resilient and environmentally responsible economies. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit CLICK TO ENLARGE
Malaysian Reserve
7 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
CGS International Accelerates Sustainability Efforts and Unveils Second Sustainability Report
The Group received 17 Sustainability-related awards in 2024, spanning CSR, DEI and ESG categories. Notable progress was made on its eight Sustainability Focus ('8SF') areas, including the launch of its ESG Incorporation Framework ('ESGIF') to guide the development of ESG-labelled products and services. Starting 2025, the Group will focus on further ESG incorporation into its products and services, tracking Scope 3 emissions, and integrating climate risk into its risk management framework. SINGAPORE, July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CGS International Securities Pte Ltd ('CGS International') has published the second edition of its sustainability report, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable practices in its business and operations. The 2024 Sustainability Report is aligned with globally recognised sustainability reporting standards, Global Reporting Initiative ('GRI'), as well as the International Financial Reporting Standards S2 on climate-related disclosures. 'CGS International remains committed to future-proofing our business by embedding sustainability in our strategy. We are focused on creating long-term value for our stakeholders and giving back to the communities we serve. At the same time, we continue to facilitate capital flows between China and ASEAN, some of which could be channeled to sustainable development areas that address climate and biodiversity risks in the ASEAN region,' said Ms Carol Fong, Group CEO of CGS International. Promoting Bilateral Relations and Mutual Growth In an increasingly fragmented and volatile global economy, it is important for Asian countries to forge closer regional cooperation to increase collective influence and trade resilience. The Group strengthened its role as a China-ASEAN nexus, facilitating not only capital flows, but also bilateral relations. In 2024, several high-impact conferences were organised across Southeast Asia and China, including the CGS SEA Bilateral Investment Forum 2024 in Hainan, which brought over 300 business leaders from China and ASEAN together. The Group also fostered closer relations between China and Malaysia, including a letter of intent between the governments of Hangzhou and Kuala Lumpur, and hosting high-level delegates to deepen bilateral cooperation. A notable initiative within the Group was the launch of a secondment programme between CGS International and its parent company, China Galaxy Securities, with the aim to facilitate cross-cultural exchanges and strengthen intra-group ties. Deepening ESG Integration Across the Group The 2024 report highlights meaningful progress across the Group's 8SF areas and marks a milestone in its Vision 2025 Strategy and Business Plan, the five-year roadmap that places sustainability at the heart of its strategic direction: Made material progress in emissions tracking, where Scope 2 emissions tracking was extended to international offices. Developing reduction targets and plans for Scope 1 and 2 for Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand offices in 2025 and 2026. Laid the groundwork with the continued measurement of Scope 3 emissions Category 1 (Purchased Goods and Services) from previous years Embarking on other Scope 3 categories covering business travel and finance-related activities in future years. In 2024, CGS International advanced its 'Sustainable Finance' focus by introducing the ESGIF, developed and endorsed by the Group's Sustainability Committee. This framework aims to provide direction and harmonisation for the development of ESG products and services. It establishes clear mechanisms for measurement, tracking, and reporting to support strategic decision-making. Furthermore, CGS International's Malaysia office launched ESG Margin Financing to promote investment in companies with strong ESG performance. Customers investing in constituents of the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index with high ESG ratings received preferential financing rates, with total loans extended reaching RM4.88 million. The Group's presence in Shariah-compliant markets across ASEAN also drove over S$6 million in revenue from faith-based products. Fostering Collaborative Impact 'At CGS International, we believe that knowledge sharing and collaboration are essential to driving meaningful progress on critical sustainability issues. By working closely with our partners and stakeholders, we aim to create a stronger collective catalyst for sustainable finance across Southeast Asia, and mobilise the industry towards greater climate action across ASEAN,' said Mr Kevin Lee, Group Head of Sustainability. One such initiative is the ASEAN Institute of Carbon Neutrality ('AICN'), launched in late 2023. AICN aspires to mobilise capital towards sustainable development in the ASEAN region to address issues such as climate change. This is done through education and engagement with the business community on sustainability issues through knowledge sharing and thought leadership. The AICN has collaborated with the Sustainable and Green Finance Institute ('SGFIN') from the National University of Singapore since 2024, which resulted in two white papers published on the topics, Just Energy Transition Partnership in Indonesia and Renewable Energy Imports for Singapore. AICN also hosted two webinars on related topics in 2024, including one on nature-related risks for corporates. In the pipeline are three joint research reports with SGFIN in 2025. For more details about CGS International's sustainability initiatives: – END – About CGS International Securities CGS International Securities Pte. Ltd. ('CGS International') is an award-winning and market leading integrated financial services provider, ranked among the top securities houses in Asia. CGS International taps on our wealth of global and ASEAN insights to offer equities trading, leveraged products, wealth management, investment banking, equities research, Shariah-compliant financing, fixed income, currency and commodities, structured products and prime brokerage services in over 15 countries and regions. Along with its parent organisation China Galaxy Securities, a leading securities house in China, CGS International is trusted by close to 18 million customers globally. Find out more at
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
How fulfilment centres are evolving for a sustainable tomorrow
Over the past decade, sustainability has moved from the periphery to the core of business strategy. As the world confronts a mounting climate crisis, the demand for environmentally responsible infrastructure has become critical, therefore pushing logistics, warehousing, and supply chain to the frontlines of change. Fulfilment centres, once optimised primarily for scarcity, are now reimagined as critical enablers of environmental stewardship. From energy-efficient designs and waste reduction initiatives to smarter resource management, these spaces are evolving to support a more conscious and climate-resilient future. This shift is not merely aspirational; it is driven by harsh realities like heightened investor scrutiny and consumer awareness, and stricter ESG mandates. As businesses face growing pressure, the urgency of sustainable fulfilment is palpable toward reducing their carbon footprints while maintaining speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Green partnerships One of the most significant shifts is the emergence of green partnerships between retailers and third-party logistics (3PL) providers. Sustainability is no longer a differentiator; it's becoming a baseline expectation. Retailers are increasingly opting to work with third-party logistics (3PL) partners that invest in renewable energy, deploy EV fleets, and leverage AI to optimise delivery routes. According to Grand View Research, the global green logistics market was valued at $1,507 billion last year, with the Asia Pacific region leading the way accounting for 36.2% of global revenue. This shift is not purely altruistic. Green logistics partners help reduce Scope 3 emissions. Moreover, with the introduction of mandatory ESG disclosures for large companies in India and increasing interest from global investors, having a sustainable supply chain is becoming essential for brand credibility and compliance. Future ecosystems Fulfilment centres are redefining the very fabric of logistics infrastructure, transforming warehouses into intelligent, self-sustaining ecosystems. Designed with sustainability at their core, these hubs use daylight-optimised skylights and smart HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems that dynamically adapt to reduce energy footprints. Rooftops are evolving into clean energy farms, harnessing solar power at scale, while integrated rainwater harvesting systems promise to make groundwater dependency a thing of the past. Inside the warehouses, cutting-edge technology is promoting a radical shift in operational efficiency. Advanced robotics and autonomous systems are eliminating redundant movements, driving both productivity and energy savings. Real-time IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and AI-powered analytics enable warehouses to anticipate maintenance needs and continuously optimise resource usage. Even packaging is getting a futuristic upgrade, with smart systems tailoring box sizes to reduce material waste and AI-driven segregation units that sort recyclable from non-recyclable packaging with precision. Reimagining last-mile delivery While warehouses are becoming greener, the real challenge lies in last-mile delivery, often the most polluting segment of the supply chain. To address this, fulfilment centres are rethinking their geographical positioning. Instead of being located on city outskirts, many Q-commerce players are investing in hyperlocal micro-fulfilment centres within urban clusters. This significantly reduces travel distances and fuel consumption. The adoption of EVs for last-mile delivery is also gaining momentum. Some logistics companies have set targets to convert their entire delivery fleet to electric vehicles over the next few years. Coupled with AI-based route optimisation tools, these initiatives are not only helping reduce carbon emissions but are also improving delivery speed and cost efficiency. Next frontier As India emerges as the fourth largest economy and sets its sights on becoming the third largest by 2028, fulfilment centres play an even pivotal role in shaping a greener, smarter, and more resilient supply chain. The warehouses of the future won't just process orders, they will operate as living, breathing ecosystems. Imagine facilities lit entirely by natural daylight during the day and seamlessly powered by solar-charged energy at night. Floors cleaned with recycled greywater. AI algorithms will regulate the entire operation, from inventory flow to predictive maintenance, with minimal human intervention and near-zero waste. These self-sustaining hubs will integrate circular practices by default: packaging will be biodegradable or reusable, every drop of water will be accounted for, and energy usage will be constantly optimised by intelligent systems. In essence, fulfilment centres will transcend their logistical role while becoming green powerhouses that deliver products and progress at an unprecedented pace. The writer is co-founder and managing director of Welspun On
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India's warehousing sector goes green as MNCs demand sustainable logistics spaces
Mumbai: India's warehousing industry is witnessing a green transformation, driven not just by developers and investors but increasingly by multinational corporate occupiers whose global sustainability mandates are reshaping the market. As companies tighten focus on their supply chain emissions to meet Scope 3 targets that include all indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, green-certified warehouses have moved from being a 'nice-to-have' to a 'must-have' in India's rapidly expanding logistics landscape, experts said. Led by this, India's certified green warehousing stock is expected to quadruple to 270 million square feet by 2030, up from 65 million square feet in 2024, showed data from JLL India. This underscores how global corporations are steering demand towards sustainable, energy-efficient assets as part of their Net Zero strategies . "Sustainability features such as green certifications, energy-efficient architecture , and advanced water management systems are no longer optional-they're essential for attracting and retaining high-quality, long-term occupiers. Global brands with ambitious ESG targets now prioritise assets that demonstrate strong environmental performance throughout their lifecycle, beyond mere location and cost," said Mehul Shah, CEO, India of Singapore-headquartered logistics platform LO-GOI Group. Live Events The share of green-certified space is expected to rise substantially as institutional players prioritise globally recognised standards like LEED, IGBC, and GRIHA to attract and retain marquee tenants. "We believe that this shift towards green assets is not just good for the planet, it is smart business. Sustainable warehouses offer operational efficiencies, long-term savings, and future-proof value for both landlords and occupiers. The coming years will see a clear divide between assets that can meet these expectations and those that cannot," said Anshul Singhal, co-founder & MD, Welspun One. Institutional players have understood that to have Multi-National Companies (MNCs) as tenants, their warehouses need to be Green and it is non-negotiable.
