Latest news with #Scope3
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Shein's Climate Ambitions Have Been Validated. Now What?
'I am dubious,' Kenneth Pucker wrote—succinctly and pointedly—on LinkedIn on Tuesday. The Fletcher School at Tufts University professor of the practice was expressing his feelings about Shein, which revealed the same day that it had attained a 'milestone' in its 'climate journey' following the Science Based Targets initiative's validation of its goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. This means it would remove more carbon dioxide from the air than it would release. More from Sourcing Journal EU Watchdog Says Shein Violated Bloc's Consumer Laws H&M Foundation's 10 Global Change Award Winners Have One Thing in Common Who Benefited From Shein, Temu Troubles? The Chinese-founded e-tail Goliath said it will achieve this through a 'decarbonization roadmap,' developed with advisory firm Anthesis Group, to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions—that is, those produced directly by Shein and the energy it purchases—by 42 percent and its absolute Scope 3 emissions—those produced by its suppliers—by 25 percent by 2030. Steps will include deploying only renewable energy at all directly managed facilities, phasing out fossil fuels in its operations by transitioning to electric vehicles, minimizing the adoption of virgin materials and cutting transportation distances by ramping up local procurement and optimizing logistical routes. 'SBTi's validation of our net-zero targets marks an important step in Shein's decarbonization journey,' Mustan Lalani, a Tetra Pak vet who joined the Singapore-headquartered company as its global head of sustainability in January, said in a statement. 'We are committed to reducing emissions across our value chain and recognize that addressing Scope 3 emissions is a complex but critical part of that effort. As we continue this work, we will build on our momentum and adapt our approach in line with evolving technologies, policies and industry best practices.' But Shein's planet-warming emissions have never declined year over year, Pucker noted. They have, in fact, nearly tripled over the past three years. In 2023, the Temu nemesis' carbon footprint swelled to 16.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, up 45 percent from the previous year and 175 percent from the year before that. The number outlaps not only the 16.4 million metric tons in emissions produced by Zara owner Inditex, fashion's previous top polluter, but also those of several countries. It wouldn't be hyperbole to say that Shein is the industry's biggest environmental offender. At best, Shein's plans are misleading because they focus on Scope 1 and 2 targets that account for less than 0.5 percent of its total emissions, said Rachel Kitchin, senior corporate climate campaigner at a Canadian watchdog group that ranks the ultra-fast-fashion purveyor last in its Fossil-Free Fashion Scorecard. At worst, its proposal is unattainable without severe changes to its production and distribution model, which is heavily reliant on coal-stoked power generation, high production volumes and extensive air freight, she said. 'We need to see Shein commit to concrete targets—with a goal to phase out on-site coal by 2030 and transition to renewable energy across supply chains—to take this plan seriously,' she said. 'Until the company stops flying millions of small packages around the world, commits to phasing out coal and actively supports a transition to renewable energy across its supply chain, we're deeply skeptical that this announcement is anything more than PR.' It's perhaps also worth noting that SBTi doesn't probe deeply into a company's underlying business model when reviewing a target, said Michael Sadowski, a climate and sustainability consultant and former Nike director of sustainable business and innovation. What the nonprofit looks at is the data shared voluntarily during target submissions to ensure that it meets the SBTi criteria. 'I don't have any inside info on Shein, and so observing their astronomical growth over the last decade, coupled with their business model, makes me question how they will reduce scope 3 emissions by 25 percent by 2030,' he said. 'I would like to see a detailed plan for how they will achieve this: Will they not ship individual packages by air? Will they fund renewable energy at suppliers or commit to long-term supplier relationships so these partners can invest in renewable energy? Will they invest in fuel switching at mills?' Sadowski said that fiber switching and 'supporting' manufacturers in transitioning to renewable energy alone won't help Shein reach 25 percent. He said he knows of only a 'small handful' of apparel and footwear brands that have reduced Scope 3 emissions on an absolute basis. They have done so only by investing a lot of money in manufacturers with which they have maintained longstanding relationships. Shein's announcement comes among rumors that it's pursuing a listing in Hong Kong after Chinese regulators, specifically the China Securities Regulatory Commission, failed to give it the go-ahead for a London IPO after Britain's Financial Conduct Authority greenlit the move. Unnamed sources told Reuters Wednesday that the company plans to go public in the special administrative region within the year. This would make it the third try at going public for Shein, which did not respond to a request for comment. Before its attempt in the United Kingdom, the Missguided owner was reportedly hoping for a New York debut. This was scuppered, it's been said, by a rare united front by Republican and Democratic lawmakers that threw conditions over concerns about China's influence and the potential forced labor of persecuted Muslim minorities. The retail giant has also had to grapple with questions of trustworthiness. Just this week, national consumer authorities in Belgium, France, Ireland and the Netherlands joined the European Commission to ask Shein to fix practices on its platform that appear to flout EU consumer law, including what they say are 'giving false or deceptive information about the sustainability benefits of certain products.' In 2024, Italy's antitrust agency opened an investigation into a company that manages Shein's online presence in the country over possible greenwashing. Shein has said that it is ready to cooperate openly with authorities. 'If Shein delivers on its plan to grow approximately 25 percent over the near term, that would mean that the carbon intensity unit would have to fall by 85 percent to achieve their target,' said Pucker, still unconvinced. 'Will they achieve their plan?' On the plus side, Shein's disclosure of SBTi-approved emissions reduction targets, when more than half of 250 major fashion brands fail to do so, is commendable in and of itself, said Liv Simpliciano, policy and research manager at Fashion Revolution, a grassroots organization that scores companies on their transparency—or lack thereof. But it's also what she calls the bare minimum. So far, Shein hasn't divulged its supplier list or annual production volumes, which activists say are necessary to verify brand claims and hold them to account. And by her estimation, only four brands—Asics, H&M Group, Marks & Spencer and Patagonia—have carbon reduction targets that meet the level of ambition that the Paris Agreement has determined will stave off the worst effects of climate change. 'That being said, targets are only as meaningful as the action that follows,' she said. 'The fashion industry remains far off track from delivering the rapid, large-scale emissions cuts that climate science makes unequivocally clear are needed. The polluter pays principle must apply: those with the largest footprints carry the greatest responsibility to act. Targets and ambition levels must match pollution levels.' More than anything, Peter Ford, a decarbonization consultant who previously worked at H&M Group, thinks that Shein whiffed a chance to have reduction goals with real bite. He said that while all companies need to interrogate their carbon emissions and set targets to reduce them, it is especially imperative that any company whose Scope 3 emissions account for 'practically all of its existing contributions to global heating' set targets that are 'high enough to be impactful.' 'The announced targets for Shein are small, and not even close to aligning with current industry-standard goal of 50 percent reduction by 2030 that UNFCCC Fashion Charter signatories have committed to,' he said, using an acronym for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 'Industry giants H&M Group and Inditex have SBTis that are even more ambitious, and I feel Shein has missed an opportunity to highlight that it clearly understands the role it currently plays in contributing to global heating—and demonstrate a commitment to meaningfully reduce it.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Boston Materials Strengthens B2B Brand Identity with 41% Surge in User Engagement Following Website Redesign by Digital Silk
Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - May 27, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites and digital marketing campaigns, is proud to announce the successful redesign of Boston Materials' corporate website, which has delivered a 41.14% increase in active users since its relaunch on June 26, 2024. Modern Website Redesign by Digital Silk Driving Digital Growth To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Boston Materials' cutting-edge Z-axis Fiber™ technology-known for delivering metallic strength and conductivity at a fraction of the weight-demanded a platform that could both explain its value and reinforce the company's readiness to scale with global enterprise partners. Key upgrades include: Strategic Content Architecture: The website introduces clearly defined content pathways for engineers, executives, and investors, helping diverse stakeholders find relevant product and application information quickly. Next-Generation UX & Visual Design: A sleek, modern design featuring motion graphics and interactive visuals helps communicate complex material science concepts in a user-friendly way. SEO & Lead Generation Optimization: Fully integrated SEO foundations and high-visibility calls to action support Boston Materials' lead generation efforts while boosting organic reach. Sustainability Storytelling: The new platform highlights Boston Materials' commitment to sustainability through initiatives such as reducing Scope 3 emissions and pioneering the use of reclaimed carbon fiber. Scalable Infrastructure: Built with CMS flexibility and HubSpot CRM integration, the site is primed to grow alongside the company's global ambitions. Ana Margarida Meira, Partner and Vice President of Client Relations at Digital Silk, stated: "Our collaboration with Boston Materials shows how strategic design and technical innovation can align to position a company as an industry leader. The performance metrics speak for themselves, but beyond the numbers, this redesign supports investor confidence, partner acquisition, and long-term brand growth." Since its relaunch on June 26, 2024, the new website has delivered significant performance results: +41.14% increase in active users +19.3% increase in engaged sessions +31.16% increase in organic traffic Metrics are based on performance comparisons between pre- and post-launch periods. Brands seeking to elevate their digital footprint can explore Digital Silk's tailored services, including: Digital Branding Custom Website Design Digital Marketing About Digital SilkDigital Silk is a full-service Boston web design agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, Digital Silk delivers industry-leading digital experiences through strategic branding and cutting-edge web design to drive more conversions and digital marketing services to boost awareness and engagement. Media ContactJessica ErasmusMarketing Director & PR ManagerTel: (800) 206-9413Email: jessica@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
Reuters
23-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
New framework issued for tackling Scope 3 emissions gap
May 23, 2025 - The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) has released the Scope 3 Action Code of Practice, which provides guidance to companies on best practices to reduce Scope 3 emissions. Scope 3 emissions, which are indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that occur in a company's value chain, can account for a significant portion of a company's GHG footprint and continue to grow rapidly on a global basis. The Scope 3 Action Code of Practice is designed to promote credible GHG mitigation by companies and participation in high-quality voluntary carbon markets to further efforts to meet global climate change goals. Many companies measure their GHG emissions by assessing them within three different scopes. Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by a company, such as emissions associated with the boiler or furnace in one of its corporate offices. Scope 2 emissions encompass indirect emissions from the company's purchase of electricity, steam, heat, or cooling. For example, Scope 2 emissions include the generation of electricity that is used in one of its corporate offices. Scope 3 emissions cover all sources that are not within the Scope 1 or Scope 2 boundaries. Scope 3 emissions are indirect GHG emissions that occur in a company's value chain that are not produced by the company itself and are the result of activities from assets not owned or controlled by the company. These emissions may arise from upstream sources, such as the company's suppliers, and sources downstream of the company's own operations, such as the company's customers and product use. Although some progress has been made toward reducing Scope 3 emissions, they have not been reduced at the speed or scale to meet overall global climate change goals. Developed through a multi-stakeholder public consultation and road-testing process and collaboration with various groups and forums, the VCMI's Scope 3 Action Code of Practice was designed to provide a practical tool for companies that are making progress toward their near-term Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission reduction targets but have faced difficulties or are behind on achieving their planned Scope 3 emissions reductions. It is intended to promote credible, net zero-aligned GHG mitigation by companies and participation in voluntary carbon markets. The Scope 3 Action Code of Practice requires companies to set science-aligned near-term emission reduction targets for Scope 3 emissions and calculate the gap between a company's most recently reported Scope 3 emissions and where the company needs to be on their path to decarbonization to stay consistent with near-term science-aligned targets in that year, i.e., the Scope 3 emissions gap. It permits companies to use high-quality carbon credits to close this gap, subject to adherence to certain requirements and limits. The Scope 3 Action Code of Practice requires companies to publicly disclose the following: •Their current Scope 3 emissions gap; •Measures already taken to enable Scope 3 emissions reduction and the results obtained; •The main current and anticipated barrier(s) and an explanation of how they impede progress to targets; •A list of measures to overcome remaining barriers; and •The expected timeframe and emissions reductions to close the emissions gap. In addition to these disclosures, the Scope 3 Action Code of Practice requires companies to retire high-quality carbon credits in an amount at least equal to their Scope 3 emissions gap. However, the Scope 3 emissions gap to be closed by high-quality carbon credits cannot be more than 25% of the company's total Scope 3 emissions trajectory. The Scope 3 Action Code of Practice lays out a four-step process that companies must follow. They are required to comply with the Foundational Criteria, which require public disclosure of an annual GHG emissions inventory and science-aligned near-term emission reduction targets consistent with reaching net-zero emissions no later than 2050. Companies are also required to demonstrate progress toward meeting a near-term emission reduction target and that their public policy advocacy supports the goals of the Paris Climate Accords. Companies must assess whether they meet the Scope 3 Action Code of Practice requirements, which include those listed above. They are also expected to demonstrate progress toward meeting their near-term Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reduction targets through certain public disclosures. One of two calculation approaches must be applied to determine the Scope 3 emissions gap: the year-on-year approach or the carbon budget approach. The year-on-year approach calculates the limit of the emissions gap each year a company aligns with the Scope 3 Action Code of Practice (i.e., the company must ensure that the Scope 3 emissions gap is less than 25% of the Scope 3 trajectory emissions in the applicable year and that the Scope 3 emissions gap is eliminated by 2040 at the latest). The carbon budget approach calculates the limit upfront for the company's near-term target implementation period. The Scope 3 Action Code of Practice requires companies to retire high-quality carbon credits to close their Scope 3 emissions gap, subject to the 25% limit. Until Jan. 1, 2026, interim options for carbon credit procurement are available, after which only credits labelled by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) Core Carbon Principles (CCP) or Article 6.4 credits may be used. Companies are expected to transparently disclose information to demonstrate that the Foundation Criteria requirements and Scope 3 Action Code of Practice requirements have been met. They are also expected to transparently disclose key information related to the high-quality carbon credits used to comply with the Scope 3 Action Code of Practice guidance, including the quality and number of credits retired. The VCMI Scope 3 Action Code of Practice provides a helpful tool for companies to continue their efforts to reduce and mitigate their Scope 3 emissions and demonstrate their commitment to climate action. It supports global mitigation efforts by encouraging the use and retirement of high-quality carbon credits while companies continue to work toward achieving their decarbonization targets. Its support for the use of carbon credits to address Scope 3 emissions gaps deviates from the methodology of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which only permits the use of carbon credits to address residual emissions that remain after a company has achieved its long-term science-based target and cut emissions by more than 90%. Although the additional flexibility in addressing Scope 3 emissions may be welcomed by many companies, the difference in the rules and guidance has created some concern in the industry on the use and reliance on carbon credits to achieve emissions reduction targets. However, the industry may see enhancements to the Scope 3 target-setting framework in the future, with SBTi recently issuing a proposal that would permit companies to prioritize action on the value-chain activities that generate the most emissions and set separate targets for those sources. As companies continue to reduce and mitigate their Scope 3 emissions, they should ensure that they document their Scope 3 emissions and reduction plans and ensure that any carbon credits used and retired are high-quality credits. Pamela Wu is a regular contributing columnist on energy and decarbonization issues for Reuters Legal News and Westlaw Today.
Business Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Prefabrication could help green Singapore's data centre industry
THE biggest contributor to a data centre's carbon footprint is electricity consumption, and businesses and government have been rightly examining how to cut this down. Yet, companies should consider the cost of construction too. This is especially as more jurisdictions promote or require the reporting of Scope 3 emissions, which include embodied carbon from construction. One possible solution: prefabricated modular data centres. Broader studies of modularised, off-site construction have shown emissions reductions of up to 45 per cent versus traditional construction methods. Prefabrication is already being widely used across Singapore's buildings, and there is greater room for it to be adopted in the construction of data centres here. While results will vary with the approach, and modularised prefabrication may not be suitable for all scenarios, careful consideration of construction methods can help data centre developers, owners and operators reduce their carbon footprints. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Embodied carbon: Oft-forgotten contributor According to the World Green Building Council, buildings are responsible for 39 per cent of global energy-related carbon emissions: 28 per cent of emissions come from the energy needed to heat, cool and power buildings, and 11 per cent can be attributed to materials and construction. For data centres, embodied carbon may be a slightly lower proportion because these buildings are energy-intensive. One analysis puts the figure at 6 per cent, counting materials such as concrete, steel, glass, wood, plastics, composites, thermal and moisture protection, openings and glazing, and finishes. Our own modelling of a data centre's emissions, which includes the cost of capital equipment, suggests the core and shell of the data centre building could represent 6.6 per cent of Scope 3 emissions before power is turned on. Concrete represents 85 per cent of the embodied carbon in the core and shell, while finishes and flooring represent the second-largest portion of the pie at 11 per cent. Considering the environmental impact of concrete alone, which is not just energy-intensive but water-intensive, a prefabricated modularised data centre built of steel offers significant savings in embodied carbon. More analysis is needed to calculate the exact reductions in embodied carbon from the use of prefabricated solutions, but we are confident that the results will be positive. The prefabricated data centre A prefabricated modular data centre is a data centre that has its systems (hardware and software) preassembled, integrated and tested in a factory environment. These systems may be mounted on a structure – called a skid – or installed within some kind of enclosure. Since they are built in controlled environments, prefabricated data centres have high quality and consistency. Our analysis shows prefabricated modules can also be deployed 40 per cent faster than a traditional build with the same infrastructure. On top of saving time, prefabrication saves on resources. There is little wastage of materials. Also, capacity can be added as needed rather than being built in right from the start. This approach is particularly beneficial for companies experiencing rapid growth or fluctuating workloads driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing. We have also found energy savings of 20 per cent from prefabricated modules, as the pre-engineered design of the modules allows for better integration of power and cooling system controls. Prefabricated data centre modules can also be used in existing buildings, making them suitable for anyone looking to repurpose an existing building for data centre use. As Singapore's economy adapts to the AI movement, prefabrication technology is one way to upgrade existing space. Innovating at the edge Singapore's data centre market is set to grow from US$1.3 billion in 2023 to an estimated US$3 billion by 2032. The nation's digital economy is booming, driving increased demand for infrastructure capable of supporting advanced AI applications and cloud services. The country's urban density presents unique challenges for data centre development, though. Large-scale, traditional data centres can take up valuable real estate and are not at all feasible in some areas. Prefabricated modular data centres, however, can occupy smaller footprints while still delivering high performance. In highly connected Singapore, where multinational corporations want low latency and reliable connectivity, prefabricated data centres can bring computing power closer to users and enhance overall system performance. As AI continues to drive exponential growth and edge computing gains prominence, the ability to rapidly deploy reliable data centres will become a key competitive differentiator. Companies that embrace modular solutions will enjoy more than just smaller carbon footprints. They may look forward to faster go-to-market timelines, improved operational efficiencies, and a future-ready infrastructure that aligns with Singapore's ambitions as a global digital hub. The writer is business vice-president, secure power, Singapore and Brunei cluster, at Schneider Electric
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Major Global Ports Face Rising Emissions Despite Sustainability Efforts, VesselBot Study Reveals
This comprehensive port emissions report reveals unexpected drivers of maritime carbon footprint across Europe, North America, and Asia. ATHENS, GREECE, May 22, 2025 / / -- A comprehensive new study by Scope3 emissions tracking and optimization technology leader VesselBot, reveals that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at major global ports continue to rise despite technological advancements and sustainability investments. The report, " Quantifying Port Carbon Footprints: Container Vessel Emissions Analysis in Major Global Terminals,' provides unprecedented insights into the environmental impact of container shipping operations at strategic global ports across Europe, North America, and Asia. Key findings reveal: • Shanghai port recorded the highest emissions (140,000 tons), surpassing Singapore despite handling fewer vessels, highlighting that vessel numbers don't directly correlate with emission levels • Port congestion and inefficient operations significantly impact emissions, with U.S. ports reporting the highest congestion levels, particularly in January and February 2025 • U.S. ports experienced record-high container volumes and associated emissions in January and February 2025, driven by preemptive shipping ahead of new tariff implementations • Singapore's investment in Digital Twin technology demonstrates how technological innovation can mitigate emissions despite high traffic volumes 'This report reveals the complex relationship between port activity and emissions,' said Constantine Komodromos, CEO and Founder of VesselBot. 'Our data shows that while more vessels generally mean more emissions, performance and operational efficiency are crucial mitigating factors.' The analysis utilizes VesselBot's primary data collection, which includes vessel geospatial data, operational characteristics, and cargo volume metrics, to calculate container vessel GHG emissions with unprecedented precision. The study quantifies how port shape, terminal availability, vessel dwell times, and engine utilization during idle periods significantly influence emission levels beyond simple vessel counts. The report comes at a critical time as the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reconcile operational demands with environmental responsibilities under tightening global emissions regulations. The complete analysis is available here. Maria Bena VesselBot +30 21 1117 8743 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
