Tag: sustainability

Grab rider in Vietnam
Digital Supply Chain

Digital Transformation and Sustainability in Southeast Asian Logistics

In this episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nick Bartlett, Director of CBIP Logistics. Nick shared his wealth of knowledge and expertise about the logistics industry in Southeast Asia, and specifically, the role of digitization and sustainability in shaping the future of the industry.

One key insight that Nick emphasized throughout the episode was the importance of digitization in streamlining logistics operations. He noted that CBIP has been at the forefront of incorporating digital solutions into their operations, which has helped them to stay ahead of the curve in the highly competitive industry. By utilizing digital tools, CBIP is able to offer their clients a more efficient and cost-effective solution, while also reducing waste and improving sustainability.

Another key aspect of the episode was the discussion of CBIP’s work with Deliveroo, a food delivery company with a complex supply chain that includes everything from restaurant equipment to ghost kitchens. Nick highlighted how CBIP has supported Deliveroo over the past five years, starting with just a few delivery points in Hong Kong and growing to a full regional logistics program that includes forecasting, replenishment, warehousing, and delivery across four markets in Asia.

This case study is a prime example of the value that CBIP can bring to businesses looking to streamline their logistics operations. With their expertise in digital solutions and sustainability, they are able to offer a centralized 4PL model that is both cost-efficient and easy to manage.

One of the most striking quotes from Nick during the episode was when he said, “we’re in this industry to provide something different, a different type of operating model and solution for our customers.” This statement truly encapsulates the innovative spirit of CBIP and their commitment to delivering the best possible service to their clients.

In conclusion, this episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast provides a wealth of information and insights about the logistics industry in Southeast Asia, and the role of digitization and sustainability in shaping its future. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, I highly encourage you to listen to the full episode and visit the CBIP Logistics website for more information. You can also connect with Nick on LinkedIn and Twitter.

So, what are you waiting for? Join me in exploring the exciting world of Southeast Asian logistics and the role of digitization and sustainability in shaping its future. Tune in now to the full episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with others who may be interested. And as always, if you find the podcast of value, and you’d like to help me continue to make episodes like this one, you can go to the podcast’s Support page and become a Digital Supply Chain podcast Supporter for less than the cost of a cup of coffee!

And if you’re interested in having your brand associated with the leading Supply Chain podcast, don’t hesitate to check out these sponsorship packages and how I can help your company gain exposure and establish yourself as a thought leader in the supply chain industry, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you!

Photo credit Tim Caynes on Flickr

Airbus Zeroe Fuel Cell demonstrator aircraft
Climate Confident

Title: Debunking the Hydrogen Hype: Michael Barnard on the Future of Energy

In the latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I dive deep into the world of hydrogen and its role in our sustainable future. My guest, Michael Barnard (@mbarnardca on Twitter), Chief Strategist of The Future Is Electric (@tfie1 on Twitter), shares his expert insights on the viability of hydrogen as an energy source and its potential to transform industries.

As we face the challenge of mitigating climate change and transitioning to a low-carbon economy, hydrogen has been hailed as a miraculous energy solution. However, Michael Barnard debunks some of the most common myths surrounding hydrogen’s potential, offering a reality check on its limitations and the role it may truly play in our future.

One key takeaway from the conversation is Michael’s assertion that “hydrogen is a terrible battery.” He explains that hydrogen has low energy density and high conversion losses, making it a less efficient energy storage solution than widely believed. Michael also emphasizes that hydrogen’s role in aviation and marine transport is overhyped, with its chances in these sectors being slim.

Michael goes on to discuss the factors driving the hydrogen hype, particularly the influence of the fossil fuel industry. He suggests that governments and industries are promoting hydrogen to keep fossil fuel infrastructure relevant, even as the world moves towards a more sustainable energy mix. As Michael puts it, “There’s a moral case for fossil fuels, but it’s now over.”

Furthermore, Michael delves into the challenges faced by the fossil fuel industry and the role hydrogen may play in their future. He highlights the complexities and potential impacts of hydrogen production from fossil fuels, particularly in countries like Canada and Norway.

One of the most thought-provoking moments in the conversation is Michael’s exploration of hydrogen’s potential in decarbonizing industrial heat production. While some proponents of hydrogen argue that it could play a significant role in this sector, Michael remains cautious, emphasizing the need for more research and innovation to fully understand its capabilities.

Throughout the episode, Michael maintains a bold vision for a sustainable future, stating, “We don’t want the fossil fuel industry around anymore.” He believes that electrification and renewable energy sources will replace fossil fuels over time, and that hydrogen will only play a limited role in the broader energy transition.

In conclusion, this eye-opening conversation with Michael Barnard sheds light on the reality of hydrogen’s role in our sustainable future. It provides listeners with a much-needed reality check, urging them to look beyond the hype and focus on the facts. To learn more about Michael’s work and gain a deeper understanding of hydrogen’s potential and limitations, listen to the full episode of the Climate Confident podcast here.

Finally, don’t forget to follow the Climate Confident podcast for weekly inspiring stories and remember, if you value receiving weekly actionable insights on sustainability and climate, you can always sign up to be a Supporter of the podcast for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

Photo copyright ©Airbus SAS 2021

Climate Stripes
Climate Change

The Citizen Assembly Model: A Solution to the Climate Crisis?

The Climate Crisis is one of the greatest challenges humanity faces today. It requires collective action, innovative solutions, and effective decision-making. The traditional methods of decision-making have failed to produce the necessary results in combating the climate crisis, and as a result, there is a growing demand for new approaches to tackle this problem. This is where Citizen Assemblies come in.

Citizen Assemblies are groups of citizens brought together to deliberate on complex issues and make recommendations to decision-makers. They provide a platform for citizens to engage with each other and share their perspectives, experiences, and ideas. In this week’s episode of the Climate Confident podcast, we explore the role of Citizen Assemblies in solving the climate crisis.

Prof Denise Baden and Prof Matt Ryan, two experts in the field, join me to discuss the potential of Citizen Assemblies to address the climate crisis. Denise and Matt share their experiences of working with Citizen Assemblies and the impact they have had on the communities they have worked with. They also highlight the importance of involving a diverse range of perspectives in these assemblies, including those of marginalized communities who are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis.

One of the key findings from the discussion is that Citizen Assemblies can provide a space for citizens to make informed decisions on complex issues. They can help to build trust and understanding between different groups of people, which is essential in overcoming the challenges of the climate crisis. By bringing people together, Citizen Assemblies can help to develop a shared understanding of the problem and provide a basis for consensus-building.

The discussion also touches on the role of technology in supporting Citizen Assemblies. Denise and Matt highlight the importance of using technology to bring people together and engage with each other, and how it can help to overcome geographical barriers. The use of technology also enables assemblies to be more inclusive and accessible, reaching a wider range of people.

Throughout the podcast, Denise and Matt, discuss the potential of Citizen Assemblies to help solve the climate crisis, and the importance of involving citizens in the decision-making process. They emphasize the need for a new approach to decision-making, one that is inclusive, participatory, and effective.

In conclusion, Citizen Assemblies offer a new way of tackling the climate crisis, providing a platform for citizens to engage with each other and make informed decisions. By involving a diverse range of perspectives, Citizen Assemblies can help to build trust and understanding, which is essential in overcoming the challenges of the climate crisis. If you’re interested in learning more about Citizen Assemblies and how they can help to solve the climate crisis, listen to this episode of the Climate Confident podcast.

So, if you want to be part of the solution to the climate crisis, and learn more about the potential of Citizen Assemblies, be sure to listen to this episode of the Climate Confident podcast.

Finally, don’t forget to follow the Climate Confident podcast for weekly inspiring stories and remember, if you value receiving weekly actionable insights on sustainability and climate, you can always sign up to be a Supporter of the podcast for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

Image credit – Climate Stripes

Electric vehicle charging cable
Digital Supply Chain

Revolutionizing the Supply Chain with Electric Vehicles

As the host of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in the world of supply chain and logistics. And today, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Mark Ang, CEO of GoBolt, a cutting-edge delivery company that’s changing the game when it comes to sustainability in the supply chain.

Mark is a seasoned veteran of the delivery industry and he’s got a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to incorporating EVs into a company’s logistics infrastructure. During our conversation, we explored the many challenges that companies face when trying to make the transition to EVs, and Mark shared some of the key insights that he looks for when monitoring the performance of GoBolt’s system.

One of the biggest takeaways from our chat was that involving EVs in a company’s logistics infrastructure is not as simple as just cutting a check and getting a truck off a lot. It’s a complex process that requires a lot of planning, preparation, and investment in both people and technology. Businesses that want to have EVs as part of their transition strategy need to be thinking about these things if they want to successfully manage their Scope three emissions.

We also talked about sustainability reporting, and Mark shared some of the steps that GoBolt has taken to accurately attribute emissions to an order level. He emphasized the importance of having a robust model that takes into account distance traveled, payload traveled, and other key data points. GoBolt has worked with external consultants to build a model that they feel comfortable publishing externally, and they hope to continue to lead the way when it comes to sustainability reporting in the delivery industry.

Mark shared his vision for the future of GoBolt, and it’s an exciting one. Within the next five to ten years, he sees the company expanding its operations to Western Europe and other commonwealth countries, and continuing to support Fortune 100 and 500 companies as they transition to a more sustainable supply chain.

So, if you’re interested in learning more about EVs, sustainability reporting, and the future of the delivery industry, be sure to listen to this episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast. I’m confident that you’ll come away with a wealth of knowledge and insights that you can apply to your own supply chain and logistics operations.

And don’t forget to follow and support the Digital Supply Chain podcast! With more exciting episodes like this one in the works, you won’t want to miss a single one.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with others who may be interested. And as always, if you find the podcast of value, and you’d like to help me continue to make episodes like this one, you can go to the podcast’s Support page and become a Digital Supply Chain podcast Supporter for less than the cost of a cup of coffee!

And if you’re interested in having your brand associated with this, the leading Supply Chain podcast, don’t hesitate to check out these sponsorship packages and how I can help your company gain exposure and establish yourself as a thought leader in the supply chain industry, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you!

Photo credit – Ivan Radic on Flickr

Mogens Maersk container ship
Digital Supply Chain

The Role of AI in Making Shipping Safer, Smarter, and More Sustainable

I’m excited to share the latest episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast with you. This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with Ami Daniel, the co-founder and CEO of Windward, a company that provides maritime data and analytics to the supply chain industry.

During the episode, Ami shared some fascinating insights into how the company’s technology is being used to help various stakeholders in the supply chain ecosystem, from regulators to shippers to freight forwarders. We discussed Windward’s journey as a company, their plans for the future, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.

One of the main topics we explored was the importance of data in the supply chain industry. Ami explained how Windward’s data is being used to increase transparency, reduce friction, and drive efficiency in the shipping industry. We also talked about the challenges of working with data at such a large scale and how Windward is using AI and machine learning to make sense of the vast amounts of information they collect.

Another interesting area we delved into was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the supply chain industry. Ami shared his perspective on how the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technology in the industry, as well as the challenges it has posed to various stakeholders in the ecosystem.

Ami also shared how data can be used to tackle illegal fishing and labor abuse in the global shipping industry, as well as with compliance with the Jones Act.

If you’re interested in the supply chain industry or the role of data in driving efficiency and transparency, I highly recommend you check out this episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast. You can listen to it here or click the player above.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with others who may be interested. And as always, if you find the podcast of value, and you’d like to help me continue to make episodes like this one, you can go to the podcast’s Support page and become a Digital Supply Chain podcast Supporter for less than the cost of a cup of coffee!

And if you’re interested in having your brand associated with the leading Supply Chain podcast, don’t hesitate to check out these sponsorship packages and how I can help your company gain exposure and establish yourself as a thought leader in the supply chain industry, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you!

Photo credit – Torsten Sobanski on Flickr

Cadiz sunset at the beach
Climate Change

The Ocean Nation: A Bold Solution for a Brighter Climate Future

In the latest episode of my Climate Confident podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve Willis about the idea of bestowing nationhood and what steps we can take to make it a reality. As someone who has dedicated their life to tackling the challenges of climate change, Steve’s insights and perspectives on this topic were truly enlightening.

One of the things that stood out to me about our conversation was the emphasis Steve placed on the power of public discussion and imagination in driving change. He believes that by encouraging people to imagine a future where the ocean is treated as a nation, with its own laws and governance, we can start to build momentum towards making that vision a reality.

Steve also talked about the importance of public awareness in driving this change. He was involved in writing and producing positive outcome climate fiction short stories to inspire people to imagine a future where we can solve the climate crisis, and hopes to turn those stories into a Netflix series, or similar to reach a wider audience and help build a narrative around the idea of ocean nationhood.

Another aspect of our conversation that was particularly interesting was Steve’s discussion of TRIZ, a process for inventive problem solving that he and his team use in their work. This process involves imagining the ideal outcome and working backwards to determine the first steps necessary to get there. By using this process, Steve believes that we can overcome the challenges and obstacles that might stand in the way of creating an ocean nation.

While Steve is quick to emphasize that this idea of ocean nationhood is not about declaring independence unilaterally, he does believe that it has the potential to be a powerful solution to the challenges facing our oceans today. He believes that by inviting people to join the conversation and explore the possibilities, we can start to build a groundswell of support and momentum towards making this vision a reality.

If you’re interested in learning more about this exciting and innovative idea, I highly encourage you to listen to the episode and check out the links in the show notes. You can also connect with Steve on LinkedIn and explore the resources available on the green stories link.

At the end of the day, the idea of ocean nationhood is about imagining a better future for our oceans and taking the necessary steps to make that future a reality. By coming together and exploring this idea, I believe that we can make a real difference in the fight against climate change and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for our oceans and our planet.

So, join this exciting journey of exploration and discovery! Listen to the podcast episode, engage with Steve and the community, and let’s see where this idea of ocean nationhood can take us

Finally, don’t forget to follow the Climate Confident podcast for weekly inspiring stories and remember, if you value receiving weekly actionable insights on sustainability and climate, you can always sign up to be a Supporter of the podcast for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

Wind turbines near San Diego
Digital Supply Chain

The Importance of Compliance and Sustainability in Supply Chain Management with Topo Solutions

As the host of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, I’m always on the lookout for guests who can offer unique insights and expertise on the subject of supply chain management. Recently, I had the pleasure of welcoming Tobias Grabler, the COO of Topo Solutions, to the show. In this episode, Tobias introduces Topo Solutions as a SaaS company that provides a digital platform for end-to-end supply chain management.

Topo Solutions is a cloud-based solution that covers the entire journey of a product from sourcing to quality management, compliance, and sustainability. With offices in Hong Kong and the US, Topo Solutions primarily serves clients in Europe, but is expanding into the US market. The company celebrated its 10-year anniversary last year and has been growing rapidly, with a move to a larger office space in Hong Kong in 2022.

One of the things that sets Topo Solutions apart is its flexible approach to implementation. They can either implement everything for the customer, hand it over to the customer to build everything themselves, or start and then have the customer take over. They also offer templates for certain areas and allow for an empty canvas to build tools for the customer’s specific supply chain needs. The platform is also low-code, empowering business users, as IT and developer resources are often scarce.

Topo Solutions is designed for the consumer goods industry, and can be applied across various product groups, allowing users to go into nitty-gritty details. The platform starts with product ideas and helps buyers and product managers communicate with suppliers, getting feedback on minimum order quantities, prices, and logistics information. It can serve as an order management system for organizations without existing systems and is a collaboration platform that connects suppliers, third-party service providers, and team members for production follow-ups, project management, and quality control.

Another key focus of Topo Solutions is compliance and sustainability, including supplier onboarding, self-assessments, certificate management, and the ability to run audits. The platform is framework agnostic and can connect to various platforms such as BSCI and Sedex for audit data. It also allows for collaboration with suppliers to trigger corrective actions and improve sustainability. Topo covers topics such as packaging, circular economy, traceability, and chemical management, helping customers get more transparency and prevent issues.

Tobias mentions the importance of carbon emissions and how Topo Solutions is helping customers collect CO2 emissions from the supply chain. He also highlights Topo’s success stories, including their work with Puma for quality management, the implementation for the biggest European shoe retailer Deichmann for the German Due Diligence Supply Chain Act, and the sourcing arm of the Rewe group. Tobias explains Topo’s vision to become the most efficient and powerful supply chain platform in the market, with a focus on sustainability and compliance. He believes that a holistic approach to sustainability is important, as it encompasses social and environmental components, and notes that tackling a broad area is essential to avoid the appearance of greenwashing.

It was great to have Tobias on the show, and I’m excited to share this episode with you. If you’re interested in learning more about digital supply chain management and the role of technology in this field, I encourage you to give this episode a listen.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with others who may be interested. And as always, if you find the podcast of value, and you’d like to help me continue to make episodes like this one, you can go to the podcast’s Support page and become a Digital Supply Chain podcast Supporter for less than the cost of a cup of coffee!

Thank you!

Photo credit Jason Rosenberg on Flickr

Bridgette McAdoo profile pic
Climate Confident, sustainability

From Bronze to Gold: How Genesys is Driving Sustainability in Its Supply Chain with Bridgette McAdoo

I recently had the opportunity to host Bridgette McAdoo, the Chief Sustainability Officer of Genesys, on my Climate Confident podcast. Bridgette is a seasoned sustainability professional who has been in the field for over 15 years. During the episode, she shared her insights on the role of sustainability in business and the future of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting.

Bridgette explained how her role as CSO of Genesys came to be. It was a top-down approach from the CEO and Chief Strategy Officer, who wanted the company to be rooted in empathy and sustainability. This is a stark contrast to the typical scenario where a CSO role is created as a result of a crisis or a regulatory requirement. Bridgette shared that the CEO and Chief Strategy Officer’s commitment to sustainability makes her job much easier, and this, in turn, allows the company to focus on its core objective – reducing its carbon footprint.

One of the highlights of the episode was Bridgette’s discussion on the differences between sustainability, ESG, and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). She believes that ESG has gained momentum as it is tied to investor relations and how companies are financially reviewed. On the other hand, CSR is usually associated with community engagement and volunteerism. Bridgette argues that the term sustainability has been diluted and the idea is to have a holistic approach that integrates all the different elements rather than separating them into different teams.

Bridgette agrees that ESG leads to increased employee engagement, lower cost of attracting and retaining customers, and happy investors. Surveys have shown that 70% of employees and consumers are looking for sustainable and responsible companies. ESG has also had a significant impact on finance, as impact investing and ESG investing have tripled in the past few years, making it easier for companies to access capital.

McAdoo speaks about the reporting of sustainability and the difficulty in measuring it compared to traditional financial reporting. She believes that in the next 5-10 years, sustainability reporting will be similar to financial reporting. However, there is currently a lack of standards in ESG reporting which is causing some ambiguity. McAdoo shared that at Genesys, sustainability is supported from the top by CEO Tony Bates and Chief Strategy Officer Peter Graf, as well as from ground level employees through various initiatives, such as sustainability ambassadors and community volunteerism.

Bridgette mentions that Genesys actively benchmarks with other organizations and participates in various coalitions to stay informed about best practices. They also utilize platforms like Ecovadis and CDP and partner with peer companies to survey their supply chains. In the past year and a half, Genesys has moved from a bronze rating to a gold rating from Ecovadis, and improved their CDP score from a D to a B. Bridgette emphasizes that they are actively trying to be a leader in sustainability and to bring everyone within the company and their partners along this journey.

The Climate Confident podcast aims to bring you inspiring stories from sustainability leaders, and this episode was no exception. I highly recommend you listen to the full episode to learn more about Bridgette McAdoo’s journey, her insights on ESG and sustainability reporting, and Genesys’ sustainability initiatives.

Don’t forget to follow the Climate Confident podcast for more inspiring stories and remember, if you value receiving weekly actionable insights on sustainability in business, you can always sign up to be a Supporter of the podcast for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

Wheat field
Climate Change

Climate Solutions on the Farm: How eAgronom’s platform is revolutionising sustainable agriculture

Agriculture is one of the most critical industries when it comes to climate change. Not only does it play a major role in producing the food we rely on, but it also impacts our environment and natural resources in countless ways. This is why it’s so important to have a conversation about sustainable and responsible agricultural practices, and that’s exactly what the latest episode of my Climate Confident podcast aims to do.

In this latest episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Robin Saluoks, CEO of eAgronom. In this episode, we delve into the world of sustainable farming and how technology can play a vital role in reducing emissions in the agricultural industry.

Robin shared with us how his family’s organic grain farm in Estonia prompted him to develop eAgronom, a tool for farmers to manage their operations, including financial reporting and people management. But as time passed, the tool evolved to include carbon and greenhouse gas tracking, as it’s crucial for farmers to consider the environmental impact of their decisions.

One of the key takeaways from the episode is the importance of precision in farming. Robin explains how precision fertilization and precision farming can lead to more efficient use of resources, and ultimately lower emissions. He also touched on the benefits farmers can receive by implementing sustainable practices, such as carbon credit income and sustainable loans with lower interest rates.

Another interesting topic we discussed is the role of food companies and land owners in promoting sustainable farming. Robin mentioned how some food companies are starting to offer a premium for food grown with lower emissions, and how some land owners are offering reduced rental rates to farmers who adopt sustainable practices.

Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into how technology and sustainable practices can benefit both farmers and the environment. If you’re interested in learning more about sustainable farming and the role of technology in reducing emissions, be sure to listen to this episode and follow the Climate Confident podcast for more updates and discussions on this and all Climate topics.

As a reminder, I release a new episode every Wednesday, and you can find it on the Climate Confident website, and in all podcast apps.

Photo credit Beyond Coal & Gas Image Library

Profile photo of Luiz Amaral
Climate Change

The Ultimate Guide to Corporate Climate Action: The Science-Based Targets Initiative

In my latest episode of the Climate Confident podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Luiz Amaral, the CEO of the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTI). The SBTI is a global body that works to enable businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets that align with what climate science tells us is necessary. It’s a truly innovative partnership between several organizations, including the United Nations Global Compact, WWF, World Resources Institute, CDP and Women in Business Coalition.

The SBTI was born out of a realization that there needed to be a way to standardize what “good” looks like for corporate climate action, so that progress could be evaluated and compared. The organization’s goal is to support companies on their path towards a net zero future.

One of the things that I found most fascinating about the SBTI is their use of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol guidelines. This means that the SBTI takes into account other gases besides carbon, such as methane, in determining emissions reductions targets. This comprehensive approach is crucial in the fight against climate change.

Another great thing about the SBTI is that it is a not-for-profit organization. While there is a fee for submitting and validating targets, the real financial decision-making comes from developing and implementing a plan. This makes the SBTI accessible to companies of all sizes and locations.

Lastly, the SBTI has a robust accountability system in place. Companies are required to resubmit their targets every five years and reevaluate their progress. In addition, the SBTI also conducts third-party assessments based on public information. This ensures that companies are held accountable and are making progress towards their ambitious goals.

Overall, the SBTI is a powerful and innovative organization that is making a real difference in the fight against climate change. I encourage all businesses to get involved and make use of the resources and support the SBTI has to offer. It’s time for us all to take action and meet the challenge of the climate crisis head on. I also encourage you to check out the over 100 previous episodes of the Climate Confident podcast and Follow this podcast in your podcast app of choice (Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify, Overcast, etc.) to get even more compelling climate-related information and insights from experts in the field.