Toby Green

The UK National Audit Office's review of biomass power plants highlights critical insights for African nations looking to adopt sustainable energy solutions. Key takeaways emphasize the need for robust monitoring, supply chain sustainability, transparency, and accountability within the biomass sector. African governments should consider local biomass resources, stakeholder engagement, policy evaluation, and collaboration on international standards to support a balanced approach between economic growth and sustainability. By implementing these measures, African countries can mitigate environmental risks and move toward a sustainable energy future. How can African nations adapt these lessons to ensure effective biomass sector oversight? https://lnkd.in/dEEUtqfr #SustainableEnergy #BiomassPower #ClimateAction #RenewableEnergy #GreenEconomy #Sustainability #EnvironmentalImpact #AfricaEnergy #Biomass #CarbonFootprint #EnergyPolicy #SustainableDevelopment #CleanEnergy #ResourceManagement #EnergyInnovation #EnvironmentalResponsibility #NetZero #EcoFriendly

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In 2021, the environmental sector economic output value was £103.6 billion (Up 15.9% in 2020). The biggest economic outputs in the environmental sector - goods and services were in: 1. Renewable Energy (Up 25.6% from 2020) 2. Recycling (Up 18.4% from 2020) 3. Environmental Construction (Up 17.8% from 2020) The largest employment increases were in: 1. Low emissions Vehicles, Carbon capture and Inspection and control (Up 59.3%) 2. Waste (up 13.5%from 2020). I am not sure if its the post accurate picture of growth given the pandemic, however, it does shows the sectors sustained growth post-pandemic UK Wide-statistics here: https://lnkd.in/eN74Bi3C). Snapshot of London: London's low carbon emission market Snapshot 2024 London's Low Carbon and Environmental Sector largely made up of: Low Carbon 60% Renewable Energy 30% Environmental 10%, https://lnkd.in/ezCd4pes As demonstrated earlier in 2021, the sector growth grow faster than the UK's overall economy in 2021 after the lockdowns. However, the growth, at 8.2% was slower than the UK overall growth of 10.4% between 2021/22 to 2022/23. As a sector where the point is decoupling the economy from fossils fuels and a large focus on alternative economy, the sector's economic growth is essential for making change we want to see a reality. Our sector making it a goal to outpace other UK's sector and increasing employability, and business generation is more important than we like to say because of fear of sounding too economic. People do care about how they will pay their bills, the sector needs to care more about being the sector that can offer that and a lot more to people - whether they have ambitions to work and/or own a business within the sector. #EconomicGrowth #EnvironmentalSector

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Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): is a policy approach aimed at making manufacturers accountable for the #environmental impact of their products, from production to disposal. The core idea behind EPR is to ensure that those who create products also take responsibility for managing their waste. EPR programs vary by region and product type, but they all share a common thread: manufacturers are legally obligated to oversee the end-of-life management of their products. Here are the ways in which individuals can contribute to a greener future through their engagement in EPR initiatives: 1. Proper Disposal and Recycling:♻️ One of the most fundamental ways consumers can participate in EPR is by ensuring the proper disposal and recycling of their products. When disposing of items like old electronics, batteries, or packaging materials, individuals should follow local #recycling guidelines and regulations. 2. Product #Return Programs:📺📠 Some manufacturers have introduced product return programs where consumers can return old or obsolete items to the manufacturer or designated centers. These programs are designed to promote the recycling and refurbishing of products, extending their #lifespan and reducing the overall environmental impact. 3. Educating Yourself:📃📔 Consumer engagement in EPR begins with education. It's essential for individuals to understand the EPR programs that apply to the products they use. This knowledge empowers consumers to make informed choices when purchasing products. By opting for items from manufacturers that actively participate in EPR and adopt sustainable practices, consumers can align their buying habits with environmental responsibility. 4. Supporting Legislation🏛️ Active engagement in EPR also extends to supporting and advocating for legislation that promotes and enforces EPR programs. Individuals can play a role in raising awareness about the importance of EPR and encouraging policymakers to create and strengthen EPR regulations. This could include signing petitions, attending public hearings. 5. Reducing Consumption☘️ One of the most effective ways consumers can engage in EPR is by reducing their overall consumption. Less consumption leads to fewer products reaching their end-of-life stage, reducing the burden on EPR programs. To achieve this, individuals can adopt practices such as minimalism, repairing items instead of replacing them, and making #sustainable purchasing decisions. 6. Encouraging #Repair and #Reuse:🔧⛏️ In line with reducing consumption, consumers can also promote the repair and reuse of products. This involves fixing broken items, refurbishing electronics, and embracing a culture of reusing items possible. By extending the lifespan of products, consumers directly contribute to the goals of EPR by reducing the volume of #waste generated.

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The U.S. government’s principles for the #voluntarycarbonmarket represent a significant step towards creating a reliable and effective mechanism for carbon offsetting. By focusing on high-quality credits, transparency, environmental and social integrity, market transparency, governance, and continuous improvement, these principles aim to ensure that the #VCM contributes meaningfully to #decarbonization efforts. The implementation of these principles can help foster a robust and trustworthy market that supports global climate goals and encourages broader participation from various businesses and other stakeholders. This initiative not only strengthens the integrity of the carbon offset market but also underscores the crucial role of voluntary carbon markets in achieving a sustainable and low-carbon future. To conclude, High-integrity VCMs have the potential to offer significant economic and climate benefits by providing cost-effective, diverse, and high-impact climate solutions and these principles by US Govt definitely will certainly help project developers, policy makers and climate investors to achieve the core carbon principles of the voluntary carbon market. #EcovedaClimate #Integrity #Accountability #Transparency #highqualitycredits #environmentalintegrity #socialintegrity #markettransparency #governance #globalclimategoals #CarbonInsights #Sustainability #CarbonProjects #ClimateChange #EnvironmentalImpact #GenderEquality #IndigenousRights #LocalEconomy #MonitoringAndEvaluation #ClimateAdaptation #CarbonCredits #SustainableDevelopment #CommunityAdaptation #Resilience #EcosystemRestoration #ClimateResilience #Farmers #CarbonConsciousness #CoreCarbonPrinciples

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Understanding Scope 2 Emissions: Key FAQs Scope 2 emissions arise from purchased electricity. Here are essential questions and answers based on the GHG Protocol's guidance: 1. How are emissions calculated using market-based mechanisms? Follow Chapter 6 of the Scope 2 Guidance for methodologies. 📘 2. What is the emission factor for renewable energy? Renewable sources like solar and wind have an emission factor of zero at generation. ☀️🌬️ 3. Can we use a grid-average emission factor in deregulated markets? Yes, but only if product-specific data is unavailable. 📊 4. What to ask suppliers about emissions? Inquire about their calculation methods and GHG emissions data. ❓ 5. Is dual reporting necessary without renewable purchases? Yes, if accessible data is available. 🔄 6. What needs to be reported? Disclose instruments and technologies used for emission factors. 📑 7. How to account for co-located data centers? Emissions can be scope 2 or scope 3 based on organizational boundaries. 🏢 For more detailed guidance, visit the GHG Protocol website. 🌍 Enroll for our GHG Accounting Course: https://lnkd.in/dU48Nfft 🌱 Join my WhatsApp Community: https://lnkd.in/dnpjBUW9 📱 Explore our AI-Powered ESG Platform: https://lnkd.in/d--JPtWd 💻✨ #esg #ghgprotocol #gri #brsr #tcfd #sasb #csrd #cbam

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⚡ Industrial electrification is critical for decarbonisation, efficiency improvement and driving manufacturing system approaches. This report, commissioned by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and written by Thomas Butler and his colleagues at ERM highlights key opportunities and benefits for adoption, research and application of technologies for industrial electrification. It is important that the outputs from this report find their way into the new government's industrial strategy, which is open for public consultation. If you are writing a response to the strategy, please take the time to consider this report's findings. Electrification technology development in association with electrical energy price reform will enable industry to meet its 2050 net-zero goals. Chris Dungey Chris Williams Stuart Bradley Felix Martin Simon Webb David Greenwood Maf Smith Daniel Cox Elspeth Keating

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Essential components of the Nation’s energy transformation that will now be driven forward by Net Zero Industry Wales 💚

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Individual carbon offsetting is when a person takes responsibility for their own carbon emissions by buying carbon credits or funding projects that reduce or remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This can include activities like planting trees, investing in renewable energy projects, or supporting initiatives that capture and store carbon. It's a voluntary action individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts. #ClimateAction #CarbonOffsetting #Sustainability #GreenLiving #ClimateChange #EcoFriendly #CarbonNeutral #RenewableEnergy #ReduceCarbonFootprint #EnvironmentalConservation #ESG #Carboncredit #Carbonmarket

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When I reported on Action For Climate Empowerment (ACE) at COP29 Inviting Parties and non-party stakeholders to submit information via the submission portal on progress, challenges, and gaps in implementing activities under the Glasgow work program and its action plan, with a focus on financial and technical support for ACE Implementation, we were hopeful that ACE will be captured strongly in the NCQG and that the NCQG will be ambitious enough to provide the support the developing countries need to fight this bottle. COP29 is not just a failed COP but is life-threatening to millions of people in our developing world. From an annual $1.3 trillion request to $300 billion annual pledges for climate action in developing countries is not enough to combat climate crises. The impact is high and the damage huge and therefore we need more action. More action in finance, Capacity Building, and Technology to save lives.

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We need to stop talking about this and actually begin to be considering this as REAL and practical solutions in suitable urban hubs #districtheating #futureproofing #sustainable #planenergy

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How can Life Cycle Assessment improve my product's sustainability? What are its benefits and limitations? Which standards should I follow? We will deep dive into the system boundaries of Product LCAs and what role they can play in our sustainability strategy. What is Life Cycle Assessment? Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an internationally standardized methodology designed to quantify the environmental pressures related to goods and services (products), the environmental benefits, the trade-offs and areas for achieving improvements taking into account the full life-cycle of the product. LCA follows a holistic approach by studying systems in their entirety rather than focusing on specific product or service components. It also avoids ‘burden-shifting’ by encompassing multiple environmental impact categories. A product draws resources from the environment and the technosphere across all (or most of) its lifecycle stages. An LCA study aims at quantifying the impact of this exchange of resources and emissions between the product system and the environment. #LCA #Environment #Sustainabaility

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📌 Attention Network! 🌐 The UK 's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) targets the issue of 'carbon leakage' with a carbon border tax aimed at reducing carbon emissions. This occurs when companies shift production to countries with laxer emissions standards, ironically ramping up global GHG emissions. ⚡ In its initial phase, CBAM is focusing on high-emitting sectors like aluminium, cement, ceramics, fertilizers, glass, hydrogen, and iron & steel. 📅 By January 1, 2027, this mechanism will expand to more sectors and start imposing carbon prices. The UK government is eager to gather input from a diverse group—importers, exporters, businesses, individuals, tax advisers, trade bodies, and more, both in the UK and globally. 📩 Your insights are crucial! Want to get involved? Check out the consultation document, join a roundtable discussion, or sign up for the CBAM mailing list. Let’s collaborate to ensure this transition is as smooth and effective as possible. https://lnkd.in/gMVbu_tN #UKCBAM #CarbonBorderAdjustedMechanism #UKClimateAction #ConsultationInvitation

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Really glad to see this out in the world, and kudos to ClimateView for making the initiative open-source. Click the link to learn more (and I highly suggest reading the white paper if you want to nerd out about the details!).

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𝐈𝐂𝐕𝐂𝐌'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚 𝐏𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 ➡ The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has decided that carbon credits under current renewable energy methodologies will not receive its Core Carbon Principles (CCP) designation. ➡ This affects approximately 236 million credits, about 32% of the total Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM). ➡ The decision is grounded in the concept of “additionality,” which questions whether these renewable energy projects would have been financially viable without the incentive provided by carbon credits. ➡ This decision specifically affects methodologies like grid-connected renewable energy generation and biomass energy production. ➡  The ICVCM has left the door open for improved renewable energy methodologies that can demonstrate additionality in specific contexts. For instance, renewable projects in remote rural areas of developing countries, small islands, or regions facing ideological resistance to renewables could be considered in future evaluations. ➡ This decision signals a tightening of standards in the VCM, pushing for higher integrity and ensuring that carbon credits represent genuine environmental benefits. #carbonmarket #carboncredit #icvcm #renewables #vcm #integrity #energy #additionality #environment #cdm #verra

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🌍 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐬: 🌱 1️⃣ 𝐈𝐂𝐕𝐂𝐌 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐂𝐏-𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬: ➡ The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market has launched a groundbreaking initiative, introducing a new chapter for the voluntary carbon market. ➡ ACR, Climate Action Reserve (CAR), and Gold Standard have earned approval as CCP-Eligible programs, meeting stringent criteria outlined in the Core Carbon Principles (CCPs). ➡ These criteria encompass effective governance, transparency, robust tracking, and independent third-party validation and verification. ➡ Eligibility signifies adherence to CCP rules on emission quantification, no double counting, and sustainable development benefits. ➡ Approved programs, including ACR, CAR, and Gold Standard, can now use the CCP label on issued carbon credits. ➡ This initiative aims to establish a clear standard for high-integrity carbon credits. 2️⃣ 𝐈𝐄𝐓𝐀 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭: IETA has released Guidelines for High Integrity Use of Carbon Credits, offering a roadmap for responsible carbon credit utilization. Embracing these guidelines is crucial for organizations committed to sustainability. Here's what they entail: ➡ 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 1: Demonstrate Support for the Paris Agreement Goals ➡ 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 2: Quantify and publicly disclose Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions profiles ➡ 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 3: Establish a net-zero decarbonization pathway and near-term targets ➡ 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 4: Use carbon credits in line with the mitigation hierarchy ➡ 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 5: Ensure that only high-quality carbon credits are used ➡ 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 6: Transparently disclose use of carbon credits In summary, both updates represent significant strides in ensuring transparency and credibility in the carbon market. #carboncredits #carbonmarkets #environment #sustainability #vcm #icvcm #ieta

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UK Carbon Regulator is essential for the functioning of a net zero economy - Energy Systems Catapult (ESC) released its Operationalising a Carbon Regulator report, which aims to guide the development of a robust regulatory framework for carbon accounting in the UK. ESC states that a Carbon Regulator would be “crucial” to the standardisation of carbon accounting practices, emphasising that the implementation of a Carbon Regulator is essential for the functioning of a net zero economy by: reducing investment risks; building investor, business, and consumer confidence; and levelling the playing field for innovators. The report outlines that a UK Carbon Regulator could utilise its potential position as a first mover to promote the credibility of UK low carbon industry, while demonstrating the value of nationally coordinated carbon accounting regulations. In delivering this, ESC notes that a Carbon Regulator would require a mandate to enable continuous international engagement. https://lnkd.in/eEXm4sV9

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What is the role of Social Impact Assessment in shaping Community Benefit Schemes? Most of the community benefit funds in energy & infrastructure projects I've come across in our region haven't been based on a prior Social Impact Assessment before being established. Some community consultation? Yes, usually a bit. But informed by a SIA? No.    Should they be? At the International Association for Impact Assessment's 2024 conference being held in Dublin next week, Andrea Kanaris, Hatch, one of Australia’s most experienced social practitioners, will be speaking to the critical role that social impact assessment can play in ensuring community benefit funds contribute to meaningful change. If you're attending conference in Dublin later this month, perhaps consider coming along to the session, which I'm chairing, on Thursday 25 April on the topic - Community Benefit Funds: Changemakers or appeasement? As part of this, she'll be referencing case studies from the Asian Development Bank’s Strategic and Integrated Approach to Transforming Power Development in Planning in the Greater Mekong Subregion and in Australia, the Clean Energy Council’s Enhancing Positive Social Outcomes from Wind Farm Development.   If you're at #iaia24 we'd love to have you join the conversation! Other speakers at the session include Rebecca Gowens University of Strathclyde & Alejandra Galeano-Galán from Statkraft. Do you perhaps know of a good example where a community benefit fund was informed by a prior social impact assessment and what difference the SIA made to the approach taken with the fund? I'd love to hear about it if you do. #socialimpact #impactassessment #communitybenefits #renewableenergy #socialimpactassessment

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Honoured to sponsor and speak at an insightful panel event in Parliament on greening the UK gas grid through biomethane. With Rachael Burford from the Evening Standard leading the discussion, we explored practical approaches to decarbonising gas usage and reducing harmful methane emissions. Future Biogas' Carbon Harvest project demonstrated how unsubsidised biomethane is already supporting industries in reaching Net Zero while providing a practical alternative to fossil fuels. It's clear that demand for gas will persist beyond 2050, as renewable electricity alone can't meet the needs of all industrial practices. We heard how AstraZeneca has reduced its gas usage, introducing biomethane to fulfil essential requirements for sterilisation and steam in the pharmaceutical sector. With methane having 80 times the warming impact of CO2, using biomethane derived from agricultural and food waste not only harnesses a valuable energy source but also helps reduce the climate impact of waste. Biomethane can play a key role in our clean energy transition, particularly in sectors where electrification isn’t feasible, like brick and glass manufacturing, in heating historic buildings such as Parliament and in hospitals requiring energy intensive processes for sterilisation. A smart, flexible, low carbon energy mix will need green gases like biomethane, hydrogen, and synthetic gases—not fossil fuels. This was a fascinating discussion about a technology and industry already making a positive impact on our economy and climate. Huge thanks to Philipp Lukas of Future Biogas, Howard Forster of Cadent Gas Limited , and Lord Rupert Redesdale for their insights into the role of biomethane on our journey to net zero. Let’s keep advancing green gas initiatives! #biomethane #cleanenergy #netzero

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