GTD Global Sustainability Audit
GTD looks at a company's sustainability performance through the lens of global regulation based on the market(s) to which it is shipping goods or delivering services. We are able to quickly convey regulatory requirements and determine priority activity as part of an overall pathway to compliance
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Sustainable Global Trade
Overview
Sustainability has become a huge topic and focus for many consumers and businesses alike. We have witnessed in recent years the increase in socially and environmentally conscious consumers who actually care about issues like human rights and eliminating slavery; and who would rather pay a premium for a product that protects nature than a lower price for one that contributes to its destruction.
We also know that the ‘carrot’ is giving way to ‘stick’ with regulation becoming more stringent with associated fines to enforce compliance. At GTD we breakdown sustainability regulation broadly into 5 primary areas as illustrated below:
Whilst the EU spearheads much of sustainability regulation, it is absolutely a global focus with most major and emerging economies developing their own legislation. Just some examples of existing or forthcoming global sustainability regulation below:
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
- EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
- EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (ESPR)
- EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
- California SB 54 (California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act)
- California's SB 707 (end of life management footwear and apparel)
- EU Green Claims Directive Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition
- EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities
- California SB 1383 (Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Reduction Act)
- Presidential Regulation No 83/2018 on Marine Debris Waste Management
- Canadian Carbon Pollution Pricing Act (2018)
- Brazil National Climate Change Policy (PNMC)
- EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
- EU Environmental Information Disclosure (EID) Rules
- China Green Bond Principles
- EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
- Timber Legality Verification System (SVLK)
SMEs should be using this time to get ahead of the game, and placing sustainability at the forefront of their business agenda.
This is where the Global Trade Department’s Global Sustainability Audit can assist. We look at your company through the lens of global sustainability regulation based on the markets to which you ship products or deliver services. We ensure you are aware of all compliance requirements whilst highlighting priority areas that mandate focus and change in order to ensure compliance within the timeframes laid out by the relevant regulation.
Depending on the applicable regulation, we look at four key areas: environmental impact, social impact, economic impact, and governance; and importantly your company’s stance, strategy, and activity across these areas globally (and sometimes domestically). We use a proprietary framework of metrics e.g. within environmental we consider carbon or sustainability reporting, attempts to use renewable energy sources, etc. whilst with social we look at ethical supply, diversity, etc. and much, much more.
Assessments are conducted remotely over MS Teams and the deliverable is a written report recommending tangible, achievable changes can be implemented to dramatically improve your sustainability standing, reduce costs, engage staff, increase market share, improve brand perception, increase brand equity, and importantly secure compliance with core global sustainability regulation. This report can also form the basis of subsequent policies i.e. environmental, or an ISO 140001 action plan if this is a standard you hope to obtain.
To find out more about our Global Sustainability Audit, complete the contact form to the left and one of the team will happily answer any questions you may have.
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More GTD support
GTD overs a wide range of support for micro businesses and SMEs. Free webinars and 15-min virtual clinics; Q&A drop in sessions; fully funded regional support programmes; access to a bespoke customs and regulatory compliance platform; and dedicated 1:1 time with specialist consultants; there is something for every support requirement and budget.
