New study highlights ways Fairtrade can support businesses looking to reduce carbon emissions on smallholder farms

A new study investigates the carbon footprint of four Fairtrade products from five country origins (cocoa from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, coffee from Colombia, bananas from the Dominican Republic and red roses from Kenya). It identifies mitigation strategies for each commodity, and reveals five key recommendations to help businesses looking to reduce their scope 3 emissions (the indirect emissions created in a value chain) on smallholder farms in their supply chains.   The primary finding of the study, Carbon footprints and mitigation opportunities in Fairtrade supply chains, is that, when working…

Vattenfall signs EUR 2 billion revolving credit facility linked to its sustainability performance

The new credit facility replaces Vattenfall’s existing and undrawn EUR 2 billion revolving credit facility signed in 2020. The new facility, which is available for general corporate purposes, carries a three-year tenor with two one-year extension options. It is a committed bank loan facility that allows Vattenfall to borrow funds at short notice if needed. The facility margin is linked to Vattenfall’s progress in meeting specific Scope 1 and 2 GHG emission intensity thresholds. These thresholds align with Vattenfall’s current 2030 sustainability targets which are approved by the Science Based…

UK reaches 250,000 certified heat pump installations

According to the latest data from MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), the UK’s quality mark for small-scale renewable energy installations, the UK has now reached 250,000 all-time certified heat pump installations.   It is a major milestone in the UK’s adoption of small-scale renewables, and the latest data highlights that uptake is gathering pace. From January to July 2024, more than 30,000 certified heat pumps were installed in homes and small businesses across the UK, which is a 45% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and puts 2024 on track…

UEFA EURO 2024 champions sustainability and social responsibility in football

UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany went beyond incredible gameplay and memorable on-field moments. It was a celebration of football’s impact on society, setting new records and sparking change that extends far beyond the pitch. Beyond the excitement of the matches and the vibrant atmosphere in the stadiums and fan zones, UEFA set out to redefine sustainable event hosting – a commitment reflected in the publication of the UEFA EURO 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, which was launched in Frankfurt on 1 November. With a mission grounded in ambition,…

Phoenix Group calls for better promotion of green jobs to improve recruitment among over 50s workers

A new report has found workers aged 40-65-years-old viewed ‘green jobs’ as riskier than ‘traditional’ jobs in terms of pay, security and skill requirements, which prevents them from considering them as a career option.   The UK’s current green skills gap is estimated at 200,000 workers and cannot be bridged by new labour market entrants and early career workers alone. As such, encouraging mid- to late-career workers to switch careers is essential for meeting near-term climate goals. In order to meet the UK’s net zero targets, encouraging workers with relevant…