GEMI spring meeting targets emission trends and corporate carbon reduction efforts
GEMI spring meeting targets emission trends and corporate carbon reduction efforts
Members learn the science behind new emission targets and collaborate on strategies to drive action on carbon reduction commitments across the value chain
Washington, DC – The Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI), the global leader in developing insights, networking and creating collaborative sustainability solutions for business, gathered for its spring meeting to focus on “Science-Based Targets”. Held at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., on May 4-5, the meeting addressed emissions trends, methods for companies to set emission-reduction targets and solutions for aligning business with climate goals in a profitable manner. Leading environment and climate experts joined GEMI membership in brainstorming practical emission management ideas and partnership strategies for members to use within their businesses.
“The first day of the meeting gave us an opportunity to learn about the science behind the basis for a 1.5ºC / 2ºC increase in temperature target, how a particular operation determines its allocation and how to assess scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions,” said Mark Johnson, vice president and director, ECR, Gannett Fleming, Inc. and communications chair, GEMI. “The combination of both receiving a comprehensive overview of the issue and having a chance to speak directly with such a network of diverse professionals is a valuable way for sustainability professionals like me to stay on top of trends and spark new ideas we can implement in our companies.”
Reputable experts from the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, CDP, Environmental Defense Fund, George Washington University, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, Trucost, World Resources Institute and WWF joined GEMI members for the private, exclusive discussion. Together, the group worked through science-based target-setting, partnership strategies to advance carbon goals, identifying supply chain hot-spots and engaging suppliers on reduction strategies and tools to support carbon reductions in operations.
“Many of us wrestle with GHG reductions, so having the ability to interact with expert speakers about emissions in a small group setting was an impactful way to validate our strategy,” said Dan Daggett, Executive Director, Sustainability, Sealed Air and Vice Chair, GEMI. “Setting GHG reduction targets is a priority for many businesses globally, so as a result of the discussion during the GEMI meeting, our members will develop a Science-Based Targets Quick Guide to help other business leaders who want to advance their commitments.”
GEMI’s Quick Guide series features practices to address real-time issues and sustainability concepts, supported with mini case studies from member companies. GEMI’s Quick Guide on the Path to Science-Based Targets will be designed to outline key issues for sustainability / business leaders to consider as they seek to set a science-based target for their company. The guide is slated for publication in late 2016. All Quick Guides are available to the public: https://gemi.org/solutions/solutions-quick-guides/.
The next GEMI meeting will be held in July 2016, and will address Resource Efficiency: Taking the Circular Economy from Theory to Action. Nonmember companies considering membership may request attendance at one meeting on a complimentary basis. For more information about GEMI, membership benefits and upcoming meetings, visit www.gemi.org or email GEMI’s Executive Director, Steve Hellem: shellem@navista.net.
About GEMI
GEMI is the global leader in developing insights, networking, and creating collaborative sustainability solutions for business. For 25 years, GEMI has captured the vision and experience of global corporate environmental, health and safety (EHS) and sustainability leaders from diverse business sectors through the development of a wide range of publicly-available, solutions-based tools designed to help companies improve the environment, their operations and add business value.
More Information Contact:
Monica MacKay: 262-563-5665