What are the best practices for reporting on waste and pollution?
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Waste and pollution are among the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. They affect the health of people, ecosystems, and the climate. As a sustainability professional, you need to report on your organization's waste and pollution performance in a transparent, accurate, and credible way. But how do you do that? Here are some best practices for reporting on waste and pollution that can help you communicate your impact and progress.
The first step in reporting on waste and pollution is to define the scope of your data collection and analysis. This means identifying the sources, types, and locations of waste and pollution that are relevant to your organization's activities, products, and services. You also need to decide whether to include direct and indirect emissions, upstream and downstream impacts, and waste prevention and reduction measures. You should follow the principles and standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the most widely used framework for sustainability reporting.
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Roland Busa
Ensuring CSRD Compliance 🌐| Simplifying Sustainability Data Management🌍| Optimizing Sustainability Data for Increased Investor Trust 💼| Chief Technical and Operational Advisor for ESG & CSRD at denxpert
Defining the scope of waste and pollution reporting is the foundation for effective sustainability efforts. It's like setting the boundaries of a puzzle; without clear limits, you can't see the whole picture. Following established frameworks like GRI ensures consistency and comparability, helping organizations make meaningful progress in managing their environmental impact.
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Aanchal Mathur
ESG Project Lead | GRI Certified | Project Implementation for Sustainable Development | Team Building & Management
The most important first step is to define a clear boundary for reporting. Simply stated, select and disclose the sites and locations that will be included in the data disclosures. More often than not, companies choose to disclose data from all sites, however hit a wall when it’s time to collect the data. Hence, as a precursor, companies should analyse the data being currently recorded. And then decide on what all locations to include. As a best practice, companies should maintain consistency of number of locations across all data types.
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Arnaud Blandin
Executive, Mentor, Teacher | Sustainability, ESG, Impact Investing, Technology
I would also consider looking at the EU directives and ESRS documents that go really deep in the topic but also include explanations on the thresholds we need to respect
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The next step is to measure your waste and pollution data using reliable methods and tools. You should use internationally recognized metrics and indicators, such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the Waste Reduction Model, and the Life Cycle Assessment. You should also collect data from multiple sources, such as invoices, meters, sensors, and surveys. You should ensure that your data is consistent, comparable, and verifiable. You should also document your data sources, assumptions, and calculations.
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Holly Lichtenfeld
Sustainability Executive & Consultant | Low Carbon Transition, ESG, Renewable Energy, Regen Ag| Board Member
If you have facilities that are serviced by one of the larger waste management companies they should provide your waste data by location electronically. Some may even offer an API. This will cut down data processing time and remove the human error involved in dealing with invoices. A consistent source and flow of data also makes looking for cost savings opportunities easier as well as setting and tracking waste reduction targets.
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Roland Busa
Ensuring CSRD Compliance 🌐| Simplifying Sustainability Data Management🌍| Optimizing Sustainability Data for Increased Investor Trust 💼| Chief Technical and Operational Advisor for ESG & CSRD at denxpert
Accurate measurement is the compass for navigating sustainability. It's like having a clear map to your destination. Using standardized metrics and diverse data sources ensures credibility and trust in your reporting. Transparent documentation is essential for stakeholders to understand the journey you've taken and the progress you've made.
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Ryan Kenney
ESG, Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Compliance
When dealing with paper waste manifests (especially carbon copies) it's important that they are 1. Legible 2. Properly stored/digitized (Highly important when dealing with carbon copies which tend to fade/become illegible over time; I recommend digitizing ASAP) I've encountered multiple instances where the paper manifest is the ONLY record of the waste being disposed of. If it gets lost or damaged, it becomes impossible or extremely difficult to validate waste totals.
The third step is to analyze your waste and pollution data to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities. You should use quantitative and qualitative methods, such as benchmarking, ratio analysis, and stakeholder feedback. You should also compare your data with your targets, goals, and commitments. You should look for the drivers, impacts, and risks of your waste and pollution performance. You should also evaluate the effectiveness of your waste and pollution management strategies and actions.
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Roland Busa
Ensuring CSRD Compliance 🌐| Simplifying Sustainability Data Management🌍| Optimizing Sustainability Data for Increased Investor Trust 💼| Chief Technical and Operational Advisor for ESG & CSRD at denxpert
Analyzing waste and pollution data is like detective work in the sustainability landscape. It reveals hidden insights, enabling informed decision-making. Identifying trends and opportunities guides continuous improvement. Assessing effectiveness of management strategies helps refine your approach, ultimately reducing your environmental footprint.
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The final step is to report your waste and pollution data in a clear, concise, and engaging way. You should use various formats and channels, such as reports, dashboards, infographics, and videos. You should follow the best practices of the GRI Standards, such as materiality, completeness, balance, and comparability. You should also disclose your data quality, limitations, and uncertainties. You should also highlight your achievements, challenges, and future plans.
Reporting on waste and pollution is not only a responsibility, but also an opportunity. It can help you improve your environmental performance, enhance your reputation, and create value for your stakeholders. By following these best practices, you can report on waste and pollution in a way that reflects your sustainability vision and goals.
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Roland Busa
Ensuring CSRD Compliance 🌐| Simplifying Sustainability Data Management🌍| Optimizing Sustainability Data for Increased Investor Trust 💼| Chief Technical and Operational Advisor for ESG & CSRD at denxpert
Waste and pollution reporting isn't just a duty, it's a powerful tool for transparency and progress. Thoughtful, comprehensive reports build trust and drive positive change. They showcase commitment to sustainability and provide a roadmap for future improvements. Reporting isn't just a box to check; it's a vital part of the sustainability journey.
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