Interviewing leading personalities in the fields of ecopreneurship, sustainability and innovation to inspire people about a positive and sustainable future for all of us. Brought to you by the Footprint App.
The EU Green Claims Directive is a new legislation that aims to regulate the way companies in the European Union advertise their environmental claims.
This directive requires companies to provide clear and transparent evidence to support any environmental claims they make. This also prohibits false or misleading statements about the environmental impact of their products or services.
This comes as a result that over half of environmental claims on products are misleading or unsupported in the EU, and 40% of claims do not have any evidence supporting their green credentials.
Companies, from now on, must provide proof to support any environmental claims they make, including claims about biodegradability, recyclability, or energy efficiency of their products.
What are the new laws for commercial claims?Starting from 2024 to 2027, all claims must be verified by an accredited third party and based on scientific evidence and technical knowledge from a life cycle perspective before being used.
Companies must back up their environmental claims with company-specific data and revisit them every 5 years. Traditional manual methods are no longer valid.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?Companies that fail to comply with the directive may face penalties, such as fines or legal action.
Penalties can be significant, with fines of at least 4% of a company’s annual turnover, confiscation of revenue gained from related products, ban from access to public funding, and exclusion from public procurement processes for up to 12 months.
What is the enforcement process for the EU Green Claims Directive?The new directive will be applied to all businesses selling in the EU except for micro-enterprises with an annual turnover of less than €2 million and fewer than ten employees. This directive is enforced by member states.
However, even small businesses are subject to the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, which means that consumers can make complaints and seek legal action if they are affected by any misleading claims.
Final WordsThe EU Green Claims Directive is a significant step towards ensuring that environmental claims made by companies are accurate and substantiated.
To avoid penalties, businesses and organizations need to ensure they comply with these new rules. On the other side, consumers can now gain trust in the environmental claims made by companies.
**Sebastian Gier**Manager Director & Co-Founder Footprint
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**Sebastian Gier**Manager Director & Co-Founder Footprint
Are you among the 50,000 companies that will be impacted by the EU legislation? Don't wait until it's too late to find out.What is the CSRD?The European Union has implemented a new regulation called the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires larger companies to disclose information about their sustainability-related practices in their financial reports. Beginning in 2024, all companies should start to follow this rule. By 2026, all companies operating in the EU and listed SMEs will have to comply with this regulation and it is estimated that over 50,000 companies will be impacted.
Companies that need to start gathering information for future reports under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) can now access the reporting standards for the CSRD.
The EU’s website states that the CSRD will “enable investors to re-orient investments towards more sustainable technologies and businesses, [..] and be instrumental in making Europe climate neutral by 2050”.
Where is this heading?As this rolls out to more and more businesses and they have to be reported in a public manner, this also means an increasing transparency for future customers, employees and investors when it comes to who they buy or work for. From recent statistics it is already visible that this plays an increasing role - especially for younger people.
Which businesses are affected?The companies listed below must comply with the disclosure regulations outlined in the CSRD. EU companies (including subsidiaries and branches of non-EU parent companies) which would meet at least two of the following criteria:
Also important requirements:
Can companies get sanctioned if they are not complying?It is currently uncertain when the EU Commission will impose sanctions on companies for failing to adhere to the CSRD. However, as per the regulations outlined in the Directive, the sanctions are expected to be significant.
The nature and magnitude of the sanctions and fines will vary among the Member States. For instance, if German companies fail to report compliance with the German version of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (which has been amended by the CSRD), they may be subject to fines that are the highest of the following: €10 million, 5% of the company's total annual revenue, or twice the amount of profits gained or losses avoided as a result of the non-compliance.
In contrast, French companies do not face fines for failing to report in accordance with the NFRD, unless a concerned party requests the disclosure of non-financial information. In the event that the information is not provided, a judge may then impose financial penalties.
Will CSDR affect only European companies?Any company, regardless of location, that conducts business within the EU or trades in EU-domiciled securities will be impacted by the CSDR regulations.
Which information will have to be disclosed?Additional to the NFRD Under Directive 2014/95/EU, large companies have to publish information related to:
Also, the CSRD is adding additional requirements on:
Are there any other benefits besides comply with regulations?Yes, there are plenty. Sustainability is not an obligation, it is a massive business opportunities for businesses to get ahead. In this context it is good to keep in mind that in the long run it is likely that even more companies will have to report and give insights on their environmental efforts. While it can be still a competitive advantage currently, in the future it might be just expected.Here are some additional studies on the positive business impact:
Why should you step up with CSRD and how Footprint helps?Implementing CSRD compliance now not only satisfies future regulations, but it also gives your company a competitive advantage. Don't wait to take action, stay ahead of the competition. Here are some reasons why you should act now:
Final ThoughtsStarting in 2024, all EU-operating and listed SMEs that full-fill the requirements above must comply, with over 50,000 companies affected. Non-compliance can result in penalties for different companies. Embracing sustainability now can not only help your business meet the CSRD requirements but also increase transparency and result in long-term trust and success.
If you like to learn more or have any questions - our team is happy to share more insights on CSRD and how climate action can be simple and fast. Contact us anytime.
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In this episode of the Footprint Futures podcast, we talk with Peter Sweatman, Chief Executive and Founder of Climate Strategy & Partners on transforming businesses to become more sustainable.
During the episode we approach:
Peter’s background and learnings through the years
Clean energy
Advice to drive positive impact
Incorporating sustainability into the personal life
Trends in sustainability.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecopreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
During the episode we approach:
Journey of starting a sustainable startup
Challenges faced along the way
How to use coffee grounds to create beauty products
Which retail strategy to adopt
Why we need new ecopreneurs.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecopreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
During the episode we approach:
How she created one of the first mission-driven product placement agencies
How to work with companies and find the right projects in the entertainment industry
How Hollywood is evolving due to the climate change
How it is important to raise awareness in the entertainment industry
Advice for companies to become more sustainable.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecopreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
During the episode we approach:
How she created one of the first mission-driven product placement agencies
How to work with companies and find the right projects in the entertainment industry
How Hollywood is evolving due to the climate change
How it is important to raise awareness in the entertainment industry
Advice for companies to become more sustainable.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecopreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
During the episode we approach:
How to build an emission-driven business from the ground up
How the shipping and delivery services for certain industries are causing huge amounts of waste
How to add on to your sustainable offer to differentiate your value proposition
The importance of sustainable design for cold chain packaging across different industries for various custemers
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecopreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
During the episode we approach:
Using smartphones in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way
The process of founding a company
Scaling sustainable business and startup
How to seamlessly integrate new solutions into your consumers’ lives.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecopreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
During the episode we approach:
The need for greenhouse gas reduction strategies
How corporates sustainability awareness, consumer, and demand have been involved in the past 20 years
ESG as a metric.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecopreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
During the episode we approach:
The importance of a brand for exciting people in terms of sustainable products and services
Approach to building a sustainable brand
Learning about consumers’ needs, concerns, and questions when it comes to sustainable products.
Challenges when developing a home cleaning products and actually designing it sustainable from A-Z.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecopreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
The immediate need to address sustainability concerns is clear: the world is very globalised and urbanised, resources are limited, and problems like air and water pollution from industrial operations, implying that the task is significant.
During the episode we approach:
How to drive sustainability for businesses
The importance of setting the right strategy
How to make help businesses to communicate their sustainability efforts with the most transparency
How businesses need to transform in order to become more sustainable.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecropreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
During the episode we approach:
Why you should consider starting a sustainable business in Portugal
Using cork as sustainable material of choice.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecropreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
The immediate need to address sustainability concerns is clear: the world is very globalised and urbanised, resources are limited, and problems like air and water pollution from industrial operations, implying that the task is significant.
During the episode we approach:
How to deal with rejection when first starting a sustainable brand
Why drive and passion are keys to success
How to source no plastic packaging solutions for your sustainable products
How the pandemic has influenced consumers’ behaviour
How personal branding can positively impact your business as well.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecropreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
“Walking by the tables filled with food I get more and more annoyed. It is not that I am totally picky when it comes to breakfast. But when I see a buffet full of meat, milk, eggs and other animal products, I wonder why so many accommodations world-wide are still not ready to provide a healthy breakfast suitable for vegetarians and vegans.”
During the episode we approach:
How to position a zero-waste product in the market
The main challenges when launching a zero-waste beauty product
How to overcome challenges in formulating and manufacturing your products
The importance of giving a purpose and vision to your brand
How to overcome challenges of finding audiences in the US
How to overcome challenges in retailing distribution, by staying true to yourselves
How to better educate customers about free-plastic consumption
A piece of advice to small eCommerces that wish to go into retail.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecropreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
Now more than ever, employees are demanding that their employers become more sustainable. Sustainability has risen to the forefront of employee hiring and retention in recent years.
During the episode we approach:
How to design a zero-waste product
How to source sustainable packaging
How to make your skincare sustainability business successful
What is the biggest challenge when growing an eCommerce
How to manage efficiently your remote working setups
Which practices to use to ensure the sustainability of your business
Pooja gives advices for all future ecopreneurs that are still hesitating.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecropreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
We all use items every day that are our go-to items, the once we constantly reach for. The good news is that the everyday essentials we purchase and use can be eco-friendly too! Whether you need a biodegradable sponge for cleaning dishes, reusable bags and storage containers for snacks, or glass water bottles for keeping hydrated...we have you covered with these 10 sustainable stores that carry useful items.
During the episode we approach:
The importance of gender equality and empowering women.
The challenges when starting a new business.
Dealing with the financial challenges of launching a business.
Designing sustainable product.
Growing your eCommerce and find customers.
Learnings from managing B2C and promoting DAME on the shelves.
Sustainable practices and methods Alec would recommend to other businesses.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecropreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
These Shopify apps offer tools and advanced features that will make eCommerce, data organization, CRM, shipping and logistics stream-lined and simple for better customer satisfaction. There are 5,000 apps on Shopify that can help you in this area. We have already spent time selecting the ones that will provide you most value, so you don't need to spent endless time searching for them.
When it comes to fashion, we want options that are planet-friendly, ethical, and we want to look put-together too. We got you covered so you don't have to do the research on your own. If you are interested in discovering the coolest sustainable sneaker and clothing shops, take a look at these stores that are making moves in the fashion industry.
During the episode we approach:
The importance of developing a successful strategy for your startup.
Some common misconceptions around plant-based and vegan food and what are some important discussions that need to take place.
How to find a good name for your startup.
The importance of young entrepreneurs taking action in the sustainability area.
Exciting trends in sustainability around technology.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecropreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
During the episode we approach:
What are the challenges in combining environmental and business aspects.
How to source sustainable materials.
Why collaborations are important for sustainable businesses.
How to identify great sustainability collaborations.
How to make your company even more sustainable.
How to make your packaging and transportation more sustainable.
How to follow consumer’s needs and trends towards sustainability.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecropreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
During the episode we approach:
How to raise awareness on a larger scale.
How to make your foundation or business an example worldwide.
How to find the right balance between business and sustainability.
What technology to favor in order to make your foundation or business more eco-friendly.
How to boost gamification to motivate your consumers.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecropreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
During the episode we approach:
How to overcome challenges when starting an eCommerce.
What are the challenges to achieving market acceptance and adoption.
What are the biggest challenges when launching a sustainable product.
How to make your products circular.
How to integrate sustainability inside your company.
A key advice for any eco-preneurs.
What are the common misconceptions about sustainable products?
How to make the benefits of your product more tangible for your consumers.
Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecropreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
In this episode of the Footprint Futures podcast we talk with Isabel Aagaard, co-founder and designer at LastObject, on how to create zero-waste products.
During the episode we approach:
How to overcome challenges with a new business.
How to become more sustainable inside your company.
Why is sustainability always a process?
How to grow your eCommerce brand.
How to overcome challenges in sustainable transportation.
Key trends in customer behavior towards sustainability.
What are the common misconceptions about sustainable products?
How to source sustainable materials.
How to design more sustainable.
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Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecropreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
Climate change has severe consequences on local, national, and global scales, but it won't affect everyone the same because some regions are at greater risk than others. Human activities are contributing to climate change, and changing our lifestyles may be the most important way to reverse it.
In this episode of the Footprint Futures podcast we talk with Janet Salem, Economic Affairs Officer, Innovation for Circular Economy at United Nations, on driving innovation in the sustainability space.
During the episode we touch on her experience working with startups around the world to solve the world’s biggest climate issues. Janet shares key technologies and opportunities that are on the horizon and could potentially create positive change in the global climate challenges ahead.
Further, she shares key consumer and market trends that we should keep an eye on and why startups play a key role in contributing towards creating positive change in the climate.
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Footprint Futures is the podcast where we interview forward-thinking ecropreneurs and change-makers on how to accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.
Earth’s systems are interconnected, so various environmental footprints are connected as well, and they are all important when it comes to your overall environmental impact.
By now you may be familiar that carbon emissions are driving global climate change. But have you ever wondered how a gas could be so powerful as to change the world as we know it?
Being sustainable starts in the home and there are many aspects of your home, whether it’s energy usage or habits that you partake in. Here are some tips to have the most sustainable home environment possible.
Shopping with the climate in mind is all about choosing wisely. Materials that are used to make items matters, as well as the processing, transportation, and sheer amount of goods that many people love to buy.
Stella Sage, German-American, student, certified personal trainer, motivated by the desire to reconnect humans and nature - on a guide to sustainable beginnings for everyone.
Food is an important part of culture, society, and tradition. For some, allergies or personal preferences make it hard to significantly alter their diets. So, it can be hard to change such fundamental aspects of human society, but it is worth trying because your diet can significantly impact the climate.
The best form of public transportation depends on your area and what options are available to you, (like how far away you live from your place of work), but there are some general principles you can follow to use the best transportation method possible for you.
In this episode of the Footprint Futures podcast we talk with Renee Lertzman, an international recognised leader in the space of psychology and climate change on
her personal journey in the intersection of science, behaviour design and climate impact
her perspectives to drive behaviour change towards more climate friendly habits
how do we turn climate anxiety into action?
how digital products can inform sustainable actions
the importance of startups and new projects to drive initiatives
what innovations and technologies excite her
her favourite sustainability hacks
ABOUT Renee Lertzman, Ph.D.
Climate psychologist. Speaker. Author. Founder, Project InsideOut.
Dr. Renee Lertzman is an internationally recognized thought leader and adviser, and works with government, business, philanthropic, and non-governmental sectors to design research tools, brand strategy, trainings, workshops, engagement practices, and strategies suited for the uniquely challenging nature of environmental work.Renee’s pioneering work bridging psychological research and sustainability has been featured in The Guardian, The New York Times, Time, Washington Post, Grist.org, Huffington Post, Oregon Public Radio, BBC and numerous other outlets. Her clients include: WWF, Skoll Global Threats Fund, Alliance for Climate Education, Center for Sustainable Energy, Cogan Owens Greene, Transport for London, Ingersoll Rand, Free Range Studio and others.
Still not convinced that sustainable choices can make a difference? If not only for the environment, being sustainable can have a significant positive outcome on your personal quality of life.
Climate Change is caused by many factors and your footprint, daily decisions and behaviour plays a role in that. Learn more about the importance and the environmental impact of your habits and how they relate to the bigger picture.
In this episode of the Footprint Futures podcast we talk with Marc Buckley who has been giving numerous international talks on the topic of designing and creating desirable and resilient futures for humanity - and how he is applying a “System approach” to steer such discussions when working with different organisations and companies. What this approach is exactly and how he applies it is something Marc shares more light on during the episode.
During the episode he shares his visions and strategies on how to reform and change the agriculture, beverage and food industry for a more positive climate future and positive environmental impact. A topic he is very involved in regards of the World Economic Forum as a Expert Network member.
In addition he also runs his own podcast called Inside Ideas where he interviews other forum expert and sustainability leaders.
If you like to hear more from Marc, we can also recommend his YouTube channel and website.
One of our favourite talks is the one below.
In many parts of the world public policy makers explore ways how to reduce the emissions of the transportation sector. In this article we take a closer look at strategies, barriers and topics that are currently debated in California. An article by Arjun Sarkar.
Learn about the intersection of climate carbon emissions and fireworks during New Years Eve. We are getting closer to the end of the year - a good time to reflect on our behaviour for the end of the year celebrations and make more sustainable choices
A teen-Led organization based in New Jersey fighting climate change with beach cleanups, climate events and more.
After spending the first 15 years of her career working in the global consumer goods industry, Nicola’s life was set on a different trajectory with a personal quest to live more simply and sustainably. Bringing together her understanding of human behaviour and her sustainability experience, Nic founded Mainstream Green as a Social Enterprise to inspire and create behaviour change. She now travels around New Zealand engaging businesses, councils and individuals about mindful consumption. It’s all about being more conscious of how we consume and the waste we create.
Tamara Staton is a facilitator, educator, speaker and coach with over 20 years’ professional experience in the fields of Climate Change and Education. She is deeply committed to leading the change to ensure the health and well-being of all life on the planet, and commits all of her efforts towards this endeavor. As the Founder and Director of Changing Your Climate, she guides committed climateers on their quest to effect bold global change through the integration of joy, resilience and effective leadership. Through the international non-profit, Citizens’ Climate Lobby, she supports volunteers in advocating for national carbon pricing. Tamara lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter, and when she’s not climateering, you might find her strumming her banjo or moving to music in the woods.
In our second episode, we have invited Helena Lindemark as our guest to talk about biodiversity and climate change. Helena has been working with sustainability since 1991 at the UN, EU, Swedish Sida and the private sector. She is the founder of Sustainable Development Sweden and the 2022 Initiative Foundation, focusing on speeding up sustainability. Helena is also a Climate Reality Leader, trained by Al Gore.
🌿 Facts: 00:43
🌿 Solution: 12:20
🌿 What can we do: 19:37
You can find related links below: https://www.2022initiative.org/ https://www.hallbart.nu/ https://sustainable-development.se/ https://www.facebook.com/2022Initiative/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/2022-initiative-foundation/ If you want to learn more about sustainability and climate, please subscribe to our channel:
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How to choose your climate actions for better impact? In our first interview episode, Amruta Kshemkalyani has given us useful advice. With 14 years of experience of helping businesses with sustainability transformation & implementation of sustainability, Amruta Kshemkalyani worked on various sustainable development projects in UAE & Qatar as a sustainability project manager at design as well as construction stage.
As sustainability advisor, she has been assisting organizations with businesses sustainability to achieve their short & long term goals and to create more positive impacts. As Sustainability Speaker & Trainer, she has trained thousands of professionals & executives for different aspects of sustainability throughout her career. She founded Middle East's pioneering digital platform with the mission of raising public awareness & created an audience, their Tribe of like-minded people over the last 11 years by educating them about Sustainable Living & Conscious Consumption.
Additionally, she also founded #ZeroWasteUAE Social Initiative, which sparked zero waste movement in the UAE. She regularly holds awareness campaigns, educational workshops, community events & talks. Via Sustainability Tribe platforms, she also helps businesses with Sustainability Reporting, Communication & Marketing.
Sandra Petsch, M.A. Responsible Tourism Manager, Co-Founder of Legaseed, Sustainability Coach at CoachingForCause
Magdalena Muttenthaler, Founder & CEO of FREE MINDED FOLKS, Co-Director of Founder Institute Munich
Mirijam Smend is the founder and initiator of GREENSTYLE Munich - which tries to accelerate a sustainable world by connecting citizen with sustainable fashion opportunities and rises the awareness around making more climate friendly decision when consuming.
With “Global thinking, local attitude” the Gaviaõzinho Farm - an innovative Brazilian Farm wants to change the world together with all of us. An outstanding initiative on driving change and starting this locally to drive a bigger change outside the local area longterm.
permaskills’ purpose is to share holistic knowledge and skills related to sustainability and permaculture, practically by experience and touch. To see the joy on people’s faces, when they learn to do something they never thought they could, is what I thrive in. Sharing the knowledge and skills to live a sustainable life in all its aspects is my contribution to make this planet enjoyable for everyone.