Sustainability 101: Recommendations from Stefan Nilsson

Currently serving as the Chief Sustainability and Strategy Officer at Foxway Group, Stefan Nilsson is a visionary leader and passionately champions a sustainable ethos in all aspects of living, societal engagement, and business practices. Check out his top recommendations and must reads

Rachel Johnson | Mar 6, 2024

GOOD READS FROM THE INDUSTRY

ORGANIZATIONS TO KEEP AN EYE ON

Enforced since January 5, 2023, the EU Commission on Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) compels large and listed companies to disclose social and environmental impacts, aiding stakeholders in assessing sustainability. It expands reporting obligations and enhances transparency in corporate sustainability practices.

 

The GHG Protocol is a global initiative established by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) to create standardized frameworks for measuring and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It works with various stakeholders including governments, NGOs, businesses, and industry associations.

 

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) drives private sector action on climate change by aligning companies with science-based emissions reduction targets to limit global warming to 1.5°C. With over 4,000 companies committed to SBTi targets, it fosters a thriving, net-zero economy.

 

Financial markets need clear, comprehensive information on climate change impacts, including risks and opportunities. Established by the Financial Stability Board in 2015, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) aimed to improve reporting in this area.

 

Established in 2007, EcoVadis has expanded to become the foremost global provider of business sustainability ratings, fostering a network of over 125,000 rated companies worldwide.

 

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all UN Member States, outlines 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change. The Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) in the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs supports SDG implementation through capacity-building, evaluation, and advocacy, stressing the need for broad stakeholder engagement to achieve these goals.

 

The United Nations Global Compact, launched in 2000, urges businesses and organizations to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies. It’s the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, calling for alignment with ten universally accepted principles covering human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.

NICE BOOKS TO READ

WORTH FOLLOWING

The SASB Standards facilitate industry-specific disclosures on sustainability-related risks and opportunities impacting an organization’s cash flows, finance access, or capital costs in the short, medium, or long term. Developed through evidence-based research and inclusive participation, these standards are recognized globally as essential for consistent and comparable sustainability reporting by companies.

 

The Stockholm Resilience Centre is driven by a vision of a flourishing biosphere fostering well-being for all, alongside a mission to enhance scientific comprehension of human-nature interactions, educate future sustainability leaders, and foster collaborations with agents of change.

 

RISE is Sweden’s research institute and innovation collaborator, partnering internationally with businesses, academia, and the public sector to bolster competitiveness and sustainability. With approximately 3,300 employees, RISE facilitates diverse innovation endeavors and operates as an independent state research institute, offering specialized expertise and over 130 test and demonstration sites for cutting-edge technologies, products, and services.

 

EFRAG, established in 2001 at the encouragement of the European Commission, operates as a private association serving the public interest. In 2022, EFRAG expanded its mission to include providing Technical Advice to the European Commission in the form of draft EU Sustainability Reporting Standards, in addition to its existing role in influencing IFRS Standards development and providing endorsement advice.

 

The EU mandates large and listed companies to disclose information on social and environmental risks and opportunities, aiding stakeholders in assessing sustainability performance, aligning with the European Green Deal objectives.

 

About Stefan Nilsson:

Stefan Nilsson, currently the Chief Sustainability and Strategy Officer at Foxway Group, is a visionary leader and passionately champions a sustainable ethos in all aspects of living, societal engagement, and business practices. Before Xllnc Nordic rebranded to Foxway in 2020, Stefan’s journey towards sustainable leadership began while serving as Head of Strategy. Pioneering the introduction of the as-a-service concept to the market, he played a pivotal role in reshaping the company’s direction. Beyond corporate roles, he advocates for environmental stewardship as a board member of EUREFAS, representing the electronics refurbishment industry in Europe. Check out his keynote video here.