Climate change and sustainability are becoming more important to governments, businesses and people everywhere.
On the one hand, businesses face increasingly complex regulatory requirements – that differ by country and industry – as well as the weight of public expectations. On the other hand, the climate change and sustainability agenda presents companies opportunities to generate revenues and cut costs. For many organizations, striking this balance means embedding climate change and sustainability into the hearts of their business. Only by doing so can they meet short-term objectives and create long-term stakeholder value.
Ernst & Young can help. Our Climate Change and Sustainability Services team is grounded in our core skills in assurance, tax, transactions and advisory. On top of that we have the specific knowledge to help you understand business and regulatory threats and opportunities, explore and execute commercial transactions, monitor performance and assure public disclosures on progress. You'll receive a tailored service supported by global methodologies to address issues relating to your specific needs. Wherever you are in the world, we will provide the right professionals to support you.
Radical greening is No. 4 in the top 10 business risks for 2009Radical greening is up from No. 9 last year and beaten only by the credit crunch, regulation and compliance, and the deepening recession. The strategic pressures created by rising environmental concerns and the threat of climate change continue to escalate, and few analysts expect the pressure to disappear. This report examines the factors behind the rise of radical greening and the risks associated with implementing low-carbon technologies. (pdf, 1.9mb).
Ernst & Young carbon capture and storage country attractiveness indicesCarbon capture and storage has raced to the top (pdf, 890kb) of the politcal agenda as governments outbid each other with multi-billion dollar CCS stimulus packages targeted at accelerating the move to low-carbon economies. However, with carbon prices falling everywhere, the long-term outlook for carbon capture and storage could in fact be diminishing.
Destination ahead: the automotive industry in the era of climate change and sustainability Responding to the threat of climate change from an automotive perspective is more than reducing the emissions of new vehicles or improving the energy efficiency of manufacturing facilities. There are opportunities and risks in every part of the automotive industry value stream, and determining what steps to take will only become tougher. This report takes an extensive look at the regulatory and technological factors contributing to the forthcoming industry transformation.
How Ernst & Young is reducing its own environmental impactErnst & Young has implemented five environmentally friendly initiatives, including measuring our own carbon footprint. See all five.
Power & Utilities – renewable energy country attractiveness indices August 2009Our country attractiveness indices provide scores for national renewable energy markets (pdf, 654.6kb) renewable energy infrastructures and their suitability for individual technologies. In this quarter’s issue, China climbs three points, tying with Germany in the All-renewables index, following announcements of increased support for solar photovoltaics. This issue also includes a summary of the UK Government’s Renewable Energy Strategy – a welcome boost but is it focused enough?
Automotive – climate change: the automotive industry’s 100-year storm The actions by governments, customers, investors and innovators in response to concerns about climate change are most visibly influencing the industry by altering the design and production decisions of vehicle and component manufacturers as they develop the vehicles of tomorrow. However, climate change’s impact on the automotive industry extends far beyond the product. It is creating a business response that will touch every aspect of the global industry (pdf, 2.4M).
Mining & Metals – strategic business risks in mining and metalsClimate change is a major strategic business risk for the mining and metals sector which risks its reputation and social license to operate. There is also an increasing need for companies to respond to increased regulation of emissions, including mandated carbon reporting and emissions trading schemes.
Power & Utilities - a new era for renewables in Europe The EU’s Renewables Directive has set a challenging target of generating 20% of energy from renewables by 2020. But the renewable energy industry will struggle to raise the €500bn investment required to meet the goal as the global recession evaporates much-needed capital. This study (pdf, 599 kb) explains the renewables target, the challenges it presents, the impact on utilities’ strategy and Ernst & Young’s recommendations for industry and policy-makers.
Power & Utilities – spotlight on waterWater scarcity is an issue that is rapidly growing in prominence globally. In some cases, water is simply not available, whereas in others, usage is higher than renewable sources. Climate change is likely to further decrease availability. This study seeks to demonstrate that there is significant growth and innovation potential in water technologies.
Transformation cleantech: enabling the business response to climate changeErnst & Young’s second annual global cleantech report provides details about how businesses (emerging and market leading) are responding to the challenges of climate change. It focuses on partnering initiatives, R&D investments, bringing cleantech products and services to market and the importance of influencing government policy.
Ready or not, here comes sustainability Customer demand is driving sustainability. Recent responses from governments, corporations and investors demonstrate that the demand for sustainability is being heard loud and clear. But corporations face a daunting challenge. Can they evolve their business processes rapidly enough to keep pace with changing customer attitudes about sustainability of the products and services they purchase and the partners they choose to work with?
Operational effectiveness: supply chain sustainabilityThe growing urgency around green issues and sustainability is increasing pressure on the supply chain and procurement arenas to respond and introduce new measures. In "Green for go: supply chain sustainability" (pdf, 749kb), we look at the business case for sustainability and the benefits that can be achieved by integrating sustainability issues into supply chain management.
Oil and Gas - biofuels: do sustainability and climate change concerns signal the end of the road or a new beginning?Biofuels’ promise of diversifying fuel sources, putting a cleaner-burning fuel into the world’s gas tanks and creating a growth industry for many agricultural producers, remains true. However, countries and investors around the world are recognizing the urgent need to develop a second generation of biofuels whose production does not compete with food production and whose greenhouse gas emissions are below that of fossil fuels.
Hospitality going green Hotel companies are increasingly embracing sustainability through both developmental and operational strategies. The movement towards ecologically sound tourism has swept across the globe; and the practices being implemented are as diverse as the different geographies. This report looks in detail at how the hospitality sector in different regions across the globe is embedding sustainability within its strategic direction.
Developing a CDM or JI Project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions This in-depth report considers the role of Clean Development Mechanisms and Joint Implementation projects in international climate change strategy. The report also considers what opportunities there are on the horizon and what factors corporations need to consider in making the right investment decisions.
Assurance - accounting for emission reductions and other incentive schemesEmission reduction schemes designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions comprise tradeable emission allowances or permits. Renewable energy schemes encompass Clean Development Mechanism schemes and green certificates. The assortment of different schemes already in use, or being contemplated, has created a host of new challenges in financial reporting.
Climate change – US carbon trading: Are you ready for RGGI?This paper explores the initial impact on power and utility companies in the 10 affected US states with the launch of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
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