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Origem Motos: Leading the Charge for Sustainable Mobility and Carbon Neutrality in Brazil

Origem Motos, an innovative electric motorbike company based in Brazil, has emerged as a beacon of inspiration in an era marked by rapid urbanization, climate change, and the growing need for sustainable transportation solutions. Not only did their solutions immediately reduce GHG emissions compared to combustion motorcycles, but in 2023, they also went a step further by achieving the Carbon Neutral Certification, guaranteeing the complete offsetting of the emissions related to using and renting their electric motorbikes, in compliance with international standards. The Rise of Smart Electrical Transportation in Brazil The global transportation sector has significantly contributed to greenhouse gas emissions for decades, with gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles dominating the landscape. However, the urgent need to combat climate change has driven a surge in developing and adopting smart electrical transportation alternatives. Origem Motos is at the forefront of this transformative wave by pioneering electric motorbikes designed to cater to the needs of both individuals and businesses. With a robust electric motorbike fleet, Origem Motos is helping to reduce carbon emissions and usher in a cleaner, greener future for transportation in Brazil. Innovation at the Core Origem Motos is not just any electric motorbike company; it stands out due to its commitment to innovation. The company is pushing the boundaries of what electric motorbikes can offer regarding technology and performance. Here’s how Origem Motos is contributing to a more sustainable future: Advanced Electric Motorbikes Origem Motos designs eco-friendly, high-performance electric motorbikes. These bikes offer a cleaner and quieter riding experience while maintaining the power and range needed for urban transportation. Smart Charging Grid One of the most significant innovations is Origem Motos’ smart charging grid. It’s a network of strategically placed charging stations in the city that are easily accessible for riders. This infrastructure makes owning an electric motorbike more convenient and practical, addressing the range anxiety associated with electric vehicles. Cutting-Edge Technology Origem Motos incorporates state-of-the-art technology into their motorbikes. Features like smartphone integration, real-time data tracking, and GPS navigation enhance the riding experience and make electric motorbikes an attractive choice for tech-savvy consumers. Circular Economy in Practice Origem Motos’s approach to the circular economy is comprehensive, positively impacting the product’s lifecycle and the environment. This model is evident in several key areas: Design for Durability and Recyclability From the outset, Origem Motos designs its motorbikes to be durable, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste. Additionally, the motorbikes are designed to be recyclable at the end of their lifecycle, ensuring that parts can be reused or repurposed, further reducing environmental impact. Product as a Service (PaaS) Origem Motos adopts a product-as-a-service model, offering leasing options for its electric motorbikes. This approach not only makes electric motorbikes more accessible but also ensures that Origem Motos retains responsibility for the maintenance, repair, and eventual recycling of the motorbikes. This model encourages efficient resource use and reduces waste. The circular economy model Origem Motos adopted significantly enhances their products’ value proposition. It reassures consumers that they are investing in a product that is not only innovative and accessible but also environmentally responsible. This model positions Origem Motos as a leader in sustainable practices within the transportation sector, reflecting a deep commitment to meeting the current needs of society and ensuring the well-being of future generations. Fighting Climate Change with Carbon Neutrality In 2023, the company took a step forward by achieving the Green Initiative’s Carbon Neutral Certification as a tangible expression of its commitment and dedication to sustainability. The process of obtaining the certification goes through 3 main steps: 1. Climate Pledge Companies like Origem Motos formally pledge to reduce their short- and long-term carbon footprint. This pledge serves as a guiding principle for their sustainability efforts. 2. Carbon Footprint Measurement A critical step in the certification process was the comprehensive measurement of Origem Motos’ carbon footprint, encompassing scopes 1, 2, and 3. This involved a rigorous assessment of direct and indirect emissions, from maintenance to transportation and other business activities. By identifying and quantifying these emissions, Origem Motos could pinpoint critical areas for reduction and set precise targets for improvement. 3. Carbon Credit Offset Origem Motos invested in high-impact carbon credits to neutralize its remaining carbon footprint. These credits support projects that reduce or capture greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere, such as Amazon forest conservation initiatives and developing clean energy technologies. This step offsets Origem Motos’ emissions and contributes to global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability. Building on the momentum of achieving carbon neutrality, Origem Motos is outlining its Climate Action Plan to further its commitment to environmental responsibility. This plan includes a series of ambitious targets and strategies designed to propel the company and its stakeholders towards a more sustainable future. Mitigating Climate Change through Electric Transportation in Brazil Brazil’s transition to electric transportation represents a transformative opportunity to address climate change while catalyzing socio-economic benefits. Electric vehicles have multifaceted advantages, highlighting their potential to revolutionize urban mobility, environmental health, and economic prosperity. Zero Tailpipe Emissions Electric motorbikes stand out for their absence of tailpipe emissions. Unlike traditional vehicles that release carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, electric motorbikes offer a clean alternative, directly contributing to reducing urban air pollution. This shift is crucial for Brazil, where many cities grapple with air quality issues that directly impact public health. Broader Environmental Impact Beyond tailpipe emissions, the lifecycle emissions of electric vehicles, including manufacturing and electricity generation, are increasingly lower due to advancements in renewable energy and battery technologies. As Brazil advances its renewable energy capacity, the environmental footprint of electric transportation is set to decrease further, offering a sustainable path forward in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Job Creation and Industry Development Brazil’s electric vehicle sector offers substantial economic opportunities. The development, manufacturing, and servicing of EVs and related infrastructure, such as charging stations and battery recycling facilities, can create new jobs and spur industrial growth. This sector’s expansion is poised to attract investments, foster technological innovation, and position

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Sustainable Urban Development: A Comprehensive Approach to Climate Neutrality and Fast-Tracking Climate Action

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In the ever-growing challenge of climate change, cities worldwide are taking center stage as they navigate the delicate balance between rapid urbanization and environmental sustainability. Combinig “Climate Neutrality and Sustainable Urban Development with Climate Action” serves as a comprehensive guide, outlining a roadmap for cities to achieve climate neutrality. This framework emphasizes the integration of diverse initiatives, addressing the multifaceted aspects of climate change. Simultaneously, the imperative of fast-tracking sustainable urban development with climate action is highlighted, showcasing the need for innovative strategies to transform urban landscapes into resilient, eco-friendly hubs. Understanding Climate Neutrality At the core of sustainable urban development lies the concept of climate neutrality, where cities strive to balance their greenhouse gas emissions with equivalent removal or offset measures. Achieving climate neutrality is a crucial milestone in the global effort to combat climate change, preventing further environmental degradation and securing a sustainable future for urban areas. Key Components of a Combined Climate Neutrality and Sustainable Urban Development Framework Cities that are making it possible There are many cities worldwide proving that sustainable urban development with climate action is prossible, such as Machu Picchu, the world’s first carbon neutral certified tourist destination and Bonito, a brazilian ecotourism destination whis is leading climate action by example, also as carbon neutral certified. Another example is the city of Curitiba, in Brazil, which has just been awarded as the world’s most sustainable smart-city in the world by the World Smart City Awards 2023. Conclusion Combining the “Climate Neutrality Framework” with the imperative of “Sustainable Urban Development with Climate Action” provides a holistic guide for cities. By integrating emission reduction strategies, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, circular economy practices, green infrastructure, community engagement, and innovative policies, urban centers can accelerate their transition to sustainable, resilient hubs. Embracing these initiatives positions cities as beacons of environmental responsibility, leading the way toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. At Green Initiative, we empower organizations to integrate climate action at the core of their business models, helping achieve decarbonization targets and comply with international climate action standards. Contact us here. by Yves Hemelryck, from the Green Initiative Team

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Sustainable Business Leadership Through Climate Positive Certification

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Becoming climate positive certified can offer several benefits for a company, both in terms of its environmental impact and its business operations. Here are some reasons why a company might consider obtaining climate positive certification: Environmental Responsibility Climate positive certification signifies a company’s commitment to taking meaningful action to address climate change, meaning that your climate action has gone beyond neutrality, actually creating an environmental and climate benefit by removing additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This can help enhance the company’s reputation as an environmentally responsible entity, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers, investors, and partners. Competitive Advantage In a market where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, being climate positive certified can give a company a competitive edge. Consumers and clients are more likely to support and engage with businesses that are taking concrete steps to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. Risk Management Climate change poses significant risks to businesses, including supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, and physical impacts. By becoming climate positive certified, a company can demonstrate to stakeholders that it is actively managing these risks and adapting to a changing climate. Innovation and Creativity Pursuing climate positive certification often requires a company to innovate and develop new processes, products, and technologies. This can lead to enhanced creativity within the organization and potentially open up new revenue streams from sustainable products and services. Attracting Talent Many employees, especially those from younger generations, are concerned about climate change and seek employment with companies that share their values. Being climate positive certified can help attract and retain top talent who are passionate about sustainability. Investor Appeal Climate positive certification can make a company more attractive to socially responsible investors who consider environmental performance as part of their investment criteria. This could potentially lead to increased access to funding and improved investor relations. Long-Term Viability Addressing climate change isn’t just about short-term gains; it’s about ensuring the long-term viability of the company in a world affected by climate-related challenges. By obtaining certification, a company demonstrates its commitment to being part of the solution, which can contribute to its overall sustainability and success. Regulatory Compliance As governments and international bodies implement more stringent regulations to mitigate climate change, being climate positive certified can position a company ahead of regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties. Stakeholder Engagement Climate positive certification can foster stronger relationships with various stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, communities, and NGOs. This engagement can lead to collaborative efforts and partnerships to address shared sustainability goals. Positive Brand Image Climate positive certification can significantly enhance a company’s brand image, showcasing its dedication to environmental stewardship and inspiring other businesses and industries to follow suit. Ultimately, becoming climate positive certified is not only a responsible decision for the planet but can also yield tangible business benefits by aligning a company’s operations with sustainability goals and positioning it as a leader in its industry. Empower Your Business Journey Towards Climate Positive Certification Today! Calling all visionary business owners and leaders! Unlock the transformative power of sustainability with our expert guidance towards climate positive certification. Elevate your business’s reputation as an environmental leader, gain a competitive edge in the sustainability-focused market, actively manage climate-related risks, foster innovation, attract top talent and investors, and strengthen stakeholder engagement. Let us guide you in shaping a more sustainable and successful future – contact us today to embark on the journey toward climate positive certification.

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Methane GAS Emissions and climate change

Methane Emissions and climate change

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Anthropogenic methane emissions and their implications for climate change within the next decade The Sixth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stresses with high confidence that net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 2010 are characterized by an increasing trend. Particularly, estimates in 2019 state the agricultural sector and other land-use activities are responsible for 22% of anthropogenic, or human-induced, global greenhouse emissions (IPCC, 2022). In this context, carbon dioxide and methane emissions have been identified to be significant contributors to global warming. Carbon dioxide, for example, once emitted into the atmosphere has been estimated to linger for roughly 300 to 1000 years (Buis, 2019) before it is fixed into biomass or mineralized into ocean or land sediments by natural processes. Thus, carbon’s multigenerational lifespan in the atmosphere often leads to a trend in climate action projects centered on reducing carbon dioxide emissions exclusively. However, methane has been found to have 84-87 times the global warming potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide on a 20-year timescale (IPCC, 2022), while estimates using the 100-year timescale, which is commonly adopted by organizations across the globe, shows a mere 24 times difference between the GWP of methane and carbon dioxide. As a result, scientists often stress the need to use cumulative metrics, that do not operate on a timescale, to accurately represent the impact of short-lived climate pollutants, like methane, on global temperatures within the next decade and consequently use this understanding to develop more efficient policies to reduce the negative effects of climate change in the near future (Allen et al., 2018). Governmental policies on methane emissions Due to alarming estimates of methane’s contribution to 30% of global warming to date (IEA, 2022), global methane initiatives strive to promote the use of methane as a clean energy source along with governmental organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that are opting to strengthen their policies against methane emissions, and the European Union (EU), that have set ambitious goals to reduce 30% of their methane emissions by 2030. Particularly, there is increasing scientific and analytical evidence that reducing anthropogenic methane emission by 50% over the next 30 years could help to maintain the global average temperature increase below 2 degrees Celsius and therefore, contribute to the climate goals established in the Paris Agreement. (Mckinsey, 2021; Arndt, 2022) Solutions to the anthropogenic emission of methane in the agriculture sector Promoting the industry switch to reduced methane emissions is not as simple as establishing governmental sanctions across the globe for many reasons, including concerns related to food security. Hence, several solutions are being implemented to reduce methane emissions from the agriculture sector, particularly for livestock, which have been estimated to account for 32% of human-induced methane emissions (UNEP, n.d.). These solutions include: Feed additives Such as garlic, clove, and seaweed, have been found to reduce methane emissions from ruminant animals. These additives can reduce the amount of methane produced during digestion, ultimately leading to lower emissions. Alternative feeds Like oilseed crops or legumes, can improve the quality of feed and reduce the amount of methane produced by animals. Alternative feeds can also help to reduce the amount of land required for grazing and improve soil quality. Breeding and genetics Specialized programs can be used to produce animals that are more efficient in their digestion, thereby reducing the amount of methane produced during digestion. Methane capture and reuse Methane can be captured from livestock manure and reused as a source of energy. This can be done through the use of anaerobic digesters, which can convert manure into biogas that can be used for electricity or heat. Precision livestock monitoring Technologies such as remote monitoring and smart feeding and watering systems can help to improve the efficiency of livestock production and reduce methane emissions. Novel Research in Molecular Engineering: Promising Strategies for Reducing Methane Emissions in Livestock Furthermore, novel research in the field of molecular engineering has a significant potential to reduce methane emissions by manipulating the metabolic pathways of livestock and the microbial communities in their digestive tracts. One solution involves the use of feed supplements that inhibit the activity of methanogens, which are the microorganisms in the rumen of livestock that produce methane during digestion. The results observed a consistent reduction in methane gas emissions by up to 30% for dairy cows and 90% for meat cows in experimental conditions (Palangi & Lackner, 2022). In addition, other studies explored the use of RNA interference molecules (Bradford et al., 2017) to inhibit the expression of certain genes in methanogens, blocking the production of proteins involved in methane production. Other similar approaches use the well-known, and often less costly CRISPR-CAS9 gene-editing tool (Subdei et al., 2022). Although more research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms underlying methanogens, the cost-effectiveness on a large scale, and some ethical considerations involved in gene manipulation, these developments outline a promising future for the reduction of methane emissions in the agricultural industry. Comprehensive Climate Action: Accounting for GWP Metrics and Developing Cost-effective Solutions to Reduce Emissions Despite Green Initiatives’ focus on removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, we understand the importance of fighting climate change on all fronts and thus, we consider Global Warming Potential (GWP) metrics to account for the short- and long-lived effects of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Furthermore, we take climate action to the next level by advising our clients on developing cost-effective, climate-friendly solutions to reduce harmful emissions. Contact us to learn more and become a part of our climate champions. This article was writen by Marc Tristant, from the Green Inititative team. References: Allen, M. R., Shine, K. P., Fuglestvedt, J. S., Millar, R. J., Cain, M., Frame, D. J., & Macey, A. (2018). A solution to the misrepresentations of CO2-equivalent emissions of short-lived climate pollutants under ambitious mitigation. Npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-018-0026-8 Arndt, C., Hristov, A. N., Price, W. J., McClelland, S. C., Pelaez, A. M., Cueva, S. F., Oh, J., Dijkstra, J., Bannink, A., Bayat, A. R.,

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A Climate Action Guide For Tourism Businesses and Destinations

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As the world continues to recover from the unprecedented shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuilding a sustainable tourism sector remains a shared responsibility for tourism organizations worldwide. Amid mounting evidence of severe climate change, the window of opportunity for swiftly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is rapidly narrowing. In November 2021 The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the Travel Foundation, launched the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism at the climate-change conference COP26. The declaration calls on all tourism stakeholders to publicly demonstrate a joint commitment towards GHG reduction and climate resilience. In the wake of the Glasgow Declaration, the tourism industry is striving to embrace the challenges posedby climate change. Reaching a broad consensus on how to address climate change would be of utmost importance, impacting tourism industry developments and performance in the years to come. Since 2014 Green Initiative has been working alongside tourism businesses and destinations worldwide, introducing best climate action practices leading to efficient processes, access to climate financing, cost reductions, compliance with ESG standards, and international climate leadership. As part of our continuous support to accelerate the decarbonization of global tourism, a Climate Action Guide for Tourism Businesses and Destinations was prepared by Green Initiative and technically reviewed by the staff of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), United Nations Climate Change (UNFCCC) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Forthcoming at COP 27th At Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, the guide provides a practical roadmap to define baseline emissions, monitor carbon footprint changes, set emissions targets, evaluate progress, and publicize climate commitments and successes. At Green Initiative, we believe that unsustainable business-as-usual models will lose competitiveness and disappear. It’s time to reinforce collaborative processes and work together, “Building Tourism Back Better”. Please click here to download the Climate Action Guide For Tourism Businesses and Destinations.

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Certificación Carbono Neutral: Santa Natura una empresa comprometida con el clima que lidera el segmento de alimentos naturales.

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De acuerdo con las Naciones Unidas, vivimos un periodo de emergencia climática que podrá impactar a todos los segmentos sociales y económicos, sin excepción.La emergencia climática, cada vez más evidente, no es un fenómeno natural, sino el resultado de algunas, relativamente pocas décadas de excesos en la emisión de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI).Estos gases que se acumulan en la atmósfera, aumentan silenciosamente la temperatura promedio de la tierra, impulsando de esta forma el cambio climático.Una reacción global al cambio climático, se hace evidente a través de nuevas regulaciones del comercio internacional y la preocupación de los consumidores, sobre todo de los países desarrollados, por las emisiones generadas en la producción e importación de los bienes que consumen.Empresas en todo el mundo, inclusive en el Perú vienen asumido el compromiso de reconocer y mitigar sus emisiones de carbono, con la perspectiva de alcanzar la neutralidad de sus operaciones y convertirse en empresas climáticamente responsables. Esta nueva práctica está transformando los mercados, generando un nuevo ecosistema de negocios verdes que congregan a empresas que aplican buenas prácticas con el ambiente, la biodiversidad y el clima. Las empresas que no se adapten a este nuevo escenario corren el riesgo de perder competitividad y eventualmente desaparecer. Por otro lado, las empresas que lideran y abrazan esta nueva realidad, podrán desarrollar nuevas capacidades, productos y servicios que serán clave, para diferenciar su oferta y mantener una posición competitiva. ¿En qué consiste la meta de alcanzar la neutralidad en carbono? Consiste en un compromiso de reducir progresivamente las emisiones de carbono de una empresa, buscando el balance entre la generación de emisiones y las acciones de reducción y remoción/compensación que se realizan. Estamos por lo tanto, delante de un proceso de gestión, que requiere de metas, indicadores y monitoreo a lo interno de la organización. ¿Cómo reducir las emisiones de carbono? Para iniciar el ciclo de reducción de emisiones de carbono, el primer paso consiste en realizar el estudio de la huella de carbono. Es a través del este estudio que se reconoce el total de emisiones generadas por una empresa.Realizado el diagnóstico, la empresa pone en marcha un plan de mitigación de emisiones de carbono, que tienen como objetivo reducir, evitar y cuando necesario compensar las emisiones generadas. Este plan de mitigación es una herramienta de gestión, que apunta hacia metas e indicadores alcanzables, que permiten el monitoreo de los resultados y logros de la empresa, posibilitando que esta información sea reportada a shareholders, clientes y otros actores relevantes.La meta final, más allá de reducir las emisiones de carbono, es transformar la organización volviéndola más eficiente y mejorando su capacidad de competir a nivel global, teniendo en cuenta que la acción climática, no es una moda , se trata de un factor crítico para la competitividad y el éxito en este nuevo contexto de emergencia climática que vivimos.La responsabilidad por el clima, no es por lo tanto una atribución del Estado, ni de un segmento económico en particular, la responsabilidad por revertir la tendencia de calentamiento global que vivimos, está compartida por todos los segmentos de la sociedad. Santa Natura en acción Santa Natura es una empresa productora de alimentos naturales, líder en su industria y que ha asumido el reto de convertirse en una empresa carbono neutral y eco-friendly. La gestión efectiva de su huella de carbono es un componente de este desafíoSanta Natura ha iniciado el 2020 este compromiso, superando con éxito el ciclo de certificación Carbono Neutral impulsado por GreenInitiative en el Perú. El ciclo de trabajo contemplo la identificación de su huella, la realización de inversiones para mejorar su eficiencia energética en los procesos productivos, el manejo adecuado de plásticos, la incorporación de la lógica de la economía circular y la compensación de la huella de proyectos de compensación.SantaNatura viene trabajando en la ejecución de acciones clave que le pemitan la reducción progresiva de sus huella de carbono, un factor determinante para alcanzar esta meta es la modernización de sus equipamentos industriales, cosa que ya viene ejecutnado con la perspectiva de mejorar la eficiencia en el consumo energético. Así mismo, SantaNatura viene analizando un conjunto de acciones de eficiencia logística, que por su vez también tendrán impacto significativo en el alcance de sus metas de reducción. SantaNatura apunta a reducir su huella de carbono en un 50% hasta el año 2030, este es un desafío que alcanzable y que podrá servir como referencia a la industria nacional.Es cada vez más evidente que resulta fundamental desvincular el crecimiento de las empresas con el crecimiento de la huella de carbono y su impacto negativo al clima, lo que se debe buscar es totalmente lo contrario, empresa que gracias a su éxito no solo reduzcan su huella de carbono pero todavía puedan tener un aporte positivo al clima y la biodiversidad. Este es el camino que está buscando y liderando SantaNatura en el Perú y muy posiblemente lo logrará.A través de este comproParticipando de GreenInitiative, Santa Natura además de conectarse con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible que promueve las Naciones Unidas, principalmente el objetivo 12 Producción y Consumo Responsable y objetivo 13 – Acción Climática.Santa Naura Asimismo, el propósito de la empresa es responder al cambio climático y establecer un sistema de producción y consumo sustentable al inducir a los consumidores a comprar productos con menor impacto ambiental mediante la divulgación precisa y transparente de información sobre las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI).

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