John Davies
John Davies leads the Trellis Network, a member-based, peer-to-peer learning forum for sustainability professionals. The network is made up of senior executives from $1 billion-plus corporations working together to share best practices and lessons learned for implementing sustainable development programs. Davies is an experienced entrepreneur and innovator who has applied his business and management skills to launching start-ups as well as improving the operations of existing businesses. Davies is a frequent keynote speaker at international events, is well-known for his supply chain and sustainability expertise and is the author of numerous articles in business, industry and educational publications. John received his bachelor’s degree from SUNY at Fredonia and his master’s degree from the University of Delaware.
GHG Protocol Consultants
One member asks, "I wonder if people have worked with consultants with deep expertise in the GHG Protocol? We have some judgement calls to make about boundaries and other details and I am looking for an expert steeped in the protocol to help us out." Read More
Generative AI for Sustainability
One member asks, "Is anyone using or exploring the use of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT for their sustainability programs or reporting?” Read More
From Spreadsheets to Tech Platform – What Do I Do Now?
One member asks, "We have recently migrated our carbon emissions calculations from a manual process (spreadsheets) to a tech platform (Watershed). The Watershed calculation of our 2022 inventory showed a 50% drop in emissions from 2021. Since we have not had any meaningful adjustments to business activities, we know this delta is due to the change in calculation methodology (principally, that Watershed is using EEIO datasets + a very large database of supplier-provided emissions data). While our prior inventories were audited and assured by ERM, we are now in a situation where “more right” data raises more questions than answers. Additionally, because this change is material, we will likely have to restate our SBTI goals. From what I can find in the market, this seems to be relatively uncharted territory. I would love to hear from anyone that has had to explain this to leadership, and how this was handled from an external messaging perspective. I would also welcome a live conversation with anyone who is willing." Read More
Career Coaches
One member asks, "Has any member come across career coaches who specialize or understand ESG/sustainability careers?" Read More
Sustainability Advisory Council Agreement Template
Helpful resource if you are forming a sustainability advisory council. Read More
e-Waste Management vs. Data Breach Risks
One member asks, "Hackers are so sophisticated that reformatting and reusing old machines becomes very risky. Right now, it sounds like the industry is aligned on a method that would eliminate the potential for folks to get anything from old machines, which includes a thorough process of rewriting the machine at least 7 times and then shredding and destroying it. It's painful to know the waste we create for not recycling/reusing/refurbishing. But it's also our obligation to our customers to do so to keep their data safe. I am curious how other tech companies, especially the B2B ones, think about this issue/topic." Read More
Net Zero Consultants
One member asks, "We are looking for recommendations for technical consultant to support our net zero journey. The consultant should have deep subject matter expertise and experience advising large complex organizations on carbon accounting, net zero planning, climate risk management, and stakeholder engagement. More specifically, we are looking for a team that can support our transition from the traditional Excel-sheet GHG inventory to a carbon accounting/ESG software solution, GHG reduction modeling, setting a FLAG science-based target, and developing a climate transition plan. Strong preference for consultants who have experience working with companies in food/hospitality sectors, companies with significant scope 3 emissions including complex purchased goods and services and franchise/client location emissions." Read More
Renewable Energy Consultants
One member asks, "We are looking for recommendations for a consultant to develop a renewable energy strategy to support our science-based targets. We are looking for a renewable energy strategy that will support our science-based targets and likely include a phased approach starting with our corporate facilities with potential recommendations for using renewable energy to address additional scopes and client locations." Read More
Four types of CSOs? Not so fast
There are four types of approaches to sustainability, and certain companies are doing well taking one of these paths. Read More
Carbon Offsets
One member notes, "The most recent report on Verra was very alarming for us. While we do not currently intend to step back from our offsetting strategy (we will continue to purchase offsets for our unavoidable Scopes 1 and 2 emissions) we are considering scrubbing all references to offsets from our next ESG report. Wondering if others have considered a similar move – and would welcome any creative ideas on how to message offsets/mitigations without attracting unwanted scrutiny." Read More