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.
Community investments pay dividends
Direct investment by businesses benefits operations as well as the communities in which they serve. Read More
Sustainability Assurance
One member asks, "We are looking for a new audit firm to do our sustainability assurance. Who have others worked with that they would recommend (or not recommend)? We are open to both the big firms and smaller ones." Read More
Formalizing Language (DEI)
One member asks, "I’d like to get some input from the GBEN membership relative to the terminology they use regarding people issues. Do they use: • Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) • Something else Read More
World Benchmarking Alliance
One member asks, "Has anyone dealt with the World Benchmarking Alliance? They have profiled our company and I am curious if anyone has reached out to them, what that experience has been like, whether they have impact or reach (level of risk), and any recommendations folks might have." Read More
Approval for Capital Projects
One member asks, "How are your companies encouraging decision makers to approve capital projects with good sustainability benefits (i.e. GHG reductions) but low or even zero financial return? How do you address pushback from leaders concerned about such projects depressing financial measures of the business (ROI, ROGI, ROC, etc.)?" Read More
Reporting Assurance
One member asks, "We have been struggling with finding responsive organizations that do verification of data (providing limited assurance) used in our Sustainability Report and we are at the same time trying to get more information on organizations that do limited assurance of the entire sustainability report and what is involved from a time and budget standpoint. Can you poll the group with these questions: 1. Does your company/organization seek external assurance or data verification as part of the reporting of material issues associated with the sustainability report? 2. If you are not seeking external assurance/verification, what is the reason? 3. What channel do you use to disclose sustainability performance: Sustainability reports, annual reporting packages (during proxy season) or integrated reports? 4. Do you have plans to move towards an integrated report? Explain why yes or no. Read More
Monitoring Media Coverage
One member asks, "With many companies making new environmental announcements this month, we are looking to do some topline media coverage review to gauge the response/sentiment from environmental and general press. I know this is something many other companies are often interested in as well. We all try to gauge how certain announcements and new goals are received to set our own expectations and help craft our goal language and communications. Does anyone have a strategy to track this or contract with an organization that helps track this?" Read More
Operational Maturity Assessment
One of our members asks, "We are looking to do an assessment of our sustainability program for operations on the maturity of the program. Have you any knowledge of a tool or company who helps with this? Read More
TCFD Resources
One member asks, "Has your company conducted climate scenario analysis (of the sort that would provide insight on climate risk across the value chain and satisfy TCFD reporting)? How did you scope the work? Could you share what external group/consultant you worked with if any, and an approximate budget?" Read More
Carbon Neutral Goal
One member asked, “[We] have committed to a SBT and we are contemplating a carbon neutral goal. We know that you have to account for all of your emissions in this: Scope 1, 2 and 3. Scope 3 is a heavy lift for [us]. What we are trying to determine is what strategies others are thinking about on how they plan to achieve carbon neutrality. Do you have any insights or is this something that can be a member poll? We know companies are working with their suppliers but this will get them only partially there. We also do not know if carbon offsets are a possibility. We want to look at what others are contemplating in this area.” Read More