Spoctech Green Ventures Pvt. Ltd.

April 2024 Edition | 9

Issue

SimpliESG

MONTHLY MAGAZINE ON ESG

Decarbonization:

Seizing opportunity beyond

regulatory compliance

E-Waste Visionary:

Techeco director on

Circular economy, EPR,

and ESG reporting

Global News and

updates on ESG

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editorial

Decarbonization: Seizing Opportunity

Beyond Regulatory Compliance

Monthly Pulse of Environment Data

Monthly EV and Renewable Energy

Update in India

Industry Expert Talk

ESG News Update

▪ Global ESG News Update

▪ National ESG News Update

Research on ESG performance of

Chemical Industry

ESG Report Card of a large Cement

Company in India

Dear SimpliESG Community,

Welcome to the latest edition of SimpliESG Magazine, your go-to resource for

navigating the dynamic world of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

considerations in business and investment. In this issue, we are committed to

simplifying the complexities of ESG while providing you with the latest news and

insights from around the globe.

As the importance of ESG continues to grow, it's crucial for investors and busi-

nesses alike to understand its implications and how to integrate sustainable

practices into their operations. From emerging frameworks and compliance stan-

dards to innovative technologies aimed at minimizing environmental impact, we

cover it all to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve.

In this issue, we delve into the latest developments in ESG frameworks both

globally and in India, highlighting key changes and updates that businesses

need to be aware of. Whether it's reporting requirements, disclosure guidelines,

or sector-specific considerations, we break it down into simpler terms to ensure

clarity and understanding. We also shine a spotlight on the latest advancements

in technology aimed at reducing environmental harm, from renewable energy

installations to updates on carbon emissions with the latest data on current CO

emissions and temperature rise, we provide you with a comprehensive overview

of the state of our planet and the urgent need for action.

Furthermore, we take a closer look at ESG reports from businesses across vari-

ous sectors, offering valuable insights into their ESG performance and highlight-

ing best practices for sustainable business practices. By dissecting these

reports and showcasing real-world examples, we aim to empower you with

actionable information to drive positive change within your own organizations.

In addition to our in-depth analysis, we bring you exclusive interviews with

industry experts who share their key insights and perspectives on navigating the

evolving landscape of ESG. From regulatory trends to investor expectations,

these interviews provide invaluable guidance for businesses looking to thrive in

this new era of sustainability. At SimpliESG, our mission is simple: to make ESG

understandable and actionable for everyone. Through our magazine, we strive

to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to embrace sustainable

practices and make informed decisions that drive positive impact. Together, let's

embark on this journey towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Sincerely,

Editorial Team, SimpliESG

EDITOR’S NOTE

SimpliESG | 01

Disclaimer : This newsletter does not contain any advice. We do not guarantee of results obtained from the use of information contained in this newsletter and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to

warranties of performance for a particular purpose.

In no way Spoctech Green Ventures Private Limited is liable to user or any other party for any damages, costs of any character including but not limited to direct or indirect, consequential, incidental, or other costs or damages, via the use of

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Decarbonization: Seizing opportunity beyond regulatory compliance

In the realm of corporate sustainability, decarbon-

ization has emerged as both a regulatory impera-

tive and a strategic opportunity. As the global com-

munity intensifies its efforts to combat climate

change, corporations face increasing pressure to

reduce their carbon emissions. Yet, amidst the

regulatory mandates and compliance frameworks,

lies a profound opportunity for forward-thinking

companies to redefine their business models,

enhance competitiveness, and drive innovation.

Decarbonization stands as a critical imperative for

top companies in India, transcending regulatory

compliance to embrace sustainability and resil-

ience imperatives. With India ranking as the

third-largest emitter of carbon dioxide globally,

emitting 4.06 billion metric tons of CO

eq GHG in

2022 alone according to the report of our world in

data, the urgency for action is evident. Notably, the

energy sector alone contributes over 70% of the

nation's total GHG emissions, as highlighted by

data from the World Resources Institute. Transi-

tioning to renewable energy sources presents a

compelling opportunity, with India adding 15.03

GW of solar capacity and 3.25 GW of wind capaci-

ty in FY 23-24, as per the Ministry of New and

Renewable Energy India. Beyond emissions

reduction, decarbonization enhances cost-efficien-

cy, as energy efficiency measures implemented

under the PAT scheme resulted in savings of 8.67

Mt CO

eq, according to the Bureau of Energy

Efficiency. Moreover, embracing sustainable

supply chain practices not only mitigates climate

risks but also fosters long-term resilience, a senti-

ment echoed by 93% of Indian companies engag-

ing with suppliers on climate issues, as reported by

the Carbon Disclosure Project. In sum, decarbon-

ization isn't just about regulatory adherence; it's

about securing a competitive edge, future-proofing

operations, and safeguarding the planet for gener-

ations to come.

The need to reduce carbon emissions is urgent

because climate change is really happening, and

it's affecting nature, economies, and people all

around the world. Governments are implementing

stringent regulations and carbon pricing mecha-

nisms to curb emissions, compelling corporations

to reevaluate their environmental footprint and

transition towards low-carbon alternatives. Howev-

er, viewing decarbonization solely through the lens

of regulatory compliance overlooks its broader

implications and potential benefits for businesses.

Decarbonization presents a strategic opportunity

for corporations to future-proof their operations

and unlock new avenues for growth.

Decarbonization efforts rely on accurate and trans-

parent carbon reporting mechanisms to assess,

track, and manage emissions. These reporting

mechanisms, including government regulations,

industry standards, and voluntary initiatives,

provide businesses with the framework and tools

to measure their carbon footprint and drive

sustainability initiatives.

GHG Emission (Billion Metric tonnes CO

eq)

5.00

3.75

2.50

1.25

0.00

bn mt tonnes

INDIA

1850 1919 1945 2000 2010 2022

Source: Our world in data

SimpliESG | 02

Decarbonization: Seizing opportunity beyond regulatory compliance

One of the key trends in carbon reporting is the

emergence of government-mandated emissions

reporting frameworks like Securities and

Exchange Board of India introduced Business

Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting

(BRSR) framework. Many countries and regions

have introduced regulations like Carbon border

adjustment mechanism (CBAM), requiring compa-

nies to report their greenhouse gas emissions,

often as part of broader environmental reporting

mandates. These regulations aim to increase

transparency, accountability, and comparability

among businesses, enabling policymakers to track

progress towards climate goals and inform policy

decisions.

In addition to regulatory frameworks, industry-spe-

cific standards and guidelines have also proliferat-

ed, offering tailored approaches to carbon report-

ing for various sectors. These standards, such as

the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, ISO 14064, and the

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclo-

sures (TCFD) recommendations, provide busi-

nesses with methodologies and best practices for

measuring, monitoring, and reporting their carbon

emissions. By aligning with industry standards,

companies can ensure consistency, accuracy, and

credibility in their carbon reporting efforts.

Moreover, voluntary reporting initiatives and

sustainability frameworks have played a significant

role in advancing carbon reporting practices. Orga-

nizations such as the Carbon Disclosure Project

(CDP), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and Sus-

tainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)

provide platforms and guidance for companies to

disclose their carbon emissions data alongside

other environmental, social, and governance

(ESG) metrics. These initiatives facilitate bench-

marking, peer comparison, and stakeholder

engagement, driving transparency and account-

ability across industries.

Looking ahead, carbon reporting mechanisms are

expected to continue evolving in response to

changing regulatory landscapes, emerging

sustainability trends, and stakeholder expecta-

tions. In conclusion, decarbonization represents a

transformative opportunity for corporations to drive

positive change, foster innovation, and create

long-term value. While regulatory compliance

serves as a catalyst for action, it is the strategic

vision and proactive leadership of companies that

will ultimately determine their success in navigat-

ing the transition to a low-carbon future. By

embracing decarbonization as an opportunity for

innovation and growth, corporations can pave the

way towards a more sustainable and prosperous

future for all.

SimpliESG | 03

Monthly Tracking of Key National Environment Data

Climate/ Environment has become the most import-

ant aspect of ESG in the current scenario due to

high risk of climate change and therefore it is

important to understand the factors which are

responsible for carbon emission.

a. Coal Production

Climate/ Environment has become the most import-

ant aspect of ESG in the current scenario due to

high risk of climate change and therefore it is

important to understand the factors which are

responsible for carbon emission and one of those is

coal burning. The table below shows coal produc-

tion during the month of April.

The graph presents India’s coal production figures

for the month of April, there has been a consistent

upward trend in production, with April 2024 showing

a significant increase of 7% from the previous year,

marking a continuation of the growth trend.

Comparing with 2022, the growth is even more

pronounced at 17%, indicatingsubstantial progress

in coal production.This steady expansion reflects

ongoing expansion of India's energy sector to meet

the growing demands of its economy.

b. Carbon Dioxide Concentration in

Atmosphere

Given its significant role as a greenhouse gas,

understanding atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO

)

concentration is crucial. CO

is a key player in

greenhouse gas emissions, making it imperative to

monitor its levels in the atmosphere.

Over the past two decades, the average monthly

concentration of carbon dioxide (CO

) in the atmo-

sphere has shown a consistent upward trend,

underscoring the escalating challenge of climate

change. In 2000, the average CO

concentration

stood at 371.98 ppm (parts per million), and by

2024, this figure had risen to 426.57 ppm, marking

a substantial increase of 14.68% over the 24-year

period. IPCC has estimated that exceeding 450

ppm will likely lead to a 2°C global temperature

increase causing severe climate change impact.

Analyzing the data in five-year increments reveals

nuanced insights: from 2000 to 2005, there was a

modest rise of 2.82%; the next five years saw a

slightly lower increase of 2.66%; this growth rate

stabilized at 2.72% from 2010 to 2015; and the

period from 2015 to 2020 experienced the highest

increase at 3.24%. Most recently, the rate of

increase from 2020 to 2024 has moderated some-

what to 2.44%. When examining the data by

decades, the percentage increase from 2000 to

2010 was 5.56%, while the following decade, from

2010 to 2020, saw a higher increase of 6.05%.

Source: Ministry of coal

Coal Production (In MT)

April - 24

116.63

April - 23

107.80

Growth (%)

Source: NOAA

Coal Production (in MT)

Apr 22 Apr 23 Apr 24

Months

440

420

400

380

360

340

2000 2005 2010

Concentration (ppm)

2015 2020 2024

Years

April - Avg. Co

Concentration (ppm)

concentration in April 2024

is 426.57 ppm

SimpliESG | 04

67.2

73.25

78.69

Monthly Tracking of Key National Environment Data

These trends indicate a persistent rise in CO

levels, with a notable peak in the growth rate

during the 2015-2020 period. Although there

appears to be a slight deceleration in the most

recent years, the overall trend remains one of the

major concern. This continued increase highlights

the urgent need for enhanced global efforts in

reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating

the impacts of climate change. As we move

forward, close monitoring and proactive policies

will be crucial in addressing the environmental

challenges posed by rising CO

levels.

c. Global Temperature

As mentioned above, atmosphere’s CO

increase

in environment cause the temperature of planet to

increase and that is a major discussion points glob-

ally due to its ill effects. Therefore, it is important to

understand the temperature in April 2024 and its

trends over the decades. Following chart shows

the global temperature for the month April from

2000 to 2024.

The analysis of average global temperatures for

April reveals compelling insights into climate

change trends and their implications for sustain-

ability efforts:

A consistent upward trajectory in average global

temperatures is observed from 2000 to 2024,

surpassing the critical threshold of 1.5°C. Notably,

there's a rapid acceleration in temperature rise

between 2020 and 2024, indicating an urgent need

for action.

Percentage increases in temperature from various

periods highlight the intensification of climate

change over time. Notable increases include a

32% rise from 2000 to 2010 and a staggering 90%

increase from 2000 to 2024, underscoring the

escalating pace of warming.

The data emphasizes the critical importance of

immediate and concerted efforts to mitigate

climate change. Urgent action is required to limit

global warming to avoid catastrophic impacts on

ecosystems, economies, and societies worldwide.

The trajectory of temperature rise underscores the

necessity for proactive measures in climate resil-

ience and adaptation. Transitioning to renewable

energy sources, implementing sustainable practic-

es, and fostering global cooperation are essential

for combating climate change.

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

2000 2005 2010

Temperature (°C)

2015 2020 2023

Years

Avg. Global Temp. Of April (°C)

2024

0.84

0.94

1.11

1.03

1.4

1.27

1.6

Temperature Target (1.5 °C)

Source: UNEP

Average Global Temperature in

April 2024 1.6°C

SimpliESG | 05

Monthly Electric Vehicle (EV) Sales Overview in India

The graph compares electric vehicle (EV) sales for

April in 2023 and 2024, showcasing an overall 4%

increase in total sales. While two-wheeler EV sales

experienced a marginal decline of 3%,

three-wheelers saw a notable 10% rise, an

four-wheelers exhibited a substantial 26%

increase in sales. This growth reflects a burgeon-

ing market for EVs, driven by factors such as tech-

nological advancements, expanding infrastructure,

and supportive government policies. The drop in

EV 2-wheeler segment in April 2023 is primarily

due to the expiration of the Government’s FAME

(Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Hybrid and

Electric Vehicles)-11 subsidy, which led to

increased prices.

Despite fluctuations in individual categories, the

collective upward trend underlines a promising

trajectory for the electric vehicle industry, highlight-

ing the need for sustained efforts to promote and

enhance sustainable transportation solutions.

The data signifies a significant shift towards elec-

tric mobility, with the EV market diversifying to

cater to various transportation needs. The positive

growth trends in three-wheelers and four-wheelers

particularly indicate a widening acceptance of EVs

beyond traditional passenger vehicles. Looking

ahead, continued investments in research, infra-

structure development, and policy support will be

crucial for sustaining and accelerating the momen-

tum towards a greener transportation future.

70000

52500

35000

17500

EV Sales

April - 23

April - 24

Source: Vahan dashboard

SimpliESG | 06