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Pending regulations are reshaping the sustainability reporting world, with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) starting to require European companies to report this year.

Underpinning these reporting disclosures is something called a Double Materiality Assessment (DBA). In this episode, Paul digs into what is included in a DBA, how it differs from a company's current non-financial disclosures, and what companies should be doing to prepare for these reporting requirements. Even US based companies who may have to start reporting as soon as 2028.

For more research:

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) - European Commission

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Over this past weekend, the Trump Administration followed through on a campaign promise to issue tariffs on key trade partners of the US. Canada, Mexico and China all found themselves in the new administration's crosshairs.

In this episode, Paul discusses some of the reasons why these tariffs are going to affect both the fossil AND clean energy industries. And why Canada and Mexico quickly reached a negotiated bargain with the US while China looks to be digging in for a prolonged trade war.

For more research:

"Trump tariffs seen stirring up commodity and energy sectors" - Reuters

"Trump Tariffs Spark Fears of Clean Energy Supply Chain Chaos" - SciAm

"Analysis: The potential economic effects of Trump’s tariffs and trade war, in 9 charts" - PBS

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Many large municipalities are using a combination of sensors, data management and analytical tools to dynamically manage the flow of people and cars within their borders. These Smart Cities are helping to not only improve the quality of life of residents - but are cutting down on vehicle idle time, greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental issues.

In this episode, Paul provides some examples of how cities around the world are utilizing smart, digital technology to improve their operations - and he discusses some of the lessons learned in rolling these tools out to the general public.

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As more corporations are using Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs) to procure renewable energy, these contracts are exposing companies to the risks and variabilities of the wholesale power market.

In this episode, Paul zeroes in on how the pricing of power in wholesale markets works so that we can start to understand, and manage, those risks.

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Paul wraps up 2024 with an episode looking back on the major trends and news stories from this past year. From good news stories such as the retirement of the UK's last coal facility to hard news such as the realization that we may have already passed our global 1.5 degree temperature target.

In any regard, review with us the progress that we've made over these past 12 months and set an ambition for what 2025 is going to look like!

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As the holiday season descends upon us, the importance of sustainable packaging is never more important. In this episode, Paul discusses not only some of the ways that prominent companies are addressing how their are packaging and shipping their products - but also some of the prominent instances where regulators have cracked down on companies falsely claiming environmental benefits.

Packaging is an important part of a sustainable, circular economy.

For more research:

"Sustainability Trends - Quarterly Outlook: October 2024" - ERM

"A Guide to Sustainable Packaging Solutions" - Green Business Benchmark

"Definition of Sustainable Packaging" - Sustainable Packaging Coalition

"Why we need out-of-the-box thinking on sustainable packaging" - PA Consulting

"Top 4 Sustainable Packaging Trends in 2025" - Lythouse

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Since the 1990's, electricity demand has remained relatively flat despite the economic growth of the country. But as increased electrification and demand for new data centers intensifies, that demand for new power is changing. Utilities are having to adapt to market conditions that demand faster, more flexible additions of power capacity to the grid.

But changing existing utility processes and models is tougher than it looks. In this episode, Paul discusses how utilities may be underestimating the load growth in their areas, and the implications that this bottleneck may have on climate action and the energy transition.

For more research:

"Reality Check: Electricity Load Growth Does Not Have to Undermine Climate Goals" - RMI

"What’s the State of Utility Planning Halfway through 2024?" - RMI

"US utilities to face significant challenge as power demand surges for the first time in decades" - Wood Mackenzie

"Gridlock: the demand dilemma facing the US power industry" - Wood Mackenzie

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Lithium Ion batteries are the backbone of the EV revolution. And car manufacturers are constantly seeking new ways to remove cost and improve the range of these battery packs. Part of their solution has been to tweak the chemistry of these batteries - but added value in one area sometimes necessitates a trade off in another.

In this episode, Paul discusses the changing chemistry of lithium ion batteries in the EV market, the impact that this has on the economics of vehicles, and how consumers should be thinking about battery composition when considering their next EV purchase.

For more research:

"Exploring the Different Types of Lithium-Ion Batteries Used in Electric Vehicles" - Ioncore Technology

"Charted: Lithium-Ion Batteries Keep Getting Cheaper" - Visual Capitalist

"Battery cell prices fall to record low in September, says report" - Reuters

"A new generation of cheaper batteries is sweeping the EV industry" - Canary Media

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