Published every week, the new series charts how businesses and sustainability professionals are working to achieve their ‘Mission Possible’ across the campaign’s five key pillars – energy, resources, infrastructure, mobility and business leadership.

This edition of the ‘Achieving Mission Possible’ round-up highlights some of the tremendous progress we are now seeing right across the globe. From two science-based target achievements to an electric-vehicle-sharing project in London, each of these projects and initiatives is empowering businesses and governments to achieve a sustainable future, today.

Achieving Mission Possible: The sustainability success stories of the week (14-20 July 2018)

ENERGY: Mastercard turns to offsets and onsite arrays to help reach science-based target

Mastercard has had its emissions reduction target approved by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTI), pledging to cut emissions by 20% by 2025, against a 2016 baseline.

In order to reach its science-based goals, Mastercard has agreed to construct new buildings to green certification standards from now on. However, it is yet to be disclosed how many projects this would entail.

The company will also work with suppliers to reduce emissions and will continue to offset energy-derived emissions at global offices. Onsite renewables arrays will also be used to lower any reliance on fossil fuels.

“As a company, we pursue opportunities to be a force for good in the world,” Mastercard’s chief sustainability officer, Kristina Kloberdanz, said. “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time. This commitment highlights Mastercard’s determination to be a part of the solution.”

RESOURCES: Juventus showcase third-choice kit made from ocean plastics

Fresh from making waves in the footballing world for signing the talismanic Cristiano Ronaldo, Italian giants Juventus have now revealed that their third-kit for the 2018-19 season will help clean up the waves.

The dark grey kits, supplied by Adidas in partnership with Parley for the Oceans, are made from a 100% recycled polyester generated from ocean-bound plastics.

Adidas designer Francesca Venturini said: “Through our partnership with Parley for the Oceans we’ve been able to create this beautiful jersey made from ocean plastic. The dark grey shade with yellow accents makes it the perfect jersey to be worn either on pitch or on the streets.”

After selling more than one million pairs of trainers made from 95% ocean plastic last year, Adidas turned to the Premier League and revealed that its third strip for Manchester United next season will incorporate the equivalent by weight of 28 ocean bottles in each shirt. Similar shirts are also available for select Real Madrid kits.

THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT: Singapore’s CDL to reduce embodied carbon through SBTI

Mastercard isn’t the only firm to have its science-based aspirations reach a new milestone this week. Singapore-based real estate company City Developments Limited (CDL) has strengthened its commitment to combatting climate change through the SBTI.

CDL is the first real estate company in Singapore to have its emissions target validated by the SBTI and will strive to reduce emissions per square metre across its Singapore operations (Corporate Office, commercial and industrial buildings) by 59% by 2030, against a 2007 baseline.

Notably, CDL has committed to using “sustainable building materials” for all new projects, in order to reduce embodies carbon by 24% by 2030. CDL’s subsidiary, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels – which accounts for nearly 90% of emissions from the firm’s key subsidiaries – will have a science-based target in place by 2025.

CDL’s chief executive Sherman Kwek said: “CDL has proactively implemented initiatives for low-carbon operations. To accelerate our climate action, we have adopted the science-based emissions reduction targets and climate change scenario analysis. These efforts help to future-proof our business by identifying risks for mitigation and adaptation. CDL will continue to explore low-carbon technologies and materials, renewable energy and emission reduction initiatives to enhance climate resilience.’’ 

MOBILITY: Zipcar champions car-sharing to promote EVs

Zipcar UK has outlined its target to get 800,000 Londoners actively using 9,000 zero-emissions, shared cars in the capital by 2025, aligning itself to the city’s target of becoming the greenest capital in the world.

The car-sharing network claims the move would see 160,000 tonnes less CO2 emitted and 821 million fewer miles driven every year, alongside 120,000 fewer privately owned cars on the streets of London.

Zipcar believes its car-sharing business model helps improve access to the still highly priced EV technology. The company also aims to encourage investment in charging points in London and help address the capital’s poor air quality and congestion crisis.

Zipcar’s general manager Jonathan Hampson said. “If we are to make electric car sharing the norm and tackle London’s pollution and congestion problem head-on, we need to see city authorities, infrastructure companies and car manufacturers, all raise their game in this space. We can’t bring about the change needed on our own, this needs to be a collaborative effort.”

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP: Danone, Mars, Nestle & Unilever push for sustainable farming methods 

Climate policy may not seem too positive in the US right now, but four of the country’s largest food producers have collaborated to launch a new alliance aimed at shaping public policies and driving corporate action that impacts food production.

Danone North America, Mars, Incorporated, Nestlé US, and Unilever US have been named as the founding members of the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance, which will focus on creating economic and environmental gains while championing food production in the US.

The companies will call on US policymakers to ensure the Farm Bill and any related policies address water quality and conservation issues, improve soul health and expand the deployment of renewable energy in the country.

In a joint statement, the company’s chief executives and presidents said: “The Sustainable Food Policy Alliance was founded on the principle that food companies can and should be doing more to lead and drive positive policy action for the people who buy and enjoy the foods and beverages we make, the people who supply them, and the planet on which we all rely.”

Matt Mace

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