Taking climate action and achieving B Corp certification can seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Joining us today is David Jaber, founder of Climate Positive Consulting, who has guided over 100 companies in measuring their carbon footprint, crafting climate strategies, and driving meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With more than two decades of experience as a sustainability consultant, David brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, and we’re thrilled to have him on the show to unpack these complex yet critical topics.
In today’s episode, David walks us through the Climate Action requirement and its connection to B Corp certification, explaining how companies can effectively measure GHG emissions and adhere to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
We’ll also dive into the nuts and bolts of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, with David offering practical guidance on completing GHG emissions reports, calculating carbon intensity, and fulfilling third-party verification requirements. Whether you’re a small business or a larger enterprise, David shares valuable advice on setting science-based targets and navigating the journey toward net zero goals.
Tune in to discover key insights into crafting a climate transition plan that meets the requirements of the evolving B Corp standards. David also sheds light on the common challenges companies face in reducing emissions and how to incorporate a just transition into your climate strategy. If you’re ready to take the next step in climate action, this episode is packed with actionable tips and expert recommendations to help your business make a meaningful impact.
Key Points From This Episode:
- David’s career as a sustainability consultant, and his expertise in reaching climate targets.
- An introduction to the Climate Action Impact Topic, and how it applies to B Corp certification.
- Advice to companies following the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol for the first time.
- Examples of what could contribute to the carbon footprint of service companies.
- Guidance on how to complete a GHG emissions report.
- A breakdown of scope one, scope two, and scope three emissions.
- Carbon intensity calculations: what they are and how to conduct them.
- How to fulfill the third-party verification requirement for GHG emissions accounting.
- Setting science-based targets as laid out by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
- The difference between absolute reductions and carbon offsets.
- Why so many companies have adjusted their net zero goals.
- How small businesses can meet the science-based target requirements.
- What companies are doing (and not doing) to reach their 2030 net zero goals.
- How to approach your climate transition plan and its requirements.
- Top recommendations for companies looking to reduce emissions.
- How companies can incorporate the concept of a just transition into their plans.
- Common challenges that companies face with climate action, and how to overcome them.
- Why every business should be actively engaged in climate action.
Quotations:
“Measure emissions, set a target to reduce those emissions, and then create a plan to hit the target.” — @djaberclimate [0:07:32]
“The Greenhouse Gas Protocol is the standard created to help businesses measure their carbon footprint. If anyone listening to this has ever heard the terms ‘scope one, scope two, and scope three emissions’, that comes from the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.” — @djaberclimate [0:07:59]
“Scope three [are] these further flung emission sources that aren't [your direct] operations, where you have a lot more control, knowledge, and certainty about what's going on.” — @djaberclimate [0:21:50]
“Most companies I interact with are seriously setting these goals.” — @djaberclimate [0:39:45]
“Most companies that are serious about [climate action], they should have some form of plan. The question to me would be whether it meets all these different transition planning criteria.” — @djaberclimate [0:46:59]
“What the broader stakeholders need [is for] every business to be actively engaged on climate action, getting their hands around what their footprint is, and even more importantly, understanding the levers they have to reduce that footprint.” — @djaberclimate [01:02:00]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
- David Jaber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jaber/
- David Jaber on X: https://x.com/djaberclimate
- Climate Positive Consulting: https://climatepositiveconsulting.com/
- Climate Positive Business: routledge.pub/ClimatePositive
- David Jaber’s Carbon Accounting and Reduction Course: https://www.terra.do/climate-change-courses/carbon-accounting-and-reduction/
- B Lab Impact Topic: Climate Action: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/news/blog/evolving-the-standards-for-bcorp-certification-impact-topic-climate-action/
- SME Climate Hub: https://smeclimatehub.org/
- Science-Based Targets: https://sciencebasedtargets.org/
- Daniel Schmachtenberger on The Great Simplification Podcast: https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/05-daniel-schmactenberger
- Kylie Nealis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylie-nealis-11a8a431/
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