The REP Wrap: GHG Protocol extends consultation

Your weekly summary of corporate sustainability news.

Standard setter the GHG Protocol has extended its consultation on draft guidance on Scope 2 emissions until the end of January following feedback from stakeholders. 

US retailer Costco has told avocado suppliers that it expects them “to implement effective protocols to prevent sourcing from illegally deforested lands”.  The fruit was identified as one of eight “high risk” commodities in the firm’s sustainability report, published this week. Costco also committed to continue to monitor suppliers through its annual supply chain mapping and risk assessments.

Australia’s competition watchdog has published guidance for companies on sustainability collaborations and competition law. The guide by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission includes a five step checklist for firms considering collaboration.

European Parliament and Council have provisionally agreed on a one-year postponement to the EU Deforestation Regulation. The delay will apply to all businesses covered by the rules. The co-legislators also agreed to simplify due diligence requirements and the duties of micro and small operators under the regime. 

Research from Morningstar shows that capital expenditure aligned with the EU Taxonomy has hit $900bn. The highest levels are in the utilities sector, while the energy sector has the lowest. 

Ørsted’s global head of sustainability is stepping down after four years in the role. Ida Krabek has worked for the renewables giant and its previous incarnation, Dong Energy, since 2012. She did not disclose her next steps. 

California has confirmed it won’t take action against companies failing to disclose against its climate rule, after an injunction was granted by the US courts. Before the intervention, large firms in scope of SB 261 would have been required to report on climate-related financial risks by January. The Californian Air Resources Board, which oversees the rule, said it would provide further information – including an alternate date for reporting – once the appeal was resolved.

Analysis by InfluenceMap has found that 21 companies participating in a global coalition on plastic pollution are also members of trade bodies whose lobbying contributed to the failure of recent negotiations on the UN Global Plastics Treaty. You can read the research here.