Ndakala Advisory’s Post

The sustainability credentials of companies bidding for MICE tenders will now be evaluated by the Singapore government, starting from 2025. This includes meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (Mice) tenders, as well as other events organised by the public sector. This move comes after Singapore's 2024 announcement of including criteria for environment sustainability when assessing tenders. The first projects to be assessed were construction, together with information and communications technology (ICT) https://lnkd.in/gFf7pAgc #carbonless #sustainability #opportunity

The decision to go green isn’t just a catchphrase anymore, it’s a necessity, and leaders in the field can help us learn about how we can make the big changes toward a greener future. The Ireland Portugal Business Network is providing the platform for these game-changers in the political, social, technological, corporate, and academic arenas to shine some light on what it truly means to go green, as is tradition on St. Patrick’s Day. Join us this year for the 5th edition in Lisbon March 19. We’ll focus on the development, innovation, and challenges faced in three different areas: Air, Sea, and Food with three panel discussions and several talks led by industry experts. REGISTER TODAY. Click on the link below and find out all about the conference. Its programme, guest speakers, location and timing. https://lnkd.in/gSJnh3HK The IPBN’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Sustainability Conference was launched in 2019 as a can't-miss event for greener living through eye-opening talks and presentations. See you all there. Thank you to our Sponsors AGREEN | FULL CYCLE BUILDING MANAGEMENT and Aluline Group and our Executive Partners PwC Portugal, Skanstec Engineering, Ardanis, KONCEPTNESS Gestão de Projetos, Imobiliária, Arquitetura, Engenharia & Design, Vellozo Ferreira Advogados and Brookes Property Group for their support and the Câmara de Comércio e Indústria Portuguesa [CCIP] for the venue. #sustainability #conference #innovation #ocean #aviation #refuelEU #food #nutrition #socialequity #insertion #carbonzero

“Moving sustainability from the goal post to the starting line implies that hotel businesses are no longer competing on sustainability credentials. The differentiation among hotel businesses becomes the scale and ambition of their restorative and regenerative practices.” (Legrand, Inversini, Laeis & Hindley (2024). From Sustainable to Net Positive Hospitality. In V. Ratten (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Business Management, Elsevier – in-press) Catching up with Glenn Mandziuk MEDes. MCIP FRSA at the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Member Summit; we discuss 'Net Positive Hospitality' and the work of the Impact Committees on Standards & Reporting, Financing the Transition, Supply Chain Optimisation, Technology Transfer, Risk & Resilience, and Communications & Public Relations - read and view here: https://lnkd.in/eY4Du8M2 There is plenty of work on the table as the hospitality sectors seeks to align efforts and develop common, universal standard, criteria and reporting around sustainability performance with better opportunities for transparency comparison and benchmarking. A big step forward: the creation of a World Academy for Sustainable Hospitality tailoring professional sustainability education across all departments and levels within hotel organizations. A quick but packed 15-minutes catch up to get up to speed on the Alliance's latest developments. #hospitalitynet #HNTVInsiders #hospitalityindustry #netpositivehospitality #regenerativehospitality #sustainablehospitality #WSHA #netpositivebusiness #universalcriteria

Take your hotel’s sustainability commitment to the next level with 𝐔𝐂𝐒𝐋! 🚀 With our team, your business is not just prepared for the future; it's leading the way. 🌿 Our commitment to responsibility for both our people and the planet is at the core of everything we do. Choosing to audit with us means engaging in a process that goes beyond mere checking of boxes; it's an opportunity for the highest-level expert analysis from leading specialists. Why 𝐔𝐂𝐒𝐋? Because our team embodies dedication, passion, and an unrivaled depth of expertise in bringing sustainability to the forefront. 💼🌍 𝐔𝐂𝐒𝐋 is a vibrant mosaic of passionate experts, leaders, and advocates for sustainable practices. Each member brings profound knowledge, underpinned by years of research and a solid academic foundation—over 90% of our experts hold PhD degrees. Their extensive international experience is matched by widespread recognition, including accolades from prestigious international awards in sustainability, nature conservation, and efforts in raising business awareness towards these crucial issues. We are more than a group of auditors; we are experts in our fields, deeply committed to the cause of sustainability. 🎓🏆 We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we are dedicated to their development, training, and satisfaction. Our seasoned professionals not only possess in-depth knowledge of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria but also stay abreast of the latest industry trends and regulatory changes. This ensures a current and comprehensive certification process, upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity. Our crew's global reach and exceptional proficiency in multiple languages enhance our ability to ensure effective communication and understanding throughout the certification process. This international presence is crucial, as it guarantees that our audits are conducted with a nuanced understanding of local cultures, customs, and regulations. We prioritize cultural integrity and actively support local communities, reinforcing our commitment to respectful and sustainable practices globally. 🌐 Partnering with 𝐔𝐂𝐒𝐋 signifies a strategic commitment to adhering to the highest sustainability standards while fostering positive environmental and social impacts, both within your organization and the communities you serve, ensuring unparalleled quality in expertise and assessment. 🏨🌟 #SustainabilityCertification #UCSL #GSTCAccredited #GSTCCertification

At the SITE Global Conference 2024 in Istanbul, we had the privilege of co-hosting a session that encouraged partners to delve into the crucial work of integrating CSR/ESG practices into global travel programs. Standardizing these practices is essential for promoting regenerative travel and fostering meaningful connections in our industry's beloved destinations. Our industry's continued dedication to these initiatives is essential for the sustainable future of group travel. Industry events like SITE are invaluable for sharing insights and experiences. In the MICE world, ESG isn't just a trend—it's a transformative force. The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) highlights the importance of these practices in enhancing global collaboration and setting industry standards, creating an example for the world to follow. Kate and Nora captured these insights in SITE's latest article, "The Future of MICE: Integrating ESG Practices and EU CSRD Standards." It explores how embracing CSR and ESG practices is transforming the travel industry, promoting sustainability, and encouraging deep travel experiences that engage, educate, and empower. Read the article to discover the key takeaways from the conference and see how we can collectively drive the industry towards a more sustainable and impactful future. #Sustainability #MICE #CSR #ESG #RegenerativeTravel #SITEGlobalConference #Istanbul2024

I've been pretty quiet online lately, but it’s because I’ve been fully immersed in some exciting work! Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of leading trainings to students of IHM Business School and Akademi Båstad Yrkeshögskola, and advisory sessions with DMOs across Sweden, all focused on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria. Watching students apply these principles, evaluate organizations, and craft actionable plans and innovative solutions to strengthen sustainability efforts has been incredibly rewarding. A special shout-out to Sigtunahöjden Hotel & Conference and Clarion Hotel® & Congress Sea U for their commitment and active participation! In the midst of all this, I started reflecting on the massive changes coming with the #CSRD and #GreenClaimsDirective. These reflections led me to deepen my understanding of what these directives mean by seeking insights from experts. I've been provided a better understanding and now feel much more confident in offering advisory services and guidance on how to navigate the new requirements. However, awareness around these directives remains surprisingly low. Are travel and tourism organizations truly prepared for the significant shifts ahead? The impact on certification bodies will be considerable, raising important questions: · How transparent are CBs in their certification processes, particularly in assessing and verifying sustainability claims? · Are the sustainability claims being independently verified by third parties, as required to avoid greenwashing under the Green Claims Directive? · How are CBs aligning their criteria with the new ESG reporting requirements under the CSRD? · Are certification standards consistent across regions and globally, to ensure they remain credible and compliant with the evolving regulations? To organizations in the industry: Now is the time to aquaint yourself with these new directives and if you're a certified organization, proactively engage with your certification body. Ask them directly: What actions are being taken to ensure alignment with the new demands from the CSRD and Green Claims Directive? This conversation is critical to ensuring your certifications remain relevant and compliant moving forward. Maybe it's time to consider something new? I plan on posting more on these subjects from now on as I pick up more information and knowledge on it. The change is fast approaching - Let’s be ready for it! Don't hesitate to reach out!

Pennsylvania Convention Center, an ASM Global managed facility, has achieved recertification to the GOLD level of the EIC Sustainable Event Standards. The standards provide event planners and suppliers with prescriptive actions for producing and delivering sustainable events. The Alliance for Audited Media, a not-for-profit auditing organization, performed the independent third-party certification of Pennsylvania Convention Center’s compliance with the Event Organizer standard. This significant achievement affirms Pennsylvania Convention Center’s commitment to sustainable events. The standards, developed by more than 100 industry leading practitioners, places great emphasis on environmental and social responsibility. It assesses applicants based on industry-wide requirements, such as sustainable procurement policy and waste and water management, as well as sector-specific criteria, including employee training and communication, energy management, and the attainment of EIC’s Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC). Visit our website to learn how your organisation can strengthen their commitment to sustainability by certifying to EIC’s global environmental and social responsibility standards. https://ow.ly/pv1f50SHIYa #EIC #EventProfs #Sustainability #InternationalStandards #SEPC

Upcoming #MPI webinar discussion on #sustainability practices with moderation by Véronique Holveck and a look at Châteauform' properties in #Belgium! Registration in Veronique's post below

Are We Seeing the Beginning of Harmonization in Sustainability Reporting? 📢 Emmanuel Faber, Chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), recently announced significant collaborations with the GHG Protocol, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and the Carbon Disclosure Project. Founded in November 2021 after COP26, the ISSB's mission is to develop IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards to simplify the sustainability reporting landscape. A 2021 EY study revealed around 600 ESG reporting standards globally at the time of the ISSB's launch. Since then, ISSB standards have been adopted by 20 jurisdictions, representing 50% of the world's GDP. This adoption is a major step toward bringing more consistency and transparency to sustainability reporting. Why is harmonization key? It simplifies reporting, enhances comparability, and avoids redundancy. No more "doing the work twice"! Efficiency and accuracy for companies mean better data for stakeholders and better sustainability strategies. 💙 At Circular Unity, we applaud this announcement and strive for more harmonization in sustainability reporting in the coming years. With our solution impactALL, we aim to be part of this change, helping companies streamline their sustainability reporting and navigate different frameworks. Help us lead the charge towards a more sustainable future! Vote for Circular Unity at the WSTHA and support our mission to harmonize sustainability standards in travel and hospitality. Your vote makes a difference! 🗳️ 🌱Vote for World's Leading Sustainable Supply Chain Programme 2024 👉  https://lnkd.in/diYUVvZN 🌱 Vote for World's Leading Sustainable Technology 2024 👉 https://lnkd.in/dWMBc79b #CircularUnity #Sustainability #ClimateAction #CarbonAccounting #WSTHA2024 #ISSB #GHG #SustainabilityStandards

Tourisme Montreal has achieved the bronze level of the global environmental and social responsibility standards (SES). The Alliance for Audited Media, a not-for-profit auditing organisation, performed the independent third-party certification of Tourisme Montreal’s compliance with the EIC Sustainable Event Standards. The achievement spotlight’s Tourisme Montreal’s commitment to sustainability. It’s a powerful brand message to attract environmentally conscious groups, sponsors, registrants, and speakers. This significant achievement affirms Tourisme Montreal’s commitment to sustainable events. The standards, developed by more than 100 industry leading practitioners, places great emphasis on environmental and social responsibility. It assesses applicants based on industry-wide requirements, such as sustainable procurement policy and waste and water management, as well as sector-specific criteria, including employee training and communication, energy management, and the attainment of EIC’s Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC). Learn how your organisation can strengthen their commitment to sustainability by certifying to EIC’s global environmental and social responsibility standards. https://ow.ly/HMoS50QFCTa. #EIC #EventProfs #Sustainability #InternationalStandards #SEPC