November Newsletter 🍁
Root Sustainability
Life cycle assessment for the entire product portfolio, made easy for everyone
Hi there,
As we approach the end of the year, it’s a great time to reflect on the impact we've made and the milestones we’ve achieved in our journey toward a more sustainable future. The past year has brought its challenges, but it has also inspired fresh ideas, bold initiatives, and new commitments for meaningful change. But the journey isn’t over yet!
In this edition, we dive into the most pressing topics shaping the sustainability landscape. From the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and its implications, to this month’s Green Debate on whether businesses are truly investing enough in sustainability, we’re here to keep you informed and inspired. Plus, don’t miss our exclusive webinar on emissions management featuring expert insights into tackling Scope 3 emissions through circularity.
Grab a warm drink, settle in, and explore the latest in sustainability ☕️
🌍 UN climate conference starts amid warnings 2024 on track to be hottest year ever - check all updates here
🤔 The Green Debate: Are Companies Investing Enough in Sustainability?
When it comes to sustainability, there is often a huge difference between public commitments and actual investments made by companies. While some leaders, like Patagonia, allocate a notable share of their budgets to sustainability efforts, many large corporations fall short. Current estimates suggest that large companies often dedicate 2-3% of their budgets to sustainability initiatives. However, to achieve critical goals such as net-zero emissions, experts believe that budget allocations may need to increase significantly, potentially to 10-15% or more.
This gap between commitment and investment is highlighted by recent findings showing that only 16% of companies are on track to meet net-zero targets by 2050, while 45% continue to emit substantial CO2. Moreover, only 30% of surveyed companies plan to increase resources—such as budgeting, personnel, or IT tools—to address challenges posed by the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
While these figures indicate an increasing focus on sustainability, the scale of investment still falls short of what’s needed to achieve a real impact. Allocating more resources is not just about meeting regulatory requirements—it’s about building a future-proof business. According to Harvard Business School, companies that invest adequately in sustainability can not only comply but also achieve a better brand reputation, increased customer loyalty, and higher profitability over time.
Luckily, even when budgets are tight, there are numerous tools and resources available to support companies on their sustainability journey. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software and other digital platforms, such as ESG reporting tools and supply chain management systems, offer cost-effective solutions for measuring, tracking, and improving sustainability performance. Unlike traditional consultancies, which can be expensive and require significant upfront costs, these tools provide scalable, data-driven insights that empower internal teams to take meaningful action. By leveraging such technology, companies can prioritize their sustainability goals and make progress efficiently, without breaking the bank.
The the question is: What more can businesses do to align their resources with their sustainability goals?
Regulation Spotlight: Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is an EU regulation that aims to ensure companies take responsibility for their human rights and environmental impacts throughout their global supply chains. It introduces mandatory due diligence obligations, requiring companies to identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for potential and actual adverse impacts on people and the planet.
Who Does it Apply To?
The CSDDD primarily targets large EU-based companies and non-EU companies operating in the EU market that meet certain revenue and employee thresholds. It extends to sectors with high environmental or human rights risks, such as manufacturing and agriculture, but its reach covers many industries engaged in cross-border trade.
When Will it Take Effect?
The directive is expected to be implemented by 2025, giving companies a limited window to align their operations and supply chain practices with the new compliance requirements.
For more insights on CSDDD and how it intersects with other key regulations like the CSRD, check out our comprehensive guide here.
In this webinar, we will dive into the essentials of emissions management, exploring Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and why Scope 3 plays such a critical role in sustainability efforts.
Joining us is Guy Vincent, an expert in the circular economy from Amsterdam Circular, who will help unpack the connection between Scope 3 and circularity. Together with Root's Sustainability Manager, Charlie Walter, we’ll explore how automated LCA platforms can support companies in applying circular strategies to reduce emissions.
📆 When: Wednesday, November 27
⏱ Time: 16:00 - 17:00 CET
☕️ Join Our Weekly Product Demo Sessions
Curious about how our platform can work for you? Join our weekly product demos where you’ll see our platform in action, and get answers to all your burning questions. This is your chance to explore features, ask anything, and see firsthand how we can support your sustainability goals.
Check Root’s calendar and choose the day that works best for you—we can’t wait to connect with you!
Thank you for reading our newsletter! We can’t wait to continue sharing insights, news, and inspiration with you each month. If you have any suggestions, feedback, or topics you’d love to see, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to hear from you!
Contact us anytime, and we’ll be back with more exciting content in December!
With Love,
The Root Team 💚