Category: Market Update
-
The LCFS Market: Powering Transportation Decarbonization
Introduction The California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is a program designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation fuels using a market-based mechanism that caps the carbon intensity (CI) of fuels. Oregon, Washington, and Canada have implemented similar programs modeled after LCFS. How the LCFS works Each year, regulators set a CI benchmark…
-
From I-RECs to GECs: China’s Transition to a Unified Renewable Energy Certificate Market
Renewable energy certification in China is going through a pivotal shift. For years, International Renewable Energy Certificates (I‑RECs) played a key role in enabling Chinese and multinational corporations to track and report renewable electricity usage. However, a 2024 regulatory overhaul has upended that model (1). I-REC was phased out by the I-Track Foundation in response…
-
EU CSDDD: 5 Things Corporates Need to Know
As sustainability moves from a corporate buzzword to a regulatory obligation, the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) is making waves across the business landscape. Companies are now being called to actively address the environmental and human rights impacts of their operations, extending well beyond their own walls and into their entire supply chains.…
-
The Power of the US President on Environmental Policy
2024 has been a pivotal election year across the globe, with the United States’ presidential race attracting immense attention. The significance of this election transcends U.S. borders, as the outcome could shape environmental policies that impact both national and global efforts in combating climate change. But how much control does the U.S. president truly wield…
-
What to Expect from COP29: Key Issues and Trends for the Planet and Corporates
As we look toward COP29, happening from November 11-22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan, the stakes are higher than last year’s COP28. This year, nations and businesses worldwide will come together to address climate challenges, guided by the theme of Enhancing Ambition and Enabling Action. COP29 will challenge both governments and the private sector to accelerate…
-
Climate Week NYC 2024: Policy, Innovation, and Economic Impact Review
Leaders from political, corporate, and sustainability gathered in New York City for Climate Week NYC 2024 (September 22-29) to address the challenges of achieving the United Nations’ goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. With a record-breaking 900 events—a 50% increase from the previous year—each contributed to the collective call for action…
-
Italy’s New FER X Green Scheme: A Comprehensive Overview
Italy plans to become carbon neutral by 2050 and has set ambitious climate targets to achieve it. To support this, the Italian government has launched a new green auction scheme to motivate the development of renewable energy projects and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of Italy’s green auction…
-
Navigating Australia’s LGC Market
Australia has a long experience in renewable energy certificate market, having launched the voluntary GreenPower Program as early as 1997. Separate from this, the Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) are part of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme. Have you ever wondered how to strategically navigate the complexities of Australia’s renewable electricity and Large-scale Generation Certificates…
-
A Quick Guide to the SEC Climate Disclosure Rules
On March 6, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released its long-awaited final ruling on corporate climate disclosures for public companies and in public offerings. “Our federal securities laws lay out a basic bargain. Investors get to decide which risks they want to take so long as companies raising money from the public make…
-
Everything You Need to Know About the EU CSRD
In January 2023, the European Union launched an ambitious and transformative regulation: the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (EU CSRD). This groundbreaking directive is not just another policy change; it represents a significant evolution from the 2014 Directive (NFRD), bringing a fresh perspective to the corporate world. What makes the EU CSRD so compelling? It’s all…