Ceres, an environmental non-profit, has introduced a novel sustainability assessment tool aimed at assisting small to medium-sized enterprises, including fashion brands and retailers, in evaluating and enhancing their environmental performance.
The Ceres Roadmap 360º has been developed to provide businesses with user-friendly, self-guided learning modules encompassing various topics including clean energy, risk management, and community engagement. These modules are perceived as essential components of a company’s sustainability policies, offering comprehensive guidance for businesses aiming to enhance their environmental performance.
Crucially, guidance is instantly provided to users upon generating their customized reports, with recommendations rooted in Ceres’ internal expertise and consultation from external experts specializing in specific issue areas. This ensures that businesses receive well-informed and tailored advice to improve their environmental performance effectively.
Ceres says the new tool comes at a critical time for business with the regulatory landscape for corporate transparency shifting, characterised by key developments such as the new US Securities and Exchange Commission rule and California’s new robust disclosure laws. Unprecedented investment in clean energy projects, incentivised by the US’s Inflation Reduction Act, is also providing timely economic opportunities for businesses across the US.
“In a world where sustainability is non-negotiable in business strategy, Ceres Roadmap 360º is a valuable resource for small to medium-sized companies, offering the guidance they need to thrive in the transition to a cleaner, more just and sustainable economy,” said Mindy Lubber, Ceres CEO and President.
“Integrating sustainability in decision-making to address material financial risks will ensure long-term value and competitiveness in the ever-changing market.”
The tool produces also provides customised reports that include a scorecard, best practice recommendations, and useful resources to help companies integrate sustainability across their operations. And according to Ceres, it will also continue to evolve with new modules and enhanced content to support the needs of small to medium-sized businesses “in a rapidly evolving business landscape”.
