Latest news with #LifeCycleAssessments
Fibre2Fashion
16 hours ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Akhil Sivanandan CEO & Co-founder
Our LCA engine is built specifically for the fashion industry As global fashion faces intensifying scrutiny around its environmental footprint, sustainability data is becoming the cornerstone of credibility, compliance, and consumer trust. At the forefront of this data revolution is Green Story, a sustainability intelligence platform that enables apparel brands and manufacturers to measure, improve, and communicate their environmental impact with scientific accuracy and transparency. From automating Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to powering digital product passports and carbon reduction strategies, Green Story's platform is helping companies shift from vague sustainability claims to verified product-level insights. Through recent partnerships—including the 'Fundamentally Green Metrics – LATAM' pilot in collaboration with Mexico City-based platform Fundamentally—Green Story is extending its reach to small and medium-sized fashion producers in Latin America, bridging the long-standing gaps in cost, access, and technical capacity. In this in-depth conversation with Fibre2Fashion, Akhil Sivanandan, Co-founder and CEO of Green Story, shares how the company ensures data credibility, helps brands navigate greenwashing risks, supports compliance, and leverages AI to scale impact. He also reflects on the shifting expectations of consumers, the challenges of global standardisation, and why emerging technologies are key to shaping a more transparent and responsible fashion future. Green Story empowers brands with impact data. How do you ensure the credibility and accuracy of the environmental data you source and present? At Green Story, credibility is non-negotiable. From the beginning, we built our Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) engine to meet the highest international standards: ISO 14040/44 compliance, alignment with the PEF framework, and rigorous adherence to GHG Protocol and other globally accepted methodologies. What makes us unique is the depth of our proprietary database. Over the years, we have developed one of the largest fashion-specific LCA libraries globally—which we have built from primary data collected through deep partnerships with manufacturers, governments, and academic institutions across 30+ countries. This includes everything from fibre production in China to dyeing facilities in Bangladesh and sewing units in Mexico. When off-the-shelf databases fall short, we supplement or replace them with region- and material-specific data validated through industry audits and field-level studies (including third-party databases). In addition, we have worked with industry leaders and academia to ensure our assumptions are not just academically sound but also operationally relevant. Our internal PhDs and textile experts with decades of textile and manufacturing experience bring a further level of review to the data we use. This layered approach using validated proprietary and localised data, following global standards, and an openness for third-party review, is how we have become the trusted source for leading brands and suppliers globally. Whether you are a DTC brand looking to communicate impact or a global retailer preparing for compliance, the numbers we present stand up to scrutiny from regulators, investors, and the conscious consumer alike. We see impact data as a foundation for systemic change in the industry. That is the level of responsibility we bring to every LCA we deliver. With consumer trust being fragile in the green space, how does Green Story help brands prevent greenwashing while still marketing their positive impact? We believe transparency is the antidote to greenwashing. Our platform does not just provide topline numbers; we equip brands with verifiable, product-level insights that are backed by LCAs. Every claim is linked to real data, methodology, and context. Instead of vague 'eco-friendly' language, brands can put real numbers behind their claims, and show how that is calculated. That level of specificity builds trust and enables authentic storytelling (and avoid massive greenwashing fines). Green Story's LCA engine is touted as science-backed and scalable. How is it different from traditional LCA tools in the market? Traditional LCA tools are powerful but often too complex or expensive for fashion brands and manufacturers to use effectively. Our LCA engine is built specifically for the fashion industry, combining scientific rigour with user-friendly automation. We have simplified the data collection process, pre-mapped textile supply chains, and made outputs accessible for different audiences—brands, suppliers, and consumers. It is scalable not just in volume, but in usability across the value chain. We also provide dedicated support from our top analysts, allowing companies to scale with current resources and gradually build up internal capacity at their own pace. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in building partnerships with fashion brands, especially those initially unfamiliar with sustainability metrics? One of the biggest hurdles was translating technical data into something meaningful for decision-makers and marketers. Early on, we had to do a lot of hand-holding—explaining what LCAs are, how they tie into brand values, and why impact data is not just a cost but a competitive edge. The turning point came when brands realised that credible sustainability data could actually drive consumer engagement, investor interest, and regulatory compliance—all at once. How do you tailor your services for brands of different sizes—say, a small DTC fashion brand vs. a global retailer? We meet brands where they are. For a small DTC brand, we offer streamlined tools, pre-built datasets, and lightweight onboarding. For global retailers, we build out detailed supplier networks, custom integrations, and multi-country compliance solutions. Our platform is modular by design—so whether you are just starting your sustainability journey or managing hundreds of SKUs across geographies, we can scale with you. With your expansion into carbon offsetting and end-of-life impact tracking, how do you maintain transparency and avoid the pitfalls of token offsets? We take a 'reduce first, offset last' approach. Our focus is on helping brands measure and mitigate their impact before looking at offsets. When offsets are used, we only partner with projects that are third-party verified, traceable, and aligned with climate science. We also disclose the methodology behind every offset calculation. The key is to treat offsetting as part of a broader impact reduction strategy, not a shortcut. Green Story works across geographies and supply chains. How do you manage region-specific sustainability regulations or data gaps? We have built a dynamic framework that adapts to regional regulations and data availability. Where primary data is missing, we work closely with local partners, NGOs, and suppliers to gather what is needed. Our system is constantly updated with regional compliance needs—from Europe's ESPR to California's SB 253—so brands and manufacturers can plan proactively. It is about staying agile and ensuring our insights are both globally credible and locally grounded. What inspired Green Story to launch the 'Fundamentally Green Metrics – LATAM' pilot, and why is Latin America a strategic focus for this initiative? LATAM is at a pivotal moment. As nearshoring to the region increases, suppliers are under growing pressure to meet international sustainability standards but often lack the tools or support to get there. Our partnership with Fundamentally is designed to fill that gap. By offering fully funded LCAs and digital product passports, we are helping LATAM manufacturers not just comply with future regulations, but take a leadership role in shaping a greener global fashion economy. We are already running similar programmes successfully in India and Pakistan. With global regulations tightening around sustainability, how will this pilot help participating Latin American brands prepare for compliance with frameworks like the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)? This pilot gives LATAM suppliers a head start. The LCA and DPP data we generate aligns with the kinds of disclosures expected under CSRD and ESPR. By participating, brands will gain verifiable, auditable environmental metrics—exactly what European buyers and regulators are demanding. More importantly, they will learn how to build transparency into their operations in a way that adds long-term business value. Assuming this pilot proves successful, what long-term role does Green Story envision playing in the development of a sustainable fashion ecosystem across Latin America? We want to build lasting infrastructure. That means continuing to support local suppliers with tools, training, and technology that help them thrive in a sustainability-first global economy. Long term, we see ourselves as an enabler—helping LATAM become not just a source of ethical manufacturing, but a global leader in transparent, low-impact production. This pilot is just the beginning. How is the demand for environmental impact transparency evolving among consumers, and how are brands responding to this shift? Consumers today are not just looking for style; they want values. And they are asking hard questions: Who made this? What is its footprint? Is it verified? Brands are catching up fast. We have seen a major shift from generic 'eco' language to demand for real, product-level impact data. This data quality need is not just a compliance play; it is a trust builder and a brand differentiator. And, given the recent news of Shein in France, compliance is on top of everyone's minds. What are the main challenges in standardising sustainability metrics across different sectors and geographies? The biggest challenge is harmonising methodologies without oversimplifying context. A cotton T-shirt made in India would not have the same footprint as one made in Peru, even with the same design. Geography, energy mix, water scarcity—all of these play a role. Our approach is to anchor every metric in peer-reviewed science but remain flexible enough to adapt to local realities. Standardisation must be a floor, not a ceiling. How can brands effectively balance authentic impact storytelling with the risk of greenwashing in a data-driven world? Start with truth, not trend. Authentic storytelling comes from transparent data, clearly communicated. The brands that get it right are the ones that show their impact—good or bad—and outline their journey, not just their wins. Our platform supports this by letting brands visualise trade-offs and improvements over time. Consumers respect honesty more than perfection. In fact, we have partnered with the experts at Northumbria University to support brands and manufacturers in telling that story better, starting with our recently concluded webinar series. In what ways are emerging technologies like AI and blockchain shaping the future of lifecycle assessment and sustainability reporting? AI is revolutionising how quickly and accurately we can conduct LCAs. It reduces manual work, detects data anomalies, and provides predictive insights. Blockchain has been used to ensure data integrity, though we are not actively prioritising it at the moment. We believe that verified, high-quality data is more important than data integrity alone—though blockchain does have its place in complex, multi-tier supply chains. When combined, these technologies can transform sustainability reporting into a real-time, verifiable, and interactive process. That is the future: real data you can trust, with continuous tracking and improvement. Looking ahead, how do you see technologies like AI or blockchain integrating into the future of impact tracking and storytelling? AI will be central to scaling impact measurement and credibility. While the widespread need for blockchain may still be some way off, the potential of AI is immense. Already, we have leveraged AI to automate LCA processes, surface insights faster, and personalise sustainability messaging. This allows us to shift from static sustainability reports to dynamic, real-time environmental intelligence. DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of
Fashion Value Chain
20-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Future-Proof Your Career: Essential Skills for a Successful Journey in Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it's a critical focus area across industries, offering meaningful and future-ready career opportunities. With the sustainability sector expanding rapidly, professionals must equip themselves with a unique blend of technical and interpersonal skills to stay competitive and effective in this dynamic field. Enrolling in a sustainability course is a smart move, but understanding the skills required will help you make the most of it. What Does a Career in Sustainability Involve? At its core, sustainability involves maintaining or improving the quality of life for current and future generations without depleting natural resources. Careers in this field focus on ecological balance, social equity, and responsible economic practices. Sustainability roles span across industries, including: Corporate roles (ESG analysts, sustainability officers, DEI managers) (ESG analysts, sustainability officers, DEI managers) Environmental science (climate analysts, environmental engineers) (climate analysts, environmental engineers) Resource management (forestry, fisheries, water resources) (forestry, fisheries, water resources) Communication (public outreach and advocacy) (public outreach and advocacy) Energy and technology (renewable energy analysts, decarbonisation experts) These roles often require a bachelor's degree at minimum, though leadership positions may demand advanced certifications or postgraduate education. As demand rises—fueled by global climate commitments and the retirement of experienced professionals—there are increasing opportunities for new entrants to grow into impactful roles. Core Skills Required for a Sustainability Career To thrive in sustainability, professionals must combine technical knowledge with soft skills. Here's a breakdown of the key competencies: 1. Environmental Literacy and Technical Knowledge Understanding environmental systems, ecological balance, and sustainability frameworks is essential. Knowledge of tools like Life Cycle Assessments and Carbon Footprint Analysis is increasingly in demand. Many sustainability courses include these components, providing hands-on training in data interpretation and compliance frameworks. 2. Data Analysis and Digital Tools As organisations adopt data-driven approaches to sustainability, familiarity with analytics tools becomes crucial. Skills in platforms such as Excel, Python, R, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) help in modelling environmental impacts and improving operational decisions. 3. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Being able to translate complex sustainability issues into clear, actionable messages is vital. Whether you're talking to policymakers, executives, or community members, effective verbal and written communication makes all the difference. 4. Adaptability and Resilience Environmental work often involves challenging field conditions or evolving regulations. Your ability to adapt, stay composed, and maintain productivity under uncertain or stressful conditions is critical. 5. Problem-Solving and Innovation Sustainability issues are often complex and systemic. Employers look for candidates who can approach these challenges with creativity and structured thinking to deliver innovative, long-term solutions. 6. Leadership and Collaboration As sustainability efforts expand across departments, professionals must lead change, mentor others, and drive collaboration. Many sustainability management courses now include leadership development modules to foster these skills. Summary of Key Skills: Hard skills: Environmental literacy, data analysis, compliance knowledge Environmental literacy, data analysis, compliance knowledge Soft skills: Communication, adaptability, leadership, critical thinking How to Develop These Skills Building a successful sustainability skillset requires a balanced mix of education and practical experience. Formal Education Sustainability courses—especially those focused on management—offer structured learning around environmental policy, regulatory frameworks, and operational sustainability. Programmes often include industry-relevant case studies, group projects, and exposure to real-world scenarios. Certifications such as LEED or those from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) can further validate your expertise. Practical Experience Internships, volunteering, and capstone projects provide hands-on learning and help you apply theoretical knowledge. Creating sustainability initiatives at your current workplace—like waste audits or energy-saving programmes—also adds practical experience while demonstrating your proactive mindset. Networking and Mentorship Connecting with professionals in the sustainability sector accelerates your growth. Attend industry events, join LinkedIn groups, and engage with professional associations. Finding a mentor can open doors to insights, feedback, and career opportunities you might not access otherwise. Online Learning Supplement your formal education with free or low-cost courses from platforms like the SDG Academy or Project Drawdown. These cover focused topics such as climate action, the circular economy, and biodiversity. The Road Ahead A career in sustainability is both personally fulfilling and socially impactful. Whether you're focused on conserving ecosystems, influencing corporate strategy, or advocating for policy change, your efforts contribute directly to building a better future. Sustainability professionals stand out by mastering a dual skillset: deep technical understanding and the human-centric ability to lead, influence, and adapt. The journey involves continuous learning, but the reward is a resilient career with the power to make lasting change. As you plan your next steps, assess your current strengths and gaps. Which sustainability skills do you already have? Which ones do you need to develop? Whether through a dedicated sustainability management course, hands-on experience, or mentorship, your commitment to growth will define your success. In the end, sustainability careers are not just about employment—they're about empowerment. With the right skills, you'll not only future-proof your career but also help build a more sustainable world for everyone.
Forbes
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Polestar's Luxury Electric SUV Has Lower Lifetime Environmental Impact Than Tiny Petrol Car
Meeting climate goals will require a substantial cut in car mileage achieved through road space reallocation, parking levies, road user charging, and massively increased investment in public transit and active travel infrastructures. That caveat aside, it's also essential that the pared-back car fleet goes all-electric. Petrol-powered cars should be phased out in favor of electric vehicles (EVs), and it's now no longer true that a tiny car with an internal combustion engine (ICE) will have lower lifetime emissions, including the carbon emitted during manufacture, than a large luxury EV. EVs may not have tailpipe emissions, but the carbon emitted during their manufacture, including the sourcing of the minerals for their heavy batteries, is still substantial. However, some auto manufacturers are working hard to reduce the carbon footprint of their vehicles. Using Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), these manufacturers publish cradle-to-gate and cradle-to-grave statistics. The cradle-to-gate measurement is an assessment of a partial product life cycle from resource extraction to the factory gate before it is transported to the consumer. Cradle-to-grave measurements add mileage of use, and the ease or otherwise of dismantling for scrap, including recycling or reusing the battery. Most EV batteries will outlast the vehicles they were installed in, and even then, they have a worthwhile second life, perhaps as grid storage, before they need to be stripped down for recycling. Confusingly, car companies don't stick to the same LCA benchmarks. For instance, while EV makers Rivian and Tesla list their vehicle's CO2 emissions in grams per mile driven over the car's lifetime, Rivian assumes their vehicles have a 155,000-mile lifespan while Tesla has typical lifetime usage of 200,000 miles, meaning Tesla has 45,000 more miles to spread their emissions over, lowering their emissions per mile. Polestar—which started life in 2005 as the brand name for a Volvo-tuning, gasoline-powered Swedish motorsports team, then transformed into an EV marque when Volvo bought the team 10 years later and is now owned by EV maker Geely of China—is arguably the world's most transparent auto maker. Since 2020, the company has published annual full-disclosure sustainability reports, publishing emissions data and the full Life Cycle Assessment for its cars. The Polestar 4 SUV Coupe generates about 20 tons of CO2 to build. Charging the car on public chargers for 200,000 miles would generate a further 10 tons of CO2. So, that's 30 tons of CO2 for 200,000 miles of driving. Running the small Kia Picanto (a city car with a pretty efficient petrol engine) for 200,000 miles generates 37 tons of CO2. And that's without the CO2 generated, the carbon debt, to build this ICE car, the stats for which Kia doesn't publish. That Polestar's large, luxurious SUV has a lower environmental footprint over its lifetime than a tiny, gasoline-sipping city car doesn't mean sales of such vehicles should be encouraged–smaller EVs made to the same eco-conscious standards would have even lower lifetime emissions, and wouldn't pose so much danger to pedestrians and cyclists—but it's essential to bust the myth that small ICE cars are better for the planet than humoungous e-SUVs. (An argument for another article is whether any oversized cars, and their larger, particulate-shedding tires, should be allowed in cities.) Geely makes the Polestar 4 in a factory in China, which has solar panels on the roof and gets the bulk of its electricity from a hydroelectric power station. Charging the Polestar 4 at home using the ever-greener grid or home solar panels would generate even less lifetime CO2. Analysis from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) estimates that the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of 2024 electric sedans in the US are 66%–70% lower than gasoline vehicles, depending on the average carbon intensity of the electricity grid. For SUVs, the ICCT estimates that the emissions are 71%–74% lower than gasoline vehicles, depending on the same conditions. EVs have no tailpipe emissions. However, generating the electricity used to charge EVs may create carbon pollution. The amount varies based on how local power is generated, whether using coal or natural gas, which emit carbon pollution, versus renewable resources like wind or solar, which do not. A significant advantage of EVs compared to gasoline vehicles is their energy efficiency. EVs use about 90% of the energy from the battery and regenerative braking to propel the car. Gasoline vehicles only convert about 16–25% of the energy from gasoline into motion. The production of electric cars is expected to become more efficient, and the production of electricity cleaner, according to the European Environment Agency. Every year, the life-cycle emissions of a typical EV could be cut by at least 73% by 2050, says the agency. Nevertheless, it remains that—mainly because of the large battery—making an EV is more carbon-intensive than making an ICE car. Analysis by the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois suggests that manufacturing EVs produces about 60% more carbon emissions than making ICE cars. However, this carbon debt can be paid back swiftly. 'Essentially it takes two to three years, and then you have accounted for the climate debt that the car came with,' says Fredrika Klarén, Polestar's head of sustainability. 'Our customers want sustainability solutions,' she adds. 'They want to know they are purchasing from a company that takes responsibility. We don't greenwash. I would love for customers to be even more picky and start using the carbon footprints we deliver to them. We want people to use our data in managing a carbon budget for themselves.'
