With so much happening in the world of corporate sustainability, SustainabilityOnline has introduced The Sustainability Brief – a regular round-up of some of the top stories making headlines around the world.
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Fyffes targets regenerative agriculture across 13,000 hectares
Fyffes has launched a Regenerative Agriculture Framework targeting regenerative practices across 13,000 hectares of owned banana and pineapple farms by 2030, with proven approaches extended across its supply chain by 2035. The company aims for 100% framework integration across owned farms by 2030 and approximately 40% of fruit volume from key supplier operations by 2035, focusing on soil health, biodiversity, water management and reduced agrochemical use.
‘Climate feedbacks’ could add 0.2–0.4°C to warming this century
Research published in Environmental Research Letters has estimated that warming-induced emissions from natural systems could amplify global warming by approximately 20–30%, adding an estimated 0.2–0.4°C this century under different scenarios. The mechanisms include methane released by warming wetlands and lakes, carbon released by thawing permafrost and additional emissions from climate-driven wildfires. The researchers say faster emissions reductions would reduce these feedback risks.
The Earthshot Prize and University of Exeter identify 51 environmental solutions with potential
The Earthshot Prize and University of Exeter have identified 51 solution areas across nature, clean air, oceans, waste and climate that could trigger rapid self-reinforcing environmental change by 2030. The research identifies commodity supply-chain transformation, clean household energy and marine protected areas among the interventions with potential to influence multiple systems. Coordinated policies could accelerate some positive tipping points by several years. “This pivotal research gives us reasons for optimism,” said Jason Knauf, CEO of The Earthshot Prize.
Volvo plans 70MW/260MWh battery park in Sweden
Volvo Group is planning to develop a 70MW/260MWh battery-storage facility near its planned battery-cell production site in Mariestad, Sweden. The energy park will also include a test bed for new energy technologies and is expected to become one of Sweden’s largest energy parks. “This initiative is a natural next step in the development of our Mariestad facility and reflects our vision of a more robust, flexible and sustainable energy system,” commented Lars Stenqvist, responsible for the development of the Mariestad site at Volvo Group.
Georgia Power receives approval for 1,137MW of new solar PPAs
Georgia Power has received Georgia Public Service Commission approval for seven solar power-purchase agreements totalling 1,137MW. The projects range from 78MW to 200MW across seven counties in the US state, and could begin commercial operation from 2029. The procurement is the largest single solar procurement in Georgia Power’s history. “These new solar resources will deliver affordable and reliable energy at a fixed price for the benefit of all Georgia Power customers for years to come,” said Wilson Mallard, director of renewable development for Georgia Power.
Hexagon Energy, Weyerhaeuser identify 3GW geothermal potential across 150,000 acres
Hexagon Energy and Weyerhaeuser have agreed to develop geothermal projects across almost 150,000 acres of Weyerhaeuser land in Oregon and Washington. The land portfolio has estimated potential for up to 3GW of geothermal electricity generation. Hexagon will develop projects across the timber company’s holdings, with the agreement covering multiple sites in two states with significant geothermal resources.
Solar mini-grid powers açaí processing in Brazilian Amazon
The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet and Fundação Amazônia Sustentável have launched a solar mini-grid serving Bela Conquista in Brazil’s Amazon, providing reliable electricity for açaí processing and community infrastructure. The project is intended to increase local economic activity while supporting forest-based livelihoods. “This is a remarkable project in which we intend to use energy as a driver of prosperity, creating the conditions for communities to remain in the territories where they have chosen to live,” said Luisa Valentim, Brazil delivery lead at Global Energy Alliance.
