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Tag: climate action

  • SALI at Innovation Zero 2025: From Circularity to Global Sustainability Reporting

    SALI at Innovation Zero 2025: From Circularity to Global Sustainability Reporting

    Last week, the SALI-AI Technologies team joined sustainability leaders, innovators, and policymakers at Innovation Zero 2025, the UK’s leading climate and clean tech event. Over two days, the conference brought together thousands of attendees to explore actionable solutions to the climate crisis — and SALI was proud to be part of that conversation with two high-impact speaking sessions on Tuesday.

    Session One — Morning Spotlight: Circularity as a Competitive Advantage

    In the morning session, Making Circularity a Business Reality: Data-Driven Decisions for Long-Term Benefits, Dr. Eberechi Weli, CEO of SALI-AI Technologies, was joined by Amy Dickinson, ESG Director for Europe and Africa at Egis.

    The discussion went beyond theory, showing how SALI’s AI-powered platform is already enabling major transport and infrastructure projects to embrace circularity in measurable, commercially viable ways. By leveraging real-time data insights, organisations can optimise material use, strengthen supply chain partnerships, and secure financing that rewards sustainable practices.

    “The business case for circularity is no longer a future aspiration — it’s here, measurable, and profitable,” noted one attendee after the session.

    From infrastructure to healthcare, the message was clear: circularity is not just an environmental necessity — it’s a growth strategy.

    Session Two — Afternoon Deep Dive: Raising the Bar for Sustainability Reporting

    In the afternoon, Dr. Weli took the stage again, this time alongside Elena Botvina, Sustainable Finance lead at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), for the session Criteria for Quality Reporting and Integrating Sustainability into Business Reporting & Practices.

    This conversation addressed one of the most pressing challenges in sustainability today — how to ensure reporting is consistent, transparent, and impactful. Drawing on UNCTAD’s policy leadership and SALI’s technology expertise, the session explored how global reporting standards, like those underpinning SDG Target 12.6, can be translated into practical tools for businesses of all sizes.

    A highlight of the discussion was the introduction of a centralized sustainability data platform in development, designed to make corporate disclosures more accessible, comparable, and actionable.

    As one delegate put it on LinkedIn after the event: “The energy at Innovation Zero this year was different. We’re past awareness — this is the era of implementation.”

    Key Takeaways from SALI’s Innovation Zero 2025 Experience

    1. Action is the new priority — the sustainability conversation has shifted from why to how.
    2. Data is the enabler — from circularity to ESG reporting, technology is the key to scaling impact.
    3. Collaboration drives results — partnerships between the private sector, policy bodies, and technology providers are essential for accelerating change.
    4. Reporting is evolving — global alignment and centralized platforms will define the next phase of sustainability governance.

    A Collective Thank You

    The SALI team was represented by Dr. Eberechi Weli, accompanied on stage by Amy Dickinson of Egis and Elena Botvina of UNCTAD. We’re grateful to everyone who attended our sessions, engaged in Q&A, and shared ideas with us during and after the event.

    Thank you for being part of the movement to integrate sustainability into the core of business operations. We look forward to building on the momentum from Innovation Zero — and continuing to work together to make sustainable impact scalable, measurable, and lasting.

    Follow SALI on LinkedIn for updates on our projects, partnerships, and insights.

  • Your Business and Sustainability Reporting: breaking down CSRD, ESG, and SDGs

    Your Business and Sustainability Reporting: breaking down CSRD, ESG, and SDGs

    As sustainability becomes a non-negotiable aspect of modern business, European companies are at the forefront of a global movement toward transparency, accountability, and impact. For C-suite leaders and sustainability departments, the challenge lies in navigating an evolving ecosystem of frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These frameworks are interconnected, yet each plays a unique role in shaping a comprehensive sustainability strategy.

    In this article, we unpack these frameworks and illustrate how SALI simplifies the process, empowering your business to lead with clarity and confidence.

    Key Features of CSRD

    The CSRD is a transformative directive introduced by the European Union to enhance corporate transparency and accountability. Here’s what makes it stand out:

    Mandatory Compliance:

    CSRD expands reporting requirements to nearly 50,000 companies in the EU, compared to its predecessor, the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), which covered only 11,000.

    Standardized Framework:

    The directive mandates the use of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), ensuring consistency across industries.

    Double Materiality:

    Companies must assess their impact on both the environment and society, as well as how these factors affect their financial performance.

    Digital Tagging:

    Reports must be machine-readable, facilitating easier access and analysis by stakeholders.

    For sustainability teams, meeting CSRD requirements is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in transparency and build trust with investors, regulators, and customers.

    ESG: A Cornerstone of Business Value Creation

    Unlike the compliance-focused CSRD, ESG frameworks help companies create long-term value by embedding sustainability into their core operations. Here’s how ESG drives value:

    Governance:

    ESG ensures strong corporate governance, reducing risks like fraud, corruption, or mismanagement. It also signals to investors that the company is well-managed and forward-looking.

    Environment:

    Beyond regulatory compliance, focusing on environmental factors (e.g., reducing carbon footprints) can cut costs, foster innovation, and improve resource efficiency.

    Social:

    Social initiatives, such as diversity and inclusion programs, enhance employee satisfaction, retention, and brand reputation.

    For C-suite leaders, integrating ESG metrics into decision-making translates sustainability into measurable business outcomes, making it a powerful tool for resilience and growth.

    Aligning SDGs with CSRD and ESG

    The United Nations’ SDGs

    They provide a universal framework for sustainable development, encompassing 17 goals and 169 targets. While CSRD and ESG focus on operational and compliance aspects, the SDGs offer a broader, aspirational vision.

    CSRD and SDGs:

    The CSRD aligns directly with SDGs by encouraging companies to report on their contributions to goals such as Climate Action (Goal 13) and Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12).

    ESG and SDGs:

    ESG performance metrics, such as carbon neutrality or gender diversity, can map onto specific SDG targets, creating a unified narrative for sustainability efforts.

    By using SDGs as a strategic overlay, companies can communicate a global perspective on their local impacts, making their efforts relatable and inspiring to a broader audience.

    SALI’s Role in Simplifying the Process

    At the intersection of these frameworks lies complexity—and opportunity. SALI (Sustainability Assessment Reporting and Learning Intelligence) provides AI-driven tools that empower companies to navigate the intricacies of CSRD, ESG, and SDGs with ease.

    Comprehensive Assessments:

    SALI evaluates your current practices against multiple frameworks, identifying gaps and opportunities for alignment.

    AI-Driven Reporting:

    Our platform automates the data collection and reporting process, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance with CSRD and ESG standards.

    Strategic Insights:

    SALI provides actionable recommendations to help companies align their ESG strategies with SDGs, fostering a cohesive approach to sustainability.

    Education and Capacity Building:

    Through workshops, resources, and tools, SALI equips sustainability departments and C-suite leaders with the knowledge to lead confidently in the sustainability space.

    Why Choose SALI?

    With SALI, you can:

    • Save time and reduce costs by automating reporting.
    • Enhance transparency and build stakeholder trust.
    • Stay ahead of regulatory changes and industry trends.

    Conclusion

    The journey toward sustainable business practices is multifaceted but essential for long-term success. By understanding the nuances of CSRD, leveraging the value of ESG, and aligning with the global goals of the SDGs, European companies can position themselves as leaders in a rapidly changing world.

    With SALI’s AI-driven solutions, your business can turn sustainability challenges into strategic advantages. Let us partner with you to navigate this landscape and unlock new possibilities for growth and impact.

    Contact SALI today to learn more: sali-ai.com.