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- Creation, modernisation and digital upgrading of manufacturing and trading units of agricultural products
📢The Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry has announced a Call for applications within the framework of the 2nd Announcement of the "Scheme for the Creation, Modernisation and Digital Upgrading of Manufacturing and Trading Units of agricultural products" 💡 The Scheme aims to support existing and new Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which are active or will be active in the processing and/or marketing of agricultural products. Activities eligible for funding: ▶ The marketing of fruit and vegetables, i.e. packaging, standardization, sorting, preservation, cooling, and storage of fruit and vegetables, including potatoes (fresh fruit and vegetable packing houses). ▶The standardisation/packaging of olive oil, eggs and processing, standardisation/packaging of meat and dairy products. Meat repacking is not included in eligible activities. ▶The concentration / pre-cooling of milk and the pasteurization of milk. ▶Slaughterhouses for poultry, rabbits and other animals. ▶Retail markets and flower packaging and distribution centres (investments at the retail level are not eligible). ✉ 📞 For more information, interested parties can contact our company by phone at 22318403 or by email at info@cktbusiness.com
- Empowering Communities to Combat Climate Change: The Grant Scheme for Strengthening Resilience
As climate change continues to exert its effects on communities around the world, proactive measures are essential to mitigate its impact. In response to this pressing issue, Cyprus under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan has launched the Grant Scheme for Strengthening the Resilience and Adaptation of Communities to Climate Change. This scheme aims to provide much-needed financial support to empower Community Councils and promote sustainable mobility investments. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects of this plan, its objectives, beneficiaries, budget, and eligible categories of investments. The primary purpose of the Grant Scheme is to encourage and facilitate investments by Community Councils in managing the impacts of climate change, particularly high temperatures and flooding. Additionally, the scheme seeks to promote investments in sustainable mobility, thereby addressing environmental concerns and enhancing community well-being. The scheme is open to a range of beneficiaries, including Community Councils, Partnerships of Community Councils, and Community Service Clusters. This inclusive approach ensures that various entities at the local level can participate, collaborate, and work towards climate resilience. This funding has been allocated from the European Union's Next GenerationEU Funds for a total budget of €2,900,000. The scheme emphasizes the EU's commitment to tackling climate change and supporting its member states. One of the notable features of this scheme is that it covers 100% of the eligible expenses incurred by the applicants. This means that Community Councils and related entities can receive full financial support for their eligible projects. However, to ensure fair distribution of funds, the scheme sets specific limits on the subsidized funds. The maximum subsidy amount per application is capped at €150,000, while the minimum sponsorship amount stands at €10,000. This range allows for flexibility in project size and scope, accommodating both smaller-scale initiatives and more extensive endeavors. Interested parties should take note that applications for the Grant Scheme will only be accepted online from October 2, 2023, until June 30, 2024, or until the available budget is exhausted, whichever comes first. Therefore, it's crucial for potential applicants to act promptly and efficiently to secure funding for their climate resilience and sustainable mobility projects. The scheme offers a structured framework for categorizing eligible investments. These categories are designed to address specific climate change challenges and promote sustainable mobility, more specifically: Investment Category A: This category covers expenses for consulting services related to planning, costing, application assistance, public contract implementation, engineering services, landscaping, architectural design, and licensing of proposed interventions. These services are crucial for the successful execution of climate adaptation and mobility projects. Investment Category B: Category B includes investments in the redevelopment and configuration of public spaces using permeable materials to manage rainwater and cope with flooding. It also encompasses the implementation of sustainable rainwater drainage systems and initiatives to create natural shading through tree plantings and pergolas. Additionally, it includes the installation of urban equipment to enhance public spaces, such as benches, bicycle parking stations, and fountains. These investments aim to address the immediate challenges posed by climate change. Investment Category C: This category focuses on sustainable mobility, specifically the construction of bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths or the extension of existing ones. It also includes urban equipment along these routes, such as benches and bicycle parking stations, and tree planting to provide natural shade. These investments promote eco-friendly transportation and enhance the mobility infrastructure of communities. It's important to note that certain expenditures are not eligible for funding under this scheme. These include Value Added Tax (VAT), expenses incurred before application approval (excluding Category A expenses), land purchase for investments in Categories B and C, creation of new parking spaces, construction or extension of bicycle paths, operational costs, and beneficiaries' staff fees. The Grant Scheme for Strengthening the Resilience and Adaptation of Communities to Climate Change is a remarkable initiative to empower local communities in the fight against climate change. By providing financial incentives and support for climate adaptation and sustainable mobility investments, this scheme encourages Community Councils and related entities to take proactive steps toward a more resilient and sustainable future. Communities should seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact on their environment and build a climate-resilient future for all.
- Embracing ESG: A Pathway to Sustainable Success
In recent years, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors have gained significant attention as key drivers of long-term success for businesses. Companies around the world are recognizing the importance of integrating ESG principles into their operations, as it not only contributes to a sustainable future but also enhances their financial performance and reputation. This article explores the concept of ESG and provides examples of how different types of companies are incorporating ESG practices to achieve positive outcomes. Understanding ESGESG refers to a set of criteria that evaluates a company's performance in three critical areas: environmental impact, social responsibility, and corporate governance. Each aspect is interconnected and plays a vital role in shaping a company's sustainable strategy. Environmental: Companies with a focus on environmental sustainability actively seek to minimize their carbon footprint, conserve resources, and adopt eco-friendly practices. Examples of ESG initiatives in this domain include transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing waste reduction and recycling programs, and adopting sustainable supply chain practices. Social: The social component of ESG encompasses a company's impact on its employees, communities, and society at large. Businesses committed to social responsibility often prioritize diversity and inclusion, employee welfare, human rights, and community engagement. Initiatives may include fostering a diverse workforce, implementing fair labour practices, supporting local communities through philanthropy and volunteerism, and promoting ethical sourcing. Governance: Governance refers to the framework and processes that guide a company's decision-making, transparency, and accountability. Strong corporate governance ensures that companies operate with integrity, ethics, and responsible leadership. Key governance practices include maintaining independent boards, establishing transparent reporting mechanisms, and upholding ethical standards throughout the organization. Examples of ESG Practices Across Industries Technology Company: Microsoft Corporation Microsoft has demonstrated its commitment to ESG through various initiatives. In terms of environmental impact, the company aims to be carbon-negative by 2030 and has set a goal to remove all historical carbon emissions by 2050. It has also invested in renewable energy projects and is working towards zero waste goals. On the social front, Microsoft focuses on diversity and inclusion, with programs to increase representation and support marginalized communities. The company has also taken steps to address human rights issues within its supply chain, ensuring fair labour practices and responsible sourcing. In terms of governance, Microsoft has an independent board and transparent reporting practices. It regularly publishes its environmental and social performance metrics, providing stakeholders with valuable insights into its progress and goals. Consumer Goods Company: Unilever Unilever, a multinational consumer goods company, is widely recognized for its robust ESG initiatives. The company has committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2030 and aims to use 100% recyclable packaging for its products. Unilever also actively works towards water conservation and sustainable agriculture practices. In the social realm, Unilever focuses on promoting gender equality and fair working conditions. It has launched initiatives to empower women in its workforce and supply chain, and it strives to improve livelihoods in the communities where it operates. Governance-wise, Unilever has a diverse and independent board and promotes transparency through comprehensive reporting. It has integrated ESG metrics into its executive compensation structure, aligning incentives with sustainable performance. Financial Institution: Bank of America Bank of America has embedded ESG principles into its operations, recognizing the importance of responsible finance. The bank has committed to mobilizing $1.5 trillion in capital by 2030 to address climate change and other sustainable development goals. It also works towards reducing its operational carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy projects. Socially, Bank of America actively supports affordable housing, education, and workforce development initiatives. The bank has implemented inclusive lending practices and promotes diversity within its workforce. In terms of governance, Bank of America maintains strong oversight and risk management systems. The bank actively engages with shareholders, providing them with regular updates on its ESG performance and initiatives. The importance of using large corporations as case studies when implementing ESG practices within our own company cannot be overstated. Large corporations often have the resources, influence, and capacity to drive significant change, making them valuable sources of inspiration and guidance for smaller organizations. By studying their ESG initiatives, we can gain valuable insights into successful strategies, best practices, and potential challenges that may arise along the way. Firstly, large corporations often have dedicated ESG departments or teams that focus on developing and implementing sustainable practices. These teams conduct extensive research, engage with stakeholders, and collaborate with experts to identify the most effective ESG strategies. By analyzing their approach, we can gain insights into the methodologies, frameworks, and tools they utilize to assess and improve their ESG performance. Furthermore, large corporations often have more complex and global supply chains, which pose unique challenges when it comes to implementing ESG practices. Studying how these companies navigate these challenges can provide us with valuable lessons in managing our own supply chain sustainability. We can learn about supplier engagement strategies, responsible sourcing initiatives, and how to effectively communicate ESG expectations to suppliers and partners. Large corporations also tend to have a significant impact on the communities and regions where they operate. Studying their community engagement programs and philanthropic efforts can inspire us to develop meaningful partnerships and initiatives that address the specific needs and concerns of the communities we interact with. Additionally, by observing how these corporations integrate social responsibility into their business operations, we can learn how to create a positive and inclusive corporate culture that fosters employee well-being, diversity, and equal opportunities. Moreover, using large corporations as case studies allows us to understand the financial benefits of ESG integration. Research has shown that companies with strong ESG performance often outperform their peers financially in the long term. By examining the financial implications of ESG initiatives undertaken by large corporations, we can build a business case for ESG within our own organization and demonstrate the potential return on investment. However, it is essential to recognize that each organization is unique, and while case studies provide valuable insights, they should not be blindly replicated. It is crucial to tailor ESG strategies to our specific industry, size, geographic location, and stakeholder expectations. By studying large corporations as case studies, we can identify relevant practices, adapt them to our context, and develop a customized approach that aligns with our values, resources, and strategic goals. In conclusion, leveraging the experiences and successes of large corporations in implementing ESG practices can greatly benefit our organization. By studying their strategies, we can gain valuable insights, inspiration, and guidance in our journey towards becoming a more sustainable and responsible company. While we must tailor these insights to our specific circumstances, using large corporations as case studies empowers us to learn from established leaders and accelerate our progress towards achieving positive ESG outcomes.
- Going Green: Why Sustainability and Green Energy Are Essential for Modern Businesses
Sustainability and green energy have become increasingly important topics in the business world in recent years. With the rising threat of climate change and the increasing demand for sustainable products and services, businesses are under pressure to adopt more environmentally responsible practices. In this article, we will explore the importance of sustainability and green energy for businesses as a way of moving forward and catching this economic trend. Why Sustainability and Green Energy Matter for Businesses Sustainability and green energy are no longer just buzzwords, but essential components of a successful business strategy. Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and are demanding products and services that are produced sustainably and have a minimal impact on the environment. Businesses that fail to adapt to this trend risk losing customers to more sustainable competitors. In addition, businesses that adopt sustainable practices can reduce their operating costs, improve their brand reputation, and attract top talent. Energy-efficient buildings, reduced waste, and sustainable supply chains can all contribute to significant cost savings. Customers are increasingly expecting businesses to be transparent about their environmental impact and are willing to pay a premium for products and services that are environmentally responsible. Green energy is also an important component of sustainability. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal power are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible. Businesses that invest in green energy not only reduce their carbon footprint but can also benefit from long-term cost savings and a stable energy supply. Moving Forward: Steps Businesses Can Take To catch the economic trend of sustainability and green energy, businesses can take several steps: Conduct a sustainability audit: Businesses should conduct a comprehensive review of their operations to identify areas where they can reduce their environmental impact and increase sustainability. This can include reviewing energy usage, supply chain sustainability, waste reduction, and water conservation. Develop a sustainability strategy: Based on the results of the sustainability audit, businesses can develop a sustainability strategy that outlines specific goals and targets for reducing their environmental impact. This strategy should be aligned with the overall business strategy and should be regularly reviewed and updated. Invest in green energy: Businesses can consider investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or geothermal power to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and decrease their carbon footprint. This can include installing solar panels on buildings, purchasing renewable energy credits, or investing in community solar projects. Engage with suppliers and customers: Businesses should work with their suppliers and customers to encourage more sustainable practices. This can include selecting suppliers that prioritize sustainability, communicating sustainability goals to customers, and developing partnerships with other businesses that are committed to sustainability. Case Studies from around the World: There are many examples of international companies that have changed their environmental and sustainability practices to move forward with the trend towards more sustainable business practices. Here are a few examples: IKEA: The Swedish furniture company is making strides to reach its goal of operating on 100% renewable energy by 2030. The company has invested heavily in wind and solar energy. It owns 575 wind turbines, 20 solar parks, and 935,000 solar panels on the roofs of IKEA stores and warehouses. They have also adopted sustainable sourcing practices for their wood and cotton products. Unilever: The British-Dutch multinational consumer goods company has set ambitious sustainability goals, including investing in meaningful and decisive climate action and nature protection projects, such as landscape restoration, reforestation, carbon sequestration, wildlife protection and water preservation projects. They have also targeted reducing emissions ‘per consumer use’.Their GHG emissions per consumer use have been reduced by 19% since 2010 and by 5% since 2021. In 2022, their indirect consumer use emissions fell by 11% from 2021. Nestle: The Swiss multinational food and beverage company has reduced absolute GHG emissions year-on-year even as the company continues to grow. Their target is to reduce the GHG by 20% by 2050 and achieve Net zero GHG by 100% by 2050. They have also initiated projects that will sequester millions of tonnes of CO2e over their lifetimes through their Global Reforestation Program. These are just a few examples of international companies that have made sustainability and environmental responsibility a priority in their business practices. By taking action to reduce their environmental impact and invest in sustainable practices, these companies are not only doing their part to protect the planet but are also securing a competitive advantage in a market where consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable products and services. Sustainability and green energy are critical components of a successful business strategy in today's economic climate. Businesses that fail to adopt sustainable practices risk losing customers and falling behind their competitors. By investing in sustainability and green energy, businesses can not only reduce their environmental impact but can also benefit from cost savings, improved brand reputation, and competitive advantage. The time is now for businesses to catch the economic trend of sustainability and green energy and to take action to secure a more sustainable future for themselves and the planet. Sources: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/newsroom/corporate-news/ikea-u-s-launches-as-is-online-service-among-other-initiatives-this-earth-month-pub7c878c90 https://www.nestle.com/sustainability/climate-change/zero-environmental-impact https://www.unilever.com/planet-and-society/climate-action/reducing-emissions-from-the-use-of-our-products/