Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy

This year, my carbon footprint tallies up to 6.8 tonnes—a light reduction from the previous 8 tonnes. Despite this progress, it’s a stark reminder that I am still a distance away from the sustainable benchmark of 2 tonnes, essential for keeping global temperature rise under 1.5°C. My journey’s ecological imprint was shaped by travels to the Himalayas ✈️, the Alps ✈️ and the Pyrenees 🚗 ✈️. Here’s the breakdown: • Home: 5.03%; • Mobility: 64.11% (the lion’s share, influenced by flights and car travel); • Gear: 4.97%; • Food & Others: 9.73%; • Public Service Share: 16.16%. In response, I’ve adopted a threefold strategy: Avoid, Reduce, and Compensate. On Avoiding and Reducing: • I’ve shifted to virtual for all meetings, cutting and conferences, rejecting the ones that involved travel. • I participate in local events and train nearby to limit transportation. • Travel is now reserved for primary races and key projects. • I’ve increased train travel to cut down on flights. • Last year I discontinued my car sponsorship to discourage fossil fuel use and shifted to a second-hand electric vehicle. On Gear and Consumption: • I’ve continued to wear last year’s gear, stepping away from promoting new styles. • Gear not in use has found new homes, promoting a second-hand market or given. On Food: • My diet has been vegetarian for long, and we try to supplement a max by our own garden and seasonal produce from a local farm. On Compensation: • To address my carbon output, I’ve engaged with Climeworks to offset my annual emissions through their carbon capture initiative. While I’ve made strides in reducing my carbon footprint this year, there’s a considerable journey ahead. I’m not yet the exemplar of living and sportsmanship I aim to be. I am dedicated to evolving my lifestyle and career to fully embody the values I stand. Would love to read about how are you reducing your carbon footprint? Let's learn from each other.

Investment Opportunities in Climate Adaptation and Resilience 🌎 Climate change is intensifying physical risks across regions and sectors, placing climate adaptation and resilience (A&R) at the center of global strategic priorities. While mitigation addresses emissions, A&R solutions tackle the immediate and long-term risks to infrastructure, economies, and communities. Investment in Climate A&R remains at an early stage despite its scale and urgency. The BCG and Temasek report projects global A&R financing needs of $0.5 trillion to $1.3 trillion per year by 2030. This presents a significant opportunity for private capital to drive both financial returns and systemic resilience. The Climate Adaptation & Resilience Investment Opportunities Map provides a framework to assess where capital can be most effectively deployed. It structures opportunities into seven impact themes and offers a granular view of subsectors and solutions across industries. Investors will find diverse entry points—from early-stage ventures focusing on pure-play A&R innovations to established industrial players integrating resilience solutions into broader portfolios. This dual landscape enables a mix of venture, growth, and buyout strategies tailored to different risk appetites. Adaptation markets are inherently localized. Flood defense strategies, water efficiency technologies, and agricultural resilience solutions vary by geography, creating fragmented but scalable market opportunities that respond to specific climate risks and regulatory frameworks. The report highlights the importance of co-benefits. Nature-based solutions, for example, deliver protective functions while enhancing biodiversity and ecological health. At the same time, material-intensive interventions require careful scrutiny to balance resilience gains with environmental impacts. To capitalize on these trends, investors will need to navigate sectors where regulation, insurance incentives, and risk disclosure frameworks are evolving rapidly. Competitive advantages will accrue to those with deep technical expertise and the ability to scale proven solutions across markets. The Climate Adaptation & Resilience Investment Map identifies seven key impact themes: - Food Resilience - Infrastructure Resilience - Health Resilience - Business and Community Resilience - Water Resilience - Energy Resilience - Biodiversity Resilience Climate adaptation is shaping a new investment frontier, where value creation is tied directly to long-term societal and economic stability. #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #climatechange

Running GenAI applications shouldn't drain your budget. While you're excited about building your next GenAI project, knowing how to optimize LLM costs is essential for long-term success. LLM cost optimization involves multiple complementary strategies to reduce inference expenses while maintaining performance. Input optimization focuses on efficient prompt engineering and context pruning to minimize token usage, ensuring only essential information is processed. Model selection involves choosing right-sized models for specific tasks, preventing resource waste from oversized models while maintaining accuracy. Model optimization techniques like quantization and pruning reduce model size and computational requirements without significantly impacting performance. Distributed processing leverages distributed inference and load balancing to optimize resource utilization across multiple machines, improving throughput and cost efficiency. Caching strategies implement response and embedding caches to avoid redundant computations, storing frequently requested responses and pre-computed embeddings for quick retrieval. Output management implements token limits and stream processing to control response lengths and optimize data flow. System architecture considerations include batch processing to maximize throughput and request optimization to reduce unnecessary API calls. Together, these strategies form a comprehensive approach to LLM cost optimization, balancing performance requirements with resource efficiency. The key is implementing these strategies in combination, as each addresses different aspects of LLM deployment costs. Success requires continuous monitoring and adjustment of these strategies based on usage patterns, performance requirements, and cost metrics. Join my upcoming LinkedIn live to know more about building optimized agentic applications: https://lnkd.in/ggYK4YME Know more about such LLM cost optimization strategies and techniques in this blog: https://lnkd.in/gMvbg6Se

What does America need from corporations in 2025? Pragmatic philanthropy. It’s not about headlines. It’s about jobs. A real and sustained presence. That’s what communities want—and what companies must deliver. The new PMI U.S. Philanthropy 2025 Benchmark Survey makes it clear: - 84% of Americans surveyed believe big companies have an ethical responsibility to support the communities where they operate. - 86% say the best way a company can support a community is by providing stable, well-paying jobs. - 53% say it’s more critical now than six months ago that companies be involved in local communities. - 81% would be more likely to buy from a company whose CEO is a positive force in their community. - Nearly half say the worst thing a company can do is give just to look good. At PMI U.S., we’re answering the call. In the last three years, we’ve invested over $25 million in U.S. communities—not with fanfare, but with focus. On veterans. On economic empowerment. On disaster response. Because being invested in America means being in and part of American communities. Companies have a responsibility to serve the places where they operate—not from afar, but shoulder to shoulder with the people who live there. That’s what pragmatic philanthropy is. It’s not just charity, it’s on-the-ground commitment. That’s good for communities. Good for companies. Good for us all. #InvestedInAmerica #PragmaticPhilanthropy #PurposeInAction #PMI

Circularity is crucial for resilient supply chains and a sustainable future. Circular principles, including reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing, recycling, and ‘as a service’ paradigms can open up new opportunities and benefits to society. Achieving these circular value chains requires collaborations and partnerships along with trust and transparency of materials and products. Eco-design, supply chain digitization, and data interoperability are key enablers for a circular economy. At Schneider Electric, we consider factors such as material selection, durability, reparability, and recyclability in our eco-design approach. We invested in research and development to create products that can be easily disassembled, upgraded, or recycled while maintaining the highest quality standards. And we foster collaboration. A major challenge today, however, are the products that have not been developed with recycling in mind. Tires, for example. They are durable, long-lasting, and recycling them is a challenge. Over one billion end-of-life tires are generated every year which poses a huge environmental and health risk. Solutions to this kind of global waste problem must be found. Watch the latest episode of the #IndustriesOfTheFuture series with Industrial Sage and discover the untold story of tire disposal from CM Shredders. #Circularity #Sustainability https://lnkd.in/euMJAE7G

Africa’s economic output tells two stories: 🌍 A labor productivity average of $8,000 per worker, compared to $140,000+ in developed economies. But here’s the untold story: Impact investments hold the key to transforming Africa’s untapped potential into global opportunity. Without targeted investments, the productivity gap grows wider: ↳ Millions of young people remain unskilled. ↳ Rural areas lack critical infrastructure. ↳ Entire industries operate below their potential. But the solution is clear—when impact investment drives education, technology, and infrastructure, it unlocks a continent’s capacity to thrive. Here’s where impact investment creates the most measurable difference: 1️⃣ Education: Skilling Africa’s Workforce ↳ Invest in EdTech platforms that improve literacy and employability. ↳ Every additional year of schooling raises productivity by 12-15%. 2️⃣ Technology: Digital Connectivity for Growth ↳ Expand internet access in rural areas to bridge the digital divide. ↳ Increased digital literacy could contribute billions annually to GDP. 3️⃣ Healthcare: Building Healthy, Productive Communities ↳ Fund health initiatives that reduce disease and absenteeism. ↳ Healthy workers are 20-30% more productive over their lifetime. 4️⃣ Infrastructure: Powering Progress ↳ Scale renewable energy projects to provide reliable electricity. ↳ Affordable power increases industrial output and supports small businesses. 5️⃣ Agriculture: Feeding Economies and Families ↳ Support sustainable farming to boost yields and food security. ↳ Improved agricultural practices enhance productivity for millions of workers. Africa is home to the world’s youngest workforce and limitless potential. 🌱 Strategic investments in education, technology, and infrastructure can bridge the productivity gap and unlock global economic growth. What role will you play in driving this transformation? Let’s explore opportunities to invest in impact—drop your thoughts below or message me directly. 👉 Follow Ben Botes for more insights on Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Impact Investment.

🇯🇵 I’m on a family holiday in Japan, taking a much needed break. But surprise, surprise, I’ve been hunting down innovative social enterprises and charities to learn from! 🧸 This particular social enterprise is called Bear Paw Cafe, powered by a local organisation that delivers mental health services. ☕️ The cafe uses a staged approach to building social and work skills and employs participants in the cafe, but the catch is, they don’t have to meet or see any people! 🥤 You order and receive your food & drinks through a literal hole in the wall! When your order is ready a bell rings and the participants use a fluffy bear paw to deliver your order and engage by waving, a high five and build connection through hand signals. 🐻 Participants become employees after a pre employment training program and then graduate from bear paw, to in house seated customer service and then once confident, they transition to open employment. ❤️ The whole time they are provided wrap around support like counselling, service navigation and housing. Very much like The Little Social back home. Great to see social enterprise and impact models growing around the world 🌎

🔔 Opportunity alert for early stage social enterprises ⬇️ Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation – Funding Early-Stage Social Enterprises The Draper Richards Kaplan (DRK) Foundation funds bold, early-stage social impact organisations solving urgent global problems with scalable and sustainable approaches. They are looking for innovative, systems-focused solutions that directly benefit underserved communities. What They Fund: 💡 Early-stage, post-pilot & pre-scale organisations (2–5 years old) 📈 Scalable models with potential to impact 10,000+ lives within 5 years 💰 Ventures with earned income streams (or clear plans to develop them) Priority regions: Africa, Europe, India, U.S. (select LATAM cases considered) Independent nonprofits or mission-driven for-profits (fiscal sponsorship allowed with spin-out plan) 👥 Team Attributes They Value: Founders fully committed (or going full-time soon) Deep understanding of the problem & system context Proximity to the problem being solved Learning mindset & collaborative approach 💵 Support Package: Capacity: Up to $500,000 USD in-kind (3-year board service, hands-on weekly mentorship, strategy support) Capital: Up to $300,000 USD (unrestricted grants or investment capital over 3 years) Community: Annual convenings & peer network across global portfolio 📝 Application & Selection Process: Online application (30–60 minutes, upload exec summary/pitch deck) Rolling review (year-round, ~8–10 weeks to first response) 20% reach interviews → <10% enter diligence (2–4 months) → final team & investment committee review ~2,225 applications/year → ~20 funded organisations 📅 Deadline: Applications accepted year-round 🏷️ Tag a social entrepreneur 🔄 Share with your network ☎️ Receive updates on your phone. Follow us on WhatsApp 👉 https://lnkd.in/dePwSaaT Application link and more details in the comments section ⬇️

🌱Are you strategic by being sustainable as a project professional? Being sustainable goes beyond environmental impact. Sustainable habits and strategies are crucial for project professionals looking to create long-term social and economic impact. Here are some key practices you can leverage: 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐦 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 (𝐓𝐁𝐋) 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡: first introduced by John Elkington in 1994, this is widely used in sustainability and corporate social responsibility contexts. Project professionals should adopt the TBL framework which considers social, environmental, and economic impacts when evaluating project success. This approach ensures that projects benefit not just as it relates to the organization's bottom line but also the society and environment. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Engaging with all stakeholders, including local communities, NGOs, government bodies, and businesses, is absolutely crucial. Understanding their needs, concerns, and aspirations helps in designing projects that align with their interests, increasing the chances of long-term success and support. 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: Sustainable projects require a long-term vision and planning. Instead of focusing solely on short-term gains, project professionals must consider the long-term implications of their actions on the organization, environment, society et. al. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲: Sustainable projects should prioritize resource (human, material or capital) efficiency. This includes reducing waste, proper work planning and utilization, optimizing energy and water consumption, and using renewable or recyclable materials whenever possible. 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲: Ensure that the project promotes social inclusion and diversity, empowering marginalized communities and ensuring equal opportunities for all. This can lead to more resilient and equitable societies. Join Ahad Nazir and I on @strategic project leader podcast as we discuss sustainability becoming mainstream in the practice of project management. Join us live and be part of the conversation using the link in the comment. #strategicthinking #projectmanagement #sustainability #strategicprojectmanagement

Embracing the Circular Economy: Transforming Waste Water into Valuable Resources In the journey towards sustainability, waste water treatment is a cornerstone of the Circular Economy. By converting wastewater into valuable resources, we're not only protecting our environment but also unlocking economic and social benefits. Proper wastewater treatment enables the recovery of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. These resources can then be reused in agriculture, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and promoting a closed-loop system. Eecycling treated wastewater for industrial processes or irrigation conserves precious freshwater resources. This sustainable practice helps mitigate water scarcity challenges and contributes to the overall well-being of ecosystems. Industrial symbiosis, a key concept in the Circular Economy, can also thrive through wastewater treatment. By collaborating among industries, the byproducts of one can become the valuable inputs of another, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #WastewaterTreatment #ResourceRecovery #water #industry #energy #climatechange #strategy #technology #innovation #economy #creativity