In an era defined by critical environmental challenges, the urgency for industries worldwide to address their climate impact has never been greater. Following an insightful February discussion, The Jewelry Industry: Perspectives on the Journey to Net Zero, Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC) and esteemed industry leader Mark Hanna are proud to continue this vital dialogue. Their latest collaboration underscores a resolute commitment to fostering sustainability and environmental responsibility within the precious metals, gem, and jewelry sectors – industries uniquely positioned to lead by example in the global pursuit of a greener future.
New York, NY. April 13, 2022. The escalating threat of climate change, primarily driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, demands immediate and concerted action. As global temperatures continue to rise, a cascading “domino effect” of environmental crises unfolds, prompting leaders across all sectors to seek innovative mitigation strategies. For the precious metals, gem, and jewelry industries, this challenge is particularly acute. These sectors, deeply intertwined with natural resources and global supply chains, face an imperative need to implement robust protocols and advanced methodologies for accurately measuring their emissions and comprehensively understanding their carbon footprint. Without precise data, effective action remains elusive.
Navigating the Climate Challenge: Defining and Measuring Emissions
Recognizing this pressing need, Initiatives in Art and Culture and Mark Hanna are set to host a pivotal webinar titled “Climate and the Precious Metals Industry: Defining and Measuring Your Emissions Footprint.” Scheduled for April 20, 2022, from 12:15-1:45 PM EDT, this event marks the third essential conversation in a dedicated series exploring climate action within this critical decade. The webinar will delve into the intricacies of calculating emissions, guiding participants toward the crucial goal of achieving verifiable, science-based targets. These targets are not merely aspirational; they represent a concrete framework for companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in line with the latest climate science, contributing to the global effort to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. For businesses in the precious metals and jewelry supply chain, embracing such targets is no longer optional but a strategic imperative for long-term viability and ethical leadership.
A Comprehensive Scope of Emissions
The esteemed panel assembled for this webinar will offer a deep dive into the diverse categories of emissions that companies must consider. This comprehensive scope covers direct emissions from company-owned and company-controlled resources (Scope 1), indirect emissions from purchased energy such as electricity and heat (Scope 2), and other indirect emissions occurring across a company’s value chain (Scope 3), which are often the most challenging to measure but represent the largest portion of many companies’ footprints. Understanding these distinctions is fundamental for developing an effective emissions reduction strategy. Participants will gain clarity on how to identify, categorize, and quantify these varied sources, laying the groundwork for meaningful environmental stewardship.
Expert Perspectives on Climate Mitigation and Measurement
Lisa Koenigsberg, President of Initiatives in Art and Culture, articulates the gravity of the situation: “Climate change is an urgency of our time. Being able to address this challenge requires an understanding of definitions, methods of measurement and science-based targets. In this webinar, our goal is to share this critical information so individuals can develop an understanding of actions to be taken to mitigate peril faced by our planet.” Her statement underscores the webinar’s mission: to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to transform abstract environmental concerns into actionable, impactful strategies.
Meet the Visionary Panelists and Moderators
The webinar will feature authoritative perspectives from a distinguished lineup of industry experts:
- Tobias Schultz, Vice President of Research and Development at SCS Global Services: A leader in sustainable practices, Schultz spearheads a team of scientists and innovators dedicated to developing science-based sustainability standards and services. His work supports global climate mitigation efforts and promotes ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) corporate best practices. This includes pioneering a standardized process for diamond provenance tracing and an innovative approach to climate accounting, which empowers corporations to effectively mitigate short-lived climate pollutants and achieve broader sustainability goals. His insights will be invaluable for understanding robust measurement frameworks.
- John Mulligan, Director and Climate Change Lead at The World Gold Council (WGC): Mulligan is at the forefront of research-led projects designed to deepen the understanding of gold’s wider socio-economic and sustainability impacts. He currently leads the World Gold Council’s critical initiatives focused on gold and climate change, offering a unique perspective on how one of the most historically significant precious metals can align with modern sustainability imperatives. His expertise highlights industry-specific challenges and opportunities for climate action.
The conversation will be expertly co-moderated by two titans of the industry:
- Mark Hanna, Chief Marketing Officer at Richline Group Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company: With over 50 years of extensive experience spanning management, manufacturing, marketing, sales, and corporate responsibility within the jewelry industry, Hanna brings an unparalleled depth of practical knowledge and strategic vision. His long-standing commitment to responsible practices makes him a vital voice in shaping the future of the sector.
- Lisa Koenigsberg, President and Founder of Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC): Koenigsberg established IAC’s renowned multi-disciplinary conference series on visual culture, with a particular focus on gold and diamonds. Her work consistently explores the critical nexus between natural resources, artisanry, sustainability, and responsible practice, providing a holistic and culturally informed lens through which to view industry challenges.
Boldly Building the Future: The Series for Global Transformation
This webinar is a key component of The Boldly Building the Future Series, an ambitious initiative designed to spark conversations aimed at catalyzing global transformation. The series emphasizes that accurate emissions measurements are not merely compliance exercises but essential tools. They enable companies and governments to discern the relative importance of various emission sources, rigorously assess the performance of implemented control strategies, and ultimately, undertake effective solutions for the global climate emergency. The collective expertise and insightful perspectives shared by these knowledgeable authorities during this conversation promise to enlighten and empower all attendees, from emerging professionals to the most seasoned industry veterans, ensuring they are equipped with the latest understanding and actionable strategies for climate impact management.
As Mark Hanna eloquently states, “Climate impact management has gone from ‘nice to have’ to ‘must-have’, and the roadmap to priority is the materiality of a company’s strategy and financial success.” This powerful sentiment encapsulates the paradigm shift occurring across industries. Integrating climate action into core business strategy is no longer just an ethical consideration but a fundamental driver of long-term financial health and competitive advantage. Companies that proactively measure and manage their environmental footprint are better positioned to mitigate risks, attract investment, and meet evolving consumer and regulatory demands.
Practical Pathways to Action
During the engaging conversation, Schultz, Mulligan, Hanna, and Koenigsberg will guide attendees through the critical process of defining emissions sources and exploring viable options for measuring them effectively. The speakers will share invaluable insights into how they and their respective organizations currently measure emissions, discussing how these quantified numbers have served as a compelling call to further, more ambitious action. Through consistent and transparent reporting, companies take the indispensable first step towards robustly managing their environmental footprint, demonstrating accountability and paving the way for tangible reductions.
All stakeholders participating across the entire jewelry supply chain—from miners and refiners to manufacturers, designers, and retailers—are strongly encouraged to join this virtual tour de force of methodology sharing and innovative thinking. This collaborative effort is crucial in supporting our planet and its invaluable resources. This webinar offers a unique opportunity to gain actionable insights, connect with industry leaders, and contribute to a collective movement towards a more sustainable and responsible future for the precious metals and jewelry sectors.
For complimentary registration to attend “Climate and the Precious Metals Industry: Defining and Measuring Your Emissions Footprint,” we invite you to click here. This vital virtual event is generously sponsored by Richline Group, Sustainability Sherpas, and Initiatives in Art and Culture. To delve deeper into the transformative work of Initiatives in Art and Culture, please visit http://artinitiatives.com, call 646-485-1952, or email [email protected]. Join us in shaping a more sustainable trajectory for the global jewelry industry.
About Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC)
Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC) is a distinguished organization dedicated to educating diverse audiences in visual culture, encompassing both the fine and decorative arts. At the core of every undertaking by IAC is an unwavering commitment to authenticity, the celebration of artisanry, and a profound respect for materials. This foundation is inextricably linked with a deep mindfulness of sustainability and our collective obligations to the health of our planet. Each IAC project is characterized by its dedication to fostering cross-disciplinary approaches, meticulously bringing together representatives from every sector—be it industry, academia, or government—alongside thought leaders from various disciplines, industries, and institutions. This unique methodology allows for vibrant dialogues and innovative solutions that transcend conventional industry discourse.
IAC’s overarching goal is to initiate courageous dialogue and empower individuals and organizations to integrate transformative change without fear. The organization’s primary activities include a dynamic array of conferences, informative webinars, insightful publications, and compelling exhibitions. All these initiatives adopt a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach, meticulously considering complex issues related to fabrication, connoisseurship, the preservation of cultural patrimony, and the evolving future of culture itself. IAC’s impactful projects have garnered vital support from a wide and diverse array of individual benefactors, corporate partners, and foundational funders, enabling them to continue their crucial work in fostering cultural understanding and promoting sustainable practices across the globe.