The recently launched “Energy Sustainability Reporting Program” began last week with renewed enthusiasm as companies begin to digest the recently published final SEC Climate Disclosure Rule. This year-long program, facilitated by Dan Romito and Pickering Energy Partners, empowers participants to respond to shifting expectations around sustainability and equips them with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement and maintain a sustainability program.
The opening session featured a keynote from Dan Pickering, who provided participants with an overview of the global energy market. He addressed the challenges and prospects of increasing power demand and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Additionally, he discussed the ongoing consolidation trend in the customer base, indicating that companies were expanding their inventory and market capitalization.
How Is the ESG Landscape Evolving?
Shifting the discussion to the evolving regulatory environment, Dan Romito emphasized the importance of establishing a solid foundation, focusing on sustainability messaging, and reporting frameworks. He highlighted the necessity of doing so amidst increasing volatility and uncertainty in the energy sector. Romito stressed, “You want to review the proxy voting guidelines to understand where each of your investors is coming from and be able to establish [sustainability reporting] infrastructure based on this.”
He also advised companies to prepare for the possibility of increased regulatory requirements, especially if they have European operations or capital. Lastly, Romito underscored the need for companies to be proactive in addressing potential issues to prevent reputational damage and to be transparent in their reporting.
Upcoming Sessions Expectations
The program, spanning a year, offers a variety of engaging sessions aimed at providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability. These sessions range from the fundamentals of developing a sustainability program to discussions on frameworks, materiality, and reporting. Through in-person sessions, company coaching, and virtual seminars, the program prepares everyone for the upcoming wave of reporting requirements and expectations.
For those interested, there is still an opportunity to register for the year-long program by April 23. Upcoming sessions include:
Two more interactive virtual seminars:
- May 7, 2024: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- September 10, 2024: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Two in-person deep dive seminars:
- October 15, 2024: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- November 19, 2024: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
One company coaching session
If you are interested in learning more about the program and its curriculum, please reach out to Maria Suarez-Simmons.
Maria Suarez-Simmons, Senior Director Energy Policy, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
