Case Studies
The case study database provides an overview of capitals assessments that have been carried out by organizations in the capitals community. Assessments are categorized and can be filtered using the ‘filter by’ and the search functions.
Cases can be submitted by clicking on the button below.
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TEEBAgriFood: Embrapa – Sustainability at the table
Natural CapitalSocial and Human Capital
TEEBAgriFood: Embrapa – Sustainability at the table
Brazil
Details
This case study is a pilot case from TEEBAgriFood. Embrapa is the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, a state-owned research business affiliated with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. In the first phase, a researcher applied the TEEBAgriFood evaluation framework and business guidelines with Nuu Pão de Queijo, a small and medium company. The chosen context of the Embrapa case is the Minas Gerais Brazilian Estate, which is responsible for more than 25% of the national production of raw milk; where most of the production is located in the Cerrado biome. In this region, the main soil use is agriculture and grazing and more than 75% of producers in this state are family farmers. The region is also recognized as an Immaterial Heritage of Brazilian Culture with a geographical indication for well-known “cheese minas artisanal”. The main objective of the assessment is to evaluate the impacts and externalities caused by the dairy farming chain on natural capital, to highlight opportunities to reduce GHG emissions during cheese production. The assessment’s opportunities identified are to highlight the interconnections and dependencies within the milk value chain system, including an accounting system for input of ecosystem services.Outcome
The study is under conclusion to include a field verification process and model calibration. The preliminary results show that natural capital is the most negatively impacted by the externalities generated by the milk production process. However, the restoration of degraded pastures in Cerrado Mineiro has the potential to mitigate 5.8 million tons of carbon per year. A strategy to reverse natural capital degradation is investments in human capital, offering capacity-building opportunities to producers, upskilling and transferring knowledge to them on soil and water conservation. The assessment also shows the need to integrate the federal, state and municipal governments’ actions to induce programs that promote the adoption of soil and water conservation practices specific to each producer profile. In the near future, the long case study will be published and its results will inform other Embrapa and Ministry of Agriculture project activities.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
Quantitative
Natural captital issues
Fresh waterLand and soilClimate and energyOther air emissionsWaste
Social and human capital issues
Labor relations
Value perspective
Business and Society
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts and Dependencies
TEEBAgriFood: Yunnan Astral ESG Investment (ASTRAL)
Natural Capital
TEEBAgriFood: Yunnan Astral ESG Investment (ASTRAL)
China
Details
This case study is a pilot case from TEEBAgriFood. ASTRAL ESG is an investment company active in agri-food systems. They work directly with local farmers and indigenous communities, buying food from them. The company is based in Yunnan, China’s most biodiverse, and most ethnically diverse, province. Working in this unique landscape context motivated ASTRAL to identify where their activities create impacts or rely on specific dependencies, such as biodiversity preservation and cultural diversity.ASTRAL decided to conduct a natural capital assessment to better understand and value their positive impact on biodiversity and natural capital and to contribute to a more comprehensive account of their ecological assets. The objective of the assessment is to quantify enhanced natural capital in the Demonstration Zone and prove the value of ASTRAL’s regenerative soil strategy to both investors and consumers. Soil regeneration will help support the transition to low-carbon agriculture, mitigate nature loss and preserve biodiversity, all of which are increasingly important for investors. At the same time, consumers can be educated on the importance of biodiversity, as well as the agricultural techniques and products that do not cause it harm.
Outcome
In relation to ASTRAL’s objectives for their natural capital assessment, the key takeaways from the results so far include: ASTRAL’s soil regeneration strategy produces tangible results to both farm productivity and natural capital condition, and this can be communicated to target further investment. Natural capital risks and opportunities have a significant impact on the food and agricultural system. The opportunity to invest in soil remediation led to increased benefits for both nature and society. At the same time, the risks associated with global climate change halted progress and are forecasted to worsen. The destruction of ecosystems brought on by global climate change and associated severe weather events has dealt a huge blow to agriculture. ASTRAL anticipate soil fertility to continue to decline year after year. Overall, ASTRAL found that the TEEB Agrifood natural capital assessment framework complements ESG investment guidelines and helps identify quality projects that contribute to biodiversity conservation.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
QualitativeQuantitativeMonetary
Natural captital issues
Fresh waterLand and soilClimate and energyBiodiversity
Value perspective
Business
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts and Dependencies
Little Blue Research – Impact valuation for a food and beverage company
Natural CapitalSocial and Human Capital
Little Blue Research – Impact valuation for a food and beverage company
International
Details
Little Blue Research supported the development of an impact based framework and produced valuations for material environmental and social factors across the client’s entire global value chain. The work was undertaken in collaboration with a strategy consultancy.The framework was developed to link the client’s impact with its business actions and different stakeholder groups.
Outcome
Little Blue Research undertook a peer review of the initial measurement approach, and stakeholder and impact mapping across the client’s entire value chain. Materiality criteria were then designed to ensure the inclusion of environmental and social impacts, and to identify dependencies in the supply chain. Indicative impact and dependency valuation was undertaken across human, social and natural capitals. Input was provided into ongoing development of the client’s company-wide measurement methodology and sustainability strategy. The client publicly released commitments relating to regenerative agriculture based on the outputs of this collaborative project. This project provided input into determining relevant company targets & indicators for measurement and updating the client’s strategy.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
QualitativeQuantitativeMonetary
Organizational focus
Corporate
Natural captital issues
Fresh waterLand and soilClimate and energyOther air emissionsBiodiversityMarine and coastalWasteMaterials and resources
Social and human capital issues
Employment and remunerationSkills and knowledgeValue chain relationships
Type of application
Corporate
Value chain
UpstreamDirect operationsDownstream
Value perspective
Business and Society
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts
Goondicum Station – Environmental Accounting Project
Natural Capital
Goondicum Station – Environmental Accounting Project
Australia
Details
Goondicum Station is an iconic 7000-hectare grazing property in the headwaters of the Burnett River catchment, Queensland, Australia. At its centre is a volcanic crater, which has created a unique environment, with highly productive soils that support a beef cattle enterprise alongside thriving native ecosystems. The owners of Goondicum are committed to sustainable land management practices that are founded on the belief that grazing and nature can co-exist.Goondicum aims to preserve the natural environment and wildlife as much as possible, which enhances the productivity of their grazing enterprise, making both environmental and economic sense. To document the outcomes of their land management approach, Goondicum Pastoral Co. worked with the Burnett Mary Regional Group and Accounting for Nature Ltd to develop a holistic Environmental Account, using the Accounting for Nature® Framework, covering the native vegetation, fauna, and soils of this unique property.
The purpose of the environmental account is to document the condition of key environmental assets, to inform sustainable management of their property, and to communicate positive environmental outcomes to other graziers, the community as well as the European Union and Australian premium beef markets.
Outcome
The first year of environmental data collection at Goondicum Station documented an ecosystem in excellent condition despite drought conditions at the time of survey. Native vegetation, soils and fauna were assessed by ecologists and Goondicum staff using Accounting for Nature accredited methods between September 2021 and April 2022. Long-term monitoring sites were established at 70 locations, designed to capture the diversity of vegetation communities, soils and fauna habitat types found across the property. • An Econd® of 71.2 was recorded for native vegetation. An Econd® of at least 75 was recorded for all four native vegetation assessment units, with cleared areas accounting for the reduced overall score. • An Econd® of 82.9 was recorded for terrestrial mammals, indicating that this element of the fauna at Goondicum Station is mostly intact, which is an extremely encouraging finding, given the significant declines experienced by wildlife populations across most of Australia since European colonisation. • An Econd® of 95.5 and a Pcond of 80.0 were recorded for soils, indicating that soils are in excellent productive and ecological condition. The high Econd® and Pcond values recorded at Goondicum Station in this baseline year demonstrate that a sustainable grazing enterprise can operate alongside a healthy ecosystem that supports populations of native species. In coming years, the Campbells aim to include additional environmental assets in the Goondicum Station Account, including birds and freshwater ecosystems.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
Quantitative
Organizational focus
Project
Natural captital issues
Land and soilBiodiversity
Type of application
Project
Value chain
UpstreamDirect operationsDownstream
Value perspective
Business and Society
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts and Dependencies
TEEBAgriFood: Liv Up – Benefits of a short supply chain with smallholder farmers
Natural CapitalSocial and Human Capital
TEEBAgriFood: Liv Up – Benefits of a short supply chain with smallholder farmers
Brazil
Details
LivUp is a foodtech company. Since 2016 Liv Up is building a fair, sustainable food system that respects the environment, through three pillars: Origin, Communities and Future. They identified the younger generation as their key audience and this became the catalyst of creating a new way of living and eating in a way that was practical, healthy and tasty too.Liv Up have cultivated a relationship of trust and partnership between stakeholders, especially the suppliers and clients at both ends of the production chain.
How will the business measure and value impacts and/or dependencies?
Liv Up used Quantitative measurements to assess financial gains as well as qualitative measurements, such as surveys and internal data. This helped analyse the social impacts from the benefits of organic farming such as life quality improvements to those in the production chain and socio-financial stability.
Outcome
Liv Up reports that a better understanding and valuation of the impact generated across their food system has been obtained through the assessment. Several practical decisions have been taken that will be implemented to improve their operations further: Liv Up’s Sourcing Strategy will be consolidated by prioritizing organic food and direct partnerships Liv Up’s Sustainability and ESG Strategy will be consolidated. Quantitative and qualitative valuation showed that social capital is generated through direct partnerships. This leads to better communication with investors and consumers about impact and strengthens their rebranding around impact: “Liv Up: Food for those who matter” Based on the assessment, more resources to the sustainability department have been allocated to deepen the analysis, including creating a job for ESG management and hiring consultants to collect data.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
QualitativeQuantitative
Value chain
Upstream
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts
TEEBAgriFood: APEAM – Assessing risks, Opportunities and Impacts on stakeholders
Natural CapitalSocial and Human Capital
TEEBAgriFood: APEAM – Assessing risks, Opportunities and Impacts on stakeholders
Mexico
Details
APEAM is a Mexican civil association of avacado growers, packers and exporters. APEAM decided to work on a project related to environmental assessments and planning of sustainability targets and strategy. The assessment looked at evaluating natural resources, such as the state of forest, biodiversity, water and soil conservation in the avocado region of Mexico, to create the best agricultural practises. By doing the assessment, APEAM were able to assess value perspective of business and society, whilst considering impacts and dependencies.Outcome
Natural capital outcomes: The outcome of the assessment showed that there would be a benefit for both business and society in the establishment of forest reserves in the region of Mexico. These should be financed by the avocado growers in order to preserve the ecosystem and climate conditions. It was recognised that the high standards of water management need to be maintained in order to conserve as much as possible. The soil and land conservation needs to be maintained, and keep soil free of pesticides and fertilizers. Social/Human capital outcomes: The outcome of the assessment reflected that living standards for workers and employers in the area should be improved. To maintain health of workers, and to do so the high level standard of training regarding usage of agrichemicals should be maintained. This is important as the soil and water should be protected against agrochemicals. Recently, by putting the findings of the assessment into action, the water aquifers in the avocado zone have had no water pollution due to agrochemicals. The social strategy indicates a poverty reduction due to permanent jobs for young people in the production line. Lastly APEAM are now working proactively to analyze water conservation practises and efficient uses of irrigation systems to make the avocado belt more sustainable.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
Monetary
Organizational focus
Project
Natural captital issues
Fresh waterLand and soilBiodiversityMaterials and resources
Social and human capital issues
Value chain relationships
Type of application
Project
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts and Dependencies
Coca Cola – Creating Natural Capital through nature-based solutions: 2022 Progress Report
Natural Capital
Coca Cola – Creating Natural Capital through nature-based solutions: 2022 Progress Report
International
Details
“Water is essential to human life, to the health of our ecosystem and economies, and yet it is under increasing stress due to rising demand and the effect of climate change.”Coca Cola are the world’s largest beverage company. One of their highly valued sustainable business priorities was water stewardship and in 2007 the company made a global commitment to replenish all the water used in their direct products. Since this commitment, the company has 300 water replenishment programs worldwide which include managing water in the operations and supply chain.
Coca Cola produced the ‘How to create Natural Capital through Nature-Based solutions’ and this year they released a progress report. As previously mentioned, there were 7 pilot schemes that took part in the initial report. In this progress report Coca Cola gained insight into the key achievements of each project, as they cover themes such as water quality, water replenishment, groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration and wetland restoration. Coca Cola wanted to explore projects that could provide climate benefits which could be explored further.
The Water Replenishment Programme has been implemented to gain insight into water security, and how Coca Cola can be proactive in operations across the value chain and watersheds worldwide to support water security. They started by measuring ecosystem services benefits of water replenishment projects, which can have a big impact but be challenging in practise. Coca Cola realised the difficulty in economic valuation on a natural capital resource and that comparing results from different projects is difficult without a unified method. By using the Natural Capital Protocol as a framework for developing such guidance that is intended to be used by all project partners when reporting on water replenishment achievements.
Outcome
One of the key learnings from the report was in regards to good data gathering. When developing a methodology for a different projects for the biggest beverage company in the world, having good project implementation partners, clear data and structured approaches cannot be understated or undervalued. Having the knowledge of what data needs were required from the outset, meant that screening of potential benefits could begin at the planning stage. The results support findings from previous assessments, but allowed Coca Cola to gain deeper insight into a multitude of benefits that water replenishment projects can bring. Water quantity benefits are again the most significant out of all assessed ecosystem services. In this evaluation, they noted that results are not as substantial as the previous year. Due to the pilot cases being in less water-stressed areas. Overall Coca Cola released benefits from different types of projects and ecosystem services. Next steps: Coca Cola will continue testing the methodology across different projects globally, and will make it publicly accessible by developing a dedicated toolkit for its implementation. There will be an implementation criteria for carbon sequestration for new water replenishment projects, there will also be pilot projects verification for carbon credits to experience process, complexity and outcomes.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
QualitativeQuantitativeMonetary
Organizational focus
Project
Natural captital issues
Fresh waterLand and soilClimate and energyBiodiversityMarine and coastal
Type of application
Project
Value perspective
Business and Society
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts and Dependencies
Global Green Growth Institute – Climate resilient agriculture in the Aral Sea region
Natural CapitalSocial and Human CapitalIntegrated Capitals
Global Green Growth Institute – Climate resilient agriculture in the Aral Sea region
Uzbekistan
Details
Climate change risks, water stress and the continuous degradation of the Aral Sea have made the agriculture sector in the Aral Sea region the most sensitive and vulnerable among all economic sectors. Consequently, the implementation of adaptation measures has become highly relevant in mitigating the adverse effects of temperature increases, water stress, and the increased frequency and severity of salt and dust storms, while simultaneously securing economic growth, food security, and environmental sustainability. Within the scope of the Green Rehabilitation Investment Project for Karakalpakstan Republic to address impacts of the Aral Sea crisis funded by KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), and following government priorities for the implementation of infrastructure adaptation measures for the agriculture sector in Karakalpakstan, the Green Recovery Investment Analysis sets a precedent in providing an evidence-based assessment for implementing drip irrigation systems, moving crops to greenhouses and planting trees for windbreaks. To bridge the conventional division between food production and sustainable resource management, the 3Returns Framework and the Nature-Based Solutions Framework for Agricultural Landscapes have been used for concluding and recommending a combined implementation of infrastructure adaptation measures for government’s adaptation plans and development partners’ interventions in the region.Outcome
Provide evidence that will support developing the Aral Sea Development Program and the consideration for the issuance of a Green Bond for funding the implementation of adaptation measures in the region.Stakeholder group
Government
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
QuantitativeMonetary
Natural captital issues
Fresh waterLand and soilClimate and energyMaterials and resources
Social and human capital issues
Employment and remunerationSkills and knowledge
Value perspective
Business and Society
Ofi – Balance sheet approach to Natural Capital Accounting
Natural Capital
Ofi – Balance sheet approach to Natural Capital Accounting
International
Details
Little Blue Research produced a natural capital account for Olam Food Ingredients (ofi), a multi-national food and agri-business, to understand the natural capital impacts and dependencies of a specific crop business unit.Technical support was provided to ofi by reviewing and updating current natural capital valuation methods and producing an updated Natural Capital Profit and Loss statement (NC P&L) and a pilot natural capital balance sheet. (NCBS).
Outcome
Little Blue Research undertook a review of ofi’s NC P&L and provided recommendations for improvements to their existing methods of valuing natural capital impacts. A NC P&L and NCBS was produced for 2018 and 2019, following, where possible, the recently launched “BS 8632 natural capital accounting for organizations” standard to identify natural capital impacts and dependencies, and changes over time Valuation methods were developed or updated and a high-level list of risks, opportunities and recommendations based on the outputs of the NC P&L and NCBS for 2018 and 2019 was produced. ofi used the NC P&L and NCBS developed for 2018 and 2019 to develop and publish natural capital accounts for 2020. They are using the outputs to aid their decision making on various matters such as carbon emissions mitigation and adaption strategies. ofi will continue to develop and refine natural capital valuation methodologies overtime and scale them for use in the development of other natural capital accounts for different commodities. ofi will also seek to embed the use of the NC P&L and NCBS throughout the organisation, especially within the finance function.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
QuantitativeMonetary
Organizational focus
Product
Natural captital issues
Fresh waterLand and soilClimate and energyBiodiversityMaterials and resources
Type of application
Product
Value chain
UpstreamDirect operations
Value perspective
Business
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts and Dependencies
Unilever & Global Green Growth Institute – Nipa palm sugar production
Natural CapitalSocial and Human CapitalIntegrated Capitals
Unilever & Global Green Growth Institute – Nipa palm sugar production
Myanmar
Details
Results from the pre-feasibility study for developing a net-zero carbon emissions nipa palm sugar production and processing value chain in the Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar, following a capitals approach through the use of the 3Returns Framework.Outcome
Reach a decision regarding the most sustainable model for nipa palm sugar production and processing based on the regionally available resources and the impacts from a business and landscape perspective. This study demonstrates the value of developing partnerships between the private sector and other actors to ensure that investments in new food value chains are aligned with the global consensus of the urgency to take action to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and ensure fair incomes for farmers. With support from Zawgyi Premier.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
QuantitativeMonetary
Organizational focus
Project
Natural captital issues
Marine and coastal
Social and human capital issues
Employment and remunerationLabor relationsSkills and knowledgeValue chain relationships
Type of application
Project
Value chain
Upstream
Value perspective
Business and Society
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts and Dependencies
Arla Foods – Environmental profit and loss accounting
Natural Capital
Arla Foods – Environmental profit and loss accounting
International
Details
To document the total life cycle environmental impact of their product portfolio, Arla Foods conducted an Environmental Profit and Loss Account (EP&L). The EP&L expresses Arla Foods’ environmental impacts in monetary units, in addition to the underlying physical units. Arla Foods used the results to evaluate their environmental strategy 2020 in order to assure that its focus was put on priority areas.In order to calculate the life cycle emissions, life cycle assessment (LCA) is used. Results are presented at mid-point, e.g. global warming, respiratory effects, nature occupation (biodiversity), and endpoint, for example impacts on human health, ecosystems and resources in monetary units.
Outcome
By using the Stepwise method for valuation, global Warming (CO2, CH4, N2O), respiratory inorganics (air emissions: particles, ammonia, NOx, SO2), and nature occupation (biodiversity), were identified as the most significant. The attributional results showed that terrestrial eutrophication were also important (though less than global warming and respiratory inorganics). Besides using the Stepwise method for valuation, this is also carried out by using the recommended guidelines by the Danish EPA and the method developed by Trucost, which was used in previous studies published by the Danish EPA. This Environmental Profit and Loss Account (EP&L) was one of the first of its kind for the food sector. The results are calculated based on comprehensive data collection and life cycle assessments. The results show that both the value (Profit) and the impacts (Loss) of Arla Foods production and subsequent distribution and consumption of their products are high. The EP&L account gives a broad and deep insight in the impacts from the full life cycle of Arla Foods product portfolio and the underlying contributions. Hence, it provides a good basis for more comprehensive sustainability reporting and for identifying options for improving the performance and reducing the impact.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
QuantitativeMonetary
Organizational focus
Corporate
Natural captital issues
Fresh waterLand and soilClimate and energyOther air emissionsBiodiversityWaste
Type of application
Corporate
Value chain
UpstreamDirect operationsDownstream
Value perspective
Business and Society
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts
ABN AMRO – Integrated profit and loss account assessing impacts of cocoa
Natural CapitalSocial and Human Capital
ABN AMRO – Integrated profit and loss account assessing impacts of cocoa
International
Details
ABN AMRO measured and valued the impact of financed cocoa production across the six capitals.Outcome
The results enabled ABN AMRO to understand where they were contributing, positively and negatively, across all six capitals. They identified the material human rights issues associated with cocoa, the largest negative impacts at farm level are on human capital, for example. One key insight illustrates that if certified cocoa to traders would be stimulated from 29% (currently) to 100%, significant natural, social, and human capital improvements would be achieved. Micro-financing services can also reduce underpayment and under earning at farm level, decreasing negative externalities for farmers by 43%.Support from
Stakeholder group
Finance
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
Monetary
Organizational focus
Portfolio – Asset class
Natural captital issues
Land and soilClimate and energyMaterials and resources
Social and human capital issues
Employment and remunerationLabor relationsSkills and knowledge
Type of application
Portfolio – Asset class
Value perspective
Society
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts
Coca-Cola – Creating natural capital through nature-based solutions
Natural Capital
Coca-Cola – Creating natural capital through nature-based solutions
International
Details
Water stewardship is one of the key sustainable business priorities of The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC). The benefits of water restoration are not just about water volumes. Through restoring nature and providing ecosystem services, water replenishment can bring many additional societal benefits. The potential of Nature-Based Solutions is clear, but we need to build the business case – attract more private-sector interest and more investment. To enable this, we have developed and piloted a standardized methodology for accounting for the ecosystem service benefits of water replenishment in economic terms. Our pilot projects show that in different contexts, water restoration can enhance a range of ecosystem services in addition to providing water, including carbon sequestration, water quality improvement, flood protection, recreation, as well as food & raw materials provisioning. The concept of Natural Capital (NC) has emerged in recent years as a means to facilitate the assessment of a company’s or project’s net impact on the environment and society. By enabling “like-for-like” comparisons, it closes two gaps at once:• between different ecological metrics; and
• between ecological and monetary terms.
Following the steps of the Natural Capital Protocol, the Coca-Cola company identified material natural capital issues, and carried out methodologies to value these across 7 pilot projects. Projects are in the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Belarus, Spain, Malta, Greece, and Portugal.
Outcome
Wetlands provide a wide variety of ecosystem services – these vary depending on the local context and state, as well as based on ecosystem improvement achieved. Their benefit can be substantial. Wetland projects in particular seem an easy win in terms of environmental improvements, but their diversity demands meaningful and accurate data collection. This applies especially to carbon sequestration benefits, where on-the-ground data can do much to improve confidence in results. The large and varied benefits of wetlands make them a quintessential example for what nature-based solutions can offer. For projects in urban settings, water pollution prevention can have benefits potentially even larger than the benefits from use of replenished water itself. Simply put, urban settings provide plenty of pollution to be treated. It is likely that this would also apply to projects mitigating agricultural runoff. What is more, enhancing nature in urban environments has the dual purpose of increasing recreational opportunities and well-being, the benefits of this should be understated. Our methodology for assessing the Natural Capital benefits of water replenishment projects will help us in building a truly comprehensive understanding of the value of nature restoration for both our business and the communities in which we operate. However, it is far from being the final answer – it is much more so a starting point for a wider discussion that helps others inside and outside our direct business system. We will continue to work on Natural Capital / Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) both at the local and the global level, by engaging with our partners and other stakeholders interested in advancing the dialogue.Support from
Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
QualitativeQuantitativeMonetary
Organizational focus
Project
Natural captital issues
Fresh waterLand and soilClimate and energyBiodiversityMarine and coastal
Type of application
Project
Value chain
UpstreamDirect operationsDownstream
Value perspective
Society
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts and Dependencies
Syngenta – Enhancing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes
Natural CapitalSocial and Human Capital
Syngenta – Enhancing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes
International
Details
The core aim of this assessment was to raise awareness of the benefits of enhancing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes by capturing the value it generates in natural and social capital benefits to society.Outcome
Syngenta learned that one important element to evaluate multi-functional field margin projects is the attribution of a monetary value. Whilst monetization of ecosystem services is possible, there are also limitations to consider. Syngenta aim to use the results to inform their internal decision-support system, and to shape their commercial offers and improve value chain collaboration.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
QualitativeQuantitativeMonetary
Organizational focus
Project
Natural captital issues
Fresh waterLand and soilClimate and energyBiodiversityMaterials and resources
Social and human capital issues
Health and safetyLaw and order
Type of application
Project
Value chain
Downstream
Value perspective
Society
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts and Dependencies
Tags
The Wood Foundation – Assessment of tea factory
Natural Capital
The Wood Foundation – Assessment of tea factory
Rwanda
Details
The Wood Foundation aims to understand Shagasha Tea Factory’s impacts and dependencies on natural capital in order to improve their management practices.Outcome
Converting cropland to tea plantations had a positive effect on soil sedimentation and flooding issues. Recommendations for future action include developing stakeholder relationships, development of data sharing and water management plans.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
Qualitative
Organizational focus
Product
Natural captital issues
Fresh waterLand and soilClimate and energyBiodiversity
Type of application
Product
Value chain
Direct operations
Value perspective
Business and Society
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts and Dependencies
Tags
Olam International – Embracing natural capital
Natural CapitalSocial and Human Capital
Olam International – Embracing natural capital
India
Details
Olam wanted to use a natural capital approach to account for natural capital across everything they do. They wish to continue to grow their business in a sustainable way alongside their customers and stakeholders.Outcome
Over three years Olam’s productivity increased by 15%, whilst 62 billion litres of water have been saved. In 2016 the companies initiative was awarded the most noteworthy project of the year by the Confederation of Indian Industry.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
QualitativeQuantitativeMonetary
Organizational focus
Product
Natural captital issues
Fresh waterLand and soilClimate and energyOther air emissionsBiodiversityMaterials and resources
Social and human capital issues
Law and order
Type of application
Product
Value chain
UpstreamDirect operations
Value perspective
Business and Society
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts and Dependencies
Tags
Olam International – Coffee production in North Sumatra
Natural Capital
Olam International – Coffee production in North Sumatra
International
Details
Olam performed a natural capital assessment on their coffee production in Sumatra. The study aimed to inform the design of effective farmer livelihood programs to enhance long term yield security, increase resilience and support the identification of materially important sustainable development goals. With the assessment Olam also wanted to improves their technical approach and refine the tools and findings needed to raise natural capital internally.Outcome
From the assessment, Olam found that negative soil quality impacts could be mitigated by adopting a ‘semi-organic’ approach, which also brings economic gains for the farmers. Secondly, they found that dependency on water use could be managed by providing infrastructure and education to farmers to allow them to adopt more efficient (often rain fed) water management practices. Agroforestry presents greater long-term value for the company. The assessment was used to share findings with stakeholders and those throughout the supply chain in the region, as well as help inform Olam’s decision making in Sumatra. There is a commitment to broaden the assessment to include social value into decision making process to become an integrated assessment.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
QualitativeQuantitativeMonetary
Organizational focus
Product
Natural captital issues
Fresh waterLand and soilBiodiversity
Type of application
Product
Value chain
UpstreamDirect operations
Value perspective
Business and Society
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts and Dependencies
Nestlé – Valuing social impacts
Social and Human Capital
Nestlé – Valuing social impacts
Spain
Details
The key driver for conducting the pilot social capital assessment at Nestlé was to understand the use of the “social capital” concept to drive the sustainability agenda within the business. Nestlé also believed that having better data and insights into their value to society could initiate discussions with partners in the value chain on how to improve the company’s contribution.Outcome
The results of the pilot will be used for internal awareness raising activities and to engage with a selected number of external stakeholders. As such, the company has summarized its experience and lessons from the pilot in a publicly available white paper and is working with the WBCSD and others to strengthen the Social & Human Capital Protocol.Stakeholder group
Business
Sector of focus
Food and beverage
Valuation
Monetary
Organizational focus
Corporate
Social and human capital issues
Employment and remunerationHealth and safetyLabor relationsSkills and knowledge
Type of application
Corporate
Value chain
Direct operations
Value perspective
Society
Impacts and/or dependencies
Impacts and Dependencies
Tags
The Coalition drives impact through collaborative work programs as well as global partnerships and alliances.
Global Commons Alliance
The Capitals Coalition are members of the Global Commons Alliance, a global partnership between more than 50 of the world’s leading organizations in the fields of philanthropy, science, environment, business, cities and advocacy. Together we scale science-based action to protect people and planet.
Business for Nature
The Capitals Coalition are founding partners of the Business for Nature Coalition, a global coalition demonstrating business action and amplifying a powerful private sector voice calling for governments to reverse nature loss in key international agreements.
Global Goal for Nature
Capitals Coalition is one of 22 leading non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations who have come together to develop a Global Goal for Nature and to drive ambition in governments, business and society to halt and reverse the loss of nature by 2030.
High-level Business Actions on Nature
Capitals Coalition, in collaboration with Business for Nature, WBCSD, TNFD, Science Based Targets Network, WEF and WWF, have developed actions to provide companies with the key actions they can take to signal they are making meaningful contributions to help reverse nature loss.
Value Accounting Network
The Value Accounting Network advances the role of value accounting in decision-making, governance and disclosure. The members of the Value Accounting Network collaborate, harmonize and build consistency in the value accounting space and in how it is applied within organizations.
Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures
Capitals Coalition is a knowledge partner of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) supporting its task of developing a risk management and disclosure framework for nature-related risks. This framework will provide companies and investors with decision-useful information to help shift the flow of global capital to nature-positive outcomes.
Capitals Hubs
The Capitals Hubs are formed by communities of practitioners that develop and scale the capitals approach within specific regional or national contexts or within industries or sectors.
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Become part of a dynamic global collaboration of leaders and leading organizations who have united around a purpose-driven ambition.
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Collaborate
Collaborate and connect through our new community platform. Build relationships within the community, collaborate with peers, explore challenges and opportunities and co-create solutions in a pre-competitive forum.