Tandem Global Releases Executive Roundtable Summary on Navigating Strategy and Risk in Sustainability Goal-Setting and Disclosures

/by

Washington, D.C. — Tandem Global announced the release of its Executive Roundtable Summary, Ambition Meets Regulation: Navigating Strategy and Risk in Sustainability Goal‑Setting and Disclosures, produced in partnership with Beveridge & Diamond. The two‑day event, held February 25–26 in Washington, D.C., convened senior leaders from sustainability, legal, finance, and strategic functions across sectors to examine how organizations are recalibrating sustainability strategies amid increasing regulatory complexity, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical volatility.

Access the Summary.

Participants from industries including agriculture, aviation, banking, energy, mining, utilities, chemicals, construction, legal services, and waste management explored how to build durable sustainability strategies that remain credible, compliant, and resilient in a rapidly shifting landscape.

Key Themes from the Roundtable

Sustainability as Resilience
Executives emphasized a major shift underway: sustainability is increasingly synonymous with organizational resilience. As modeling suggests global temperatures could exceed 2.3°C by 2040, companies, especially in energy and utilities, are heightening focus on adaptation and operational continuity.

Recalibrating Ambition Without Retreating
Participants described balancing long‑term climate commitments with operational realities, including supply‑chain constraints, infrastructure limitations, and technology readiness. Many organizations are updating timelines or methodologies while maintaining a clear long‑term “North Star” and emphasizing transparent communication.

AI’s Expanding Environmental Footprint
Artificial intelligence is emerging as a new driver of energy demand and sustainability risk. Participants noted a significant industry‑wide measurement gap, with few consistent methods to quantify AI‑related emissions, prompting questions about the future of carbon accounting and the need to update frameworks such as the GHG Protocol.

Global Reporting Fragmentation
Despite momentum toward greater transparency, multinational companies continue to navigate diverging regulatory approaches. Differences among U.S., EU, and Asian frameworks are pushing organizations to strengthen internal controls, enhance data governance, and integrate sustainability reporting more deeply with financial systems.

Data Governance as a Strategic Capability
Participants emphasized that credible sustainability commitments hinge on robust data quality. Companies are investing in data warehouses, automated systems, and enterprise‑wide governance practices that mirror financial reporting disciplines, including internal controls and third‑party assurance.

Rising Legal Complexity
Legal teams now play a central role in sustainability strategy. With increasing scrutiny around disclosures, greenwashing risk, and regulatory enforcement, companies are adopting more rigorous processes to ensure clarity, accuracy, and decision‑useful transparency.

Embedding Sustainability Across the Enterprise
Executives reiterated that sustainability cannot operate in isolation. Leading companies are embedding sustainability across finance, HR, legal, operations, government affairs, and product development to ensure business‑aligned strategies and strengthened resilience.

Looking Ahead

The summary underscores that sustainability governance is entering a more professionalized era. Organizations are building systems that are more agile, more risk‑informed, and more closely connected to core business strategy. As global conditions evolve, cross‑sector collaboration will remain essential.

“Tandem Global’s Executive Roundtables are designed to foster candid dialogue among leaders who are shaping the future of corporate sustainability,” said Frank Werner, Director of Global Thought Leadership. “This summary captures the shared insights and emerging questions that will define sustainability strategy in the years ahead.”

For more information, please contact:
Frank Werner
Director, Global Thought Leadership and Europe e.V.
fwerner@tandemglobal.org

Tandem Global e.V. Announces New Chair and Vice-Chair

/by

AECOM’s Robert Spencer and Dow’s Dr. Jihane Ball to lead Supervisory Board guiding Tandem Global’s European strategy and corporate engagement 

MUNICH, GERMANY – 12 MARCH 2026 –  Tandem Global, e.V., the European entity of Tandem Global, a leading NGO working at the intersection of business, climate, water and nature, is pleased to announce the election of Robert Spencer, Global Lead – Strategic Sustainability Advisory of AECOM as Chair, and Dr. Jihane Ball, Lead Sustainability Director, EH&S and Sustainability at Dow, was elected Vice-Chair of the Tandem Global, e.V. Supervisory Board. 

The Supervisory Board supports Tandem Global e.V. by advising on strategic initiatives, member outreach in Europe, and matters of governance and finance. Through its deep expertise and strong regional networks, the Supervisory Board plays a critical role in helping Tandem Global anticipate and respond to European trends that affect corporate sustainability strategies.  

“Europe plays a critical role in shaping the global sustainability agenda, and strong leadership is essential as companies navigate this evolving landscape,” said Margaret O’Gorman, CEO of Tandem Global. “Robert and Jihane bring exceptional expertise and strategic perspective to the Supervisory Board, and I look forward to working closely with them as we strengthen Tandem Global’s engagement across Europe and support companies in advancing practical solutions for climate, water, and nature.” 

Spencer brings more than 25 years’ experience in climate, decarbonisation, nature, and the circular economy. He advises boards and executive teams on embedding sustainability into business strategy and infrastructure investment. A recognised  convener and thought leader, he brings a sharp focus on resilient, net-positive supply chains and how business can thrive within planetary boundaries. 

Ball works across Dow businesses to guide the enterprise’s transition to more sustainable business models. She collaborates closely with both Dow Consumer Solutions and Packaging and Specialty Plastics, partner functions, and industry peers to ensure an enabling regulatory framework for cyclics and plastics.