Tandem Global Releases Executive Roundtable Summary on Building Climate Resilience Together at Munich Climate Week

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Munich, Germany – Tandem Global has released the summary of its Executive Roundtable, Building Climate Resilience Together, held in partnership with Airbus and Ramboll during Munich Climate Week on October 20, 2026. The discussion brought together 41 sustainability executives, investors, insurers, start-ups, and NGO leaders to explore how climate resilience can become more integral to business risk assessments, strategic planning, and long-term growth. 

Access the Summary.

As climate-related risks increasingly affect businesses, supply chains, and communities, participants explored how emerging technologies and cross-sector collaboration can help companies prepare for a changing climate. Four key themes emerged: 

Recognizing nature as an economic asset. 

Advances in artificial intelligence and satellite imagery are making it easier to assess natural resources and understand their resilience to climate change. Participants discussed how companies and financial markets could incorporate natural capital into balance sheets and investment decisions. The concept of “Nature Equity” emerged as a potential new approach to measuring and managing ecosystem health as an economic asset. 

Moving beyond the disclosure gap to address the recognition gap. 

Although data and analytical capabilities are improving, nature-related risks and the value of natural capital remain insufficiently reflected in many business and investment decisions. Participants emphasized that better information alone is not enough. Business leaders and capital markets must recognize the strategic and financial value of nature and integrate it into decision-making. 

Making climate adaptation a business priority. 

While reducing emissions remains essential to limiting future climate impacts, increasing exposure to droughts, wildfires, floods, and water scarcity is making adaptation an immediate business concern. Companies are beginning to assess physical climate risks, diversify supply chains, and develop adaptation strategies. However, limited budgets, uncertainty about future impacts, and difficulties measuring progress continue to present challenges. 

Aligning markets and stakeholders to accelerate resilience. 

Building climate resilience at scale requires coordinated action from companies, investors, insurers, and governments. Participants highlighted opportunities to strengthen vulnerable supply chains, engage local communities, improve insurance mechanisms, and create incentives that reward investments in resilience. Better market design and clearer stakeholder responsibilities will be essential to mobilizing action and avoiding the much greater costs of inaction. 

In conclusion, participants emphasized that technology and better data are creating new opportunities to understand and manage climate risks. However, translating this knowledge into meaningful change requires a broader understanding of economic value—one that recognizes the essential contribution of nature. Protecting long-term prosperity will require businesses and financial markets to look beyond conventional balance sheets and work together to build climate resilience. 

The Executive Roundtable was held under the Chatham House Rule, and comments are not attributed to individuals or organizations. 

For more information, please contact: 

Frank Werner
Director, Global Thought Leadership and Europe e.V.
fwerner@tandemglobal.org 

Tandem Global Highlights Restoration Partnership as an Example of a Model for Corporate Funding for Biodiversity

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Document released at COP17 explores how corporate funding, conservation expertise and public land management can work together to support lasting ecological outcomes

BETHESDA, MD, November 10, 2026 – Tandem Global has released a new paper, Biodiversity Assurance Model: Planning and Managing Nature Investments for Lasting Results, featuring its work with to support restoration of a globally rare ecosystem along Lake Michigan in Northwest Indiana. The paper illustrates how a structured approach to corporate funding for biodiversity can connect business objectives with ecological priorities, partner accountability, and measurable, long-term outcomes. Download the paper here.

The model was presented and the paper released during an event at the Business and Finance hub at COP17, the United Nations’ global biodiversity conference, in Yerevan, Armenia on October 23: “From Corporate Funding to Landscape Impact: Restoring a Globally Rare Ecosystem,” moderated by Anna Willingshofer, Chief Science and Innovation Officer of Tandem Global.

Case Study: Lake Michigan Dune and Swale Ecosystem Restoration Program

The featured case study focuses on a four-year, $1.5 million Lake Michigan dune and swale ecosystem restoration program. The initiative brings together corporate funding, conservation science, public land-management authorities and local implementation capacity to restore and manage approximately 404 hectares (998 acres) of rare dune and swale habitat within Northwest Indiana’s Lake Michigan watershed.

Tandem Global structured the initiative around shared ecological objectives and clearly defined partner roles. The partnership includes the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Lake County Parks and Recreation, and The Nature Conservancy of Indiana, combining their respective expertise in conservation priorities, land management, restoration and technical support.

“Corporate contributions to nature can do more when it is connected to established ecological priorities, capable implementation partners and clear accountability for results,” said Willingshofer. “Our work in Northwest Indiana is a practical example of how those elements can be built in from the outset, helping partners coordinate their efforts and track progress toward shared and measurable restoration objectives.”

A Framework for Aligning Corporate Funding with Local Conservation Priorities

The paper outlines five elements of the Tandem Global Biodiversity Assurance Model: ecological credibility, delivery capacity, accountability, evidence and durability. Together, these elements offer a framework for aligning corporate funding with local conservation priorities, defining responsibilities across partners, documenting implementation and ecological response, and establishing stewardship arrangements to sustain results beyond an initial funding period.

Rather than focusing solely on the amount of funding provided or reporting results after implementation, the model emphasizes planning for accountability and evidence from the beginning. The case study demonstrates how this approach can help connect corporate biodiversity commitments with the organizations, expertise and long-term management needed to deliver restoration across a complex landscape.

Discussions at COP 17 centered on the private sector focused on de-risking corporate contributions for ecological restoration as one tool to bridge the significant funding gap that exists to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Tandem Global’s Biodiversity Assurance Model is one such approach to de-risking and assuring metrics and impact.

Download the paper here.

WHC Certification Applications for 2026 Due December 1

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Tandem Global encourages applicants to submit early and highlights updated requirements and resources to support successful submissions

BETHESDA, MD, October 28, 2026 – Organizations seeking to renew or obtain WHC Certification® in 2026 have until December 1, 2026, to submit their applications for consideration this year. Tandem Global encourages applicants to submit early to allow time to address technical issues, access support from Certification specialists, and avoid last-minute delays. Begin or continue an application here.

WHC Certification, powered by Tandem Global, recognizes corporate conservation programs that deliver measurable benefits for nature. Through an independent review process, WHC Certification provides organizations with a framework to demonstrate their commitment to biodiversity, habitat conservation, and environmental stewardship.

“WHC Certification gives companies a way to demonstrate the value of their conservation work and build a stronger foundation for continued progress,” said Hannah Tailor, Senior Manager of Certification at Tandem Global. “With the December 1 deadline approaching, we encourage applicants to get started early, take advantage of available resources. and reach out to our team with questions well before submitting.”

Key changes to 2026 applications

Applicants should review two important updates to this year’s application requirements:

  • Application fees: Fees are now based on the number of projects included in a program’s application.
  • Project eligibility: Habitat and species projects must meet a one-year, on-the-ground requirement to qualify.

Tandem Global recommends reviewing these requirements before submitting an application to ensure projects meet the eligibility criteria and applicants understand the applicable fees.

Resources to help applicants prepare

Applicants can access several resources to strengthen their submissions and navigate the application process:

Organizations with questions about eligibility, application requirements or the submission process can contact the WHC Certification team at certification@tandemglobal.org. Certification specialists can also help organizations explore whether conservation work underway at additional locations may be suitable for WHC Certification.

Applications eligible for the 2026 Tandem Global Awards

Applications received between January 1 and December 1, 2026, are eligible for the 2026 Tandem Global Awards, which will be presented at the Tandem Global Conference, June 9–10, 2027, in Chicago.

Begin or continue an application here.

 

Tandem Global Leaders to Join Conversations on Business, Climate and Nature This Fall at COP17 and More

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BRUSSELS, BELGIUM, October 5, 2026 – Tandem Global leaders will participate in a series of international discussions this fall focused on the intersection of business, climate, water and nature, with engagements spanning Brussels, Munich and Yerevan, Armenia.

From corporate water stewardship and climate resilience to biodiversity and financing nature, Tandem Global CEO Margaret O’Gorman and Chief Science and Innovation Officer Anna Willingshofer will bring perspectives on how companies can translate environmental ambition into practical action and measurable outcomes.

“Tandem Global’s work is grounded in a simple premise: meaningful progress happens when business works together with communities, partners and other stakeholders to move from commitments to action,” said Margaret O’Gorman, CEO of Tandem Global. “These conversations provide an important opportunity to share what we are learning, listen to others and identify practical approaches that can advance climate and nature action.”

Brussels: Water Stewardship and Business Value

On October 13, O’Gorman will participate in a Leadership Roundtable at CSR Europe’s European Sustainable Industry Summit 2026 in Brussels. The discussion will focus on water stewardship and approaches that create value for business, nature and communities.

Munich: Building Climate Resilience Through Collaboration

On October 20, Tandem Global will host an Executive Roundtable during Munich Climate Week, presented in partnership with Airbus and Ramboll.

The invitation-only discussion will bring together representatives from business, finance, government and academia to explore strategies and collaboration needed to strengthen climate resilience.

Yerevan: Business and Biodiversity at COP17

Tandem Global will then participate in COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia, October 23–27, with O’Gorman and Willingshofer taking part as speakers and moderators in six events focused on corporate action, biodiversity and nature.

The program includes discussions on landscape-scale restoration, biodiversity in the energy industry, pollinator protection, measuring net impact across business portfolios and financing nature through business operations.

O’Gorman and Willingshofer will also moderate important discussions including the opening panel of the Business and Biodiversity Forum on October 25, examining the current state of business action for biodiversity, and official side event Protecting Pollinators, featuring opening remarks from Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Tandem Global at COP17

October 23
From Corporate Funding to Landscape Impact: Restoring a Globally Rare Ecosystem
10:00–10:45 | Business and Finance Hub, Action Zone, Blue Zone

Capacity Building for Biodiversity in the Energy Industry
16:00–16:45 | Business and Finance Hub, Action Zone, Blue Zone

Strengthening Collaboration between Governments and Businesses for Biodiversity: Lessons from National Practice
18:15- 19:45 | Komitas, Block 2, 3rd Floor, Blue Zone

Protecting Pollinators, Transforming Food Systems: A Regional Pathway for Implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework
18:15-20:00 | Official COP17 Side Event, Aparan Room (JUSCANZ), Blue Zone

October 25
Opening Panel: The State of Business Action for Biodiversity
9:00–10:00 | Business and Biodiversity Forum, Blue Zone

October 26
Measuring Net Impact Across a Business Portfolio
11:00–11:45 | Business and Finance Hub, Action Zone, Blue Zone

October 27
Financing Nature Through Business Operations: Turning Everyday Corporate Investment into Biodiversity, Water and Community Outcomes
9:00–9:45 | Netherlands Pavilion, Blue Zone

Taking the Conversation Forward

“Business has an important role to play in advancing action on nature and biodiversity, but progress depends on moving beyond individual commitments and finding ways to work across sectors and landscapes,” said Anna Willingshofer, Chief Science and Innovation Officer, Tandem Global. “COP17 is an important opportunity to share practical examples and explore how business investment and collaboration can contribute to meaningful outcomes.”

The fall engagements reflect Tandem Global’s focus on connecting companies and partners around practical solutions at the intersection of business, climate, water and nature.

Will you be in Europe this October? Connect with us to learn more about these events and opportunities to engage:

Margaret O’Gorman                     Anna Willingshofer                       Frank Werner

New White Paper: From Corporate Action to Community Impact: An Overview of Tandem Global’s Social Impact Model and Its Application Across Programs and Partnerships

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BETHESDA, Md., August 7, 2026 – Tandem Global announces the release of a new white paper, From Corporate Action to Community Impact: An Overview of Tandem Global’s Social Impact Model and Its Application Across Programs and Partnerships, available for download today. This white paper is sponsored by Koch.  

For much of modern business history, corporate success was measured primarily through financial performance and shareholder returns. This perspective has evolved as organizations increasingly recognize that long-term value creation depends on the health and resilience of the broader social and ecological systems in which they operate. As a result, businesses are increasingly viewed not only as economic actors but also as influential institutions shaping economic opportunity, community development, and social outcomes worldwide. This changing relationship between business and society has elevated the importance of social impact. 

This white paper explores Tandem Global’s Social Impact Model and how the organization empowers the private sector to create lasting value for people and communities. By examining consulting initiatives, WHC Certification®, and grant-funded projects, it demonstrates how collaboration between businesses and communities can create measurable environmental and social outcomes while building the partnerships needed for long-term resilience. 

Featured case studies include:   

  • Buzzi Unicem, Wildlife Habitat and Outdoor Classroom: Pryor, OK 
  • General Motors, SGM Jinqiao: Shanghai, China 
  • WM, Southeastern Microhabitat Initiatives: U.S.A. 

Sponsored by Koch, this white paper features a foreword from Sheryl Corrigan, Vice President, Environmental, Health and Safety, offering insight into how corporate leadership and cross-sector collaboration can drive meaningful, measurable social impact and create lasting benefits for communities. 

About Tandem Global  

Tandem Global (formerly Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center), provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward, together. Across sectors and at all levels of its member organizations, Tandem Global works to facilitate long-term and lasting impact on all aspects of our natural world. It connects leading thinking with practical solutions that positively impact climate, nature, and water. From field operations to boardrooms and beyond, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impact strategies and resilient solutions that can support a better future. Tandem Global is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, USA, with locations across the U.S., in Latin America and Munich, Germany. For more information visit tandemglobal.org.   

Tandem Global Announces New Board Members and Honors Outgoing Directors

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BETHESDA, MD – JUNE 29, 2026 – Tandem Global, a leading NGO working at the intersection of business, climate, water and nature, is pleased to announce the appointment of three distinguished sustainability leaders to its Board of Directors, bringing deep expertise from the manufacturing, energy, and technology sectors to support the organization’s mission of advancing business leadership for nature.

Joining the Board are:

  • Tim Hilgeman, Senior Director of Environmental Sustainability, Toyota North America
  • Tracey Leung, Vice President, Environmental Health and Safety, Ontario Power Generation
  • Scott Tew, Vice President and Global Head, Sustainability Strategy, Trane Technologies

These accomplished leaders bring decades of experience in environmental stewardship, corporate sustainability, operational excellence, and strategic leadership. Their insights and perspectives will help guide Tandem Global as it continues to expand its impact and support companies in delivering meaningful outcomes for nature, biodiversity, and sustainability.

“At a time when businesses face growing pressure to address climate and nature risk—and a unique opportunity to lead—Tim, Tracey, and Scott bring the operational and cross-sector experience needed to turn ambition into action,” said Emilio Tenuta, Tandem Global Board Chair and SVP and Chief Sustainability Officer of Ecolab. “Each brings a unique perspective and a strong track record of leadership in advancing sustainability within their organizations. Their expertise will enhance our ability to  help businesses drive measurable impact for nature and communities around the world.”

“At the same time, Tandem Global extends its sincere gratitude to three outgoing Board members whose service and leadership have helped shape the organization’s growth and success:

  • Laurie Davies Adams, retired executive (Pollinator Partnership)
  • Bill Brady, retired executive (Exelon)
  • Alan Kreisberg, retired executive (Lafarge)

Over their combined years of service, Laurie, Bill, and Alan provided thoughtful guidance, strategic counsel, and steadfast commitment to Tandem Global’s mission. Their contributions have strengthened the organization and helped position it for continued success.

“We are deeply grateful to Laurie, Bill, and Alan for their dedication and leadership,” said Margaret O’Gorman, Chief Executive Officer of Tandem Global. “Their wisdom, passion, and commitment to our mission have left a lasting impact on our organization. On behalf of our staff, members, and fellow Board members, we thank them for their service and wish them all the best.”

The appointments reflect Tandem Global’s continued commitment to bringing together leaders from across industries to advance practical, scalable solutions that benefit both business and nature.

For a full list of Board Members, visit Our People page.

Corporate Conservation Awards Announced at the Tandem Global Conference 2026, Presented by ExxonMobil

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Austin, TX, JUNE 3, 2026 – Tandem Global, a leading NGO working at the intersection of business and nature, announces the winners of its 2026 Tandem Global Awards during their annual conference held in Austin, Texas, on June 2-3. The Tandem Global Awards honor excellence in corporate conservation, with awardees representing national and international companies across a variety of industries.  

The year’s top honors were awarded to Freeport-McMoRan, Cemex, and Matador Ranch and Cattle Company.  

“Each year, we see corporate conservation move from ambition to execution in increasingly sophisticated ways,” said Margaret O’Gorman, Chief Executive Officer, Tandem Global. “This year’s awardees demonstrate that meaningful environmental progress is not only compatible with business performance but is being embedded into core strategy across sectors and geographies. We are proud to recognize organizations that are turning commitment into measurable, lasting impact.” 

Corporate Conservation Leadership Award  

Freeport-McMoRan received this year’s Corporate Conservation Leadership Award, recognizing the company’s overall achievement in conservation and commends their corporate commitment to biodiversity, conservation education and alignment with global conservation objectives. 

Employee Engagement Award 

The Employee Engagement Award, given to Cemex, celebrates the exemplary contributions of one company’s employees towards their habitat and conservation education efforts. 

Gold Program of the Year 

The Gold Program of the Year Award, which honors the overall depth of one corporate conservation program certified by WHC Certification®, was awarded to Matador Ranch and Cattle Company for its work at the Beaverhead Ranch in Dillon, Montana. 

Project Awards 

In addition to these corporate and program-level awards, individual projects are recognized for excellence in each of the WHC Certification®, powered by Tandem Global, project themes. These award categories offer projects of all sizes the ability to compete for recognition.   

Overall, this year’s most honored company was Ontario Power Generation, who received the following Tandem Global Project Awards: Invasive Species Project Award, Pollinators Project Award, Reptiles and Amphibians Project Award, and Wetlands and Water Bodies Project Award.  

The following is a complete list of 2026 Tandem Global Award Winners:  

Avian Project Award
Ashland, Former Landfill – GA, Brunswick, Georgia 

Awareness and Community Engagement Project Award
General Motors, DMAX Ltd, Moraine, Ohio 

Bats Project Award
Vulcan Materials Company, Durbin Quarry, Irwindale, California 

Desert Project Award
Cemex, Atotonilco: Cerro Jardín + Xoyatla + Coayuca, Hidalgo, México 

Forests Project Award
Grupo México, Área de Conservación Sierra La Elenita, Sonora, México 

Formal Learning Project Award
Grifols Therapeutics, Clayton Facility, Clayton, North Carolina 

Grasslands Project Award
Flint Hills Resources, Pine Bend, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 

Green Infrastructure Project Award
Freeport-McMoRan., Copper Queen Branch, Bisbee, Arizona 

Invasive Species Project Award
Ontario Power Generation, OPG Nuclear Operations Darlington and Pickering, Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada 

Invasive Species Coordinated Approaches Project Award
BASF, Belvidere,, New Jersey 

Land Conservation Agreements Project Award
Matador Ranch and Cattle Company, Beaverhead Ranch, Dillon, Montana 

Landscaped Project Award
CalPortland, El Segundo Ready Mix Plant, El Segundo, California 

Mammals Project Award
BP, Opportunity Ponds, Anaconda, Montana 

Other Habitat Project Award
Vulcan Materials Company, Colton Conservation Bank, Colton, California 

Other Species Project Award
Lundin Gold, Magnolia yantzazana, Fruta del Norte, Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador 

Pollinators Project Award
Ontario Power Generation, R.H. Saunders Generating Station, Cornwall, Ontario, Canada 

Remediation Project Award
WM, Twin Creeks Landfill, Watford, Ontario, Canada 

Reptiles and Amphibians Project Award
Ontario Power Generation, OPG Nuclear Operations Darlington and Pickering, Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada 

Species of Concern Project Award
Freeport-McMoRan, NM Operations, Tyrone, New Mexico 

Training Project Award
General Motors, Mogi das Cruzes, Warren, São Paulo, Brazil 

Wetlands and Water Bodies Project Award
Ontario Power Generation, Wesleyville Site, Port Hope, Ontario, Canada 

Tandem Global Corporate Conservation Leadership Award
Freeport-McMoRan 

Tandem Global Employee Engagement Award
Cemex 

Tandem Global Gold Program of the Year Award
Matador Ranch and Cattle Company 

Award finalists and winners were chosen from WHC Certification applications submitted between January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. Information on the award criteria can be found here. 

About Tandem Global 

Tandem Global (formerly Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center), provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward, together. Across sectors and at all levels of its 100+ member organizations, Tandem Global works to facilitate long-term and lasting impact on all aspects of our natural world. Tandem Global connects leading thinking with practical solutions that positively impact climate, nature, and water. From field operations to boardrooms and beyond, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impact strategies and resilient solutions that can support a better future. Tandem Global is headquartered in Washington, D.C., USA, with locations across the U.S., in Latin America and Munich, Germany. For more information visit tandemglobal.org. 

New White Paper: Microhabitats in Managed Landscapes – Designing Pollinator, Forest, and Wetland Habitats on a Micro-Scale

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BETHESDA, Md., May 20, 2026 – Tandem Global announces the release of a new white paper, Microhabitats in Managed Landscapes: Designing Pollinator, Forest, and Wetland Habitats on a Micro-Scale, available for download today. This white paper is sponsored by Ontario Power Generation.

The world is urbanizing at an unprecedented pace. Today, more than half of the global population lives in cities, and by 2050, nearly 70 percent of people are expected to reside in dense urban environments. As development continues to replace natural landscapes with gray infrastructure, ecological connectivity is increasingly fragmented, placing growing pressure on biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and human well-being.

This white paper examines how companies are integrating microhabitats into urban and industrial landscapes. Through case studies focusing on microforests, pollinator habitats, and wetland habitats, it highlights how small-scale restoration projects can produce measurable ecological and social benefits, demonstrating that even modest interventions, when thoughtfully designed and implemented, can significantly support biodiversity.

Featured case studies include:

  • WM, Harlem River Yard Transfer Station, New York, U.S.A.
  • Fishbeck, Fishbeck Grand Rapids: Michigan, U.S.A.
  • ITC Holdings, ITC Transmission Line Right-of-Way at Tomlinson Arboretum: Michigan, U.S.A.
  • Navajo Refining Company, Navajo Nature Trail: New Mexico, U.S.A.
  • Toyota, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia Inc.: West Virginia, U.S.A
  • W.R. Grace, Baton Rouge Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Program by W.R. Grace, Albemarle & Ethyl: Louisiana, U.S.A.

Sponsored by Ontario Power Generation, this white paper features a foreword from Tracy Leung, Vice President of Environment Health and Safety, highlighting how OPG is implementing microhabitat initiatives across its operations through native pollinator gardens, wetland restoration, invasive species management, wildlife habitat enhancement, and community partnerships that support biodiversity and ecological resilience.

About Tandem Global

Tandem Global (formerly Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center), provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward, together. Across sectors and at all levels of its member organizations, Tandem Global works to facilitate long-term and lasting impact on all aspects of our natural world. It connects leading thinking with practical solutions that positively impact climate, nature, and water. From field operations to boardrooms and beyond, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impact strategies and resilient solutions that can support a better future. Tandem Global is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, USA, with locations across the U.S., in Latin America and Munich, Germany. For more information visit tandemglobal.org.

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

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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

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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.