BLOG

If your company has been asked to complete an EcoVadis questionnaire, you are not alone and you are definitely not behind. Many businesses first encounter EcoVadis because a large customer,…

At ThisRock ESG, we recently helped a local school begin its sustainability journey by setting baselines for energy, water, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. The next step was becoming an…

When large enterprise customers, investors, or regulations suddenly start demanding environmental policies, carbon data, or sustainability certifications, most companies hit a wall. Nobody on staff typically knows how to write…

If your business operates in North America, the UK, or Europe, you have likely noticed a major shift in sustainability expectations. Measuring Scope 1, Scope 2, or Scope 3 carbon…

What Does ESG Stand For? At its core, ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It is a structured framework used by investors, large enterprise buyers, and regulatory bodies to…

Selecting the right EcoVadis consultant can mean the difference between a stalled submission and a top-tier scorecard. With enterprise buyers like General Motors, AstraZeneca, and Thermo Fisher strictly mandating minimum…

Watch: Why Is Sustainability Reporting Important in 2025, 2026, and Beyond If your enterprise customers haven’t asked for your ESG data yet, they will soon. Leaving sustainability out of your…

The corporate disclosure season has officially arrived. Whether your organization is an experienced contributor or navigating this environmental framework for the very first time, welcome to the cycle. The online…

📌 2026 Regulatory Update: Carbon accounting has officially shifted from a voluntary corporate social responsibility initiative to a strict compliance mandate. With major enterprise buyers across Canada, the US, and…

The Spring PIVOT 2026 Conference brought together business leaders, educators, innovators, Indigenous voices, government representatives, students, and sustainability professionals to discuss some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing Canada…

Every year, sustainability professionals, business leaders, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, students and community organizations gather to discuss one big question: How do we build a more sustainable future? That conversation was…

Apple recently released its 2025 Environmental Progress Report (detailing fiscal 2024 data), and it is a massive leap forward from what we saw last year. As an ESG specialist, I…

NOTE: This guide has been refreshed to include the April 15, 2026 EcoVadis methodology changes, including new site-level evidence rules and updated medal thresholds. The EcoVadis certification process helps businesses…

The EcoVadis assessment evaluates how well a company manages environmental, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement risks across its operations and supply chain. This guide is not an…

If you are in manufacturing right now, sustainability is no longer optional. That is what we have noticed. Your customers are asking for things like, “Do you know your greenhouse…

Many companies first hear about EcoVadis when a major customer, like AstraZeneca or General Motors, sends an invitation saying, “You need to complete this questionnaire to get a sustainability rating.”…

If you’ve been asked about sustainability certifications recently, you’re not alone. Large companies are rolling out mandatory ESG requirements across their supply chains. That means if your business cannot demonstrate…

Stephen Rainer on our team at ThisRock attended Carbon Removal Day 2026 in Ottawa. The event made one thing unmistakably clear: Canada is no longer exploring carbon removal, rather it…

If your business is being asked for Scope 3 data, supplier policies or EcoVadis documentation, you are not alone. The good news? You do not need a massive Sustainability department.…

Sustainability reports can feel intimidating. Are they 40 pages?Are they 140 pages?Are they polished marketing decks or detailed spreadsheets? If you keep hearing about these reports but are unsure what…

If a major customer has suddenly asked your company for sustainability data, energy consumption numbers, or an ESG policy, you are not alone. For most businesses, an ESG assessment starts…

Sustainability is no longer optional in the automotive industry. If your company is part of the automotive supply chain, whether you manufacture parts or provide services, sustainability requirements are already…

If your company has been asked to obtain an EcoVadis rating, you may be wondering whether you should manage the submission internally or work with an approved EcoVadis training partner.…

Why Your Company Needs an ESG Plan Behind Its Targets 1. Building Stakeholder Trust Companies like Nestlé and General Motors are demanding ESG commitments from their supply chains. An effective…

When companies commit to sustainability, it is not enough to have policies on paper. Real impact comes when employees understand what sustainability means and how to practice it at work…

The General Motors Sustainability Report for 2023 is more than just a corporate document, it’s a public commitment to redefine the future of transportation through environmental leadership, social responsibility, and…

Approved Training Partners are uniquely positioned to help businesses assess and improve sustainability performance HAMILTON, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ThisRock Inc. announced today that it has been named a Approved Training Partner by EcoVadis, the…

Toronto is taking a bold step toward climate action by launching its very first Climate Week, running from October 1–3, 2025. As a sustainability consultant based in Canada, I was…

The Adidas Sustainability Report 2025 hasn’t been released yet, but based on recent public disclosures, verified climate targets, and game-changing product innovation, we have a strong sense of what it…

Sustainability is no longer a niche concern, it’s a key driver of corporate performance. With increasing pressure from customers, investors, regulators, and even employees, companies that fail to implement sustainability…

When you think of Coca-Cola, you might picture a refreshing beverage on a hot day, or maybe, like me, you remember the first time you learned to recycle thanks to…

Branded pens, tote bags, and water bottles have long been staples of the promotional marketing world. But with increasing awareness about environmental issues, one big question keeps popping up: Where…

As sustainability becomes a requirement in business, AstraZeneca’s sustainability strategy is setting a strong example, especially for its suppliers. Whether you’re currently part of their network or aiming to be,…

In recent months, the financial world has been shaken by major banks stepping away from the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA). But what does this shift mean for businesses, investors,…

The Lululemon Sustainability Report was released in September 2024, covering data from 2023. The report highlights strong progress in transparency, emissions reduction, and material innovation, but also reveals gaps in…

To date, large corporations have been leading the way in sustainability, however, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly being called upon to join the global climate action movement. One…

Sustainability Momentum Despite Politics – Here’s what’s really driving change: the economy. Solar and wind energy have gotten so cheap they’re now some of the most cost-effective power sources around.…

Think Big Brands Are Backing Out of Environmental Promises? Think Again.

What Does Elon Musk Really Think About Climate Change? Learn More With Us.

Well, shoot. What a year. I kicked off 2024 with my head down, running full speed ahead. Every milestone felt like a lifeline—“this will work, this will work!”—and I kept…

Introduction: Living Wage If your business is paying employees the minimum wage, you may be wondering if that’s enough to meet the living wage requirements in your region. Spoiler alert:…

Introduction: A Commitment Beyond Products Patagonia has built its reputation not just on high-quality outdoor apparel but on a profound commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Through the Patagonia Sustainability…

Nike’s Sustainability Report in 2023, titled “Moving Together,” offers a deep look into the brand’s efforts to address environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges. As a global leader, Nike has…

Corporate sustainability has evolved from a buzzword into a critical element of long-term success. Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to enhance your company’s sustainability efforts, understanding corporate…

ThisRock has hit a new milestone, earning the EcoVadis Platinum Medal for Management Consulting Service Providers! We are humbled. This important certification places us in the top 1% of our…

Sustainability is at the forefront of corporate responsibility, and the latest Microsoft Sustainability Report provides a comprehensive view of the company’s progress. This blog post looks into the sustainability report…

Are you seeking to advance your sustainability efforts and build meaningful connections? Attending the top sustainability conferences in the industry can significantly impact your journey. Whether you’re a business leader,…

With growing urgency around sustainability, the call for environmental responsibility is louder than ever. These top environmental speakers lead the charge, inspiring audiences to take meaningful action for a greener…

CSR vs ESG—these two frameworks are essential for guiding modern businesses toward ethical and sustainable practices. As companies evolve, understanding the distinctions between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social,…

CSSB Reporting: What it means for Canadian businesses

As the landscape of corporate transparency and compliance evolves, understanding the intricacies of ESG reporting and SEC disclosure standards is crucial for businesses. In this post, we delve into the…

Amazon, one of the world’s largest corporations, has the potential to make a significant impact on global sustainability. In this blog post, we dive into the latest Amazon sustainability report,…

Introduction to ESG Banking ESG Banking, short for Environmental, Social, and Governance Banking, represents a transformative shift in the financial sector. It integrates sustainable practices into banking operations, aligning financial…

CPAs and Sustainability: What does it mean for you? We’ve all heard increased discussion around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues. But what does it mean for you? Are you…

Introduction to ESG Scores Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores are increasingly becoming a pivotal factor in determining a business’s market reputation, investor attractiveness, and operational sustainability. In a world…

Environmental, Social and Governance: What to Look For When analyzing these report, look for transparency, actionable data, and a clear message from leadership. Effective reports should have a balanced mix…

Is your business more concerned with its environmental impact? Maybe your largest customer is asking for your environmental policies and targets. Many like you are seeking ways to measure and…

Well, its almost “so-long” to 2023. ThisRock Inc stands proud! We embarked on a passionate journey that reaffirmed our firm’s commitment to making sustainability consulting helpful and accessible for every…

The term ESG has become popularized in the corporate world, prompting businesses to reevaluate their practices. Many are being asked by their large customers for policies and data covering Environmental,…

Why Should Businesses Know the SDGs? Lots of companies use them as a north star for their sustainable projects. Plus, they’re super visual so they’re easy for your customers or…

Greening your small business As ThisRock gets off the ground, I’m talking to friends, peers, and business owners. Just regular humans. We all have busy lives. Thinking about climate change…

How to make your retail store more sustainable You and your retail business have been through ups and down over the last few years. You’re always pushing to get back…

If you haven’t met me before, you should know I am a big time optimist. Even after learning many lessons (several humbling and hard) in business and personal life, I…

There is nothing better than talking to local Ontario restaurants about their eco friendly efforts. I spent the last few days driving from Waterdown to Burlington to Hamilton. I carried…

ThisRock is onto a new industry this week, researching sustainable waterways. (If you missed it, last week’s industry was restaurant sustainability) Over the last 5 days we sat down with people…

Yes, you read that right. And it is happening in big ways across Canada, the United States and world-wide.  Let’s back up. Time out. (Yes, that was a Saved By The Bell…

Staff attrition is expensive. Motivated employees outperform. Both impact profitability. I just came from a client’s facility. They invited some of their staff into the boardroom to meet with me.…

What is net zero and why should small and mid-sized businesses care? Net-zero: It is all over the headlines   I was at an event last week and the title of…

Make use of ESG & sustainability grants and incentives for your business. Looking at capital project candidates at your business? Want to pitch a green or social approach? For example,…

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) is a framework used by financial institutions and companies accessing public markets. Confused about the TCFD? We’ll, you’re not alone.  In this blog,…

While some people are planning to retire on Mars, we’re betting on this rock. ThisRock offers consultations and coaching to support your business as it gets more environmentally, and socially conscious…

SASB: A key framework for sustainability The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards are used by many companies world-wide. They are unique and informative to businesses, investors and lenders because…

Is ESG profitable for a business? We need a Ted Lasso sized woo-hoo here. Yes! Absolutely. And, to show you, we opened up Microsoft Excel and created a spreadsheet of…

ThisRock is a sustainability consulting firm in Hamilton Ontario. It is no secret that businesses – both small and medium – are starting to feel pressure from employees, customers, lenders…

Just start. Creating a sustainable business can be as simple as doing 2-minutes. Read why. You are grinding. I bet everyone at your business is maxed out. You don’t even…

You should know, while writing this I have a dog at my feet.  How can we make the medical care for animals more sustainable?  “I wanted to ask you about…

Getting the word out on business sustainability is important. Why? Keeping your good work – to reduce waste, repurpose materials, donate, or even innovate along your supply chain to be…

Don’t get worried. Get motivated. 🌎❤️ It was dread, fear and worry. That’s what was in the pit of my stomach yesterday looking out over Toronto, Hamilton, and Burlington. What…

Lindsay Hampson, ThisRock Inc.’s founder, was featured in an article from the DeGroote School of Business in March 2023. The idea for ThisRock was born out of the Executives MBA program. Lindsay…

It’s Canada Day weekend. To many of us, it means finding some friends or family to relax and laugh with. Some lucky ones head to cottages, beaches, or dinners. (Many…

What Is the Circular Economy? It is unreal how innovative a business can become once introduced to the concept of circularity. The circular economy means that businesses stop producing waste.…

How to Handle Sustainability Questions in a Customer Conversation Not every sustainability request arrives as a formal questionnaire. Often it starts with a customer asking, in a call or an…

ThisRock’s Founder, Lindsay Hampson, was interviewed by the Financial Post in Fall 2023 for their ESG and Canadian small business article.  The article was a summary of ESG (Environmental, Social, and…