CEC’s Core Experience: Case Study
International financing architecture and the role of MDBs and private finance firms for climate and nature
Research & Development
Global
Project objective
CEC participated as a MENA case study organization to identify the challenges and opportunities faced by small-medium enterprises around financial inclusion, support ecosystem services and resource constraints. This allowed the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership to develop a regional understanding of the range of challenges faced and develop a roadmap of action for banks to support SMEs on their net zero/ low carbon economy journey(s).
Results
Through participation in innovation sprints and research interviews, following tangible recommendations for banks, buyers and SMEs were identified:
Climate Readiness classification process based upon market segmentation by stage, size, sector, and location criteria, and co-development of a diagnostic tool to assess SMEs Climate Readiness, promoting internal knowledge and action amongst SMEs about net zero, paired with appropriately calibrated transition resources.
Centralised, shared ESG/emissions data repository between SMEs, corporates, and banks that triangulates data points for better scope-based progress reporting along supply chains. This repository can then be used to incentivise SME reporting and transition more effectively.
SME decarbonisation roadmaps (benchmarks) incentivising opportunities and encouraging behaviour change.
A marketplace that provides net zero transition support services for thematically clustered SMEs, corporates, and banks.
Work areas
•Innovation sprinting •Thematic mapping •Collective intelligence •Market analysis. •Policy analysis
Financial innovation for Small-medium Enterprises for net zero transition through business model alignment
Research & Development
Global
Project objective
Develop an enabling environment for scaling up private finance for both climate and nature financing at the global and country levels
Results
Expanding the scope of climate financing to intentionally co-design instruments to achieve nature-positive outcomes is not only an investment worth making for the future of our planet but also offers significant economic and social co-benefits. By mobilizing public- and private-sector resources and deploying innovative financial instruments, we can bridge the financing gap for nature and create a sustainable and resilient future for all. Multi-lateral Development Banks, along with other international financial institutions, have a pivotal role to play in leading this transformative effort.
Work areas
•International financing mechanisms •Development Finance roadmapping •Private Finance Moblization
Assessment of private finance mobilization for Operational Priority 3 on Climate Change with particular focus on ADB Youth for Asia workstreams
Research & Development
Asia Pacific
Project objective
CEC participated as a MENA case study organization to identify the challenges and opportunities faced by small-medium enterprises around financial inclusion, support ecosystem services and resource constraints. This allowed the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership to develop a regional understanding of the range of challenges faced and develop a roadmap of action for banks to support SMEs on their net zero/ low carbon economy journey(s).
Results
Through the strategic alignment to OP3, various climate risk assessment and private finance mobilization actions were intrduced. For example: Intensel provides climate risk analytics combined with financial analysis that evaluates asset exposure to climate risks and climate value at risk. It also offers risk management to minimize losses to property damage and business interruption. The data Intensel providers is more accurate, faster, and more actionable for asset owners and managers targeting clients in the financial, power, and infrastructure sectors.
Work areas
•Climate risk analytics •Asset expsoure assessment •Climate risk assessment
The Demand Side of Impact Investing: Opportunities and Challenges faced by Social Enterprises
Research & Development
Global
Project objective
The study provides a list of policy and programmatic recommendations for social entrepreneurs, impact investors and intermediaries to help grow impact investment field across Asia and the Pacific region.
Results
Capacity building and enhancement by learning to create, test and pivot business models to make them more robust and sustainable
Measuring, monitoring and evaluating financial impacts of the enterprise to make stronger business case for investment
A catalogue of intermediary support organizations for enterprises (e.g., organizations that support the structuring of deals) as well as service providers for investors (e.g., providers who conduct due diligence on investees) would significantly help in generating awareness of the players in this market
Work areas
•Impact investing •Sustainable impact mapping •Due deligence methodologies
Digital Dashboard for environmental performance of 10 sectors
Research & Development
Global
Project objective
Project for assessing the performance of sectors through environmental performance indicators In which we will gather our experiences and skills that we have gained from our many projects in the Kingdom in designing the best methodologies and procedures for them, in addition to analyzing and evaluating performance using indicators
Results
Ongoing project with NCEC to create a ‘Digital Dashboard’ for environmental performance of 10 sectors including Oil & Gas, Pharmaceutical, Industry sectors, etc
Work areas
•Gap Analysis •Inventory Management •Policy and Standards benchmarking. •Curation of Environmental Performance Indicators
•Data monitoring plans and performance monitoring
Local Building Material Strategy (Circular Material flows)
Government sector
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Project objective
The primary objective of the database is to offer an in-depth understanding of the building materials available in these areas, focusing on their geological characteristics and practical applications in construction and other relevant industries. Developed to catalogue known building material resources within AlUla County, Madinah, and the Tabuk region.
Results
Uncover Building Materials
Explore active quarries/ licenses in Madinah, Tabuk, and AlUla with our user-friendly GIS database
Source Smarter
Investigate materials and access supplier details (if available)
Stay Informed
Access historical data and understand if regulatory approvals are in place
Work areas
•Gap Analysis •GIS mapping •Data cleaning and Analysis •Digital catalogue •Geo portal development
Strategy and Policy Design for Awareness and Capacity Building on Waste Management
Government sector
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Project objective
This project aims to build a comprehensive Waste Management Awareness and Capability Building Strategy targeting both, all segments of the Public in Saudi Arabia, as well as all the Institutions that comprise the waste management ecosystem; whether they are private sector, government entities, or third sector who play various roles within the waste management value chain (waste producers, operators, regulators, etc.). The strategy will provide an understanding of the influencing factors on behavior, the way in which behavior change occurs, and potential entry points for behavior change interventions.
Results
The strategy document builds on MWAN’s commitment to organize and develop the waste management sector in the Kingdom through building the public and institutional awareness for key target stakeholders. It focuses on MWAN’s role as a regulator, organizer, educator and enabler of building collective ownership and action for innovative waste management ecosystem in the Kingdom. The strategy is informed by an elaborate research process including benchmarking of global and national practices, research surveys with public and institutions and in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholder groups.
Work areas
•Gap Analysis •Inventory Management •SWOT Analysis •Primary Research
•Policy and Standards benchmarking •Curating Strategy design •Technical writing
Sustainability Data Road mapping
Government sector
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Project objective
We are recently working with McDonough Innovation to conduct a systemic review of sustainability parameters and creating pathways of embedding circular economy for many facilitates including hotel, resource management park, nursery, etc. under the Royal Commission of AlUla.
Results
As part of this transformation journey, RCU’s Sustainability Implementation Pilot sought to demonstrate the application of its ambitious sustainability goals and aspirations as outlined in Al Ula’s Strategic Principles and Framework Plan through the review, evaluation, and optimized delivery of ten “pilot” projects identified and selected by RCU. CEC has been commissioned by RCU to identify areas for improvement and propose solutions to enhance and elevate sustainability measures and performance for five pilot projects in phase 1. CEC will be using the Cradle to Cradle® thinking, create evidence through assessment and analysis way to elevate sustainability, circular economy, and circular carbon economy strategies in the pilot projects structuring.
Work areas
•Materiality Assessment •ESG Ambition Setting •Financial Offsetting •Marketing and outreach •Partnership Activation
ESG Ambiton Setting
Government sector
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Project objective
THE RIG seeks a comprehensive financial assessment and implementation support for ESG initiatives, emphasizing both detailed evaluations and activation strategies for effective ESG integration and messaging.
Results
THE RIG is taking comprehensive steps to minimize the environmental footprint of its construction project. Key strategies are outlined in the ESG detailed implementation playbook (strategic theme 1) including adopting construction practices that reduce habitat disruption and sourcing eco-friendly materials and technologies to lower the carbon footprint and environmental degradation. A notable aspect is the commitment to conducting thorough environmental impact assessments, which are critical in anticipating and planning for potential negative effects on the environment. To further these efforts, THE RIG is implementing carbon offsetting strategies and aiming for a Net Zero target by 2050 , in alignment with the Public Investment Fund's ambitions. Additionally, the construction and operational phases are being managed to ensure no net negative impact on ambient air quality, which involves proactive measures and continuous monitoring.
Work areas
•Materiality Assessment •ESG Ambition Setting •Financial Offsetting •Marketing and outreach •Partnership Activation
Government sector
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Project objective
Materiality Assessment & ESG Reporting
We are recently working with RCI to deliver a sustainable report by collaborating and innovating to expand the abilities to make a positive impact on society and the planet by refininig the sustainability blueprint, redefining their goals, recalibrating their priorities, and restructuring their strategic framework, which then informs their key performance indicators, targets, reporting, and communications while displaying their ESG report performance.
Results
As part of this transformation journey, CEC has provided RCI with a Materiality Assessment and an ESG report reflecting how they are working as a team to deliver solutions to global challenges and create lasting value for their customers, communities, employees and businesses while helping their customers manufacture products that reduce carbon emissions, resource consumption, and enable circularity. CEC has created refined target to reduce their impact on the environment..
Work areas
•Gap Analysis •Inventory Management •Policy and Standards benchmarking •Curation of Environmental Performance Indicators
•Data monitoring plans and performance monitoring
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Energy modelling
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Air emissions
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Water treatment
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Waste managements
Carbon Auditing GHG Calculations, ESG report
Government sector
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Project objective
Environmental and economic values assessment report defines pathways undertaken by Optimum to add life and longevity to non-combustible oil by making positive impact on environment and lowering costs for businesses, reducing and lowering carbon emissions of companies by offering them to reuse their carbon intense resources such as waste oil.
Results
As part of the Environmental & Economic Values Assessment of Optimum’s technological product and process used, Circular Economy Company (CEC) has mapped and monitored environmental inputs, direct impact on environmental parameters i.e. air, water, energy use and indirect waste. CEC also scanned and mapped current data and documents, analyze benchmarks, laws and regulations existing locally, nationally to compare the performance of the product against environmental compliance. All this culminated in a assessment report validating the environmental and economic claims of the Optimum services. CEC identified three value by Creating Circular value chain for waste oil
Helping businesses achieve financial savings and Reduced environmental impact
Work areas
•Methodology •Value chain analysis •Economical Implications •Environmental Implications
•GHG savings •Potential challenges •Gap Analysis
CSR Program for GSK: Community engagement
Government sector
Project objective
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Sustainably sourcing local cloth to make the largest KSA flag which was then turned into million of car-trash bags in sponsorship with GSK
Results
this CSR activity could have a significant positive impact on local communities, the environment, and the companies involved. The challenge will be in effectively coordinating all the different elements of the project and ensuring they align with the overarching goals of sustainability, national pride, and practical utility.
Work areas
•Establish partnerships with local cloth producers.
•Develop a comprehensive supply chain strategy ensuring sustainable practices.
•Implement a tracking and tracing system to ensure the cloth is indeed locally sourced and produced sustainably.
•Work closely with local artists, designers, and manufacturers.
•Organize community events for the assembly of the flag, ensuring adherence to health and safety protocols.
•Liaise with local authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure the activity is done in compliance with laws and regulations.
Social Innovation Platform approach for women livelihood program
Research & Development
Global
Project objective
The ‘Social Innovation Platforms’ (SIP) is an initiative that support UNDP to experiment new approaches to address local development in an integrated manner, using for instance a portfolio approach that is developed based on rapid ethnographic and digital listening tools, system thinking and co-creation methodologies. The ambition of SIP is to strengthen local governance, enhance socio-economic development at the subnational level and thus accelerate SDG localization.
The work on SIP started in 2020 under a regional initiative led by the UNDP Regional Hub for Asia-Pacific (BRH) with ALC, a social innovation lab based in Bilbao, Spain. SIP is now implemented in 6 countries in Asia as well as in Europe, Central America and soon in Africa.
Results
•Demonstrate systemic impact on communities from using Social Innovation Platform Approach
•Explore developing an investment fund (traditional donors, government and private sector)
•Map changes in attitudes of local government partners, local community, other key stakeholders towards using gastronomy as a way forward
•Create a governance system around food related activities in the Increased positive perception & trust in public service
•Improvement of SDG indicators
•Explore the potential for SIP to be scaled or institutionalized at government level or private sector investment is brought in