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Navigating ESG Challenges in the EV Battery Industry
Learn about EV battery industry challenges in an ESG context alongside TRIGO's tailored risk assessment solution, fostering sustainability and compliance in partnership with battery suppliers.
4 Min Read
Sourcing electric vehicle (EV) battery minerals is not just a task; it's a mission in an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) world. pcess609 / iStockphoto via Getty Images
Sourcing electric vehicle (EV) battery minerals is not just a task; it's a mission in an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) world. The challenges are not just about the environmental impact of mining operations; they are about the future of our planet. Here are some key challenges:
Environmental Impact: Mining for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements involves significant environmental degradation. Extraction processes can lead to habitat destruction, deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution of air and water resources. In an ESG-conscious world, companies must address these environmental concerns and adopt sustainable mining practices to minimize their ecological footprint.
Social Implications: Mining activities often disrupt local communities (e.g., indigenous populations), leading to social conflicts, displacement, and loss of livelihoods. Additionally, there are concerns about labor rights violations, including child labor and forced labor, especially in regions where regulatory oversight is weak.
Resource Scarcity and Geopolitical Risks: The growing demand for EV batteries has raised concerns about resource scarcity and geopolitical risks associated with mineral dependency. Certain minerals, such as cobalt and lithium, are concentrated in a few countries, leading to geopolitical tensions and market volatility. Diversifying mineral sourcing locations and investing in recycling and alternative technologies can help mitigate these risks and reduce dependence on limited resources.
Carbon Footprint: EVs offer environmental benefits compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles, but the carbon footprint associated with producing battery minerals and components is a concern. High energy consumption, emissions from transportation, and the carbon intensity of mining operations contribute to the overall carbon footprint of EV battery production. Addressing these emissions requires adopting cleaner energy sources, improving efficiency in production processes, and investing in sustainable infrastructure.
Supply Chain Transparency: The complex nature of mineral supply chains poses governance challenges for EV manufacturers and battery producers. Ensuring supply chain transparency and traceability is crucial to verifying the origin of minerals and preventing the use of conflict minerals sourced from regions plagued by violence and human rights abuses. Implementing robust due diligence processes and engaging suppliers to adhere to responsible sourcing standards are essential in addressing governance issues.
EV companies must adopt sustainable practices, respect human rights, enhance supply chain transparency, mitigate geopolitical risks, and reduce mineral extraction and processing carbon footprint. Collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, industry players, and civil society organizations, is essential to drive systemic change and promote responsible mineral sourcing practices in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
TRIGO's ESG risk assessment solution
Within the battery industry, TRIGO offers an ESG risk assessment solution that addresses challenges by tailoring its approach to the specific ESG concerns in this sector. Compared to other industries like automotive or aerospace, the battery industry presents distinct risks related to materials usage, energy consumption, and supply chain complexities.
TRIGO states, “In automotive and aerospace industries (mainly in automotive), OEMs are using qualification methodologies, which are based on detailed self-assessment questionnaires and evidence are evaluated based on uploaded documents. (The most widespread qualification systems are ECOVADIS and DRIVE SAQ, which cover 80% of automotive OEMs).”
TRIGO's methodology claims to incorporate on-site verification— to enforce proof of evidence— and comprehensive audits to ensure accountability and reliability in assessing these risks.
Focus on material usage: Unlike other sectors, the battery industry heavily relies on materials like cadmium, cobalt, and lithium, which pose environmental and social risks. TRIGO's assessment criteria include evaluating suppliers' efforts to mitigate the impacts of these materials, promoting circular economy practices, and decarbonization commitments.
Compliance with regulations: TRIGO assesses suppliers' adherence to regulatory frameworks such as REACH, RoHS, and ISO 14064-1, which are crucial for managing hazardous substances and reducing carbon emissions. Given the stringent battery industry regulations, compliance becomes paramount for sustainability.
Health and safety standards: TRIGO pays particular attention to health and safety management systems, including ISO 45001 or OHSAS 18001 implementation, regular risk assessments, safety training, and adequate provision of personal protective equipment. Ensuring a safe working environment is essential in mitigating social risks and promoting employee welfare.
Ethical standards and labor practices: TRIGO evaluates suppliers' adherence to ethical standards, including the absence of child labor, forced labor, discrimination, and inhumane behavior. TRIGO ensures that suppliers uphold ethical principles by assessing employment conditions and management practices.
By demonstrating compliance with international sustainability standards and regulatory requirements, suppliers enhance their credibility and mitigate reputational risks. This transparency could foster trust among stakeholders and facilitate better decision-making towards sustainable practices.
In partnerships and collaborations within the battery industry, TRIGO enhances its ESG risk assessment capabilities. Collaborations may involve sharing best practices, exchanging expertise, and developing innovative solutions to address emerging ESG challenges. TRIGO concluded, “In Hungary, we are negotiating with numerous battery suppliers offering our assessment methodologies and training services to demonstrate their commitment and willingness to comply with the European and national legislations.” TRIGO's partnering with industry stakeholders strengthens its understanding of sector-specific risks and opportunities, ultimately delivering more effective ESG assessments tailored to the battery industry's needs.
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