Keeping up with the latest key trends in EHS is crucial for organizations aiming to remain competitive, proactively mitigate risks, and drive long-term success in an increasingly regulated and environmentally conscious market. In our recent webinar, Justin Franklin, Associate VP of Sustainable Operations at Arcadis, Katie Eisenbrown, Global Technical Director of Sustainability at Arcadis, and Cority’s Kim Moull discussed the major factors shaping EHS&S in 2024 and beyond.
The conversation touched on how technology is enhancing efficiency, how companies can navigate shifting regulations, the transformative role of AI, and strategies to prepare for the opportunities and challenges of 2025.
In this article, we’ll dive into the highlights from the webinar, sharing key takeaways to help your orgranization plan for the future with confidence.
Evolving EHS & Sustainability Digital Strategies
Integrated Solutions
As organizations face the increasing complexity of EHS&S management, many are turning to software integration and consolidation to streamline efforts. This approach aims to enhance efficiency, improve data visualization, and create a single source of truth for decision-making.
Data Management
Companies increasingly prioritize consistent data management and visualization to ensure the accuracy and usability of information. Organizations adopting a structured approach to data quality and governance are better positioned to provide actionable insights through tools like advanced dashboards that cater to diverse user needs across the workforce.
Investment in Digitization
Investors, clients, and regulators increasingly demand high-quality, real-time data, compelling organizations to move away from spreadsheets and manual systems. While a digital transformation requires upfront effort, the long-term benefits include streamlined reporting, better resource allocation, and improved sustainability outcomes – driving the case for investment in these technologies.
Navigating Regulatory Changes & Compliance
Keeping up with evolving regulatory frameworks is increasingly important for organizations to maintain compliance. Key regulations like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the U.S. SEC’s proposed climate disclosure rule, California’s Climate Accountability Package, and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) are reshaping how companies track and report on climate-related risks and sustainability efforts. These frameworks often include phased timelines based on company size and location, creating a complex environment for compliance.
To address these challenges, organizations can implement software tools that centralize data, provide audit trails, and streamline task management. Such systems enable teams to stay ahead of regulatory changes, plan for future requirements, and ensure compliance across diverse frameworks. This proactive approach not only simplifies regulatory reporting but also encourages meaningful action to address material issues, aligning operational strategies with evolving global standards.
Check out our ebook, CSRD 101: A Practical Guide for First-Year Compliance to learn more about this directive and how ESG software can simplify data management and compliance efforts.
Harnessing AI for EHS & Sustainability
AI is rapidly transforming the EHS and sustainability sectors through a range of technologies including Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning. In EHS, AI applications include process improvements, such as using NLP to analyze documents or incidents for key insights, which can support subject matter experts. Computer vision is also being employed to monitor ergonomics and alert teams about potential hazards. Despite the excitement around AI’s potential, organizations must consider how to manage risks associated with using AI for EHS and sustainability applications. This includes addressing challenges related to data quality, security, and ensuring proper human oversight in critical decision-making. As AI tools continue to evolve, organizations will need to balance innovation with caution to avoid unintended consequences.
Future Trends in EHS & Sustainability
As 2025 approaches, key trends in EHS and Sustainability highlight the growing focus on data governance, system integration, and the use of AI. Organizations will continue to break down silos, enhance collaboration, and integrate AI into enterprise tools for better data management and analytics.
