Critical Start – Gloria Darkoh – 2025

Summary

Gloria Opoku Darkoh enhanced Critical Start’s ESG strategy by improving GHG reporting, refining policies, and delivering actionable sustainability initiatives.

Goals

Critical Start aimed to bolster its ESG performance by enhancing greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting, updating policies, and identifying sustainability opportunities. Gloria, as an EDF Climate Corps Fellow, led efforts to improve GHG data accuracy, strengthen ESG policies, and align operations with industry best practices.

Solutions

Gloria validated and analyzed FY25 GHG emissions for Scopes 1, 2, and 3 using the Watershed ESG platform, comparing results with FY24 to identify key emission drivers, such as business travel and cloud operations. She resolved data discrepancies to finalize the emissions report, updated ESG policies, and drafted new frameworks for Corporate Social Responsibility, Grievance Procedures, and Environmental Health & Safety. She also proposed strategies like travel reduction and climate risk assessments to boost ESG performance.

Potential Impact

Gloria’s work delivered an investor-ready GHG dataset and actionable recommendations to reduce Scope 3 emissions, which account for 87% of Critical Start’s footprint. Her policy drafts support stronger governance and stakeholder engagement, with proposed strategies poised to enhance transparency and sustainability if implemented.