Chamber event explores practical sustainability for businesses
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The Chamber held an event which explored practical, real-world approaches to building more sustainable, resilient and responsible businesses.
Hosted in partnership with the North East Combined Authority’s Shine initiative, the Practical Sustainability for Business: from Strategy to Action event saw speakers from diverse sectors share innovative ways they are embedding sustainability into their organisations.
Rosie Cowan-Wilce, team lead in quality engineering and co-lead of the green team at Accenture, spoke about integrating the company’s global goals with local sustainable initiatives.
Rosie said: “We are a global company and that can come with a feeling of disconnect from the local community but that is absolutely not the case. Our customised sustainability initiatives drive positive change in local communities.”
Accenture’s key sustainability initiatives include optimising energy usage and responsible resource management, as well as community engagement and employee-led programmes to foster innovation and encourage a shared culture of responsibility toward sustainability goals.
Rosie added: “Our delivery is very much local, and we’re very diverse. We have local roots and make our own decisions for our people.”
Steven Doran, carbon, sustainability and data manager at Esh Group, spoke about embedding sustainability in construction and regeneration.
He said: “We are focused on taking achievable steps across the business to reduce carbon emissions year on year through our Even Greener strategy, which we launched in November 2023.
“Esh Group aims to achieve net zero by 2050 through initiatives such as carbon champions, carbon-conscious design, and client and supply chain engagement.
“Construction activities account for a significant share of carbon emissions globally. By looking at cultural areas of change, you can save on carbon for little to no cost while making a big environmental impact.”
An example of this is the group’s HVG anti-idling campaign. This award-winning initiative saw over 12,000 litres of fuel saved in the first year and a carbon emission saving of over 27 tCO2e.
Steven said: “Driver engagement has been key to making this work. We use a positive feedback model and recognise ‘a job well done’. The initiative reinforces the Even Greener values, and changes have been adopted long-term.”
Other campaigns rolled out under the Even Greener strategy include solar hybrid generators, installation of EV chargers, low-carbon concrete, material re-use on-site, and an electric and hybrid commercial fleet.
Steven added: “If you’re asking yourself, where do we begin? Calculate your carbon footprint, work with your stakeholders and supply chains to explore the latest innovations, research to see what others are doing, apply for grants and speak to your staff to see if they have any ideas or would like to be involved.”
Tamma Carel, co-founder of iCOR, spoke about leadership for sustainability and practical strategies for businesses.
She said: “The triple bottom line of sustainability is people, planet and profit. The journey towards sustainability is finding the sweet spot between these three pillars.
“Sustainable development means significant improvements in environmental and social performance, while staying economically viable.”
Tamma explored the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. She said: “They are essentially the science behind the systems. There are 17 of the world’s biggest problems that need to be solved if we are going to hit that goal of sustainability.
“There are 169 targets associated with the goals – begin to drill down into specific areas for action for your business to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.”
She added: “One of the biggest drivers for businesses is leadership for sustainability. I believe leaders can exist at any level of an organisation. You need ambassadors who can affect real-life change on a daily basis.
“Ask yourself, what does strategic sustainability look like to us at a local level, aligned with those global goals? Think of sustainability as an investment opportunity to ensure long-term viability for your business.”
A panel featured event speakers as well as Richard Blackwell, co-founder and CEO at Crowd House Energy.
Discussions included where businesses should realistically start on sustainability, quick wins versus long term strategy, sustainability as a driver of resilience and reputation, and how sustainability supports profitability, risk management and competitive advantage.
Tim Marsden, knowledge manager at the North East Chamber of Commerce, which is recognised as an advanced-level Shine employer, shared the Chamber’s ambition to support sustainable, forward-thinking businesses.
Tim said: “As part of our policy plan, we are working with the government to establish systems to encourage businesses and wider society to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing waste and emissions, to move to a more efficient North East economy.
“Through our advocacy work and member engagement, we promote incentives encouraging waste reduction, resource efficiency and carbon reduction across the wider economy.”
The partnership between NECC and Shine provides a valuable learning opportunity for both memberships.
Shine celebrates organisations that champion fairness, inclusivity and responsibility in the workplace. At its heart are five beams of good practice, covering employee wellbeing, community impact, employee voice, opportunity for all, and fair work and pay.
The Practical Sustainability for Business: from Strategy to Action event took place on 26 March at Accenture’s Advanced Technology Centre at Cobalt Business Park in North Tyneside. The event was sponsored by SUEZ, with NCG as the overarching Chamber associate knowledge and learning sponsor.
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Image caption: (l-r) Tamma Carel, co-founder, iCOR; Steven Doran, carbon, sustainability and data manager, Esh Group; Tim Marsden, knowledge manager, NECC; Richard Blackwell, co-founder and CEO, Crowd House Energy; Caroline Preston, programme manager, Shine.