Solitaire Townsend
Co-founder
Futerra
What can we expect from your contribution at the edie Sustainability Leader’s Forum in February?
I’m thrilled to be chairing the edie Sustainability Leader’s Forum again this year. You can expect a firehose of energy from me in the new digital format, and that I’ll be asking questions we all need in this pivotal moment.
What are you most looking forward to hearing about at the Forum?
Every year at the Forum I find a new solution, a new friend and a new story to help inspire others. I’m excited about what they will be this year.
Why is being part of a responsible business so important to you?
I can’t imagine working in a ‘irresponsible’ business in 2020. Responsible business is quite simply the only sane way to function this decade.
Why do you think that SLF is an important meeting for the industry?
I look forward to SLF every year but this year, it feels it’s needed more than ever. We need to have industry wide conversations on how we can turn things around and drive bold action on climate, racial justice, regenerative systems, just to name a few. SLF is the place to spark collaboration and inspire each other.
Which innovations in sustainability are you most excited about at the moment?
There are almost too many to list!. From hydrogen powered trains and planes to employee governance, environmental justice to new kelp forests, we really are seeing our sustainable future take shape.
Seb Beloe
Partner, head of research
WHEB Asset Management
What can we expect from your contribution at the edie Sustainability Leader’s Forum in February? Seb has a unique perspective having spent ten years working as a leading researcher and consultant on corporate ESG issues at SustainAbility and then the past fifteen years as an investor at Henderson and WHEB. WHEB has grown from £25m in assets under management to over £700m. With an award winning investment strategy and impact report and website, WHEB has established itself as a leader in impact investing within listed companies.
What are you most looking forward to hearing about at the Forum? Hearing from leading corporates on how they are integrating sustainability into their strategies – not just for operational issues, but also for product innovation and development.
Why is being part of a responsible business so important to you? Because I passionately believe that private enterprise can be the engine for sustainable development – but it needs to be done responsibly, with an understanding of stakeholder impacts and a focus on long-term success.
Why do you think that SLF is an important meeting for the industry? Because it brings together different sectors – including notably investors and corporates – to discuss sustainability. We can do much to support one another and so far the dialogue has been very limited at best.
Which innovations in sustainability are you most excited about at the moment? The zero carbon transition is very much underway in power generation and in passenger car transport with the shift to electric powertrains. Sectors that are lagging are heavy industry, heavy goods transport and food. We need massive and rapid innovation in these sectors
Isabel McAllister
Sustainability Director
Mace
What can we expect from your contribution at the edie Sustainability Leader’s Forum in February? Energy & Enthusiasm
What are you most looking forward to hearing about at the Forum?Something new. Something inspiring.
Why is being part of a responsible business so important to you?I’m purpose-driven so who I work for and what I can achieve at work matter.
Julia Barrett
Chief sustainability officer
Willmott Dixon
What can we expect from your contribution at the edie Sustainability Leader’s Forum in February?
I’m looking forward to looking at the benefits and opportunities for business from transforming to the net-zero, and being able to share what we in Willmott Dixon have so far.
What are you most looking forward to hearing about at the Forum?
I always love to hear what other sustainability leaders have done to see what I can learn and what I can “pinch with pride!”
Why is being part of a responsible business so important to you?
I am passionate about leaving a world fit for future generations. As President Obama noted in 2014, “We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it” Time is running out. It’s #NowOrNever
Why do you think that SLF is an important meeting for the industry?
It’s a great opportunity to hear and learn from sustainability leaders from other sectors.
Which innovations in sustainability are you most excited about at the moment?
I’m excited about the opportunities of distributed, natural renewable energy systems, net-zero carbon materials and supply chains in construction, and how we can all use our businesses for the benefit of the most disadvantaged in our society.
Maria Nazarova-Doyle
Head of pension investments
Lloyds Banking Group
What can we expect from your contribution at the edie Sustainability Leader’s Forum in February?
I’m looking forward to talking about the growing opportunity around ESG investments, the most effective ways to influence change and the journey Scottish Widows has been on over the last few years to change how, who and what we invest in.
What are you most looking forward to hearing about at the Forum?
I’m looking forward to hearing from industry leaders across so many different sectors about their experiences, their plans and progress. I’m also interested to hear how the pandemic has impacted their business and their ESG ambitions.
Why is being part of a responsible business so important to you?
As a large institutional investor, we have a vital role in influencing positive change through the investments we hold. We really can make a meaningful difference. I passionately believe that investing funds in a responsible way is not only good for the environment, good for society and good for the governance of companies but also good for customers in terms of delivering long-term growth.
Why do you think that SLF is an important meeting for the industry?
Bringing together industry leaders to discuss the big issues and opportunities we’re all facing is vital. It’s an opportunity to learn from others, share solutions, discuss challenges and be inspired.
Which innovations in sustainability are you most excited about at the moment?
The growing recognition of the importance of finance and investments when it comes to influencing ESG change. Customers are now more engaged than ever before when it comes to where their money is invested.