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.
Dan Neale
Lead - social transformation
World Benchmarking Alliance
What can we expect from your contribution at the edie Sustainability Leader’s Forum in February?
To touch on the WBA’s new Social Transformation Framework (to be launched at the end of January), and connecting this with recent developments in the reporting field – such as the SASB/IIRC merger and the EU taxonomy. I will speak about the different but complementary roles of reporting and benchmarking in the corporate sustainability field and the importance of keeping social criteria as a central and cross-cutting focus in support of the SDGs.
What are you most looking forward to hearing about at the Forum?
The bits I don’t know I don’t know (i.e. surprises or new thinking)
Why is being part of a responsible business so important to you?
Broad scale – critical for achieving the SDGs. Small scale – helps me look in the mirror every day.
Why do you think that SLF is an important meeting for the industry?
For us, because of the reach into companies – the key organisations we want to influence to support the achievement of the SDGs across multiple layers of staff – all of whom can be a voice for change inside their organisation.
Which innovations in sustainability are you most excited about at the moment?
Fast charging batteries linked to local renewable energy production. Lab produced meat. Level playing field legislation for social responsibility.
Adam Hall
Head of sustainability
Internet Fushion Group
What can we expect from your contribution at the edie Sustainability Leader’s Forum in February?
Pragmatic and practical information on real world solutions applied in a successful business, that’s taken bold and assertive action towards circularity. And why there is no excuse for others not to do the same, with the urgency required to match the challenges we face.
What are you most looking forward to hearing about at the Forum?
Learning and hearing about different approaches and solutions, an open forum such as this often provides key pointers on how to push the sustainability agenda forward.
Why is being part of a responsible business so important to you?
I wouldn’t have it any other way, we all have to contribute towards a more sustainable future – there really is no other choice. Anything less than genuine concerted efforts really don’t interest me.
Why do you think that SLF is an important meeting for the industry?
Sustainability isn’t’ a competitive space, platforms such as SLF provide originations with the ability to share and gain sustainable ideas to push entire industries forward, in the direction that we so urgently need to be heading.
Which innovations in sustainability are you most excited about at the moment?
Its more the evolving mindset of sustainability rather than anyone innovation. A far more holistic approach to solutions and the awareness of the interconnectedness of solutions, affects and challenges. However the speed of re-use system development is exciting, moving away from the linear and recycling economy model that aren’t effective on social, environmental or economic levels.
Kofi Apea Adu-Gyamfi
Waste manager
West Berkshire Council
What can we expect from your contribution at the edie Sustainability Leader’s Forum in February?
I'm hoping to share insights about how governments in the UK and around the world are embracing circular economy principles to increase resource productivity, minimise waste generation and increase supply chain efficiencies.
What are you most looking forward to hearing about at the Forum?
I'm looking forward to sharing knowledge with other thought leaders and participants from around the world, and to hear latest examples of how businesses and governments are adopting circular economy innovations.
Why is being part of a responsible business so important to you?
I believe that being a responsible business is integral to achieving long-term business viability because firms have a responsibility to protect the environments within which they operate and to give back to the communities from which they generate their profits.
Why do you think that SLF is an important meeting for the industry?
The Sustainability Leaders Forum is an outstanding world-leading event because it brings together global thought leaders in the field of sustainability, industry professionals, students, academics, and government officials. It is a great event for having impactful conversations and sharing ideas that stimulate actions to improve sustainability across the world.
Which innovations in sustainability are you most excited about at the moment?
The new few years would be characterised by unprecedented levels of decarbonisation of economies, de-materialisation, waste minimisation e.g. via packaging innovations spurred by emerging government measures for extended producer responsibility, and further adoption of virtual/remote working and leisure (the pace of this trend has been accelerated by the ongoing pandemic).
Jonathon Porritt
Founder director
Forum for the Future
What can we expect from your contribution at the edie Sustainability Leader’s Forum in February?
Extraordinary times demand extraordinary responses! Emphasis on the interdependencies between social justice and climate justice – demanding a much deeper rethink of business models.
What are you most looking forward to hearing about at the Forum?
Surfacing insights into companies that are really stepping up.
Why is being part of a responsible business so important to you?
I find it harder and harder to imagine how people can live with themselves if they’re not working for an organisation focused on more responsible ways of creating wealth.
Why do you think that SLF is an important meeting for the industry?
Gives people an opportunity to take stock at the start of the year, and recalibrate their perceptions of what real leadership looks like.
Which innovations in sustainability are you most excited about at the moment?
All technological innovation that accelerates the end of the era of fossil fuels.
Anita Longley
Chair
ICRS
What can we expect from your contribution at the edie Sustainability Leader’s Forum in February?
During 2021 we saw an upsurge in commitment to sustainability. I’d like to talk about how the Institute of CR and Sustainability is supporting over 1000 CRS professionals and those new to CRS, through networking, regional hubs, mentoring and sharing best practice. I’ll also outline the key competencies, skills and emerging trends for CRS professionals and provide some tips on how to break into the industry and progress through your career.
What are you most looking forward to hearing about at the Forum?
I’m a great believer in the power of collaboration and I’m looking forward to exploring ways in which CRS professionals can learn from each other, share best practice and lead the drive towards a more sustainable future.
Why is being part of a responsible business so important to you?
I’m committed to ensuring that CRS professionals are brilliant at what they do, and that they have the core skills, support and network they need to drive forward change. We now have a once in a lifetime opportunity to protect the planet and ensure that future generations can enjoy a sustainable future - I hope to play a small part in delivering that change.
Why do you think that SLF is an important meeting for the industry?
SLF brings together a range of stakeholders and provides an opportunity to pool our knowledge and share best practice. This is a great opportunity to empower individual, share solutions and turn ideas into action.
Which innovations in sustainability are you most excited about at the moment?
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword trend: we’re seeing a revolution in how we work, with leading companies choosing to put sustainability at their core. Having worked in the sector for over 30 years, I find this transformation in attitudes and behaviours remarkable.
Rebecca Burgess
Chief executive
City to Sea
What can we expect from your contribution at the edie Sustainability Leader’s Forum in February?
I hope to showcase a few recent campaign examples and how these have led to positive impact. I hope to showcase the importance of collaboration across sectors – including individuals, NGOs, Government and Businesses and how each stakeholder group has a role to play. As a relatively small organisation, I hope to demonstrate that large-scale positive impact can come from all sizes and types of organisations.
What are you most looking forward to hearing about at the Forum?
Partnerships and collaboration session. I’m interested to hear how key stakeholders think partnerships have evolved over the years and what the future holds for partnership working. Specifically, I hope to hear more discussion around how organisations plan to sacrifice competitive advantage for sector progress and minimise duplication.
Why is being part of a responsible business so important to you?
I believe collective action is key to lasting change and we need everyone to play their part so that all life can thrive. Businesses hold a lot of power to change the behaviours of a wide range of stakeholders – from their employees, customers and supply chain. By acknowledging this power and working with others, I truly believe we can build a better planet.
Why do you think that SLF is an important meeting for the industry?
Time is running out and we must all share our learnings to protect our planet before it’s too late. SLF is a great platform to hear from industry leaders, build connections and take action.
Which innovations in sustainability are you most excited about at the moment?
I’m most interest in how businesses are challenging the growth mindset for the benefit of people and planet. I believe it’s only through rethinking consumerism and growth, will we truly have a sustainable world. I’m also interested to hear how industry is following the Waste Hierarchy when it comes to packaging. Our recent report showed that prevention and reuse were still largely ignored by the food-to-go sector so I’m interested to see if this theme is prevalent across sectors.
Charlotte Morton
CEO
ADBA
What can we expect from your contribution at the edie Sustainability Leader’s Forum in February?
I will demonstrate the importance of sustainable farming practices such as recycling agricultural wastes through AD and sequential cropping to support regeneration and biodiversity, clean air and water, reduce the need for energy intensive chemical fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides, and restore soil health.
What are you most looking forward to hearing about at the Forum?
It’s very hard to choose but probably I most look forward to the Green policy and COP26 keynote by Kwasi Kwarteng MP. We at ADBA strongly believe COP26 is a unique opportunity to raise the bar in terms of climate ambition and action both at the international level and here at home, in the UK. As co-host of COP26, the UK Government must demonstrate the leadership needed by eliminating the significant gap between its climate targets and its climate policies.
Why is being part of a responsible business so important to you?
With the threat of climate change and biodiversity loss looming over the future of every one of us, there is not even a business case for irresponsible businesses anymore. We all have to do our part in mitigating the planet’s warming and the impact of our activities on Nature, and at ADBA this is what drives us to do what we do.
Why do you think that SLF is an important meeting for the industry?
Businesses have a key role in accelerating the transition to a green circular economy. Without them, there is no economy. They must be at the forefront of rapid, positive change and the SLF gives business leaders the opportunity to meet and be inspired by one another.
Which innovations in sustainability are you most excited about at the moment?
Again, very hard to choose. We are particularly excited about BECCS, Bio-energy Carbon Capture and Storage, which for technologies such as AD will mean significantly increasing their carbon negative potential.
James Bidwell
Co-founder of Re_Set and Chair of Springwise
What can we expect from your contribution at the edie Sustainability Leader’s Forum in February?
My panel is entitled Campaigning for Change and I am going to talk about the role of business in activating that change. Real examples from our strategy work at Re_Set and our global Springwise innovation network. Plus tips for participants to make your brand more activist
What are you most looking forward to hearing about at the Forum?
Momentum - this is the year of real change. COP 26, emergence from lockdown and sustainability now going mainstream. I am expecting to be blown away by the positive energy
Why is being part of a responsible business so important to you?
How long have you got….it is mission critical. Governments are not doing enough, businesses can harness people and capital to drive real change
Why do you think that SLF is an important meeting for the industry?
It is where the leaders meet! Hugely influential and great fun.
Which innovations in sustainability are you most excited about at the moment?
Everyday our Springwise team discover the latest innovations in sustainability and bring them to our readers…..so a bit like with kids it is difficult to have a favourite. However, the volume, quality and ingenuity gives me great hope for a sustainable future