Specialists lead conversation on sustainability topics

Attendees had a variety of topics to choose from with guest speakers from different organisations leading the conversation.

Kelly Crews, Head of Decarbonisation Service at Willmott Dixon, headed up a session entitled Achieving net zero: Decarbonisation strategies for a sustainable future.

Topics on the table included the significance of setting clear, science-based targets, developing comprehensive decarbonisation strategies, reducing emissions through energy efficiency measures and transitioning to renewable energy sources, while adopting sustainable supply chain practices.

The session provided valuable knowledge to help drive forward change, building a more sustainable future for all.

Kier operates a One Planet Action Plan with 10 key themes covering social and environmental sustainability, which was the subject of the session led by Matt Tompsett, Head of Environment and Sustainability at Kier Transportation. Local barriers and best practices in transportation were explored with consideration given to how thinking holistically can make a difference.

Yanina Aubrey, Director of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (Office of the Vice-Chancellor); Dr Chamu Kuppuswamy, Climate Change Research Centre and Law School Senior Lecturer; and Nanna Blomquist, Senior Environment and Sustainability Adviser, all from University of Hertfordshire, talked about the university’s corporate approach to sustainability, and how it is working with businesses and other organisations across the region to further its sustainability ambitions.

Attendees heard about how the university is supporting SMEs to innovate and bring new sustainable products and services to market, how it is working with local government to help them achieve net zero targets and how it can help businesses develop sustainability skills, innovate sustainably, support in applying for public funding and recruiting specialist talent.

Dean Foskett, Associate Director; Annabel Lait, Director; and Richard Grenfell, Associate Director, from Saunders Partnership Ltd (Architecture and Urban Design) came together to go into the theme of successful collaboration for the design of truly sustainable zero carbon developments.

They highlighted how the development of highly sustainable zero carbon schemes requires a commitment from the client, the architect and the full design team. It was explained that clear sustainability targets needed to be established at the outset, forming part of the briefing process, and allowing all parties to work collaboratively towards a common zero carbon goal.

Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional heating methods and Martyn Ives, Technical Sales Director for Fujitsu General Air Conditioning (UK) Limited, introduced the technologies and considerations for the use of heat pumps.

He explained the efficiency gains and extensive carbon savings, direct and indirect, and how changing the way energy is used in buildings, not only through the use of renewable technology, but also through energy consumption patterns, can lead to a decrease in emissions.

The Herts Go Green and Grow team, led by Alasdair Craig from founding member Etsu Global, outlined the opportunities net zero can bring where profit and purpose go hand in hand. The energetic workshop also incorporated a sustainability quiz to provide food for thought and demonstrate what everyone had learned through the day.

This was the first dedicated ‘live’ HGG&G meet and everyone who was able to make the time to attend loved it! The globally shared ‘Wow’ on arrival was a tangible reminder of our innate links to nature and the effect on our wellbeing.

Conversation and communication levels were very lively throughout the morning. David Hawes from Net Zero International gave a legislation catch up and was followed by Helen Burridge, Herts County Council, outlining the function and key elements of the Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership (HCCSP) Plan – it is good to see how we all fit in with Hertfordshire plans. (Keep an eye out for the HCCSP exciting news about 2024 conservation days.) It was then the turn of Emma Norrington from the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and Jess Allen-Back from Home Farm outlining some simple ways that we can all help nature, biodiversity, and conservation issues – as individuals and organisationally.

The Herts Chamber Zero Carbon Conference at Rothamsted Enterprises on October 6th was a busy day for HGG&G members.