Net Zero
It’s going to be a Catastrophe… These were the words of Martha Lane Fox, dotcom entrepreneur and President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), at an event I attended in late September. By Mark Jenkinson
Crystal Associates and SELCC Board Member
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peaking in front of an illuminated Sphinx in the British Museum’s exhibition on ancient Egypt a once great civilisation - the message had a positive twist. If we act decisively, we can turn things around for our planet, while creating significant opportunities for people and business.
Sent from Coventry Earlier that day, another President, our very own Helen McIntosh, moderated a webinar by new SE London Chamber members, Coventry University. Lecturer Luisa Sykes explained what sustainability means for business and shared a common definition:
“Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The webinar set out how businesses can develop a comprehensive framework to apply sustainability to their business practices and lever this as a competitive advantage.
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We also touched on what attendees would be prepared to change in their lifestyles to save the planet. Ideas included driving and flying less, eating more local produce, less meat and dairy and avoiding single-use plastics. What would you be prepared to change? If you missed the webinar, then fear not! It’s available on the SE London Chamber website.
Bromley’s green hub On 12th September Helen and I joined the launch of the new green skills lab at London South East Colleges’ (LSEC) Bromley campus, and it was an honour to say a few words. The green lab comprises of rigs which will allow plumbing and electrical students to work on heat pumps, solar panels, solar thermal and electric vehicle charging points to support their future green careers. I encourage any local employees to get involved. Later that week we ran an introduction to sustainability session for over 200 electrical, plumbing and built environment students at both LSEC’s Bromley and Holly Hill campus in Bexley. They were also introduced to the rigs as well as an insight into the wide range of career opportunities construction and the built environment provides.
Back in Bexley It was great to be back in Bexley a week later courtesy of the Metro Bank Bexleyheath. Sustainability was again the main agenda topic, with Bexley Council announcing the availability of 50 free licences for the carbon management tool, Climate Essentials. The tool helps SMEs to calculate their carbon footprint and develop an action plan get them on the net zero journey.
