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The ICCM Journal | Summer 2021 | V89 No. 2
the environmental stewardship group On the 1st March 2021 a fledgling collaboration of 4 key organisations within the sector took a significant step forward by officially launching themselves as the Environmental Stewardship Group.
The “ESG” is an innovative collaboration between organisations who between them have in excess of 350 years interaction with the bereavement sector. The Cremation Society of Great Britain, (CSGB) The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management, (ICCM) The Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA) and the CDS Group (CDS), representing public and private interests, but have come together to address the implications raised by the Climate Emergency for our sector.
Communicating commitment. To embed within the sector pro-active and positive commitment to promoting the sector's actions and efforts. However, the real question was how to get a clear understanding of where the sector as a whole sat, what were the constituent parts of the sector and how to get
In September 2020 we held our first tentative meeting, with executive officers and respective Chairs / Presidents where we broached the subject of Climate Emergency declarations and overall environmental impacts for the sector and how perhaps together, we could make a difference. Two months later we agreed that there was sufficient common ground to move forward and explore how as a group we could meet the challenges before us. An overview of the implications and challenges relating to the Climate Emergency drawn from the Government, Environment Agency and Committee of Climate Change provided a backdrop to deciding the road ahead. At this meeting we agreed upon the name and its strapline which would serve to frame our approach as well as giving a collective direction to our intentions. Our discussions progressed to creating a set of objectives which would fully underpin this position. Protect the environment. To take a series of measures to reduce existing and negative impacts by 2025. Promote continuous improvement. To establish an industry wide approach to driving positive change and innovation. Shape regulatory requirements. To influence, legislation, guidance and advice that reflects the industry as a whole.
a meaningful insight. We recognised that all members of the group had varying amounts of information and data, some live, some anecdotal but in reality, not enough to be able to speak for or on behalf of everyone confidently. It was agreed that we needed to facilitate open engagement in surroundings which encourage open and honest dialogue and by utilising Chatham House rules this activity could provide the robust framework needed. So a “year zero” approach was adopted where we would take timeout to gather the required information after our launch. Having approached the Environment Agency, we managed to secure 2 key individuals to take part in the official launch event where over 80 individuals not only listened to what the ESG was planning to do but took part in a series of Breakout rooms where they could fully engage with responding to questions, comments, and suggestions. Needless to say, it was extremely well received, and a recording and slides of the event are to
