Better Business / Sustainability
Building a sustainable business
There are common misconceptions about the business case for sustainability, according to Steve Malkin, who is dedicated to helping companies boost their green credentials.
With a recent UN report giving us now just 11 years to divert climate change catastrophe, the CEO of The Planet Mark is launching a national campaign to encourage all firms to commit to a reduction in carbon.
While the scope is global, the journey towards sustainability starts with small steps, says Steve, speaking on Tuesday afternoon at an event organised by Bristol24/7 and Planet Mark Start! in The Foundation, underneath the Triodos Bank HQ on Deanery Road.
The aim is to help small and medium businesses improve their environmental credentials Photo by @JonCraig_Photos
Steve Malkin outlines some of the facts about climate change Photo by @JonCraig_Photos
The aim was to explore the business case for developing a sustainability plan and the tangible benefits of doing so, with table discussions, tips and the chance for each attendee to make a solid commitment to at least three key actions for their company.
The event saw entrepreneurs and representatives from small and medium-sized firms turn out to see how they could make a change for the better. According to Planet Mark, more than 60 per cent of businesses could improve their environmental impact and fail to do so – they are working to change this.
Addressing the audience, Ed Grattan, PR and marketing manager for Triodos, alluded to a new drive for businesses to get behind the environmental cause. He revealed the bank is among a number of businesses that signed a letter to The Times supporting the Extinction Rebellion move.
Dave Carlos talks about how to put purpose at the heart of your company. Photo by @JonCraig_Photos
Dave Carlos, communications director at Planet Mark, spoke to attendees about how to effectively put purpose at the heart of their business, and the importance of effective communication and including customers in the jouney.
Steve quoted Erik Solheim, recent head of UN Environment programme, who said: “This change is similar to the digital revolution, anyone who is not on board will be left behind.”
Issues of Better Business were available for attendees to read. Photo by @JonCraig_Photos
Josh Kendall talks about the ethos behind Bristol24/7’s Better Bristol initiative. Photo by @JonCraig_Photos
Speaking about the aim of the event and ongoing work by Better Business, Josh Kendall, Business Development Manager at Bristol24/7, said: “With our aims focused on finding ways we can tackle some of the challenges around opportunities for young people and the environment, it seemed a no-brainer for us to collaborate on this event with Planet Mark Start!
“We will also be using our channels to follow some of the businesses who continue their sustainability journey following today’s event.
“We hope this will encourage others to do the same and we see this as a great opportunity to use our channels to encourage others to get involved with a sustainability agenda.”
Each of the business leaders gained a certificate from Planet Mark Start! For their commitment to improving their environmental credentials.
The Planet Mark Start! programme is fully-funded for eligible businesses by ERDF, Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council and Bath & North East Somerset (BANES).
Steve congratulates the business owners prepared to make a commitment to sustainability. Photo by @JonCraig_Photos
Each received a Planet Mark certificate @JonCraig_Photos
Bristol24/7 will be following the journeys of businesses committed to improving their green credentials. Photo by @JonCraig_Photos
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