Sustainability Reimagined: Summer Edition

What should I include on my packing list?

Author

John McEachen
July 09, 2024

This Month’s Issue:

Welcome to the Summer edition of "Growth Rings", keeping you up to date with the latest news, research and insight at the leading edge of growth in Sustainable Smart Innovation.   

In this edition, we will sign off before the summer break with a few thoughts on: :

  • Measuring the environmental impact of advanced telecommunications networks

  • 4 practical tips for Sustainable Business Growth to kick-start their Sustainable business transition

  • After the election - what next for Sustainable Innovation?

  • … and a few tips for Sustainable holidaying (and no - its not a lecture on the benefits of the ‘Staycation’)

Measuring the environmental impact of advanced telecommunications networks

We are thrilled to announce that we have secured funding from the “Innovate UK Net Zero Living Digital” competition for our NetZeroNet (NZN) project, focused on measuring the carbon emissions of 5G networks.

In collaboration with Liverpool 5G Ltd, NZN, a ‘Stand Alone’ network at street level delivering public services with a track record of six years, Cambium will develop methods and tools to support sustainable 5G network development. Methods and tools that will help the telecommunications sector reduce its environmental impact and our drive towards net zero.

We would be pleased to hear your views on the importance of measuring the energy consumption, associated carbon emissions and the environmental impact of 5G networks.

SEED Your Business for Sustainable Success

In today's market, sustainability is essential for business success. This article presents the SEED framework, offering four practical strategies to foster innovation and enhance sustainability:

  1. Study Your Customers: Understand the sustainability goals of your key clients to uncover opportunities. For example, Cambium LLP identified a major client’s net-zero commitments, helping their own client to align and stay competitive.

  2. Examine Your Supply Chain: Assess your supply chain for ripple effects of sustainability trends. Mapping out and implementing circular principles can lead to new collaborations and business opportunities.

  3. Engage Your Employees: Leverage the passion of your workforce, especially younger generations who prioritise sustainability. Initiatives like a "Circular Economy Challenge" can harness their creativity and commitment.

  4. Deploy Data and Technology: Use data to measure and drive your sustainability efforts. Companies like Philips and IKEA use analytics to track and improve their sustainability metrics.

After the election - what next for Sustainability?

As the UK wakes up to a new government, ‘business as usual’ means business leaders must must continue to ensure they prosper regardless of the environment.

Despite the uncertainties ahead, sustainable innovation remains a business-critical strategy for stability and growth. For one, this approach aligns with the UK's legally binding commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 and the Climate Change act introduced under a Labour government in 2008.

Secondly Challenges like post-Brexit adjustments and pandemic impacts highlight the need for sustainable economic growth. A 2024 PwC survey shows consumer and investor support for sustainability, with 85% of consumers aware of climate change effects and 72% of investors seeking ESG progress. Sustainable practices improve efficiency and profitability, with 83% of UK business leaders planning increased sustainability investments.

Businesses like Tesco, M&S, Lush and Rolls Royce have all demonstrated the benefits of sustainable innovation. And success is not confined to larger businesses with SMEs like Bio-bean and Toast Brewing showing impressive results.

What are these type of organisations doing that the rest of us can adopt and build upon?

1. Conduct a sustainability SWOT assessment
2. Launch a company-wide sustainability innovation sprint
3. Establish a Sustainable Innovation Leadership Team
4. Lead a sustainability learning initiative by personal example

Sustainable Holidaying

The summer holiday is for many of us, a time to get away from it all and just relax. Although I count myself among the more sustainably-minded, I know that the change of environment and that ‘holiday feeling’ can make me overlook some of the things I would take for granted at home. So I went looking on the web for a trawl of useful tips and reminders to include with my packing list.

  • Look for eco-friendly accommodation (where available)

  • Check out local public transport in advance

  • Is local bike hire an option?

  • What can I pack to reduce plastic use, and minimise food waste?

  • Pack lightly (do I really need all these clothes?)

  • Buy eco-friendly sun-cream (packaging & contents)

  • Support local businesses selling local goods

Hope you have found this useful and that you all have an enjoyable summer break!

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