Reset Connect – a mix of minds and ideas

Recently, we had the pleasure of attending Reset Connect, the UK’s leading sustainability summit. The variety of interests on show was incredible, with everyone coming together with one goal: achieving net zero (check definitions in business context below).

It was clear that everyone we talked to was looking for support to meet their goals or make new partnerships. If ever there was proof needed that collaboration is key for driving big changes, this event was it.

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Quality talks and quirky innovations

It was a thought-provoking event with quality talks as well as fascinating products on display.

We were especially impressed by some of the unique innovations like plant-based hair care and mushroom packaging as a replacement for Styrofoam. Who knew mushrooms could be so useful?

Further to the above, jobseekers were omnipresent at the event. A good deal of the delegates had brought their CVs and were proactively making personal connections with employers – a reflection of the growing demand for sustainability expertise and skills in general.

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Solving the scope 3 puzzle

One of the more stirring panel discussions focused on the challenge of calculating Scope 3 emissions. By now we’ve all heard about the challenge of getting accurate data. It boils down to people-power, availability, and project leadership – with actual boots-on-the-ground resource needed to collect data from the value chain over time.

So when a panelist from a big management consultancy suggested companies could take matters into their own hands and embed sustainability at design stage, it was a refreshing idea and a great example of lateral thinking. Instead of chasing perfect data, why not choose different materials from the start? Or look at the carbon footprint of products throughout their life cycle?

Specifying sustainable materials early on in product development can save you headaches in the future – and ensure you have data from the onset.

And yes, that does bring challenges of its own. It brings process and culture changes, the willingness of designers to try new and unproven technologies, and the inevitable discussions about profitability, risk and overall business strategy.

But navigating these in-house teething troubles seems easier than dealing with suppliers whose degree or responsiveness and readiness to cooperate can vary greatly.

So when we asked the panelists how they would strike a balance between maintaining a low-cost strategy (especially in a retailer example) and sustainability, they suggested starting with a trial. Testing something new on a line that sells really well, learning, improving, and then rolling it out more widely.

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Roadblocks to accelerating progress

As you may know, we conducted research earlier this year into how sustainability leads are driving progress in their organisations. Corporate culture was as a top reason why sustainability professionals were struggling to move the needle. And in particular this was true for large enterprises.

This got proven again at Reset Connect. Getting buy-in from above, fighting for adequate budget and resourcing, and making sustainability a strategic priority are all things we heard from delegates.

And so the call for external sustainability expertise was loud and clear. The importance of collaborative partnerships backed by strong project leadership and delivery skills is greater than ever. To rally cross-functional teams to work together and come up with new ideas and solutions may require a helping hand – in which case, you should definitely drop us a line.

Hey, nobody said transitioning to a sustainable business model is easy! But what counts – and what we saw a lot of at Reset Connect – was passion and drive to take steps in this direction, even form big, well-established businesses.

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Networking, unique approaches – plus one thing we weren’t fans of

Networking with others in the sustainability space was exceptionally valuable. Green Ibex’s personal approach and focus on practical application got positive feedback – and was seen as unique and necessary for supporting businesses on their net zero journey.

And it wouldn’t have been a great event if we didn’t get some competitors, disguised as potential partners, very obviously trying to figure out our entire marketing strategy. Flattering!

Oh, and one last thing. We also learned a fun fact – an origami crow, it turns out, is actually a penguin. Or is it? You be the judge – help us solve our debate:

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You can catch us at other sustainability events and conferences throughout the year. If you would like to meet us for a coffee at our next event, make sure you follow us on LinkedIn. Or drop us a line now to discuss how the Green Ibex team can help you design, action, and achieve your sustainability goals.