Responsible Futures Sam Cande

This week on Sustain Talks, I'm thrilled to welcome Elly Perets, the visionary CEO of Asterra. My insatiable curiosity led me to Elly, especially after discovering his remarkable skill set, including Earth Observation, Remote Sensing, Space Technology, Sustainability, and Water Resource Management.

Asterra's impact is nothing short of astounding, having saved over 368 billion gallons of water, 920,000 megawatt-hours of energy, and over 235,000 metric tons of carbon emissions. Elly takes us on a journey through Asterra's evolution since 2017, underscoring his profound influence on environmental sustainability.

Our conversation delves into Elly's background and the driving forces behind his relentless pursuit of leveraging technology to address real-world challenges. He shares the genesis of Asterra and their pioneering use of radar-equipped satellites to detect underground water leaks—an innovation with far-reaching implications for water conservation and broader sustainability goals.

Elly demystifies the science behind Asterra's groundbreaking technology, which offers a transformative opportunity for water utility companies, particularly in regions like the UK grappling with aging infrastructure and significant water loss.

We explore the pivotal role of Earth observation satellites in comprehending and mitigating environmental threats, with Elly stressing the urgency of harnessing technology to safeguard our planet's resources amid escalating climate crises.

Asterra's innovative approach to water conservation captivated me, and Elly's unwavering commitment to marrying technology with sustainability left me deeply inspired. Our dialogue concludes with a glimpse into Asterra's unwavering dedication to sustainability and their vision for a future where technology empowers individuals and organizations to champion environmental stewardship.

I firmly believe that innovation and education are the keys to shaping a sustainable future, which is why platforms like Sustain Talks hold immense value in fostering knowledge exchange and driving positive change.

This latest Sustain Talks episode is extremely personal for me as a host as I share the heart-wrenching story of losing my best friend to suicide due to workplace bullying and inadequate support systems, it sets the stage for a raw examination of the urgent need for cultural change and explores workplace mental health.

Join me and Lori Haynes, CEO of Shoorah, a revolutionary mental health app aiming to dismantle stigma and foster supportive workplace environments. Join the candid discussion on prevention versus crisis management, drawing from personal experiences and professional insights.

In this conversation we pull no punches, delving into the tragic consequences of neglecting employee well-being.

Lori's journey, filled with struggles and triumphs, highlights holistic approaches to mental wellness, from therapy options to daily rituals. Learn how Shoorah's innovative features empower individuals to reclaim agency over their mental health journey.

Beyond rhetoric, gain actionable strategies to foster resilience and fulfillment, challenging conventional notions of happiness and reframing discipline as a catalyst for purpose.

Challenge the status quo with insights on the evolving role of HR departments and the imperative for data-driven, user-centric approaches to support employee well-being, especially in the context of remote work.

Don't miss this clarion call for organisations to prioritise mental health, embrace empathy, and advocate for systemic change to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

For more details about Shoorah go to https://shoorah.io/

Or connect with Lorri here https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorri-haines-8a1336136/

This week's Sustain Talks features Archie Ruggles-Brise, an esteemed independent rural estate manager and environmental professional. With a captivating narrative, Archie will take you on a profound journey from his roots in the water industry to his current impactful role in managing his family estate in North Essex.

In this engaging dialogue, Archie unveils the estate's transformative shift from conventional agriculture to the innovative realm of agroforestry, where the harmonious balance between nature and food production takes centre stage. Delving into the intricacies of agroforestry, Archie illuminates its myriad benefits, from promoting sustainability and biodiversity to revolutionising farming practices.

But the discussion doesn't stop there. Archie delves into pressing issues like wilding, carbon removal, and biodiversity net gain, underscoring the urgency of managing woodlands and the potential for corporate investment in biodiversity offsets. Moreover, Archie paints a vivid picture of the estate's palpable allure, inviting people to experience first hand the nexus between environmental stewardship and public engagement.

Central to the conversation is the critical examination of flood impact in the UK and the pivotal role of agroforestry in mitigating flood risk. Through insightful discourse, Archie elucidates how strategic land use, including vegetation and trees, can effectively slow water flow, offering a lifeline in flood-prone regions.

Yet, amidst the challenges faced by farmers in embracing sustainable practices, Archie and and I advocate for comprehensive education and collaboration between stakeholders. Archie champions the prospect of corporate-farmer alliances, heralding a new era of nature conservation and sustainable agriculture.

Archie extends an open invitation for collaboration, emphasising the paramount importance of tangible actions in safeguarding biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

Don't miss out on this enlightening Sustain Talks episode that promises to inspire, educate, and ignite change.

It's B-Corp month so what better time than to get into a conversation with Ticket Tailor, CEO, Jonny White who shares an extraordinary tale of transformation! Join us as we embark on the captivating journey of Ticket Tailor, an online ticketing platform that started from humble beginnings in 2010 and evolved into a socially conscious B Corporation, serving hundreds of thousands of event organisers.

Discover how Ticket Tailor's founder, drawing upon a background in freelance web development, nurtured the seed of an idea into a thriving platform catering to the needs of event organisers, marking the first step in their remarkable journey.

Follow the founder's courageous decision to align Ticket Tailor with B Corp principles, challenging conventional growth paradigms in pursuit of a business model that prioritises societal impact alongside financial success.

Experience the highs and lows of Ticket Tailor's quest for B Corp certification, from resource constraints to navigating criteria designed for larger corporations, culminating in the adoption of essential policies and practices vital for sustainable growth.

Witness the transformative effects of B Corp certification on Ticket Tailor's culture and operations, fostering transparency, accountability, and a sense of community that resonates with like-minded partners and customers alike.

Explore Ticket Tailor's innovative sustainability projects, such as "Penny for the Planet" and "Earth Invest," showcasing a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and meaningful action beyond mere rhetoric.

and uncover the power of storytelling in conveying Ticket Tailor's values and inspiring employee engagement, complemented by robust metrics and tools used to measure social and environmental performance.

Join us on this remarkable journey as Ticket Tailor redefines the narrative of purpose-driven business, offering invaluable insights into blending profit with purpose in today's ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or an aspiring changemaker, this podcast promises inspiration and actionable wisdom for creating a better world through business.

I'm joined by Abby Chicken Head of Sustainability at Openreach and Board trustee of Surrey Wildlife Trust. In this conversation Abby delves deep into Openreach's multifaceted sustainability approach, highlighting its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and integrating renewable energy sources. One significant initiative discussed is the ambitious goal of transitioning the entire van fleet to zero emissions by 2031, recognising the substantial impact of diesel emissions in the UK. This mission aligns with broader science-based targets and a comprehensive carbon reduction plan inherited from the BT Group.

Moreover, Openreach's sustainability strategy is structured around three main pillars: carbon reduction, circular economy, and nature conservation. This holistic approach underscores their dedication to mitigating environmental impact while ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives, where efficiency and sustainability are recognised as interlinked goals.

Noteworthy achievements and milestones include significant progress in transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), with a target set for all vehicles to be zero emissions by 2030. Currently, they are close to reaching 4,000 EVs out of a fleet totalling approximately 28,000 vehicles. Openreach has garnered recognition for these efforts, participating in initiatives such as piloting the TNFD (Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures), joining environmental management organisations, and contributing to climate sustainability working groups.

Renewable energy integration emerges as a vital aspect of their sustainability endeavors. Openreach actively sources renewables through power purchase agreements and utilises Renewable Energy Certificates (ROCs) to offset emissions from sources beyond their direct control. Additionally, they explore renewable energy generation possibilities, such as solar installations, wherever feasible.

Extending their commitment beyond internal operations, Openreach engages with suppliers to implement carbon clauses in contracts and collaborates with subcontractors to reduce their carbon footprint. They also collaborate with industry groups to disseminate guidelines and support smaller suppliers in embracing sustainable practices.

Expanding the conversation, the issue of electronic waste (e-waste) surfaces, prompting discussions on the broader sectoral challenges it poses. While acknowledging that e-waste isn't a significant part of their waste output, participants address interventions such as reusing components, bioleaching circuitry, and incentivising the return of old electronics. Community engagement efforts are also emphasized, including partnerships with organizations like Homestart, UNICEF, and wildlife trusts, aiming to enhance communication and inspire employee involvement in sustainability efforts both at work and in their personal lives.

The dialogue concludes with an emphasis on the importance of sharing information to foster greater awareness and involvement in sustainability efforts. We highlight the need for collaboration, innovation, and collective action to address sustainability challenges effectively within the company and the broader industry context.

Join me in welcoming Tash Morgan-Etty, the visionary founder of Write Rabbit, as we delve into the intricate world of sustainability communications. Together, we unravel the veil of deceptive practices and illuminate the paramount significance of authenticity in this landscape.

Tash eloquently underscores the pivotal role of internal communication in fostering alignment among employees toward sustainability initiatives. Furthermore, she astutely examines the regulatory framework's crucial role in combatting greenwashing and ensuring the veracity of sustainability claims.

Drawing from her wealth of experience, Tash underscores the transformative power of storytelling in sustainability communications. She offers compelling examples from industry trailblazers such as Who Gives a Crap and The Body Shop, demonstrating how effective narratives can drive meaningful change.

Moreover, Tash keenly identifies sectors like consulting and finance as areas where sustainability efforts may be lacking, signalling the urgent need for heightened awareness and action.

As our dialogue unfolds, Tash offers invaluable insights into future trends, foreseeing a landscape characterised by heightened audience scrutiny and the imperative of positive behaviour change messaging in sustainability communications.

Ultimately, our conversation serves as a beacon, illuminating the path to navigating the complexities of sustainability communications. Through a lens of authenticity, storytelling, and alignment of internal and external messaging with sustainable values, we pave the way towards a more conscientious future.