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Month: October 2023

On 1st November, the Supply Chain Sustainability School will bring industry leaders and experts together for an unmissable virtual conference, ‘Building a Greener Tomorrow: Energy Efficiency Revolution‘.

With keynote speakers from Cadent Gas, Wates Group, Travis Perkins, and Speedy Hire, this event investigates the steps you need to take as an SME or large enterprise and reflect on your energy efficiency strategies, to remain resilient despite turbulent times ahead, and keep in step with some of the UK’s most forward-looking sustainable brands. 

Why Attend? 

Navigating the complexities of energy consumption and the transition away from fossil fuels is a recurring topic in the news. It touches every facet of our lives, from how we heat our homes to the way we manufacture goods and get around.  

Key facts on energy efficiency: 

  • Innovating for Net Zero: According to the “Industrial Strategy: Construction 2025,” the UK construction sector is geared towards growth markets in smart technologies and green construction, outlining a proven long-term vision for achieving Net Zero. 
  • Building Sector: Responsible for about 40% of the UK’s total energy consumption. 
  • Gas Dependency: Approximately 78% of UK households rely on gas for central heating. 
  • Retrofitting: Upgrading existing buildings could lead to a 50% reduction in energy demand from heating, according to government estimates. 

The UK’s Energy Strategy aims to “Power Up Britain” efficiently, placing a strong focus on retrofitting existing infrastructure and expanding the use of renewable energy sources. Additionally, it sets ambitious goals that every sector needs to work toward.  

This virtual conference is designed to provide you with the insights, tools, and practical strategies that organisations will need to make a meaningful impact on energy efficiency. 

Agenda Highlights  

Cadent Gas: Regulatory Change and Need for Innovation Management  

Topics covered: 

  • Regulatory Influence and Policy Formation 
  • Supply Chain Engagement with Green Gas 
  • Forward-looking Ambition for a Hydrogen Economy 

“The journey towards decarbonisation is not a solo endeavour. Through robust partnerships, we can amplify our impact and propel the UK into a low carbon economy, turning green gas from a niche market to the norm.” Sikander Mahmood, Operational Transition, Project Manager. 

Wates Group: Lessons Learned from Energy & Carbon Reduction Projects 

Topics covered: 

  • Transitioning to Renewable Energy 
  • Alignment with the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) 
  • Commitment to Achieving Net Zero by 2045. 

“Energy efficiency is not just an operational concern; it’s a strategic imperative. With our ambitious Net Zero goal set for 2045, we are proof that commercial success and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.” Adetunji Lawal, Head of Energy and Carbon. 

Travis Perkins: Sustainable Products, EPDs, and Energy Efficiency 

Topics covered: 

  • The Role of Sustainable Products in Supply Chains 
  • Services Designed to Guide Businesses Through Environmental Legislation 
  • A Comprehensive Plan to Enhance Energy Efficiency Across 2,000 Sites. 

“Our top ESG priority is to ‘decarbonise the industry’ and key to this is effective collaboration across the value chain. By engaging with suppliers, we can ensure our customers have access to a range of sustainable products and services, supported with better product data that helps meet the challenges of retrofit and decarbonisation in the UK.” James Vance, Group Head of Environment.  

Speedy Hire: A Decade to Deliver – Achieving Net Zero by 2040 

Topics covered: 

  • Plans to Reduce Scope 1 and 2 Emissions by 50% by 2030 
  • Strategies for Cutting Scope 3 Emissions by 42% by 2030 
  • The Importance of ‘Decade to Deliver’ Strategy in Meeting Targets Ahead of Government Deadlines. 

“We have ten years, not just to talk about sustainability but to act. With our ‘Decade to Deliver,’ we are accelerating the race to Net Zero, 10 years ahead of governmental targets. Time is of the essence; let’s act on it.” 

 

Join us on Wednesday 1st November to hear these thought leaders expand on these critical topics and equip your organisation with the latest strategies and insights on energy efficiency and sustainability. 

Learn more and register for our ‘Building a Greener Tomorrow: Energy Efficiency Revolution’ virtual conference here. 

 

Written by Chris Williams-Lilley, Senior Consultant for Action Sustainability.

Here at the Fairness, Inclusion & Respect (FIR) Programme we will be pausing to celebrate and prioritise the delicate equilibrium between our professional and personal lives. From 2nd to 6th October, it’s National Work Life Week, a week dedicated to recognising the importance of work-life balance, promoting wellbeing in the workplace, and championing family-friendly working practices. 

This year, as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of work, it’s important to remember flexibility is not a one-size-fits-all concept; rather, flexibility requires an inclusive approach that accommodates the unique needs of every individual, no matter their background or profession. 

Join us in exploring the importance of workplace flexibility, as we delve into the world of flexible working, the new Flexible Working Bill, and the positive changes that are reshaping the way we work and live. We will be sharing resources from the FIR Programme to help you on your journey to making flexible working work for you!  

National Work Life Week is not just a calendar event; it’s a call to action, an opportunity to reshape the future of work in a way that benefits us all.

Unlocking the Benefits of Flexible Working: A New Era of Employee Rights 

In an era where work-life balance has become increasingly vital, the importance of flexible working cannot be overstated. It’s not just a matter of convenience; it’s a fundamental shift towards accommodating the diverse needs of the modern workforce. And now, with the introduction of the new Flexible Working Bill, flexible working is not just an option; it’s the law.

The Evolution of Flexible Working 

Flexible working has evolved from being a ‘nice-to-have’ perk to a crucial aspect of modern employment. It recognises that employees have varying needs and responsibilities outside of the workplace, whether it’s caring for family members, pursuing further education, or simply maintaining a healthier work-life balance. 

The concept of flexible working has grown beyond the traditional nine-to-five office job. It encompasses remote work, compressed workweeks, job sharing, and flexible start and finish times. The pandemic further accelerated this shift, with many businesses embracing remote work arrangements to adapt to changing circumstances.

The Importance of Flexible Working 

Flexible working offers a multitude of benefits, both to employees and employers: 

  • Improved work-life balance:  
  • Flexible working empowers individuals to better manage their personal lives, reducing stress and burnout. Employees can allocate time for family, hobbies, and self-care, leading to increased job satisfaction and overall well-being. 
  • Enhanced productivity:  
  • Research consistently shows that employees who have control over their work schedules are more productive. They can choose when and where they work best, resulting in higher efficiency and output. Obviously we need competent managers and team members to realise the biggest productivity advantages through flexible working. 
  • Attracting and retaining talent:  
  • Offering flexible working options is a powerful recruitment tool. It helps companies attract top talent, especially those who prioritise work-life balance including carers and those returning to the workforce after illness or a career break. Additionally, it enhances employee retention by promoting job satisfaction. 
  • Reduced commute and carbon footprint:  
  • Remote work reduces the need for daily commutes, saving employees time and reducing traffic congestion. It also contributes to a decrease in carbon emissions, aligning with environmental sustainability goals. 
  • Adaptation to special circumstances:  
  • Flexible working allows employees to adapt to unique life situations, such as parental responsibilities, health concerns, or pursuing further education. This adaptability fosters a more inclusive workplace. 

The Flexible Working Bill: Empowering Parents and Carers 

The legislation will come into effect in 2024, marking a monumental shift in the landscape of employment rights. This change grants people the invaluable right to request flexible working from day one of a new job. Additionally, it elevates the right to request flexible working to twice per year. 

This forward-looking legislation is a substantial stride toward establishing flexible working as the default rather than the exception in the modern workplace. It opens doors for countless individuals, enabling them to experience the myriad advantages of flexible working arrangements. 

The key provisions of the Flexible Working Bill include: 

  • Consultation requirement: Employers must consult with employees before rejecting their flexible working requests, promoting transparency and fairness. 
  • Multiple requests: Workers can make two statutory requests for flexible working in any 12-month period, instead of the previous limit of one. 
  • Reduced waiting times: Employers are now required to make decisions on statutory requests within two months, down from the previous three months. 
  • Simplified process: The legislation eliminates the need for employees to explain the potential impact of their requested changes on the employer. This streamlines the process and removes potential barriers. 

These changes expand the scope of the entitlement, benefiting approximately 2.2 million more employees. It acknowledges that flexible working is not just a privilege for a select few but a right for all. 

A Call for Evidence: Non-Statutory Flexible Working 

In addition to the measures in the Flexible Working Bill, the government is launching a call for evidence on non-statutory flexible working. This initiative aims to enhance our understanding of informal flexible working arrangements and their role in meeting the diverse needs of both employers and employees. 

To wrap up, the introduction of the Flexible Working Bill is a landmark moment in the world of employment. It signals a shift towards a more inclusive and adaptable workforce, where individual needs and responsibilities are valued. Flexible working is no longer a perk but a fundamental right that empowers both employees and employers. 

As the workforce continues to evolve, embracing flexible working practices is not just about compliance with the law; it’s about embracing the future of work, where everyone can thrive, regardless of their unique circumstances. 

Flexible working isn’t limited to office-based environments either. These resources focus on flexible working on site as well: 

 

Check out the Fairness, Inclusion & Respect Programme Resources to help you implement flexible working practices that work for everyone:  

Additional Resources:  

 

Written by Saira Khan, Conference & Outreach Officer for the Fairness, Inclusion & Respect Programme.

On Tuesday 26th September, the Supply Chain Sustainability School held its Net Zero Summit 2023 in Coventry Building Society Arena. Attended by hundreds of sustainability experts from across the built environment industry, the Summit provided a chance for people to come together and discuss the key challenges facing our industry on its journey to net zero and the big solutions needed.

Fergus Harradence (BEIS) delivers his keynote speech

The Summit kicked off with a warm welcome message from Shaun McCarthy OBE, the School Chair. Fergus Harradence from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy then took to the stage to deliver a powerful keynote speech on the construction sector’s contribution to the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.

As the day unfolded, attendees were able to choose from different enlightening discussions led by experts in the field. These sessions delved deep into the challenges the industry faces on its journey to net zero and explored potential solutions.

Cathryn Greville (Supply Chain Sustainability School) chairs a breakout session panel on the talent and skills challenge

Later on, Mia McCarthy, Head of Sustainability (Ireland) at SSE delivered the afternoon keynote. This was followed by a series of thought-provoking presentations by specialists who offered diverse perspectives on the concept of a just transition, rounded out by an engaging audience Q&A session.

Mia McCarthy (SSE) delivers her keynote speech on just transition

As the evening drew in, the event concluded cheerfully with an awards ceremony to recognise individuals and organisations that have been highly engaged with the School, followed by a drinks and networking session. See below for the full list of winners:

  1. Individual Contribution to the School: Briony Wickenden
  2. Gold Member SME in the Construction Sector: Story Decorating Group Ltd
  3. Gold Member SME in the Homes Sector: Tiger Supplies
  4. Gold Member SME in the FM Sector: Go Green Ltd
  5. Partner Award for Supply Chain Engagement: Bellway Homes
  6.  Partner Award for Internal Engagement: Savills

Thank you to everyone who attended the Summit for helping to make it such an engaging and inspiring event. Stay tuned for additional photos, videos and insights from the event.

 

Net Zero Summit Feedback

Did you attend the Summit? Your feedback is important to us. Please take 2 minutes to fill out our anonymous online Summit Feedback form – this helps us to improve any future Supply Chain Sustainability School events.

 

Thank you to our sponsors:

 

Written by Saira Khan, Conference & Outreach Officer for the Fairness, Inclusion & Respect Programme.

Dyslexia Awareness Week: ‘Uniquely You’ 

From 2nd to 8th October 2023, we’re celebrating Dyslexia Awareness Week. This year’s theme is ‘Uniquely You.’ This theme focuses on celebrating the strengths and unique qualities of people with dyslexia. My experience here at Action Sustainability during this special week demonstrates how workplaces can support team members with different needs. 

I’ve been with the Fairness, Inclusion & Respect (FIR) team at Action Sustainability for just over a month now, and I have to say, it’s been a fantastic experience. The people here have been incredibly welcoming and supportive, making my transition into this new job incredibly smooth and enjoyable. 

Today, I want to share my story and talk about some of the great ways my team has helped with my reasonable adjustments for my dyslexia. What’s really interesting and exciting is that some of the support they have offered is new to me, and they’re super helpful. I love learning new things and finding ways to do my best at work, and working in an environment like this has not only increased my happiness but also improved my productivity. 

The Importance of Meeting Unique Needs 

The reason why I want to highlight these adjustments is that it’s so easy to meet someone’s unique needs and, in turn, gain an employee who brings something truly special to the team. The rate of representation of people with disabilities and additional needs in the built environment sector is very low and needs significant attention. Only 4.5% of people in the sector identify as having a disability, despite representing 17.8% of the population. It is more difficult for people with disabilities to get a job, we know it exists, but the disability pay gap is not measured by most businesses, and more than a quarter of businesses do not have a reasonable adjustment policy in place, the basic requirement to support people with disabilities. 

Without accommodating for everyone’s needs, we miss out on talent and perspectives that add incredible value to teams and the work they do. 

Being Prepared: Equipment and Software 

Before my first day, my team was already busy getting everything ready for me. They read my Accessibility Statement carefully and made sure all the equipment I needed was set up, and the necessary computer programmes were installed by our IT providers. This was a big help because it meant I could get to work right away without any hiccups. 

Extra Help with Proofreading 

Dyslexia makes it tough for me to catch spelling and grammar mistakes that regular computer checkers might miss. But I’m lucky to have an amazing boss who takes time to check a lot of my work before it’s sent out. She’s really good at finding errors, helping me to make sure our messages and documents are free of mistakes. 

Making Pronunciation Easier 

Another thing that can be tough with dyslexia is pronouncing certain words, especially during meetings. My boss has been super supportive in this area. She records herself saying words and names I have trouble with and sends these recordings to me. This is a thoughtful gesture that helps me with pronunciation and makes me feel more confident, especially when I have important meetings. 

Meeting Notes and Email Follow-up: A Game-Changer 

One of the best things my team does is taking detailed notes during meetings and sending them to me by email afterwards. This may seem simple, but it’s been a big help in my participation and understanding. 

With dyslexia, it can be hard to process spoken information quickly, especially in fast meetings. Having notes to look at lets me take my time to understand and go over important points later. This makes sure I don’t miss important details shared in our discussions. 

Getting good notes by email is a great reference for me. I can read them when I have the time to focus, making sure I stay well-informed and involved in ongoing projects and conversations. 

An Open Environment for Questions and Lots of Patience 

One thing I really appreciate is that my team has created a space where I’m never afraid to ask for things to be repeated or to ask lots of questions. They’re incredibly patient and understanding. They take the time to explain things, discuss ideas, and repeat information when I need it. This makes our work environment open and helps me keep learning and improving. 

I’m really thankful for the flexibility and support I’ve received from my new FIR team. They’re doing a great job creating an inclusive work environment, and the new techniques they’ve introduced me to have been a big help. It’s nice to see how they’ve embraced these changes, making my time here not just smoother but also enjoyable. I feel confident that we will continue to find ways to help each other and continue to improve on accessibility within the team and across the organisation. 

As we celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Week, I want to express my gratitude to my wonderful FIR team members – Cathryn Greville, Sara Gouveia and Berta Santos – for going the extra mile and making an environment where everyone can do their best. Their support and patience have not only made my transition easier but also show what real inclusivity, teamwork, and dyslexia awareness mean.  

Thank you for being a part of my journey, and let’s keep celebrating our uniqueness together.