SKQ Issue 15 The Sustainability Edition

issue 15 T H E S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y E D I T I O N

Welcome to issue 15 T H E

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y

E D I T I O N

This issue of SKQ is dedicated to sustainability. After the Summer we have just had, where we saw wild fires engulf many parts of Europe in a way we’ve not seen before, it seems a fitting focus.

But this is by no means about the doom and gloom of it all - it’s easy to feel that the climate crisis is a lost cause – no, it’s about giving hope and sharing ideas that will inspire you to take action in whatever way you can.

From David’s Outlook piece that highlights personal lifestyle changes you can easily introduce to an article from Sarah Davenport, founder of sustainable interiors brand That Rebel House, on how to decorate your home in a more environmentally friendly way. From Square Mile’s piece on green investments to Associate Partner at planet-positive consultants, Xynteo, Ellie Besley-Gould’s recommendations for businesses looking to operate more sustainably. They all have actionable advice and positive messages to share.

Also in this issue we have a truly inspirational story from Jan Mintram, Principal at Haberdashers’ Slade Green Primary about how a group of determined Year 5s introduced an initiative to simultaneously help disadvantaged families and fight climate change. And finally, we hear from Head of Sustainability at Surrey Cricket Club, Emily Iveson-Pritchard about how you encourage a 175 year old club to embrace a road to net zero.

I really do hope you will find something here that resonates and that encourages you to make a change for a more sustainable future.

As always, the SK Team is here for you.

Jenny Editor jenny@groveparkdesign.co.uk We encourage you to share our magazine with those you think may find it useful.

If you have any feedback or would like to contribute to our next issue of SKQ, send Jenny an email at jenny@groveparkdesign.co.uk

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Contents 04 Outlook from David 06 In conversation with...Sarah Davenport 08 Embracing Sustainability in Business: Paving the way to a resilient future 10

Surrey Cricket Club: The road to net zero

12

Saving the planet one uniform at a time

14

Navigating the path to sustainable investing

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OUTLOOK

From David

Living a sustainable life in a modern world It’s hard to turn on the TV, open a

But my question is, is it possible to live a sustainable

newspaper or go online without

life in the modern world?

climate change being at the

The answer is simple. Yes, it is absolutely possible.

forefront of everything you see

While the demands of modern life can be

and read. And whether it’s forest

challenging, adopting simple eco-friendly practices

fires, floods or exceptional heat

and making conscious choices can help you reduce your environmental impact without you having to

waves, the general consensus is

make any real sacrifices. And like compound interest,

that human behaviour is causing

even small changes can make a big impact over time.

or at the very least contributing to

What’s more, showing you’re doing something will undoubtedly inspire someone else to do the same

global warming and to these

(especially if you’re setting an example for your

climate events.

children) and the cumulative effect will be all the

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more powerful.

OUTLOOK There are of course lots of things you can do, but you

a balance that works for you, while keeping an open

don’t have to do them all and you definitely don’t have

mind and constantly looking for new ways to

to do them all at once. It’s far better to make one or two

minimise your ecological footprint.

changes and to stick to them than to try and make lots of changes that you cannot maintain. Embracing

Remember that sustainability is a journey, and progress

sustainable habits in areas like transport, energy, waste

matters more than perfection. Start with manageable

reduction and consumption patterns can all contribute

changes and gradually integrate more sustainable

to a more sustainable lifestyle. But it's important to find

practices into your life. Every little bit counts.

How to build sustainability into your lifestyle 1.

Green Transport: Use public transit, bike, walk or drive fuel-efficient or electric vehicles. If you’re going on holiday – could you go by train instead of fly?

2.

Energy Efficiency: Install LED lights, smart thermostats and energy-efficient appliances.

Unplug electronics when they’re not in use.

3.

Renewable Energy: Choose a green energy provider – it’s easy to switch. If possible, install solar panels or an air source heat pump.

4.

Reduce Waste: Practice minimalism, buy in bulk and avoid single-use plastics – there’s lots of advice online to find out how….just taking a reusable cup and water bottle to work is a great start.

5.

Plant-Based Diet: Choose plant-based meals more often to reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture.

6.

Conscious Shopping: Prioritise quality over quantity, support sustainable brands and choose second-hand. Whether it’s clothes,

books or furniture – vintage and preloved items are everywhere.

7.

Water Conservation: Fix leaks, use low-flow fixtures and avoid unnecessary water wastage – take short sharp showers, turn the tap off when you brush your teeth, put water in the fridge instead of waiting for it to run cold.

8.

Zero-Waste Lifestyle: Aim to produce minimal waste by composting and reusing, then recycle when you’re really finished with it.

Choosing items that have no or little packaging is a quick win here.

9.

Digital Consciousness: Reduce paper use, unsubscribe from unnecessary emails and recycle batteries and electronics responsibly.

10. Community Engagement: Support local initiatives and businesses, join community gardens and participate in eco-conscious events. You’ll learn so much about what you can do to help be gentler on our planet.

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T H E

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y

E D I T I O N

In conversation with...

Sarah Davenport, Founder of sustainable interiors brand, That Rebel House, that celebrates unique, bold and colour-filled homes.

Azurite blue wall colour from Edward Bulmer Paint Vintage Textile Art from @loomdesignsuk Antique furniture from @rocktheheirloom SKQ issue 15 | 6

SKQ: Where should people start if they’re looking to decorate in a more environmentally friendly way?

Sarah Davenport (SD): An easy change to make would be to commit to only buying plastic free paint. This decision is made so much easier when there are amazing companies, such as Edward Bulmer Paint, who are pioneers of plant-based paints and have a sensational colour range to choose from. It also makes it much easier to make that tricky wall colour choice... When you commit to only purchasing paint from those that know it’s time to make the change, you are channeled into only one colour chart, which is very liberating. In Edward Bulmer’s words, do you know what is the number one cause of climate change? Non-renewable fossil fuels. The paint industry is inextricably linked to the oil industry but we can all help change that by making a simple switch from paint made with plastic to paint made from plants.

Then the next step might be to think what you can move around your home to refresh a space - a piece of art, a light, rug or item of furniture can look very different in a new spot and transform how you see the space.

You can’t get much more sustainable than using what you already have.

SKQ: What trends are you seeing in interiors that tap into this approach?

SD: Since lock down and spending more time in their homes, there has been a noticeable shift to more characterful, layered, authentic spaces. These individual spaces bring emotional expression and comfort and can be created by arranging an eclectic mix of patterns, texture and objects.

So as well as Vinted for fashion, there is Vinterior for interior decor, and people are making the conscious choice to incorporate second-hand or vintage items into their interior design, which is both eco-friendly and atmospheric.

SKQ: If you like a sleek modern look maybe vintage isn’t your style, is it still possible to create a sustainable interior? If so, how?

SD: It is my passion to promote reusing products that are already in this world, so I have to say that vintage or second hand doesn't have to mean rustic or maximalist,

it can very definitely mean sleek and modern. Look for vintage furniture with clean, simple lines that align with modern design aesthetics and avoid overly ornate or fussy pieces that might clash with the sleekness of a modern interior. Another sustainable choice for your home and one that can be a very modern design statement, is to buy or commission a vibrant piece of art from a local artist.

Remember the key to achieving a successful blend of vintage and modern is finding the right balance between the two styles. Experiment and trust your eye for what you love, and have fun creating an individual, sustainable interior, one choice at a time.

SKQ: How can you avoid being drawn in by greenwashing?

SD: Similarly to how I navigate the message of That Rebel House’s vision, a lot of other small businesses are being transparent and are willingly to say that they haven't got everything right just yet, they openly communicate their challenges and want to bring you on their journey of progress rather than claiming every practice is eco-friendly. So please support small brands with their sustainability efforts, particularly those that are manufacturing within the U.K. Also, look for longevity and versatility. Choose products that have a long lifespan and can adapt to changing needs, such as our classic 100% cotton Suzanis. Even though they are manufactured overseas, they are made by hand in very small scale production and can be reused again and again. Buying such a versatile piece means it can start life as decorative wall art, but in it's next space be a throw or a curtain, with the potential to become a vintage piece and be round your space for years to come.

SKQ: Any key brands that you would like to call out as doing something special?

SD: Haines Collection - winners of the 2023 House & Garden Responsible Design Award. Haines’ mission is to reduce waste in the interiors industry. They are a pioneering platform for the resale of fabric offcuts that would otherwise most likely be headed to landfill. This allows interior businesses and consumers alike to make

small but positive changes to help reduce the negative impact that they have on the planet.

Skinflint lighting - Cornish based company offering reconditioned Eastern Bloc industrial lights. They offer a buy back scheme, so when you’re done with the light you bought from them (if you’re moving or want a change of look), you can send it back to them to resell and they give you a voucher for your next light purchase with them. It’s a fantastic circular economy approach.

SKQ: What is your number one tip for decorating more sustainably?

(SD): It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

Update by update, you can make the choice, where possible, to take the friendlier option for our planet. If you haven't already read the book for The Earthshot Prize, then you can take great inspiration from this embracing the idea that individual effort can unleash exponential change, and make a better world. For example, next time you want to purchase a rug for your home, why not make the conscious decision that you will buy a vintage or antique rug - a beautiful, one off product that is already in this world. thatrebelhouse.co.uk @thatrebelhouse SKQ issue 15 | 7

Embracing Sustainability in Business: Paving the Way to a Resilient Future ”

Over the last five years global consciousness about climate change has grown exponentially and this is even more marked since the pandemic. As a result, businesses across all sectors are recognising the urgent need to focus on sustainability. Putting ESG front and centre is not only crucial for addressing environmental challenges, it also brings numerous benefits to businesses, society, and the planet as a whole.

During this time, there has also been a significant step change in the number of businesses aiming to build purpose into profit models and create strategies for delivery – from Net Zero Plans to B Corp certification, with a lot of energy reduction along the way. I have partnered with and worked for businesses across a number of sectors, and my real passion is in the most complex problems – businesses with large and multi-tiered ‘value chains’. I recently took a role at Xynteo, a purpose-driven strategy advisory firm where I’ll be specialising in FMCG, retail and food and partnering with some of the world’s largest organisations looking for people-and-planetpositive ways to grow.

Introducing sustainable business practices can seem overwhelming, but I’ve found that the base of where to start work can be built on five central pillars, regardless of the industry: Environmental Concerns and Climate Crisis The pressing climate crisis demands immediate action from businesses. Deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and unsustainable resource consumption contribute to environmental degradation. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can reduce their ecological footprint, limit pollution, and help mitigate the impacts of climate change. It is crucial for businesses to play a role in protecting biodiversity, minimising habitat destruction, and preserving endangered species.

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Ellie Besley-Gould

TOP TIP: Develop an environmental procurement policy to set supply chain standards and ensure regular compliance auditing for all suppliers.

Consumer Demands and Changing Market Trends Today's consumers are increasingly conscious of their purchasing decisions and seek products and services that align with their values. Research shows that consumers prefer to support businesses that prioritise ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and social consciousness. By focusing on sustainability, businesses can meet consumer demands, enhance their brand reputation, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

TOP TIP: Identify your most material issues by surveying customers and prioritise actions that benefit both the planet and your brand.

Cost Savings, Efficiency, and Resource Management Sustainable practices can lead to significant cost savings and increased efficiency for businesses.

Implementing energy-efficient technologies, reducing waste, and practicing responsible resource management can lower operational expenses. Sustainable practices also help businesses reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions caused by climate-related events, safeguarding them from potential financial losses.

Businesses must recognise the importance of sustainable resource management, considering the finite nature of natural resources. Resource scarcity and supply chain disruptions due to environmental factors can significantly impact business operations and profitability. Adopting responsible sourcing and circular economy principles can help businesses mitigate these risks.

TOP TIP: Analyse your utilities data to identify areas where you can improve energy, water, and waste usage.

Regulatory Compliance, Legal Risks, and Resilience Governments worldwide are enacting stricter environmental regulations to address the urgency of climate change. Embracing sustainability allows businesses to stay ahead of evolving regulatory requirements and ensure long-term compliance. Moreover, businesses that demonstrate resilience by incorporating sustainable practices are better equipped to navigate challenges and uncertainties in a rapidly changing world.

TOP TIP: Familiarise yourself with existing and upcoming regulations in the countries where you operate and incorporate necessary changes into your business model early on.

Attracting and Retaining Talent Employees and job seekers value purpose-driven work and sustainable business

practices. To attract and retain top talent, businesses must showcase their commitment to sustainability. Employees are more likely to be engaged and motivated when they feel their work contributes to a meaningful cause.

TOP TIP: Conduct surveys among your teams to identify their priorities, and actively listen to their input to foster a sense of belonging and commitment.

Integrating sustainability into a business model may seem overwhelming, so it is essential to start by focusing on achievable steps. Avoid attempting to tackle everything simultaneously.

Instead, prioritise areas where you can make a difference and gradually expand your sustainability efforts. Embrace a learning mindset and engage in knowledge-sharing with other businesses in your industry. Collaboration fosters progress and eases the burden of sustainability transitions. Sustainability is an ongoing but urgent journey, and together, businesses can drive positive change for a resilient future.

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Surrey Cricket Club:

THE ROAD TO NET ZERO

Emily Iveson-Pritchard Head of Sustainability

Sustainability has become one of the key pillars of the strategic priorities of Surrey CCC and The Kia Oval. With a pledge to achieve Net Zero by 2030, the organisation’s focus on the environment reflects a desire to play a significant role in addressing one of the largest global challenges.

This deliberate approach allowed them to identify key areas for improvement within the sustainability journey. The Club introduced the role of Head of Sustainability and internalised their carbon footprint reporting as part of the new commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2030.

Surrey CCC's sustainability drive began with a simple but impactful change – switching from disposable to reusable drinking cups in 2015. This small step sparked a bigger movement within the business.

In the pursuit of sustainable practices, The Kia Oval and Surrey CCC took strategic steps to ensure their focus was in the right areas. The organisation sought the expertise of a consultant to conduct a comprehensive carbon footprint analysis, relying on activity data such as bills for Scope 1 and 2 emissions (green house gas emissions we create both directly and indirectly), and expenditure data for Scope 3 emissions (all other sources of emissions).

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The Club also demonstrated their dedication to broader environmental initiatives, aligning with the United Nations’ 'Sports for Climate Action' Framework and joined as a signatory of the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative. Steve Elworthy, the Chief Executive, acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge, emphasising the Club's responsibility to mitigate their environmental impact. While recognising the significant effort required, the commitment to this cause remains steadfast.

With a resolute purpose, “ the business set their

Central to the strategy is the engagement of

The intention is not to leave anyone behind

stakeholders. This engagement extends to

in their pursuit of a Net Zero Economy,

staff, members, and suppliers, recognising

reflecting the Club's inclusive approach and

sights on a substantial reduction in their carbon footprint, aiming for an 80% decrease.

that achieving Net Zero requires collective

commitment to unity.

participation. Each department has been

Any remaining unavoidable emissions will be offset through certified carbon removal credits, underlining the commitment to a more sustainable future. The short-term goal involves a 45% reduction in total CO2e emissions by the end of 2024. This entails a focused approach towards curbing direct

actively involved in shaping their own

To ensure accessibility and interaction, the

sustainability targets, fostering alignment

Club established a dedicated email address,

and ownership. The Club organised

sustainability@kiaoval.com, encouraging

members' forums to facilitate discussions on

open dialogue. This initiative underscores

sustainability, valuing input and suggestions

their willingness to engage with inquiries,

from their community. Additionally, they've

suggestions, and concerns related to

initiated meetings with suppliers and

sustainability. Through this transparent

sponsors, fostering collaboration to develop

communication channel, The Kia Oval and

innovative approaches together.

Surrey CCC embody their humble yet

A notable hurdle in the sustainability journey is the intricate supply chain. The Club observed a shift where consumers are

emissions resulting from club operations

championing sustainable alternatives,

and the management of The Kia Oval venue.

prompting suppliers to adapt. The

Strategies focus on reducing electricity

challenge lies in supporting these changes

consumption, optimising operational

collectively while staying true to their

processes, and increasing recycling efforts.

existing partners.

resolute stance towards sustainability, inspiring collaboration and change. kiaoval.com

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SAVING THE PLANET, ONE UNIFORM AT A TIME Jan Mintram

At Haberdashers’ Slade Green our curriculum themes are split into three golden threads: sustainability, social justice and global excellence.

This year our school commitment to sustainability has been

After successfully gathering uniform, Uniform United held swap

strengthened by a group of Year 5 children who competed in a

shops where families could take any uniform free of charge, whilst

Trust wide Junior Dragon’s Den competition to make an impact in

being encouraged to donate ‘swapped’ uniform. In their first

their local community.

swap shop, over 200 pieces of uniform were given out – a

Taking into account the financial challenge that many of our families experience with buying school uniform, they decided to set up their own action group appropriately named ‘Uniform

tremendous success but it doesn’t stop there.

Uniform United recognised that many families were discarding

United’.

uniform because buttons had fallen off blazers or shirts or because

Their pledge focused on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South and understanding the

skirts and trousers had become too short.Being part of Every child needs to have access to a full

Haberdashery traditions, they encouraged staff to support them in

school uniform that fits correctly.

learning to sew. This then enabled them to repair some uniform

Diversity:

No matter what their background.

donations and they’ve also convinced us to change the curriculum

Inclusion:

Leave no child feeling left out or different.

so that every child can at least sew a button on before they go to

Equality:

secondary school!

They actively campaigned at the school gates with placards asking for donations from parents, posted adverts in our newsletter and

Their hard work and effort led to their winning of the Dragon’s Den

on social media and also set a date for the successful ‘Y6 donation

competition but more importantly has developed a culture within

day’. This was the last day for our Y6 leavers, who were allowed to wear their own clothes to school if they donated unneeded uniform, prior to starting secondary school.

They decided not only to collect outgrown uniform but also to

school where it has become the norm to rescue, repair and recycle school uniform, reduce the financial burden on families and eradicate the stigma of wearing second hand uniform, whilst tackling the environmental challenges for a sustainable future.

“rescue, repair and recycle” any uniform that would otherwise be needlessly thrown away.

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habssladegreenprimary.org.uk

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NAVIGATING THE PATH OF RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT It would be difficult today to not be aware of the challenges currently facing our planet. Popular television documentaries and a constant stream of news flow about unusually catastrophic floods and wildfires are a constant reminder that something isn’t quite right. Environmental and social issues are becoming more entrenched and harder to ignore, whilst people everywhere are growing increasingly concerned for the future of our planet and for society’s ability to function for the greater good of everyone.

In recent years, a significant shift has taken place in the world of finance, with responsible investing emerging as a powerful force driving change. With investors placing greater emphasis on ensuring their money is used to help create a positive impact on the world and society around them, the concept of responsible investment has gained momentum.

What is responsible investing?

In short, responsible investing involves actively seeking to do good, avoid doing harm, and driving change by investing in companies that address urgent global challenges, while avoiding those perpetuating problems.

JAKE MOELLER SENIOR INVESTMENT CONSULTANT, SQUARE MILE

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Given the subjectivity around what constitutes responsible investment, a useful place to start is the spectrum of capital. From traditional funds, where the primary objective is to generate a financial return, to those which prioritise using investment to create a positive impact, there are four categories of responsible investing which illustrate this spectrum: •

Ethical Exclusions - avoiding industries and practices that harm people or the planet, for example excluding tobacco and alcohol, gambling or companies which produce or distribute fossil fuels.

•

Responsible Practices - evaluating the operational practices of invested companies, supporting 'best practice', and encouraging improvement in environmental and social performance. An example of this would be encouraging a food retailer to seek to reduce the environmental impact of its supply chain and operations.

•

Sustainable Solutions - investing in companies which provide solutions to social and environmental challenges through their core products and services, aiming for long-term financial benefits. These companies can vary from those supporting the transition to renewable energy to those addressing healthcare needs.

impact manager has an objective for driving the transition to net zero, they must articulate clearly what this means to a layperson, how they seek to achieve that and their success in terms of the amount of reduced carbon emissions for the actual megawatts of clean energy produced.

•

Impact Investing - creating a broader positive social or environmental impact. Investments are ! substantiated with evidence of the social and environmental impact achieved through companies' core products and services.

It can also be a good idea to compare any and all of a fund’s marketing materials with other fund documentation. For instance, look at the Key Investor Information Document alongside a fund factsheet. By comparing them in this way, investors can help ensure that a fund’s objectives are consistent across all documentation, making the fund’s aims and targets that much clearer.

It is important to note that these approaches are not mutually exclusive, all of them can be used simultaneously to help make well-informed investment decisions.

Evidencing responsible investment While the responsible investment market has been growing, clear and tangible metrics to demonstrate a fund's positive and negative impacts are developing and standardised reporting metrics to help investors interrogate the funds they are considering are not always available.

Despite the difficulties, it is still possible (and necessary), to assess a fund's commitment to responsible investment. Transparent reporting is fundamental to evidence responsible investment outcomes; clearly stating what a fund is aiming to achieve, demonstrating its success in achieving this, and where it falls short, clearly explaining why. Evidence should be provided using whatever data is available, presented in a standardised and accessible way. For example, if an

Case studies can be invaluable. They should explain what a company does and a manager’s thesis for investing in it, describing the challenge a company has identified, how it addresses this, and key performance indicators applied to demonstrate success. For example, if a fund claims to focus on combating climate change but holds significant investments in fossil fuels without a clear explanation, this may raise concerns and warrant further investigation.

Responsible investing is more than just a passing trend; it is a fundamental shift that reflects the evolving expectations of investors and the broader global community. As the world continues to face complex challenges, from climate change to social inequality, responsible investing offers a pathway to a more sustainable and equitable future. We are, however, on a journey of progress, and the metrics against which responsible investment metrics can be measured will continue to evolve, and every step towards a consistent and transparent framework should be seen as positive.

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“There must be a better way to make the things we want, a way that doesn’t spoil the sky, or the rain or the land.”

PAUL MCCARTNEY The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loan secured on it.

This document is distributed for information purposes and should not be considered investment or other advice or an offer of any product / security for sale. This document contains the opinions of the authors but not necessarily the firm and does not represent a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or product. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.

Please contact us before you transact. Errors and omissions excepted.

SKF Trading Ltd trading as SK Financial.

SK Financial is directly authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority.

SKQ issue 15