Sustainablesteps forwardfor theindustry

The merchandise sector gathered to focus on the challenges ahead, hear inspiring advice, and consider its next steps on sustainability

In the sur undings of Mar w in Buckinghamshire, the celebrate the launc the StepForward Pledge for its expert a and collaborati members have hailed industry has needed to nthe picturesque surroundings MarlowinBuckinghamshire, the BPMA hosted its first Sustainabilit Conference to celebratethe theStepForward Pledge forits members. Bringing together expert speakers, conference workshop and collabor discussions, members have hail theevent as thesignalthe industryhas needed to drive the sustainabilityagenda forward.

Pledging Progress

Withmorethan 30% of BPMA members nowregistered to take theStepForward Pledge, theConference opened by celebrating over 15 different members who were thefirst whohad completed themilestone forthe year.Collectinga ‘working towards’statement, BoardDirector Melissa Chevin and theBPMA’sCarey Trevill explained what wasinvolvedand whyevery member should get involved.

With more than BPMA

Sustainability Sells

Sustainabilitysells Out

Attended by morethan 130delegates, theConference sold out weeksbefore and had operated awaiting list forthose still looking foraseat. Noting thekeen interest, CEO Carey Trevill said: “The demand washigh forseats and it just shows theimportance we place in our businesses on sustainable best practices.”

Revealing findings from an audit at theevent whichhad benchmarkedits members progress on Scope1,2and 3, Trevill went on to sayhow finding out wherethe industryranked itself was driving theBPMA’sagenda and approach

“Weasked everyone to get involved in theaudit withasked questions about howtheir businesses were doing on ESG (environmental, social, governance) goals linked to Scope 1, 2and 3emissions, theintent and action. The results were fascinating and showedour intention to take action wasrated highly at 86% of thoseparticipating against the ‘norm’ of around 76%,” she revealed.

Collaborative Approach

After agenerous networkingbreakfast, hosted by thetwentysponsors of the event, attendees took part in adeep dive workshop to lookathow intention and action could be progressed. Runby speakers Kevin Duncan and Sarah Duncan, authors of The SustainableBusiness Book and arange of bestselling business books, they presented thebenchmark audit.

Citing high scores in intent to actbut mixedresults in howthisintentwould be representedinaction, Kevinand Sarah engaged theaudience in aquestionand answer sessiontoexplorethe reactiontothe results,and probewhy action wasnecessary and thebarriersmanybusinessmay face

Bringing this intothe core of theirsession, theworkshop sawgroups workingtogether to lookatideas and strategies thewhole industry could adopt, wherethe Association could focus attention and efforts together withunderstanding howstakeholders could be engaged on theESG journey