SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION
Bathroom Manufacturers Association – Sustainability Strategy
In 2019 the BMA developed a two-pronged strategy focussing on product compliance and the sector’s sustainability. On sustainability, the BMA would help the members’ step up’ by a) supporting them to adapt their products and processes, b) supporting consumers to make more sustainable bathroom purchasing decisions and c) working in collaborative and innovative partnerships.
As water supply and management accounts for 6% of the UK’s carbon emissions and >60% of domestic water consumption takes place in the home, water efficiency was an area where the association could impact. In 2021-22 the BMA influenced the National Retrofit Strategy; ran the ‘#GetLavvySavvy’ campaign; successfully briefed peers on the Environment Act; and worked with Defra on reducing domestic water consumption.
The BMA has held five biannual Sustainability Forums to discuss major topics affecting members. In 2021 it launched the Sustainability Awards to celebrate the efforts of members, share best practices, and ultimately raise the bar for the whole sector.
Finally, BMA is reducing the environmental impact of its operations to a minimum. The BMA has signed the Government’s SME Climate Commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2030, a target they look set to beat.
Builders Merchants Federation – BMF’s Sustainability Initiative
The BMF signed up to the SME Climate Commitment and pledged to take action to halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2040, with first steps including a review of daily operations and identifying simple and low-cost ways to reduce carbon output, such as motion-activated lighting, sharing printers and using sustainable promotional materials for conferences and events.
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) announced its ‘Construct Zero’ ambition to drive carbon out of the industry in March 2021. The industry-change programme includes opportunities for companies to get involved with the project as a Business Champion or Business Partner.
BMF welcomed the initiative and also recognised an unmet need for merchants and building material manufacturers to share information and initiatives in the sustainability arena, which would also assist BMF members in their applications to be recognised as a Business Champion by the CLC. As at May 2022 there are 26 BMF Business Champions in place.
Edinburgh International Conference Centre – Step Change: EICC’s Sustainability Programme
Sustainability is a long-standing tradition at the EICC, and in recent years our sustainability practices have significantly evolved. Our goals have become more sophisticated and precise; our carbon mitigation strategy more effective; our food options reflect our commitment to sustainability; and our energy measurement tools have been adapted to the latest technologies. Step Change, the EICC’s sustainable programme and brand identity, is the tool that we use to outwardly communicate these positive processes and activities. A key element of Step Change is our Event Impact Reports, which allow our clients to be more aware of the impact of their events and, with our help, make positive changes.
Foodservice Equipment Association
The FEA and Trees for Cities collaboration provides FEA members with the platform to offset their annual carbon emissions; provide cleaner air for the next generation; reduce noise pollution in inner city areas; and educate children in the importance of nurturing the environment.
Major Projects Association – Sustainability Ambassadors Network
The 2019 Major Project Association’s Conference was entitled Embedding Sustainability in Major Projects. Such was the concern of conference attendees that we knew we had to do more to deliver the Net Zero goals required of the sector. One of the ‘asks’ from membership was to create a safe space for members to share ideas and resources to break down barriers and create impact at project level – not just within individual organisations. In March 2020 the Sustainability Ambassadors Network was launched – a collaborative working forum on the topics of sustainability and climate change Each member organisation is invited to appoint an Ambassador – we have over 50 organisations represented with many others sharing insights at meetings/seminars. The Network meets virtually bi- monthly, whilst specialist working groups progress key issues in parallel. The number of companies and individuals involved continues to grow Ambassadors feel the time spent is value adding and recommend the Network to others. Our role is to provide visible leadership by demonstrating that sustainability is our top priority through our own actions and provide members with access to knowledge/tools to help them achieve their goals on the World’s most important Major Project.
