Event 13 May: IoD Jersey supports businesses to become environmentally sustainable

IoD Jersey panel event is supporting businesses to become environmentally sustainable.

By 2030, the United Nations reports that the impact of climate change on our environment, quality of life and our economy, will be irreversible—unless we act now. IoD Jersey is holding a studio-styled panel event to provide information for organisations and their staff, to support them in working towards environmental sustainability. The event on May 13th, comprises leaders from local businesses, Government and charities.

The 20 warmest years on record have been in the last 22 years. That might seem appealing for Jersey, but it is decreasing oxygen levels, increasing sea temperatures, which kills sea life, and raising ocean levels. Jersey has already seen an increased risk from rising seas, storm surges and unpredictable weather conditions.

This not only impacts our natural environment, but it will also have a big economic cost. The Stern Review found that if Jersey doesn’t act now, the costs of climate change for our Island will be the equivalent of losing between 5% and 20% of GDP annually. Jersey’s Government has therefore committed to carbon neutrality by 2030.

The IoD panel, sponsored by HSBC and JT, will be chaired by Dr Lesley Dickie, CEO of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, and features:

Tom Noel – Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability – JT Group Ltd
Sabrin Rahman – Head of Sustainability for Europe and the Middle East, HSBC Bank
Steven Skelton – Director of Strategy and Innovation – Government of Jersey
Hilary Jeune – Director of Valuemetrix
Elaine Walsh – Chair of the IoD Jersey Environment Sub Committee

The IoD Jersey Environment Sub Committee recognises that ‘Environment in ESG’ is not easily added as a fifteen minute slot to board meetings because of its breadth and depth. Added to this are the evolving laws, regulations and reporting requirements organisations are facing, in addition to pressure from investors, employees and society to evidence progress. The combined effect of this can be that some businesses are confused, overwhelmed and do not know where to start and/or where to go on ‘their journey’.

In order to support its members, IoD Jersey has developed a framework of 6 ‘Cs’, being Communicate, Collaborate, Coordinate, Consult, Commit and Celebrate. This framework will enable IoD Jersey to connect members to allow them to share their experiences with each other, recognising that each business may be at a different stage but that through collaboration everyone can progress further and faster.

Elaine Walsh, Chair of the IoD Jersey Environment Sub-committee, said: “There is no one way to start an organisation’s path to sustainable environmental health. What we can do is learn from each other and work together to develop an aligned approach that improves our environmental outlook but recognises individual journeys.

“We hope that, through initiating a conversation between leaders in business, government and community/charity at our first event, we can inspire attendees to start or accelerate “their journey” in order to create a sustainable business environment in Jersey from which businesses, their employees and future generations can all benefit.”

Tom Noel, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at JT Group Ltd, said: “We’re delighted to have been invited to contribute to this session. The fight to contain climate change requires a genuine commitment from all of us, it’s an opportunity for everyone to work together to protect the world we all share.

“At JT we recently launched our 10-year Sustainability Strategy, and in it we’ve set ourselves some ambitious targets, which won’t be achieved overnight. The Strategy has captured the hearts and minds of our people and I truly believe that we have an opportunity as a company and as wider industry to work collaboratively to support the Government to achieve their ambitious plans.’

Sabrin Rahman, Head of Sustainability for Europe and the Middle East, HSBC Bank, said: “In 2020 HSBC announced its ambition to become a net zero bank by 2050, and provide between USD750 billion and USD1 trillion of financing and investment by 2030 to help our clients transition to lower carbon.

“It’s an ambitious plan to prioritise financing and investment that supports the transition to a net zero global economy but it is one that helps to build a thriving, resilient future for society and businesses. Events such as this with the IoD Jersey, provide a fantastic platform for us to share our sustainability journey and also learn from what other organisations are doing in this area.”