Introduction:
The Innovation Zero conference, held at London Olympia on 24th and 25th May 2023, marked the beginning of a new era in the UK’s pursuit of low-carbon transformation and sustainable leadership. This flagship event brought together policymakers, influencers, innovators, and funders from various sectors, all focused on shaping the future of energy, built environment, industry, transport, finance, and data. As a micro company dedicated to promoting the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, What Can You Do (Earth) CIC eagerly attended the conference to explore opportunities aligned with their own sustainability ambitions.
A Worthwhile Investment:
Despite some concerns, the two-day conference proved to be a valuable investment of time. The event showcased significant interest in the “sustainability space” from both large corporations and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Encouragingly, the UK Government demonstrated its commitment by providing support (“carrot”) and considering necessary regulations (“stick”), such as mandating ESG reporting for businesses.
Challenges and Opportunities:
While the conference presented a multitude of opportunities, the urgent message from climate scientists painted a grim reality. According to their projections, the World has a maximum of seven years to drastically reduce global emissions before climate change becomes unmanageable. This sobering fact holds profound implications for the built environment and calls for immediate action.
At the conference, numerous SME start-ups showcased data services that leverage sustainability-focused datasets, offering climate trends analysis, carbon footprint evaluations, and ESG compliance frameworks. However, a persistent challenge remains; the verification of corporate frameworks based on unvalidated input data. Additionally, the emergence of organisations selling carbon credits to offset carbon footprints raises questions about the authenticity of such initiatives. Ensuring that these solutions are backed by rigorous sustainability standards, such as ISO 14001 Environmental Management and Scope 3 Emissions, could help combat greenwashing and provide clarity in the pursuit of sustainability.
Funding and Career Opportunities:
For SMEs seeking investment, the conference provided valuable insights into potential funding sources. Platforms like Grantify Funding Simplified, Green Finance Institute, and Global Action Plan Charity presented opportunities for financial support. The conference also emphasised the importance of engaging young social media influencers to amplify sustainability ideas and drive meaningful change.
The message was clear: for those aspiring to build a successful career, being active in the sustainability space is essential, as it presents abundant job prospects.
Conclusion:
The inaugural Innovation Zero conference exemplified the UK’s commitment to sustainable transformation and leadership in the face of climate change. The event underscored the significance of collaboration among policymakers, innovators, influencers, and funders from diverse sectors to drive impactful change. Despite the pressing challenges ahead, the conference instilled hope and provided a platform for organisations like What Can You Do (Earth) CIC to contribute to the global mission of achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Contact:
Contact:
John Stuchbery
CEO / Technical Director
What Can You Do (Earth) CIC
