How to Drive Company-Wide Sustainability: Openreach (Abby Chicken)

What does it take for large-scale organisations to achieve Net-Zero? Let’s find out! Today, Will and Charlie talk big business & big sustainability with Abby Chicken, Head of Sustainability at Openreach. As the company behind the UK's second-largest van fleet and a crucial telecommunications infrastructure provider, Openreach is tackling ambitious net-zero targets while revolutionising how large organisations approach sustainability.As Will says… “Abby just get’s it!”. She knows business, she knows sustainability. That’s what this show is all about and what makes this episode vital listening. Enjoy!And remember to let us know about your sustainability problems! Let us know here or drop us an email on [email protected]:Moving a large workforce to greener practices requires careful planning and infrastructureCompany vehicles are often one of the biggest sources of emissionsStaff who work remotely or in the field need practical solutions that don't disrupt their workMany suppliers and contractors need to align with your environmental goalsHard to measure impact when sharing buildings and resources with other companiesRural and remote locations pose unique challenges for green initiativesSolutions:Start with a clear company-wide strategy that:Begins with the easiest changes firstUses pilot programs to test and prove new approachesMakes sustainable choices convenient for employeesBuilds requirements into supplier contractsPartners with other companies to share resourcesChanges behaviour through practical benefits, not just environmental appealsFocus on using less overall:Look for waste in packaging and materialsUpdate to more efficient technologiesFind ways to reuse or recycle old equipmentShare facilities and equipment where possibleMake it easy for people to reduce waste in their daily workResults:Early adopters become advocates for changeSuppliers actively engage in environmental improvementsNew industry standards get createdProgress toward long-term goalsBetter data on what works and what doesn'tPractical solutions that work in the real worldTakeaways:Sustainability needs to move beyond passion to become business as usualLarge organisations can drive industry-wide change through supplier requirementsFinancial institutions increasingly require robust sustainability strategiesSuccess requires multiple approaches - from boardroom economics to employee engagementInfrastructure sharing can significantly reduce environmental impactClear metrics and visibility are crucial for driving organisational changeResources:Material World by Ed ConwayOpenreach sustainability initiativesScience Based Targets InitiativeCarbon Disclosure ProjectGreen Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke...