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Climate tech conference advocates for change in the US despite expected regressive anti-environmental policies

Climate Journal reporting — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 12:06:28 +0000

Climate tech conference advocates for change in the US despite expected regressive anti-environmental policies

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Climate Tech

Climate Innovation

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Climate Innovation

The GTF Connect international event series, initiated by leading global climate innovation platform GREENTECH FESTIVAL, will host two days of thought-provoking discussions, networking and awards to advocate for the green transition in Los Angeles at the iconic Avalon Hollywood on November 14th and 15th.

This year's central theme is “Business as Usual is Dead,” aiming to emphasise the need for a new era where green innovation and leadership drive the economy, and profit-only priorities are in the past.

Nico Rosberg, Sustainability & VC Entrepreneur and co-founder of GREENTECH FESTIVAL, commented: “This year’s GTF Connect in Los Angeles is about uniting to transform today’s unprecedented challenges into opportunities for a better tomorrow.

Business as usual is Dead, and we’re eager to dive deep into what this means for the future of sustainability, innovation, and green technology.”

Nico Rosberg, Sustainability & VC Entrepreneur and co-founder of GREENTECH FESTIVAL

With two main categories, the ‘Start-up’ and ‘Changemaker`, GREEN AWARDS will present exciting US-based climate innovators on the first day.

The lineup for nominees includes start-ups such as Ascend Elements, Twelve, and Lyten, which are making waves by drastically lowering emissions in the battery and jet fuel spaces using innovative materials and technologies.

The conference will take place on the second day and is jam-packed with inspiring leaders and influential creators sharing insights, as well as the GREEN START-UP SLAMS and GREEN INVESTORS CRUNCH sessions with various networking opportunities.

Debates on stage will explore topics like “Can the LA Olympics be a Movement for Good?” and “Is Sustainable Hollywood just another Fairytale?” besides discussing equitable cities, energy transformation, and accessible mobility for all.

One of the renowned speakers, Erin Simon, VP and Head of Plastic Waste at the World Wildlife Fund, says:

“We need to design solutions for the future we want, not the reality we are in. I am not saying we don’t need to be grounded, but we need to think outside of today’s barriers if we want actual change.”

GTF panel discussion, Berlin. Image: GREENTECH FESTIVAL

Attendees will have the chance to hear from changemakers, including Adam Lenz, Head of Sustainability at Waymo, Conyers Davis, Global Director of USC’s Schwarzenegger Institute and Nurit Katz, Chief Sustainability Officer, UCLA, to name a few.

After hosting GTF Connect events in London and Singapore in 2024, the Los Angeles conference will welcome approximately 600 guests, including a 50-person business delegation from Germany led by the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner.

Marco Voigt, Co-Founder of GREENTECH FESTIVAL, shares what drives them to advance the green agenda:

“… green leadership deserves to be recognised, and we want to play our part by providing the platform and inspiration for business leaders to see what’s possible when green business innovation, technology, and leadership unite.

We have learned a lot from our peers across the globe on our 2024 tour, and we’re excited that GTF Connect has the opportunity to return to Los Angeles a second time, especially given that we aim to celebrate and promote green change across the entire planet.”

Those interested in joining the GTF Connect event in Los Angeles can avail free tickets on the event`s website.

The GREENTECH FESTIVAL is a leading global platform for business sustainability, uniting innovators, changemakers and communities to showcase cutting-edge green technologies, share actionable insights and accelerate the decarbonisation of industry.

By expanding globally, the festival aims to celebrate and promote green globally, as organisers firmly believe this world urgently needs sustainable transformation.

Read more insights with Erin Simon, Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste and Business at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), a participant in the "Creating Change" panel discussion at the GTF Connect Los Angeles event on 14-15 November:

Read the article >>

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Leading global sustainability summit returns to Lisbon

Business Spirit News reporting — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 10:12:47 +0000

Leading global sustainability summit returns to Lisbon

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Sustainable Development Goals

Innovation

Social Innovation

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Sustainable Development Goals

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Lisbon

Climate Innovation

Changemakers and impact innovators from every corner of the world to meet in Lisbon.

The Planetiers World Gathering is back as an in-person and online event to bring together changemakers and impact innovators from every corner of the world to meet in Lisbon, Portugal, on 22-26 October.

The focus of this global event is to put sustainability and regeneration in the spotlight, showcasing green and inclusive innovations while elevating impact innovators and igniting system-level change.

Sérgio Ribeiro, CEO and Co-Founder of Planetiers and Co-Founder of Planetiers World Gathering, describes “Planetiers to be the ones who do not just break the system but transform it and make it better, fair and sustainable”.

“Planetiers acts as a call to mobilise companies, government organisations and civil/political decision-makers in the battle to build a sustainable planet for generations to come.”

The summit will be held at the Parque Eduardo VII and Pavilhão Carlos Lopes, Lisbon, focusing on topics such as ecology, climate change, health, poverty, education and peace.

Planetiers World Gathering 2022 edition brings together impact innovators and stakeholders to achive the Sustainable Development Goals. Image: Planetiers

With over 30,000 people from 90 countries expected to attend the event in person and online, it aims to bring together a diverse range of speakers and attendees, driven by the notion of contributing to a sustainable and inclusive transition.

Speakers include Chris Kroll, Founder & CEO of Ecosia and World Fund Investor, David Simas, President of the Obama Foundation and Ursula von Der Leyen, President of the European Commission, among others.

The event's ultimate goal is to help changemakers connect and highlight long-term sustainable solutions amid the impending climate crisis and accelerate a system transformation that can enable us to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Sérgio Ribeiro, CEO and Co-Founder of Planetiers and Co-Founder of Planetiers World Gathering. Image: Planetiers

“We’ve seen people joining this movement and claiming they are “Planetiers” mainly because they have found a community that brings a constructive narrative of cooperation and hope,” adds Sérgio.

Discussions will highlight the sustainability challenges of our time and raise awareness of the need for long-term solutions to counteract pressing global issues.

Sessions will cover a diverse range of topics, such as Cities for the future, Ocean Innovation, Inclusive green tourism and Sustainable investment and finance.

Showcasing the latest in sustainable technologies, innovative businesses and governance models, the 2022 Planetiers World Gathering will be bolstered by partnerships with several high-profile organisations, such as the European Commission, Tourism of Portugal and Lisbon Municipality.

Various ticket options are available, from daily tickets to all-inclusive access to match attendee’s interests.

Besides the conference program, there will be exhibition areas and interactive workshop sessions.

Planetiers was launched in 2017 as an online platform, and since it has become a leading event, a momentum, and even a symbol for people believing we still have a fighting chance to create a society that works for people and all other creatures on Earth.

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Innovation and sustainability trends showcased in Dublin

Business Spirit News reporting — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 09:50:05 +0000

Innovation and sustainability trends showcased in Dublin

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Event to connect Innovation, Sustainability and Technology in Ireland.

The Furthr Festival will present game-changing innovations, future technology, and business opportunities in sustainability on Friday, 21st October, at the Convention Centre in Dublin, Ireland.

The event, previously known as Futurescope, comes under a new name and branding but with the same passion for bringing together business leaders for a day of inspiration, learning and networking.

Attendees can explore topics across five main stages focusing on Insights, Innovation, Sustainability, Transformation and Investment with more than 100 high-profile international and Irish speakers.

Keynote speeches include topics like Guardians of the Future, presented by Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales and Think global: Move quickly, delivered by Michael Culligan, CEO at Furthr.

The event is best suited for innovators and innovation seekers looking for trends, insights, ideas and connections to take their businesses to the next level.

One of the highlighted sessions will be the One2Whatch startup competition, where pre-selected innovators will pitch for the ten thousand Euro cash prize and become crowned winners as the most promising startup.

With an expected attendee number of around 1600, this is the ultimate meeting point for business leaders striving to be at the forefront of change, unlocking market opportunities.

Additional highlights of the conference include the Future Tech Arcade, The Innovation Exchange, panel rooms, an exhibition area and plenty of networking opportunities during lunch and the after-event drink reception.

One2Whatch startup competition at Furthr Festival with 10K prize money. Image: Furthr

A particular emphasis will be on facilitating collaboration opportunities between diverse stakeholders such as startups and scaleups, investors and academia.

Tickets are available on the event’s webpage.

Furthr, formerly Dublin Business Innovation Centre, has accelerated funds and connections for Irish startups since 1988, empowering entrepreneurs to advance their ambitions.

Over the years, Furthr has helped Ireland’s innovative startup founders to raise a total of €500+ million.

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Artists joined charity auction to promote and support sustainability agenda

Business Spirit News reporting — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 08:30:42 +0000

Artists joined charity auction to promote and support sustainability agenda

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Artists are contributing to an auction to amplify the message of The Sustainability Summit Earth virtual event focusing on pressing environmental and social issues.

Visual artists have offered their artworks to be part of an online auction brought to life by The Sustainability Summit Earth virtual event to support the overall ethos of the conference.

The 3-day online broadcast event, which takes place 21-23 September 2021 with keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, spoken word performances and other sessions, is hosted by the Irish production team SX21.

Adam’s Auctioneers will manage the online auction where people can buy artworks of 21 artists from across the globe until 23rd September.

Featured artists include Jim O’Farrell, Robert Shaw, Fiona Kelly and Norman McCluskey, to name a few.

Gavin Downes from the SX21 team says:

“We have 21 artists and photographers from across the world taking part to raise vital funds for our three chosen Not-For-Profit partners of SX21.”

Mo Kelly, Nick Munier and Morgan, showcasing their stunning works of art on Sandymount Strand, Dublin. Image: SX21

These pieces of visual art of the earth and mother nature have been created with an eco-conscious framework, featuring a range of paintings, printmaking, drawings and photography.

All proceeds raised will go directly to the Not-For-Profit partners of The Sustainability Summit Earth event like FoodCloud, Trees, Water & People and 1% For the Planet.

Iseult Ward, CEO of Irish social enterprise FoodCloud, and three contributing artists, Mo Kelly, Nick Munier and Morgan, joined forces with the SX21 team to showcase their stunning works of art on Sandymount Strand in Dublin.

This exciting artist-driven charity initiative champions the sustainability agenda and reflects on the overall ethos of The Sustainability Summit Earth event hosted by SX21.

The online event connects the greatest minds, industry champions, start-ups, investors, public sector officials, NGOs, and the academic sector to collaborate, share, learn and create for the long-term benefit of society, purpose, and the planet.

Student tickets are €29, while general admission tickets are €59 including fees.

Headline image: SX21, featuring artist, Mo Kelly

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September 2021

World Water Week calls for massive transformation to address pressing global water issues

Business Spirit News reporting — Sun, 22 Aug 2021 11:40:11 +0000

World Water Week calls for massive transformation to address pressing global water issues

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Sustainable Development Goals

Climate Change

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Water

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‘Building Resilience Faster’ is the central theme of the leading annual conference on global water issues.

The leading annual conference on global water issues, World Water Week, is held 23-27 August as a free, online event focusing on the theme Building Resilience Faster.

Top experts, politicians, business leaders, intergovernmental organizations, and grassroots groups from more than 150 countries will come together to discuss and co-create solutions that can help solve water-related challenges.

Participants will get the chance to choose from over 300 digital sessions to explore how water can help us tackle the most significant global challenges, such as the climate crisis, poverty, and the loss of biodiversity.

“We want World Water Week to be an action platform engaging all,”

said Henrika Thomasson, Director of World Water Week at Stockholm International Water Institute, organizer of this global gathering.

For the past 30 years, World Water Week has been a powerful movement for change, and it is also an important stepping stone leading up to global climate events such as the COP 26, the UN Climate Change Conference in November this year.

According to experts, freshwater is one of the nine planetary boundaries that should not be crossed. Image: Pexels

In his keynote, Professor Johan Rockström from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research described how humans are dangerously altering Earth’s life support systems.

One example is how human activity is linked to climate change and loss of biodiversity that also impacts freshwater.

Rockström and his team have identified freshwater as one of the nine planetary boundaries that should not be crossed.

“Freshwater must be integrated within the climate agenda,” Rockström said.

“We must first meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, but then transform towards a safer future within planetary boundaries.”

Highlights of the Week include the royal award ceremonies for the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize and Stockholm Junior Water Prize, which is honouring individuals and organizations for extraordinary water-related achievements.

Sandra Postel received the Stockholm Water Prize 2021 for her long and outstanding work to make sense of complex water-related issues.

Postel was one of the firsts to warn of a global water crisis in the early ’90s and to call for the conservation of water-based ecosystems.

She keeps inspiring decision-makers to find new solutions to water scarcity, climate change and biodiversity loss.

“Water is the basis of life – and it is finite.

Figuring out how to meet humanity’s needs for water while enabling freshwater ecosystems to thrive is now an existential challenge because those ecosystems support the web of life to which humanity belongs.

We can all play a part in rising to this challenge,” said Postel on being awarded the Stockholm Water Prize 2021.

Sandra Postel received the Stockholm Water Prize 2021

The World Water Week is hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) that aims to strengthen water governance for a just, prosperous, and sustainable future.

The Institute focuses on a range of research and development topics within and around water that supports decision-makers worldwide.

Headline image: Abigail Keenan, Unsplash

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August 2021

A week dedicated to celebrating and promoting Circular Economy across Europe

Business Spirit News reporting — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 15:22:19 +0000

A week dedicated to celebrating and promoting Circular Economy across Europe

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Sustainable Development Goals

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Series of events will be held as part of the fourth Circular Week, an international congress promoting sustainable solutions and Circular Economy.

The fourth edition of the Circular Week will be held 11-17 October 2021 to raise awareness and bring together stakeholders from the field of sustainable development and circular economy.

This year's congress will be held under the motto "Together for a sustainable future".

It will include a series of expert panels, webinars, workshops and networking sessions where representatives of businesses, start-ups, think tanks, and public administration can learn and connect.

“Last year, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Circular Week was attended by over 3,500 people from around the world.

We organized 56 events in cooperation with 17 countries - says Agnieszka Sznyk, president of the Board of the Institute for Innovation and Responsible Development INNOWO, lead organizer of the Circular Week.

This year's edition will focus on solutions addressing critical challenges of the modern economy, like extended producer responsibility, building circular cities, wise food management, development of bioeconomy, sustainable production in the fashion industry, and changes in the plastics industry.

Agnieszka Sznyk, president of the Board of the Institute for Innovation and Responsible Development INNOWO

During Circular Week 2021, daily thematic sessions are also planned for business representatives, such as Business Circular Matchmaking Sessions, devoted to circular industry issues, including textiles and food waste or sustainable agriculture and industry.

“Climate change, which we not only hear about in the media but also experience more and more often, requires decisive action.

Circular Week is an opportunity to exchange knowledge necessary for activities for the benefit of our planet,”

comments Cezary Ludwikowski from the National Centre of Climate Change, one of the partners of the Circular Week 2021.

Over 30 institutions, companies and start-ups, and embassies of European countries have been already joined as partners.

Partner organizations that want to get involved with the Circular Week can still submit their projects and events to be listed and promoted as part of the agenda.

Szynk adds: “This year we will be joined by partners from Scandinavia, Canada and Israel, which is why we focus even more on the topics of innovation that can be implemented and scaled to all markets.

I am pleased with the growing interest in the congress, which proves the growing need for implementing circular economy solutions.”

As every year, the Mazovia Circular Congress will be one of the highlights of the Circular Week 2021, which will take place on October 15 in Warsaw, Poland.

The week-long event is organized in partnership with the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, an EU organization associating Circular Economy stakeholders from the European Union.

Headline image: Circular Week

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Zero Waste Berlin Festival welcomes back eco-conscious attendees in September

Business Spirit News reporting — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 14:18:52 +0000

Zero Waste Berlin Festival welcomes back eco-conscious attendees in September

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Citizens and entrepreneurs interested in zero waste, circular economy and sustainability will get the chance to connect in Berlin.

The second annual Zero Waste Berlin Festival (ZWB Festival) will be back on 17-19 September 2021 at Malzfabrik in Berlin to welcome people interested in the Zero Waste movement, Circular Economy and Sustainability.

The ZWB Festival aims to provide a space for citizens, impact entrepreneurs and key players to create transformative changes in their everyday life and business.

Organisers are offering a great variety of programmes on-site and online, creating a space for citizens and professionals to learn and network, with the hope of building a greener future together.

All live events will take place at the iconic location of Malzfabrik in Berlin, a place shaped by creativity and culture, standing out through its environmentally conscious set-up.

The Zero Waste Berlin Festival will be hosted at the Malzfabrik venue in Berlin; Image: ZWB Festival

There will be seven main categories at the event, focusing on Green Cities, Green Tech, Sustainable Fashion, Lifestyle, Sustainable Food Systems, Activism, and Self-Care.

The schedule includes creative workshops, art displays, lively discussions, exhibitor area and many other formats with opportunities to learn and get involved.

“This year’s event will be an international meeting point for all the people interested in zero waste, circular economy and sustainability.

We aim to create an event where people can find practical solutions, make connections and enjoy this experience in a relaxed atmosphere.

We are excited that we can finally celebrate in person, welcoming attendees from Germany and also from other European countries,” says Coral Ruz, Founder and CEO of the Zero Waste Berlin Festival.

Early-bird tickets are already available online for citizens and professionals to purchase and join the movement.

The event will also host an extensive exhibition area and offering space for exhibitors who wish to reach a broader audience to accelerate the green transition.

Coral Ruz, Founder and CEO of the Zero Waste Berlin Festival

Ruz adds: “This year we will feature well-known inspirational speakers from different fields, such as Alina Bassi, Founder of a textile recycling company, Kleiderly and Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2020; Sophia Hoffmann, zero-waste chef and activist; David Johannes, co-founder of the first zero-waste restaurant in Germany; and Alexander Piutti, serial entrepreneur and angel investor committed to social impact.”

The ZWB Festival was founded by a Spanish project manager living in Berlin, Coral Ruz.

When she realised that no international zero waste groups were holding regular events in Berlin, she decided to create a Meetup group called Zero Waste Berlin International in May 2019.

The ZWB Festival grew from there as a result of this constantly growing movement.

Since then, the start-up has held ten events and reached more than 40,000 people.

Headline image: Malzfabrik

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Greenwashing or force for good? Redifining the role of marketing

Bronagh Loughlin — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 11:40:22 +0000

Greenwashing or force for good? Redifining the role of marketing

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Communication strategies can drive positive change and business growth at the same time

This article provides a summary of the ‘Marketing as a force for good without greenwashing’ panel discussion from the annual Responsible Innovation Summit, held on 20-21 October, 2020. The session focused on ways to make the most out of your communication strategy to drive positive change and business growth and how to create a mix of values, transparency and sales.

How Has the Pandemic Influenced Marketing Trends?

The speakers were in agreement that the pandemic has influenced a number of marketing trends, and that will have a long-term impact on the industry.

Rosemary Walsh, Marketing Manager for Frank and Honest Gourmet Coffee Company, says, “One observation is, I don’t think we’ve ever been bombarded by as much information as we are now and I think it’s more focused when you’re at home and online.

Two things that I would highlight as a growing trend in marketing are authenticity and sustainability.

I think these factors will be so important for everyone working in marketing.” Brand Manager for Innocent Drinks Ireland, Laura O’Connell joins in, saying that, “Authenticity and the ability to cope with this situation goes beyond the usual thinking of creating good products; it’s about creating a good company which is walking the talk as well.

This year has been scary and confusing. People are looking for meaning, honesty and in a way having a human connection, even when it comes to brands.”

Eamonn Donlyn, CEO of Darwin and Goliath, says, “I’d say the general feeling is that we’ve all looked inward. This entire situation has been global, so everybody has had to deal with the same types of emotions in some form or fashion, even though everyone’s experience is different.”

Laura Costello, Senior Strategist, THINKHOUSE marketing agency

“The pandemic is a looking glass into our humanity, it jolts us back to how we re-centre, what’s important to us and what’s important to a business but it has also given us a lot of hope and movement, and now we’ve seen how our system is not immovable and how change is not beyond us in any shape or form”. says Laura Costello, Senior Strategist at Purpose and Planet and THINKHOUSE marketing agency.

How Can We Use Marketing as a Force for Good?

Marketing can be used to achieve business goals only but also can be a powerful force to tackle social and environmental problems.

Laura O’Connell explains that Innocent is what is known as a BCorp and how this way of doing business could be the new ‘business as usual’.

Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

“In our board room at Innocent, we have two chairs, a green one and a blue one.

One represents the environment, one represents the community.

So, in every meeting, whether it's what are we going to order in for the office this week or if it’s a big marketing campaign, we consider those two people at the table.”

Laura says, adding that this consideration goes all the way from governance to hiring, practices and sustainability in their supply chains.

Laura O’Connell - Brand Manager, Innocent Drinks Ireland

“One of the benefits and attractions of greenwashing is it’s almost a necessary evil in some regards because it gets the message out there and now, we see metrics that this is working so if the authenticity piece is then married up with greenwashing, greenwashing goes away.” Eamonn Dowlyn shares his opinion.

He feels it’s becoming a thing where consumers are not just buying the product itself but wanting to know who's behind the product, where it was produced, maybe not enough to the mass population yet but the trend is here. The actual risk to the business is doing nothing in this space.

Rosemary Walsh - Marketing Manager, Frank and Honest Gourmet Coffee Company

Rosemary stresses that the role of marketing is to influence and drive awareness, and she believes that marketeers can be a force for good and that it is a really important responsibility to take on.

She acknowledges that it is tempting to go down the road of encouraging unnecessary consumption but actually having a platform to educate and influence positively is an incredible opportunity for businesses.

Laura Costello says, “What we’ve seen with COVID-19 is trends accelerating. We’ve seen purpose become more important and actually the business of sustainability expanding out.

It’s not just about the environment anymore, it’s about social justice, and the intersectionality of a lot of different issues”.

She feels marketing is a brilliant tool for change because all of the marketeer processes are wrapped up in how we create change,

so it’s actually an inspiring time in terms of looking at marketing as a tool for turning the tide.

Avoiding the Perception of Greenwashing

Eamonn feels there’s a risk right now for every marketer to do brand strategy around sustainability unless it’s clear that’s what your brand values are 100%.

He thinks for the companies that are nervous about that risk, and that they should stop trying to figure out the big brand strategy around sustainability.

Narrowing the focus on specific products as opposed to big brand ideas could be more a more effective step forward.

Rosemary Walsh says, “We’re all learning and it kind of goes with our name, but for me, my advice would be, to be honest. Most of us are on a journey.”

"The first thing that comes to my mind is focusing on one offer, one product, one plan, one thing that you have in mind. It might just be as honest as saying we’re not where we want to be right now, but this is what we plan.

We do this in Innocent, and we talk about our journey to sustainability, our strategy for the next few years. It doesn’t need to be this big massive, scary strategy.” Laura O’Connell adds.

“We wanted to be honest about our commitments to sustainability; how we source our coffee from Rainforest Alliance Certified Farms that benefit forests, communities and wildlife.

Initially, we discussed sending a film crew to South America to create an ad campaign that highlighted these efforts, but that wouldn’t be a very sustainable way to talk about sustainability.

Instead, we took the decision to fake the footage, shooting in garden centres and paddling pools instead of flying to South America, highlighting its sustainability message with a sustainably shot ad campaign. The feedback has been fantastic.

It communicates a serious message delivered with our trademark Frank and Honest humour.”

Communications Strategy

“I think there’s such value in creating a road map, you have your destination, and then the only thing I would add to that is to find your allies, build your crew and don’t feel like you have to do it alone.

I have learned so much through partnering with activist groups and with different clients, learning from one another. How different people approached it and coming from the agency side, it’s beneficial I think for our clients to have someone whose got their ear to the ground.” says Costello regarding her experiences working at a marketing agency.

In Laura O’Connell’s opinion,

we need to focus on what you want out of a campaign and let’s face it, marketing people want to get sales out of campaigns. Still, they also wish to create connections and loyal customers but also to communicate a bit of their brand.”

Rosemary Walsh says, “I think the number one biggest challenge in communicating our sustainability agenda and our brand strategy is around doing so in a way that will actually cut through with meaning to our consumers.”

Eamonn Donlyn - CEO, Darwin and Goliath, Researcher at ADAPT Research Centre

Eamonn thinks that there was always this massive gap between what we’re selling and who is selling it.

He explains that in the end, you have to sell what you put on the market.

People might mix in values and sustainability to some degree, but they want quality and price first. One way to bridge the gap is to engage at a different level than sales and use other elements, like storytelling which can be extremely effective in marketing.

So, how do you get these elements in your offer?

Laura Costello adds that creativity is such a powerful thing that could be added to the sustainability story and even marketing climate change in creative ways.

One thing that comes to mind whenever you are planning a communications campaign is thinking, how does this work in the short-term but also how does this fit in with long-term strategies? How do we measure it as well?

What does success will look like in terms of numbers and metrics?”

Rosemary Walsh says, “I don’t really have a recipe as such, but for me, it’s more about sticking to your brand values and being very clear on what they are and what the brand stands for and indeed, what it doesn’t stand for.”

“Firstly, don’t look at your offering, your business or your brand and think okay, now how do I somehow inject some sustainability in and greenwashing and all those lovely buzz words into my campaign, into my product.

Go back to the DNA of who your business is and who your brand is and then make your consumers care about what you care about, and that’s where the marketing comes in.”

Laura O’Connell shares her opinion.

Driving Changes in Communications

Eamonn spoke about how he is working with e-commerce currently and talking to people about sustainability. His advice is not to be afraid to get your hands dirty. Learn about how the products are made and the story of the whole creation. These stories will help people to understand.

Laura Costello was impatient for change to happen and decided to do a course, called Reclaiming Agency. It was about how marketers can rise and how people can change the world. This course changed her view, not just about her work but on how she was living her life.

“My recipe would literally be people. You need to build up empathy in people. I think that means learning and building that awareness that this is not just something for the marketing manager to live every day, it’s for everyone.”

Costello says about integrating values into branding.

Marketing professionals are all experimenting and getting used to the idea of stepping into the territory of sustainability since we have no other option in order to keep creating value for the economy and society and to stay in business.

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November 2020

In this together: empowering collaboration

Bronagh Loughlin — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 16:33:21 +0000

In this together: empowering collaboration

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People getting together to share and cross-pollinate ideas is key in building back better

This article provides a summary of the ‘In this together – empowering collaboration to build back better’ panel discussion from the Responsible Innovation Summit, held on 20-21 October, 2020.

The moderator, Chris MM Gordon, CEO of Irish Social Enterprise Network and Managing Partner of Collaboration Ireland asked five experts to share their opinions and experiences in this field.

The session kicked off with an opening question that iterated through the whole discussion: Are we building back to the capitalist system that is based on GDP and economic growth?

Sophie Benoit, co-founder of the ‘What The Hack’ project, says, we should strive to look for options to explore other opportunities to make our economy work, such as circular economy, which provides many alternatives for companies to be profitable while considering environmental elements in their business.

Recently many businesses have discovered new models for making money and came up with innovative ways of engaging clients due to lockdowns and disruptions in supply chains.

Norman Thompson - Economic Development Researcher, Local Enterprise Office and Dublin City Council

Norman Thompson, Economic Development Researcher at the Local Enterprise Office and Dublin City Council, recommends that we approach from a different perspective.

“It is more difficult to get more people involved in a process. However, when we do take the extra time and effort to do that, it is much more likely to find solutions that benefit more stakeholders in a better way.”

“In our office, we are focused on economic development which is trying to encourage this more long-term, integrated, collaborated focus on economic development that is looking at the economy in a long-term perspective. Traditionally there is far too much focus on the short-term gains without looking at the long-term vision.”

CJ Palmer, founder and CEO of Sustainable mPact from Sweden, feels we should aim for conscious capitalism and redefine the purpose of business and other entities who contributes to economies.

He says, “I cannot help but keep asking the same question: why are we doing this? If you look at capitalism, what is the purpose anyway of making money? Why are we doing business?

Nicole Loeser, Board Director at the Institute of Art and Innovation in Berlin, joins the conversation with a personal view on patterns in our society.

“I belive it is really about understanding that the economic system will fail and collapse due to climate crisis and overconsumption of resources and therefore, I think it is not only about hope and trust and positive outcomes, it’s not just about purpose for me either, it is about value creation and sharing values.”

Nicole’s opinion is that interdisciplinary collaboration is key since we need systemic change instead of just putting a plaster on a wound and that requires knowledge sharing and the ability to learn from each other. Understanding all these different perspectives is the foundation of our societies.

Cailtin Hafer and Sophie Benoit - founders, What The Hack

There is huge opportunity for things to be transformative as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cailtin Hafer, the other co-founder of the ‘What The Hack’ project says, “I think there’s already been a transformation, because we have been forced to shakeup our norms.

In the last six months, we have pretty much proven that we can change and find ways to turn this situation into a mind-shifting experience that could lead to a better world as a result”.

Normal is normal because we accept and allow it to be normal, however, we have the ability to design a new normal.

The coronavirus is having a visible and life-changing impact on all of our lives. Although this is not the only ‘pandemic’ that we need to face as a result of how our economy has been working over the last few decades.

“I think it is so obvious by now that the economy does not work right.

Take the plastic issue as an example.

It is shocking to see the scale and impact of plastic pollution, which can be easily seen as the ‘plastic pandemic’ as it has a very direct impact on our lives on the long run.” adds Nicole Loeser.

She feels that we really have to understand that over the last 20 years or so the overconsumption and over exploitation of resources, has overruled some common sense in business – such as admitting that natural resources are not infinitive and we cannot externalise the cost of using nature to the detriment of it.

Nicole Loeser - Board Director, Institute of Art and Innovation, Berlin

Norman Thompson says, “I think in any crisis, as bad and as awful as the impact might be, it also presents an incredibly unique opportunity to change and innovate.”

CJ Palmer adds,

“Recently we have seen some of the great sides of humanity too: we still have the ability to be compassionate and to care about each other. It has been a wakeup call for all of humanity on the planet. This could be something to keep as the driving force for change.”

CJ Palmer - founder and CEO, Sustainable mPact, Sweden

He shares a thought from Nelson Mandela: ‘it almost seems impossible until it’s done’.

“We are on the journey heading towards a more sustainable world which is supported by a huge consumer demand to make the shift.”

Sophie Benoit says, “After every crisis in our history, communities got back together to create something new. People are looking to have an impact now too. But it can be difficult to know where to start and what to do. They need to be part of a group to make that work”.

There is huge value in people coming together if we see this as an investment for innovation and a way of creating our future.

Benoit adds, “With hackathons or any other forms of collaboration events, you just don’t know where the change is going to be. You could come up with an idea that is never going to be implemented but one person is going to inspire another person that will put that idea into action or use it to design something else. It does not mean that you have no impact”.

Time is the true enemy here and community intervention is key.

“I think when it comes to these community interventions or the interdisciplinary collaboration, what I find is key is inspiration and we should not forget that. You get the opportunity to meet truly wonderful people.

It’s not about separation any longer, it’s more like what can I contribute to the community and humanity in general”, says Loeser. We require social innovation and we need to change the entire economic system.

Norman Thompson adds,

“If we’re considering economic development, or entrepreneurship or innovation, all of these things thrive on social capital.

In order to build back better, we need key metrics such as social capital because what gets measured, gets done."

Take away thoughts from speakers:

Caitlin: If you’re going to make a change, decide and say it and you will find people and resources to share your ideas with – you have a voice, use it.

Sophie: Do small things that are sustainable – speak to people outside of your comfort zone and adopt actions you can sustain on the long-term – get diverse opinions.

Nicole: Sometimes it is not obvious who is around you. Some people around you, share your mission – expand a network of networks and get closer.

Norman: Effectuation. Get in touch, think who do you know right now who are interested in terms of initiating whatever you want to do – offer support.

CJ: Be the change you want to see, be inspiring, hope and collaborate – start small, get involved.

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5 online events for changemakers to build back better

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 13:19:52 +0000

5 online events for changemakers to build back better

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Responsible Innovation

Business

Although most events are going online, changemakers can still make a positive impact

The COVID-19 pandemic forced most of the game-changer events designed to inspire positive change in society and business to move online. However, the lack of personal touch could actually provide a unique chance to expand and open up the discussions to a global audience.

In this way, organisers and participants can achieve a more significant impact. Here are some of the most exciting and impactful events where changemakers can connect, learn and get inspired.

For Impact Investors and Social Innovators

Building Alliances for Impact – annual conference of The European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) - 21-24 September

This four days event aims to bring hundreds of professionals together via 60+ interactive and creative sessions to learn, engage, network and get visibility – and ultimately bring positive impact to those in need.

#Investing4Impact networks and stakeholders can deep dive here into topics like ‘just transition’, climate change and socially sustainable development. Participants can choose their area of focus and interest:

Day 1 – Building Alliances - Starting from the public sector and institutional investors, the effectiveness of venture philanthropy will be put to the test, and the amount of risk investors for impact are willing to undertake to achieve societal change assessed.

Day 2 – Resilience – How to prepare for the future with European business leaders, deal with systemic change, build trust between social investors and public authorities but also learn from Covid-19 response examples in high impact ventures.

Day 3 – Social Enterprise Day – Exploring social entrepreneurship along the whole investing for impact spectrum.

Day 4 – Scaling for Impact - What needs to be done in order to maximise impact exactly where it is needed and with the involvement of all players.

“The recent pandemic has clearly shown that building alliances are not only necessary but tremendously effective”, Steven Serneels, outgoing CEO, EVPA.

European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) is a lively network of organisations sharing the same vision and a common goal: creating positive societal impact through venture philanthropy. Currently, EVPA has over 300 members, mainly based in Europe, showing the sector is rapidly evolving across borders.

How to join: You can buy tickets online at the conference website

Special offer: EVPA offers 50 scholarships for organisations and individuals who would like to join the conference, but have financial restrictions that prevent them from buying the tickets at the regular price!

For Social Enterprise sector stakeholders

Digital Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) event - 21-25 September

This is the moment to champion the potential of social enterprises – small and large, rural and urban – to bring about inclusive and sustainable economic development.

Week-long online series of events and activities will feature keynotes and plenaries from three different world zones with live Q&A, online networking, and partner-organised fringe events. Speakers will include leading social entrepreneurs and changemakers from across the world, with over 3,000 participants from over 50 countries. SEWF Digital event week features three parts:

Monday/Tuesday focuses on connecting and learning through masterclasses, webinars, group discussion, specialist sessions, and sessions nominated by registered participants.
Wednesday/Thursday room partitions come down (virtually) with a series of keynote addresses and plenaries that will inspire and encourage action.
Friday will focus on reflection and next steps as we close the event.

Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) is the leading organisation for the global social enterprise movement.

They are challenging the failed economic models and build a movement by convening global and regional events, partnering with diverse organisations, and influencing policy dialogues.

Image: Pexels

How to join: Book paid tickets.

Reduced price tickets are available for students and small social enterprises. Bursary places are also available for those in lower-income and conflicted affected countries and those from an organisation who have experienced significant hardship due to COVID-19.

For Researchers and Innovators

European Research and Innovation Days - Bringing stakeholders together to shape future research and innovation policy - 22-24 September

This is the European Commission’s annual flagship Research and Innovation event, bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and the public to debate and shape the future of research and innovation in Europe and beyond.

By creating connections between cutting-edge scientific research and the most pressing challenges of a generation, this online gathering represents a unique opportunity to join the conversation and enact real change.

From tackling the climate crisis to building a digital world that works for everyone, participants can delve into the questions that shape who we are and the future we want to live in from the research and innovation perspective.

The conversations will cover the European Green Deal, Horizon Europe mission, the work of the European Innovation Council and more.

How to join: Create your online profile to access all virtual events.

The event is all about collaboration: bringing together individuals and experts from all areas to build connections and ignite a brighter future.

Circular Economy

Circular Week 2020 campaign - 12-18 October

The Circular Week 2020 is an educational and inspirational campaign which aims to inspire transformation towards a Circular Economy and raise awareness about sustainable production and consumption in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The initiative also offers an opportunity to sustainable businesses to promote their work and to stakeholders to connect, while reaching out to the broader public about responsible consumption. It also provides a platform where every organisation, institution or individual could become engaged and take part in this movement and forge alliances.

„In the face of today's epidemiological situation and the economic crisis that we experience, the transformation towards a circular economy seems to be an even more desirable and necessary direction of change”,

said Agnieszka Sznyk, President of the Board at INNOWO (Institute of Innovation and Responsible Development in Poland), main organiser of the event.

How to join: You can register to become a partner or join various events free of charge.

This year, organisers will put more emphasis on how to lead to the development of local entrepreneurship, economic stability with sustainable production and consumption.

For Leaders of Change

Responsible Innovation Summit – the virtual meeting point for innovators - 20-21 October

The power to change to world for the better is in the hands of every innovator. With each innovation, we have the chance not just to create something new but to benefit society, business and the planet.

The 4th edition of the annual international Responsible Innovation Summit aims to inspire innovators from business, research and policy to 'build back better' after the Covid19 pandemic adapting Responsible Innovation and sustainable business practices. Leaders of Change will come together virtually this year to cross-pollinate ideas, learn and network.

All discussions and networking will take place to raise awareness about Responsible Innovation, emerging business models making a 'Profit with Purpose' and to support value-driven enterprises. During the two days, speakers from all over the world will share their expertise, learn from each other and connect.

The main focus this year will be on creating a roadmap to Build Back Better by empowering collaboration; putting Responsible Innovation into practice; mainstreaming Profit with Purpose to become the new Business As Usual; look at leadership and communication trends and skill to deliver change.

Image: Getty images

Besides, three launch event will take place, which gives innovators a chance not just to listen but take action right away.

How to join: You can tune in to the plenary and panel discussions by registering or you can book an upgraded ticket to enjoy more benefits.

There is no shortage of possibilities to use this golden opportunity and facilitate systemic change!

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