Impressions of the Carbon Solutions Forum

The Carbon Solutions Forum lured a broad spectrum of people seeking a sound understanding of how businesses need address the carbon economy, current and future statutory requirements and how to effectively reduce their carbon footprint.

Over the two days speakers from large corporations openly shared strategies they have implemented in their organisations. From initiatives that have worked effectively, to challenges faced and mistakes that have been detrimental to business – the audience got the raw truth.

Reasons for businesses to adopt a proactive strategy around sustainability were reinforced over and over again. Benefits of early adoption for businesses included:

- Increased staff engagement
- Identifying risks proactively to ensure legal obligations are met to avoid liability
- Act quickly to avoid being accountable later
- Clean conscious
- Marketability
- Preserve reputation
- Accountability to staff (especially Gen Y)
- The chance to identify new market opportunities

With all these benefits of acting early, the audience were curious to find out more about initiatives that worked effectively. The following were suggested as being successful:

- Optimising transportation. Carl pooling, shuttle vehicles and loan vehicles reduce the number of business vehicles on the road.
- Introduce sustainability participation as a KPI in staff annual reviews
- Purchase recycled packaging and products where every possible
- Set some short, medium and long-term goals for the organisation
- Make a commitment and inform a third party so it doesn’t drop off the radar
- Increase staff awareness and to encourage involvement in Green Committees

Overall, the attendees seemed very pleased with the Carbon Solutions Forum. The uninhibited exchange of ideas and key learnings was imperative to its success.