The business case for investing in the natural environment Charles Burt Olive “the sustainability experts”

The business case for investing in the natural environment Charles Burt Olive the sustainability experts

Is it all just about £££££?

“Sustainable development” Sustainable development is one of those things that everybody supports, but no-one knows what it means in practice. “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Brundtland, Our common Future, UNEP, 1987).....sustainable economic growth???

What’s in it for me? (or what’s in it for them?)

The Triple Bottom Line

Securing the Future, 2005 Guiding Principles: Living within environmental limits; Ensuring a strong healthy and just society; Achieving a sustainable economy; Promoting good governance; Using sound science responsibly. Shared Priorities: Sustainable consumption and production; Climate change and energy; Promoting natural resources and enhancing the environment; Creating sustainable communities and a fairer world. We need a balance “The business of business is business” (Milton Friedman) Businesses only exist because society lets them Or – we deserve what we get?

Utilities....profit....or loss?

How things have changed! Increased energy prices – they are expected to increase significantly over the next few years. Legislation from UK and Europe as governments attempt to manage the climate change agenda. Pressures from Government and the public as these stakeholders seek to help the public sector lead by example on these issues. Public health impacts from climate change and increased insurance premiums due to extreme weather patterns. Because biodiversity can’t adapt fast enough to the man made rate of change.

Population Growth Spot the coincidence……. CO 2 Concentration Total GDP Number of Extinctions Loss of Rainforest Year Source: IPCC

Government procurement strategy 2005 – Securing the Future 2006 – Procuring the Future 2007 – UK Sustainable Procurement Action Plan 2007 – Policy Framework 2010 – Defra supports the Marrakech Task Force methodology

What and how the Government buys, impacts the market… Public Sector spend in 2009 was over £250 billion a year… Enough to drive significant changes and to move markets NB – the need to walk the walk and talk the talk! – …set the example – …demonstrate best practice – …influence the supply chain – …foster innovation and productivity

A new goal… “… using procurement/supply to support wider social, economic and environmental objectives, in ways that offer real long-term benefits…” Sir Neville Simms Chairman, Sustainable Procurement Task Force (2006)

Purchasing sustainable products

We have a lot to be grateful for

We all have a choice... Thank you for listening