Sustainable Futures Forum: Building for Good

Talk
  • Date and time: Wednesday 30 October 2024, 9am to 4pm
  • Location: In-person only
    The Guildhall, York, York, Coney Street York YO1 9QL, York Guildhall (Map)
  • Audience: Open to staff, students, the public
  • Admission: Free admission, booking required

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Event details

This forum, sponsored by the Economic and Social Research Council, the Natural Environment Research Council, UK Research and Innovation, the Good Business Charter, and the University of York, aims to bring thought leaders, innovators, investors, academics, and business owners from York and beyond. Together, we will explore and discuss sustainable practices across various industries, with a focus on building a prosperous and healthy society for all.

Confirmed Speakers - More to be confirmed

  • Professor Bob Doherty, Dean of the School for Business and Society, University of York
  • Jenny Herrera, CEO, Good Business Charter (GBC)
  • Hing Kin Lee, Vice President, Nature, NextEnergy Capital
  • Kathryn Deegan, Vice President, Investment Banking, RBC Capital Markets
  • Katie Jones, Sustainability Manager, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays
  • Mike Barker, Operational Director of Ecology, RPS TETRA TECH
  • Jack Thompson-Hall, Social Impact & Sustainability Manager, AVIVA
  • Astrid Wynne, Head of Public Sector and Sustainability, Techbuyer
  • Kevin McCann, Senior ESG Associate, NextEnergy Capital
  • Rachel  Taylor, Lead Planning Manager, NatPower UK 
  • Alex Tozer, COO, rePLANET
  • Julian Richer, Founder and Managing Director, Richer Sounds; Founder, Good Business Charter
  • Kate Osiadacz, Head of Responsible Business, TSB
  • The Lord Mayor of York, City of York Council
  • James Farrar, Chief Executive, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
  • Professor Nicholas Pleace, Associate Dean for Research and Impact, School for Business and Society, University of York
  • Professor Peter Ball, University of York

See more information about our speakers.

Sustainable futures forum: Building for Good

Panel 1: Responsible business

Businesses and organisations operate within a complex network of key relations, including customers, employees, suppliers and strategic partners, all of which are essential for their survival and growth. This interconnectedness embeds organisations in a broader landscape of societal norms and values, where even small changes can create ripple effects throughout the system, potentially leading to disruptions. The extent of these disruptions often depends on how effectively organisational members collaborate in preparing for and responding to challenges. This panel will discuss the social dimensions of responsible business practices, focusing on how organisations engage with their key stakeholders for resilience and sustainable development. Understanding these dynamics enables businesses to make informed decisions, positioning themselves to navigate challenges and seize opportunities that benefit employees, communities, society, and the wider economy.                                                                                                    

Panel 2: Sustainable supply chains

Supply chains involve the process of producing and delivering a product or service from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, distribution, and finally reaching the end customer. Recently, there has been an increasing focus on how organisations integrate sustainability into their supply chains by addressing social, economic and environmental considerations. This panel will explore how businesses across different sectors put the concept of ‘sustainable supply chains’ into practice, aiming to reduce negative impacts on the environment, conserve natural resources and ensure ethical labour practices while maintaining economic viability.                                                                                                                               

Panel 3: Business and nature

Businesses and markets are fundamentally dependent on the natural ecosystems in which they operate. All organisations, to some extent, depend on the health of the natural environment. Impacts on nature can result from both direct business activities and indirect effects through the use of products and services, manifesting at any stage of the value chains — from raw material extraction to end-of-life recycling. These impacts can be negative, such as land degradation and pollution, or positive, such as ecological restoration through advanced treatment processes and nature-positive investment. This panel will discuss the ways in which businesses and organisations influence the health of natural ecosystems, both positively and negatively. By understanding these complex interactions, businesses can make more informed decisions, managing risks and seizing opportunities to benefit their employees, society, the economy, and the environment.                                                                                                                                    
For further information please visit the event website.

Contact

Jacqueline You