Leaders Meet to Discuss Sustainability Journeys
We recently had the privilege of attending the Melbourne Launch of LiSN – the Leaders In Sustainability Network. At the event, we got to hear from a great panel of speakers who lead sustainability for several key organisations and brands in Australia.
The event provided an opportunity to network, brainstorm and hear from people who are leading organisational change towards sustainable products, services and supply chains. We got to hear an inspiring keynote speech from Emily Dunstan, Chief Growth Officer at Sustainability Victoria as well as an engaging panel chaired by Founder and CEO of Sustainable Choice Group Kiarne Tracey with real-world insights from Phoebe Dowling, of Simplot Australia Pty Ltd and Minja Podvorac, of Mars Petcare.
Erika Martin Brand Sustainability Manager at Country Road Group also joined the event to talk about how the Country Road Group embeds sustainability into the way they do business. This included sharing the story of the 5 Star Green Star-rated Country Road store at Chadstone, certified by the Green Building Council of Australia. To read out about Responsible Wood’s recognition under the Green Building Council’s Responsible Products Framework click here.
As brands embark on their sustainability journeys and learn how to communicate with their various stakeholders several common themes emerged. The terms “chunking” and “low-hanging fruit” were well-received and highly relatable for those attending. Attendees acknowledged the issues around sustainability “fatigue” and “complexity”, particularly in the context of the ACCC’s crackdown on “greenwashing”. This includes unsupported and unverified claims around ‘net-zero’ statements and targets, and also terms like ‘carbon neutral’, ‘clean’ or ‘green’.
Jonathan Tibbits who attended the event on behalf of Responsible Wood reflected:
“This event provided a great platform to share ideas with peers and benchmark with one another. It’s important for us at Responsible Wood and PEFC to understand the role we play in helping others realise and communicate on their sustainability journeys. Every organisation at the event on some level uses timber in their buildings or furniture, or uses paper or packaging.”
Kiarne Tracey has created a platform that houses brand sustainability data in one place at sustainabilitytracker.com.au. The platform promotes sustainability accountability as the organisation seeks to drive radical change in mass market consumption by keeping big brands transparent and conscious consumers informed. Representing a label that protects forests for generations to come cannot be overstated in this setting with emerging sustainability leaders.
Like to know more?
Responsible Wood and PEFC Australia are proud to be Foundation Members of the Sustainable Choice Group platform. Certified forest management and chain of custody organisations are encouraged to communicate their sustainability credentials and head to sustainabilitytracker.com for more information.