What is happening around Northamptonshire in terms of support groups for good environmental management?
In May, the University of Northampton held a successful Sustainability Summit where it launched the Northampton Accord, a multi-stakeholder agreement crafted by participants in the summit. The Accord encompasses a compilation of shared sustainability challenges and outlines the collective goals that the signatories are committed to pursuing through collaborative research, enterprise, and knowledge exchange projects.
In July, the University team, led by Dr Ebenezer Laryea, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Business Practices (CSBP) launched SLIPAH, the Sustainability Local Innovation Partnership Agenda Hub. SLIPAH is a pioneering sustainability research and knowledge exchange founded to champion sustainable innovation and collaboration within the region to achieve the Accord’s goals.
SLIPAH aims to foster a collaborative ecosystem that nurtures sustainable innovation and empowers stakeholders to work together to tackle challenges. Through collective efforts, SLIPAH aims to make a tangible contribution to sustainable development.
One of SLIPAH’s early projects is in partnership with West Northamptonshire Council, in an initiative called Towards a Net Zero West Northants (TANZ West Northants). Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the aim of this project is to provide research and knowledge exchange support to business and charities which helps them reduce their carbon emissions and progress their journeys towards net zero.
A number of businesses and charities have already registered for the project, and more details are available at www.slipah.co.uk
People, Planet, Pint
Originating in Glasgow in November 2021 during COP26, People, Planet, Pint (PPP) is a relaxed event bringing together those with a shared passion for sustainability in all its forms. It has been running ever since, with over 75 cities hosting events and 8,000 attendees from all over the world.
These events provide an opportunity to chat about what’s going on in the net zero and sustainability space and meet others locally who are interested in the industry to share ‘wins’ as well as challenges. It’s about bringing businesses and people together in an informal environment to learn from each other and take action without really realising it.
The first Northampton PPP took place in June 2023, with events every quarter in a local pub. Alexina Cassidy is the co-host of PPP Northampton which is based on the belief that creating a sustainable future requires connected communities. The connections people make during the PPP event are beneficial to all involved.
PPP Northampton attendees to date have been made up of representatives from local businesses, community organ- isations, local government employees and the University of Northampton, along with people working in sustainability.
Richard Lemon, Senior Team Project Manager at Piroto Labelling, Northampton, said of a recent event at the Brampton Halt, Pitsford: “It was lovely to meet every- one and was very nice to have a chat without agenda and judgement. I certainly picked up a few bits to think about and look in to.”
Be better with B Corp
Another Northamptonshire initiative that focusses on using business as a force for good is the B Local Northamptonshire group. Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies independently verified to meet enhanced commitments to environmental and social goals.
The aim of the B Local Northamptonshire group is to work together to share best practices and support and influence the wider business community. The county has 13 certified B Corps representing different industries from construction, apparel, beverages and cleaning products to investment services, HR, PR and consultancy.
All 13 companies have come together to share their B Corp experience and help others towards accreditation.
Reusable nappy revolutionaries Bambino Mio, headquartered in Brixworth, trade in over 50 countries worldwide. Guy Schanschieff, the founder of Bambino Mio and the B Local Northamptonshire group said: “We hope our commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others”. Bambino Mio is committed to reducing waste and to date has saved over two billion nappies from being thrown into landfill.
For local businesses wishing to find out more about the B Corp movement and B Corp certification, the Northamptonshire B Corp group are keen to help, advise and answer any questions.
Find out more on the Northants B Corp website.
Collaboration for collective impact
With plenty of initiatives in the county, wherever you are on your sustainability journey there is help and support at hand. Partnerships are the name of the game and this is the philosophy behind Be. Partners Ltd, a coalition of six Northamptonshire-based experts in sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion, plus management training, who have come together to offer support for local businesses on their ESG and sustainability journeys.
Former Howden’s Joinery Senior Leader, Tim Grantham, COO of Be.Partners said: “When everyone in a business acts with a clear common purpose they can make the impossible seem routine, and build a strong sustainable business.”
There is plenty of help and support in the county, so get involved and help change the world. Your community needs you!
To find out more contact Adrian on 07720297402 or via Adrian.pryce@northampton.ac.uk
