From various competitions to presentations being delivered by colleagues and industry partners, we plan to raise awareness amongst our people about the importance of sustainable practices, inside and outside of the workplace.
As one of our three pillars 'Sustainability at Heart', this week provides an opportunity for us to reflect on our journey, encourage mindfulness and look at how we can work together to reduce resource consumption and safeguard the environment for generations to come. Whilst raising money for our chosen charity Project Seagrass.
Day 1
To kick start our Sustainability Week activities, our Peter Anderson, Managing Partner highlighted our commitment to climate action and the urgency in taking action. We explored the global impacts and risks, and discussed how we can contribute towards accelerating the transition to a sustainable built environment.
Throughout the week our offices will be running a 'Swap Shop', offering our people the opportunity to bring in their pre-loved clothing, household items to swap or to donate. Together we're reducing waste and promoting circularity. Join us in making a difference!
Day 2
Day 2 saw us welcome, Lucy Pemble from The Carbon Trust to highlight how heat networks are key to reducing emissions and achieving a net-zero UK. We had both Will Price and Stephanie Schlipper from Bioregional, and our Matteo Mercuri led workshops focused on the Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan and sharing experiences from the UKGBC Future Leader’s Programme
Whilst some of our team visited Henrietta House today for a tour of one of our sustainable projects with CBRE. It was fantastic to see first-hand the impact of features like preserved air quality, a sedum roof, and reduced water consumption.
Our own Deinery Guzman led a fun crocheting workshop using sustainable materials, showing how even our hobbies can promote environmental sustainability by reducing waste. To end the day we also held our own Sustainability Quiz!
Day 3
Day 3 was all about a midweek reset by exercising and eating well-sourced food, we encouraged this by hosting a vegan bake-off competition in the London office. Thank you to everyone who took part! Whilst our Belfast office also chose to go for lunch at the Home Restaurant. Who craft vibrant, flavourful dishes inspired by locally sourced sustainable ingredients.
Karen Newby, nutritionist, joined us to help us better understand how our food choices affect both our well-being and the planet. To get moving, our yoga instructor Antoniya Miteva led a refreshing yoga session in the park for a few of us in the London office, a perfect way to stretch, reset, unwind and take a break from our desks.
In the evening we had an online cooking class from Migrateful , where we learnt to make authentic Syrian dishes such as Ful and Syrian Tisaki. Their mission to empower refugees and migrants through food is truly inspiring by challenging stereotypes and promoting unity.
Day 4
We explored eco-friendly driving with a simulator, learning to drive more efficiently by mastering braking, acceleration, and gear changes – all to reduce fuel use, costs, and emissions.
Will Price from Bioregional joined us to provide valuable insights into our greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting key areas of progress toward net zero which helped sharpen our focus on sustainability goals so that we can stay on track to meet our long-term commitments.
Meanwhile, our Belfast office attended the Northern Ireland Sustainability Summit, showcasing innovative approaches and delivering a comprehensive sustainability plan. To end the day, all our offices got the chance to unwind with an office social that included a selection of sustainable drinks, organic vegan pizza and good company.
Day 5
To conclude our Sustainability Week 2024, the Belfast office visited The Ulster Museum, a green tourism spot. The museum plays a pivotal role as an educator and advocate for sustainability.
SJ Hood from the Marine Conservation Society joined us for an eye-opening session on the pressing issue of ocean pollution and the importance of blue carbon in combating climate change because the safeguarding of our oceans is essential to preserving the health of the planet.
Amy Bombass and Rebecca Young joined us from Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, who shared insights on our partnership with Rewild Carbon and the positive impact we’re making together.
Finally, we'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part in our activities and helped us to raise money for Project Seagrass, and congratulations to all of our competition, raffle and challenge winners. Here’s to making every day a step toward a greener future!
