Introducing Sustainability: The What, The Why and The How - ONLINE

In today's business landscape, sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a necessity. Come along to Business Canterbury's sustainability workshops to kickstart your business's sustainability journey.

Understanding sustainability and integrating it into your business operations can seem daunting, but it is essential for future-proofing your organisation and meeting the increasing expectations of stakeholders. Recognising the significance of sustainability is the first step towards making a difference. This workshop is designed to help you see the bigger picture, encouraging collaboration and proactive measures that will not only benefit your business but also contribute to the prosperity of Christchurch.

Brought to you through the BusinessNZ Network, this introductory sustainability course is designed to equip Canterbury businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to embark on this critical journey. 

We invite all Canterbury businesses to participate in these vital workshops. Whether you are just starting out on your sustainability journey or looking to deepen your existing commitment, these sessions will provide valuable insights and actionable steps. Don't miss this opportunity to position your business as a leader in sustainability. Together, we can make a difference for our businesses, our community, and our planet.

This 2-part series offers online learning, providing flexibility and the opportunity to connect with like-minded businesses. Here's what you can expect:

Session 1: Foundations of Sustainability

In the first interactive session, we'll cover the 'what and why' of sustainability - from carbon and climate change to social responsibility. Understanding these concepts is key to developing a sustainability strategy that works for your organisation. 

• Understanding the 'What' and 'Why' of Sustainability: Grasp the core principles and the compelling reasons behind adopting sustainable practices.

• Carbon and Climate Change: Delve into the science of climate change and learn how your business's carbon footprint plays a critical role.

Session 2: Advancing Sustainability 

The second session focuses on practical application - how you can get started on this journey, including live case study share and networking. This session is best attended in-person.

• Waste, Circular Economy, and Sustainable Procurement: Discover how to reduce waste, embrace the circular economy, and make procurement choices that benefit the environment.

• Social Responsibility: Explore how your business can make a positive social impact and why it matters to your stakeholders.

• Communicating, Engaging, and Collaborating for Sustainability: Learn effective ways to communicate your sustainability initiatives, engage with your community, and collaborate with others to amplify your impact.

Between modules, participants will engage in actionable tasks, for practical application and embedding of sustainability principles in your businesses.

Lauren James is a passionate and commercially astute corporate sustainability, innovation, change management, procurement, assurance and communications professional with more than 13 years of experience developing and executing strategies for sustainable change to help businesses succeed in a dynamic and rapidly changing business landscape. She has post-graduate qualifications from world-leading universities including a Masters from Imperial College, London. With cross-industry exposure to diverse business landscapes and global trends, she is ideally equipped to help your business navigate and succeed. She has varied skills in sustainability strategy design, innovation, management approaches; stakeholder and community engagement, programme management, QSE risk management and internal/ external communications within the Government, Agricultural, Financial Services and FMCG sectors, covering the UK, US, Latin America, Asia and Australasia. Lauren excels at managing cross-functional teams, is bi-lingual, a qualified Life Coach, yoga teacher and social enterprise mentor. Her objective is to strategise and project manage strategic, systemic, and innovative sustainability transformation in partnership with multiple stakeholders for business success.

Developed by our in-house sustainability and learning and development specialists, this workshop is more than just an educational experience. It's an investment in your business's future. You will leave not only informed but also connected and inspired, ready to make a tangible impact through your business. Here's what you'll gain:

• An in-depth understanding of sustainability and its business implications

• Insights into global trends such as carbon management and the circular economy

• Strategies for effective communication and reporting on sustainability

• Networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders

• Practical actions and homework activities tailored to your business context

This workshop is ideal for those who are new to the concept of sustainability, as well as businesses that are already on their sustainability journey but seek to expand their knowledge and practices. Whether you're responding to inquiries from larger corporations, aiming to enhance your corporate social responsibility, or simply looking to understand sustainability better, this course is for you.

Designed and developed by the inhouse expertise of our sustainability and learning and development specialists with homework/ activities to apply to your business in between sessions, this promises to leave you with an informed, connected and inspired view of how you can begin making an impact through your business.

'"The course was really good overview of where we are at, and possible angles to take depending on the organisation. Good for all levels of where people may be starting or through their journey."-2022

"Great course, with thought provoking information. Would recommend it to any company that was starting its sustainability journey."-2022

"This course was a great starting point for our sustainability journey as a company. All the information provided was incredibly insightful and useful for company to move forward. There was nothing that was said that would be out of reach for any company to try and implement."-2022

"The content covered both global and local relevant information. Very informative, gave excellent foundation and then pathway for business forward."-2022