Description
Our Framework for Growth and annual Green Growth Trends Report highlight that “Green” growth is increasingly central to the East Midlands’ competitiveness, resilience and international positioning.
Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”—it is a defining factor in business success.
Across the East Midlands and beyond, companies are facing rising costs, tighter regulations, shifting customer expectations, and increasing pressure from investors. In this environment, sustainability is not just about responsibility but about resilience, profitability, and long-term competitive advantage. There is also a focus on the importance of CSR to organisational strategy and the associated benefits.
In the current economic climate this year’s conference is built around a simple but critical premise that sustainability must pay.
On the day there will be a range of keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, exhibitors and opportunities to network with like-minded businesses.
Overview
Full agenda to follow, detail to date includes:
- Presenting the findings of Year 11 of the East Midlands Green Growth Trends Report – Dr Polina Baranova, Associate Professor of Strategy and Sustainability, University of Derby
- Net Zero Doesn’t Have to Cost the Earth - Torben Starkey, Carbon & Procurement Specialist, and Julie Adams, Client Relationship Manager, Auditel (U.K.) Limited
How can organisations balance growth, profitability, and sustainability in today’s challenging economic climate? With rising costs across energy, fuel, logistics, and employment placing increasing pressure on cash flow, many organisations feel forced to choose between cost control and climate action. Auditel will demonstrate why that trade-off is no longer necessary.
- Lifting the Lid on Power Purchase Agreements (PPA): Driving Decarbonisation While Managing Energy Costs – James Cunningham, Managing Director, Geo Green Power
With rising energy price volatility and increasing pressure to meet Net Zero commitments solar PV becomes an obvious choice to reduce scope 2 emissions, lower energy bills and increase long-term energy security; but is a PPA the right way to fund it?
- Pay now or pay more later: The real economics of sustainability – Richard Smith, Director, PS:Planet
We often hear that “sustainability must pay.” But the reality is: sustainability will be paid for, one way or another. The real questions are who picks up the bill, how large it will be, and what we stand to lose if we leave it too late.
In this straight-talking session, Richard will challenge the idea that sustainability only matters if there is an immediate financial return. Drawing on the latest climate science, he will explain why action is not optional and why delay is rarely the cheaper option.
- Beyond CSR: Building shared value – Dr Barbara Tomasella, University of Derby, Dr Elaine Conway, Loughborough University
There will be a range of panel discussions and workshops avaiable on the day.
