ABHI: Supporting Your Sustainability Journey
ABHI Since COP26
Here at ABHI, we take the need to become more sustainable incredibly seriously, as we know our members do. However, we also understand that there are challenges, which are particularly acute given the difficult business landscape we find ourselves in. We have, therefore, been working hard to aid members in reaching their sustainability goals. Here is what we have been up to in the last year:
ABHI Sustainability Framework for Action
Earlier this year we partnered with the consultancy Arup to create the ABHI Sustainability Framework for Action, a complete guidance document for ABHI members that breaks down the complex subject of sustainability into relevant and actionable steps. Based on research from our members on their queries and concerns surrounding sustainability and reaching NHS goals, this framework includes all the information an organisation will need in knowing what and how to meet their goals, and the means by which to develop a sustainability strategy. No matter the size of your organisation or where you are in your journey, this is an incredibly useful tool, and we are delighted that hundreds of members have already accessed it. You can download the framework here.
Becoming Carbon Literate
We have also created the Becoming Carbon Literate series. This is a programme of communications which succinctly explains common terms and concepts in sustainability, cutting through to what the buzz words actually mean. You can review all these explainers here.
Webinars
2022 has seen us host our first webinars with experts in the field of sustainability, and they have delivered excellent presentations on topics covering the circular economy, environmental standards and materiality assessments. These useful sessions have provided a deep-dive into the applicability of these systems for our members, and we are planning our next series of sessions for 2023. If you were unable to catch them at the time, the recordings can be found here.
ABHI Sustainability Conference
Postponed due to the national period of mourning, the first ABHI Sustainability Conference is set for Monday 28th November, 10:00-13:00. The NHS has set a bold ambition of reaching net zero by 2045, and hearing from the different stakeholders involved in the process will be key in collaborating to reach this goal. That we already have over 250 members registered for session speaks to how important this agenda is, and if you would like to join us, and hear from the likes of NHS England, NHS Supply Chain, the NHS Greener Team, and industry, you can register here. We look forward to discussing how we can all work together to tackle these challenges.
Latest Updates & The Look Ahead
This month alone we have submitted evidence to the government's Net Zero consultation, we have presented to over 30 Australian companies on how the UK is progressing against the sustainability agenda, and I have met peers from the Scandinavian Associations to share lessons and coordinate how we can collectively help companies. In the short time I have been with ABHI, the one thing that has really been reinforced, is just how important collaboration will be across both national and international jurisdictions if we are to successfully tackle climate change.
As we look to the year ahead, we will be equally busy at ABHI and we are developing a programme of activity to further support your own sustainability journeys. We are also engaging heavily with the NHS, and working with members to meet the various Carbon Reduction Plan milestones. If you are yet to do so, please do join our Sustainability Group, and if you have anything you wish to share – be it a concern about the NHS requirements, advice on the work you are doing, or to highlight the great work you are doing – please do get in touch.