With the government announcing their plans for a new national forest, we wanted to highlight episode 5 of The Green Perspective podcast, where hosts Steph Berwick and Lily Clarke dive deep into the world of sustainability with Dougal Driver, CEO of Grown in Britain and Chair of the Society for the Environment. This episode explores the pressing need for environmental professionals, the genuine integration of sustainability into corporate strategies, and the invaluable role of woodlands in today's society.
Addressing the Shortage of Qualified Professionals
Lily kicks off the episode by expressing concerns about the scarcity of qualified professionals in the ecology industry. Dougal acknowledges this issue, stating that while there is a notable growth in environmental professionals globally, the gap persists at the top level of organisations. There is a particular need for more professionals in leadership roles who can integrate sustainability into business strategies meaningfully, rather than merely as a token gesture.
The Importance of Genuine Integration
They also discuss the representation of environmental voices at the board level of companies. Dougal emphasises the necessity of genuine integration over token appointments. He argues that sustainability needs to be woven into the core values and strategic decisions of companies. As examples of organisations that have successfully achieved this, Dougal highlights KLH Sustainability and the Morgan Sindall Group, both of which have incorporated sustainability into their corporate frameworks.
Challenging Attitudes for Change
Dougal passionately shares the need to challenge existing attitudes towards sustainability. He raises a thought-provoking question: is society genuinely willing to invest the required effort and resources to make significant strides in sustainability? While financial and logistical barriers exist, Dougal stresses the importance of presenting viable solutions and driving a collective willingness to embrace change.
The Value of Woodlands
One of the standout discussions in the episode revolves around the social and environmental benefits of woodlands. Dougal underscores the need to quantify and promote the myriad benefits that woodlands provide, including health benefits, biodiversity, water cleanliness, soil quality, and air pollution reduction. His organisation, Grown in Britain, has developed technical metrics to maximize these benefits and social value. Also highlighting a particularly compelling point about the immense value of individual trees in urban settings. He emphasises their significant impact on mental health and overall well-being, an aspect often overlooked in urban planning and development. The social benefits of trees in cities are incalculable, and their preservation and expansion should be prioritised.
Consumer Diligence in Forest Products
Transitioning into consumer behaviour, Dougal, Steph and Lily discuss the importance of consumer diligence when it comes to forest products. Similar to the way consumers check for organic or fair-trade labels, he emphasises the need to verify the authenticity of products through directories that allow consumers to look up product numbers online. Certifications like FSC, PEFC, and Grown in Britain are indicators of sustainably sourced, local timber.
Innovative Initiatives in Sustainability
Dougal shares some of Grown in Britain's innovative initiatives in promoting sustainability. From planting one million trees to switching to a bean-to-cup coffee machine, these efforts highlight the organisation's dedication to sustainable practices. Dougal also mentions a biosecurity scheme called Plant Healthy, aimed at preventing plant diseases, and he appreciates his team’s dedication to sustainable options over consumerism.
Steph, Lily and Dougal chat about the state of woodlands in the UK, noting that while they are largely under-managed, they provide crucial benefits such as timber, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. Dougal stresses the importance of valuing woodlands more to reduce reliance on imported timber and forest products and cites certifications like FSC, PEFC, and Grown in Britain as key indicators of sustainable practices.
Episode 5 is a must-listen. It not only identifies the pressing issues and challenges in the field but also offers actionable solutions and showcases successful examples of sustainability in action. Tune in to stay informed and inspired on the journey towards a greener future.
