How far have we come? SBA celebrates 20 years
This week we were fortunate enough attend SBA’s 20th Anniversary Event celebrating and reflecting on 20 years of helping businesses become more sustainable.
Andrew Petersen, SBA’s CEO, opened the afternoon on an inspiring note. “If yesterday saw an event which stopped a nation [the Melbourne Cup], today’s event will start a new dialogue”.
Indeed, the conversations were of hope, determination and calls for greater action and adoption of green initiatives. Opening with an insightful panel discussion between former Environment Ministers Ros Kelly (‘90-'94) and Robert Hill ('96-'01), the audience were given an historical overview of the sustainability debate from experienced Government leaders.
Ros Kelly spoke of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, noting that at that time, she believed it would be a very difficult task to get the Australian public to embrace a low carbon scheme. Almost 20 years on, Kelly believes that in order to sufficiently engage the community with green initiatives, some notable action is needed to stimulate conversation. Kelly noted, “The conversation has to exist within communities across the region for sustainable practices to maintain momentum”, therefore igniting behavioural and cultural change.
The focus is then shifted back to the private sector - what role does business have to play in driving these agendas and change? Kelly believes that businesses will only start to engage once environmental impact can be effectively measured and visibility of that increases. The topic of sustainablity will then become more easily understood, and placed into a tangible context.
Robert Hill also commented on this point, adding that to see sustainability leadership from the private sector, business need to see the benefits and competitive advantages in adopting sustainable practices.
Hill continued, “There has to be leadership and an ongoing conversation in the private sector to drive the climate change debate across the region”.
A second panel discussion saw contributions from former SBA CEO’s, Fiona Wain and John Cole. The passion and drive was evident as they both spoke about the headway the climate change topic has made over the past 20 years, but also of how much more there is to do.
Wain’s determination and urgency was clear as she spoke of her thoughts, hopes and fears for the community and our shared environment. When discussing the private and public sector’s impact on the environment as we stand today, Wain notes with clarity, the outlook is “urgent, it’s grave and it’s coming to a place near us”.
The biggest and most powerful moment of the afternoon seemed to ring though as Wain stated; “[when asked] 'What’s the cost of action? I would ask, 'What’s the cost on inaction?’ ”
A very positive and lingering thought was left by current CEO, Andrew Petersen, as he noted that “climate change is the catalyst for businesses to understand how sustainability plays a vital part in the private sector”.
The afternoon event held at Customs House was supported by Object Consulting, and we were joined by MD, Gerry Carroll. Gerry outlined how the information technology industry, it’s products and services can play a critical role in sustainability within the private sector. Increased efficiencies across many resources, reporting and insight can contribute to informed decision making within the business environment.
“We are aware of the contribution that IT can make to improve environmental and corporate outcomes and believe that greener work practices and the development of sustainable client solutions will simultaneously produce business and environmental benefits.”
- Object Consulting
Reading List, recommended by Fiona Wain:
Six degrees: Our Future on a Hotter Planet - Mark Lynas
The Seventh Gate - Richard Zimler
Thanks to SBA, Ros Kelly, Robert Hill, Fiona Wain, John Cole, Gerry Carroll, Andrew Petersen & April Pressler for an insightful event.