What does sustainability REALLY mean in practical terms for business, and what does the future look like? Mark breaks down what is currently happening in big business, and what still needs to be done at both corporate and SME levels. He’s currently writing a paper on how his business (Larking Gowen!) needs to tackle sustainability, and his sources are steering away from the ‘trendy stuff’. His personal research aligns with the reports coming from COP26, that businesses play a key role in improving the environmental outlook. In making it his mission to improve practices in his own business, his eyes have been opened wider and his mindset has changed. How do businesses become more sustainable, when considering the energy they use each day, which includes transport, consumables and more? GDP and economic growth can be at odds with sustainability if we don’t think smarter. Mark offers some great insights into how sustainability and profitability can really work together. If you are an expert in sustainability and the environment, particularly for business or know someone who is, we’d love to hear from you, with a view to inviting you to be interviewed on a future special guest episode. Speaking of experts, Mark asked David Attenborough to special guest on this episode. Did he get a polite yet resounding ‘No’ or will Sir David provide this week’s top tips…listen in to find out! We would love to hear from you – you can get in touch with us on [email protected] If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and whilst you are there, we would really appreciate a 5* review, as this helps other people find our podcast! Show notes Top tips • Energy use – 08:00 • Material efficiency – 16:13 • Accountability and B corporations – 22:00 Books Doughnut Economics – Seven ways to think like a 21st century economist Green Swans – The coming boom in regenerative capitalism The Ecology of Commerce Links Certified B Corporation – “Certified B Corporations are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment” United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – “an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership.”