We can do it if we really want to: Alpkit is a business success story which has doubled employee numbers since last appearing on this programme while dramatically reducing its absolute emissions and carbon intensity.
"It's really positive and something ALL businesses can do, from small to big" says CEO David Hanney.
The measures it is taking, Hanney adds, align with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recommendations and processes which would enable the global economy to achieve the 1.5 degree limit on global warming – if everybody does them.
I last interviewed David in 2020 when he talked about how businesses must take responsibility for driving positive changes and Alpkit's environmental sustainability reporting. Since then the firm, which makes and sells outdoor equipment and bikes, has:
- halved its total greenhouse gas emissions eight years ahead of a 2030 deadline set by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
- reduced carbon intensity by more than 36% in three years
- set a path with its decarbonisation to achieve true net zero in line with SBTi deadlines
- achieved B Corp Certification and grown from 100 to 200 employees
How has Alpkit done this, and what's next on its journey to Net Zero? What can we all do to minimise our impact? Why should we use outdoor gear as long as possible? And how does Alpkit measure and verify its Full Value Chain Carbon Footprint?
The word "inspirational" can be cheapened by over-use. But this story really shows that businesses can develop, create jobs and opportunities and do so while achieving measurable and transparent milestones on the path to decarbonisation.
Also on the programme: data about B Corporations (B Corps) in the UK; details of funding and events for businesses and social enterprises. Timings:
- 0 - 2:40 introduction
- 2:40 Interview with David Hanney, CEO, Alpkit (more about Alpkit's work on sustainability https://alpkit.com/pages/sustainability )
- 21:14 Gripple and Mina have recently been certified as B Corporations (B Corps) and March is 'B Corp' month –information and data about B Corps in the UK
- 24:00 Events: Doing business in the USA; The Business and IP Centre South Yorkshire; Business Planning for Social Enterprise; other Social Enterprise Exchange events and workshops.
- 27:09 The Economic Recovery Fund; Sheffield Clean Air Zone Funding. Plus Innovate UK.
This is episode 382 of Business Live, broadcast on FM and DAB radio and online on Sheffield Live! and available as a podcast. Thanks to Sheffield Live for putting us out on the airwaves and thank-you for listening.
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