In this episode of the People’s Planet Podcast, hosts Marcel and Usman chat with Ansu, a leading concrete technologist. Ansu discusses the evolving role of concrete in sustainable construction, focusing on reducing its carbon footprint and the importance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Ansu explains the role of alternative materials like slag and fly ash, and addresses the energy-intensive nature of concrete production. She also highlights how EPDs offer transparency in the industry and details the process of creating them.

The conversation includes the application of circular economy principles to concrete and Ansu’s upcoming course on the subject from Cambridge. She shares insights on alkali-activated concrete and calcined clay (metakaolin), and discusses her dual role in academia and industry.

The episode concludes with a look at the future of concrete technology and sustainability, with Ansu emphasising the need for continued research. Listeners are encouraged to consider sustainable practices and stay tuned for future episodes on creating a more sustainable planet.

To connect, share thoughts, or suggest topics, email us at peoplesplanetpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Twitter (@peoplesplanet_). Follow us, like the episode, and share—your support helps us move forward! We look forward to hearing from you!

Hosts:

⁠Marcelle Batson-Warner⁠

⁠Simon Morris⁠

⁠Dr Usman Sikander⁠

In this episode, we discussed sustainability in packging industry with Adam Jones, Managing Director of Lyan Packaging Supplies in North Wales, UK.

Adam Jones, an engineering graduate, has steered Lyan Packaging Supplies into a formidable force in temperature-controlled packaging. His leadership not only expanded the family business but also revolutionised its sustainability approach through their Icertech division.

Under Adam's guidance, Lyan Packaging Supplies has excelled in eco-friendly practices and pioneered recyclable, insulated packaging solutions. Their commitment to sustainability sets a benchmark in the industry.

Adam emphasizes the importance of adopting greener technologies across operations, showcasing how sustainability can drive innovation and business success.

Beyond environmental initiatives, Adam fosters a culture of innovation within his team, encouraging them to explore cutting-edge technologies to meet client needs effectively.

Adam actively engages with industry forums, sharing insights on sustainability and technological advancements. His contributions have cemented Lyan Packaging Supplies' reputation as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.

Key Learnings from Adam's Journey:

1. Sustainability Drives Innovation: Adam shows us that integrating sustainability into business operations not only benefits the environment but also drives innovation and business growth.

2. Leadership in Action: Adam's leadership is a testament to how personal commitment to sustainability can transform a company and inspire industry-wide change.

3. Industry Engagement: By actively participating in industry discussions, Adam demonstrates the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in advancing sustainable practices.

As Adam continues to lead Lyan Packaging Supplies into the future, his dedication to sustainable growth and innovation serves as a beacon for others in the industry.

Connect with Us:

Share your thoughts or suggest topics by emailing us at peopleplanetpodcast@gmail.com or finding us on Twitter (@peoplesplanet_). Your support in following, liking, and sharing our episodes helps us move forward!

Hosts:

⁠⁠Marcelle Batson-Warner⁠⁠

⁠⁠Simon Morris⁠⁠

⁠⁠Dr Usman Sikander⁠⁠

Join us next time as we explore more stories of innovation and sustainability in business!

Hello and welcome back to the People's Planet Podcast, where we explore sustainability in practice. Today, Simon is your main co-host. We'll discuss the skills and tools needed to lead and deliver sustainability projects with Rich Tricker, Learning and Development Manager at Ashorne Hill.

Rich helps others improve their performance and that of their teams. We first met him during our Knowledge Transfer Partnerships training, where his teaching inspired us. He focuses on making complex concepts simple and practical, covering topics like situational leadership, Tuckman's team development stages, and Kotter's change model.

Rich recommends "Invisible Women" by Caroline Criado Perez, highlighting data bias and its impact. He stresses the importance of technical knowledge and helping others embrace change. Successful projects create urgency early and make changes habitual by the end.

Embedding change involves preparation and understanding emotional responses. Rich uses the conscious competence model: moving from unconscious incompetence to unconscious competence.

Rich identifies three key leadership qualities: emotional intelligence, tenacity, and patience. Emotional intelligence involves understanding and managing oneself and others. Tenacity means persisting through challenges. Patience involves waiting for the right moment and thinking of the best outcome.

Being authentic while adapting to others is crucial. Understanding stakeholders and connecting with them effectively is key. Addressing resistance involves understanding its reasons and using Cialdini's influence levers, combining benefit selling and disturbing to motivate change.

To make change stick, continuous reinforcement of benefits and consequences is essential. Rich shares an example from Alcoholics Anonymous, emphasizing daily commitment and constant reminders of the reasons for change.

For sustainability projects, collaboration is key. Understanding the interconnectedness of different aspects and working with various stakeholders, including suppliers, enhances the effectiveness and impact of sustainability initiatives.

To connect, share thoughts, or suggest topics, email us at peoplesplanetpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Twitter (@peoplesplanet_). Follow us, like the episode, and share—your support helps us move forward! We look forward to hearing from you!

Hosts:

⁠Marcelle Batson-Warner⁠

⁠Simon Morris⁠

⁠Dr Usman Sikander⁠

In this episode of the People's Planets Podcast, we explore the critical role of knowledge transfer in promoting sustainability within organisations, with a focus on Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) that link universities and businesses with funding from Innovate UK.

Key Points:

- Introduction to Knowledge Transfer:

- Importance of transferring knowledge for sustainable practices in organisations.

- Overview of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs).

Commercial Perspective (Marcelle):

- SMEs need to shift their perception of academia and recognise the benefits of collaboration.

- Aligning business needs with academic research goals fosters innovation.

Academic Perspective (Usman):

- The global challenge of bridging the gap between industry and academia.

- Partnerships can involve businesses of all sizes and address diverse issues.

- Universities offer technical support, innovative business processes, leadership skills, and sustainable practices.

Mutual Benefits of KTPs:

- Universities gain practical insights and opportunities for students.

- Businesses access cutting-edge equipment and expertise at lower costs.

- Successful collaborations, such as Rolls Royce's University Technology Centres, illustrate this synergy.

Embedding Sustainable Change:

- Effective mechanisms are needed to embed sustainable change within organisations.

- KTPs, where associates drive change from within the business, are advocated by Marcelle.

- Usman emphasises clear communication and maintaining usable, sustainable knowledge post-project.

Practical Advice for Knowledge Transfer:

- Usman suggests lunchtime talks to share project results and improve public speaking skills.

- Marcelle advises understanding project participants' capacity and expectations to manage responses and keep the project on track.

Next Episode Teaser:

Join us next week with guest Rich Tricker, who will discuss the leadership skills necessary to embed long-lasting change within organisations.

Contact Us:

Email: peoplesplanetpodcast@gmail.com

Twitter: @peoplesplanet_

Hosts:

⁠Marcelle Batson-Warner⁠

⁠Simon Morris⁠

⁠Dr Usman Sikander⁠

In this episode of The People's Planet Podcast, we welcome Campbell Skinner, a European expert in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) currently working at the BioComposite Center at Bangor University. With a background in business and sustainability, Campbell brings valuable insights into the intricacies of LCA and its pivotal role in sustainable business practices.

The discussion begins with an overview of LCA, a comprehensive method for measuring the environmental impact of products from raw material extraction through to disposal. Campbell explains that LCA is essential for understanding the "cradle to grave" footprint and highlights how this assessment fits into broader sustainability initiatives.

Campbell delves into the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic—and underscores the growing importance of addressing social impacts alongside environmental ones. He introduces Social LCA, a newer methodology that evaluates social sustainability metrics such as worker rights, community impacts, and consumer protection.

The conversation also touches on the challenges businesses face when implementing LCA, including the costs and complexities involved, particularly for SMEs. Campbell emphasizes the benefits of conducting these assessments, such as identifying environmental hotspots, improving efficiency, and developing informed sustainability strategies.

A significant part of the discussion revolves around the development and importance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which provide verified, standardized LCA data to ensure transparency and combat greenwashing. Campbell notes that while the construction sector heavily uses EPDs, other sectors are gradually adopting them.

The podcast also explores the role of legislation versus market demand in driving sustainability. Campbell cites the effectiveness of initiatives like the plastic bag levy and highlights the potential impact of forthcoming EU and UK regulations mandating verifiable environmental claims.

As the conversation concludes, Campbell advises businesses to embrace LCA as a starting point for broader sustainability planning. He encourages companies to collect robust data, understand their environmental impacts, and develop comprehensive plans to reduce their footprints.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainability, offering deep insights into LCA's role in creating a more sustainable future.

To connect, share thoughts, or suggest topics, email us at peoplesplanetpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Twitter (@peoplesplanet_). Follow us, like the episode, and share—your support helps us move forward! We look forward to hearing from you!

Hosts:

⁠Marcelle Batson-Warner⁠

⁠Simon Morris⁠

⁠Dr Usman Sikander⁠

This episode of People's Planet Podcast welcomes Simon Morris, a sustainability professional with a background in Earth and Environmental Science. Transitioning from academia to the business world, Simon offers a unique perspective on integrating sustainable practices into small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Join Marcel, the host,and Simon for an insightful discussion packed with practical takeaways that will empower businesses to embark on their sustainability journeys.

Key Insights:

• Sustainability as a Business Advantage: While environmental responsibility is a core driver, SMEs can leverage sustainability for a competitive edge. Optimizing processes (reducing waste, using less energy) often leads to cost savings. Additionally, customers are increasingly drawn to companies with strong sustainability practices.
• The Power of Collaboration: Large companies have more resources for sustainability initiatives. However,SMEs can collaborate with each other or larger companies to share knowledge, access resources, and amplify their impact.
• Data for Actionable Change: While measuring environmental impact can be complex, focusing on readily available data (e.g., energy bills, waste generation) can be a good starting point. This data can then be used to identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.
• Behavioral Change: A Catalyst for Bigger Shifts: The episode emphasizes starting with small behavioral changes. However, these seemingly insignificant actions can create a ripple effect, influencing broader company culture and encouraging further sustainability initiatives.
• Transparency Builds Trust: Communicating sustainability efforts openly, even if they're in early stages, fosters trust with customers and stakeholders.

Compelling Examples:

• The episode mentions the success of the plastic bag tax. Initially met with resistance, it highlights how small policy changes can lead to significant behavioral shifts over time.
• The example of Simon's company switching to renewable energy and biofuels showcases how even SMEs can make impactful changes within their control.

Encouraging Action:

The episode doesn't just highlight challenges; it offers practical steps for SMEs:

• Start with a Sustainability Audit: Identify areas with the most significant environmental impact (e.g., energy use, waste generation).
• Seek Guidance: Many resources are available online or through local sustainability organizations to help SMEs get started.
• Focus on Continuous Improvement: Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate progress while always looking for new ways to improve.

By incorporating these insights and actionable steps, this episode empowers listeners, particularly those running SMEs,to take concrete steps towards a more sustainable future.

Contact us: peoplesplanetpodcast@gmail.com

Hosts:

Marcelle Batson-Warner

Simon Morris

Dr Usman Sikander

Our planet is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, and the need for sustainable solutions has never been greater.

This episode of the People's Planet podcast ignites a spark of hope, showcasing the inspiring story of Marcel, a co-host who transformed from a seasoned automotive engineer into a dedicated sustainability advocate.

Marcel's story is a powerful testament to the power of individual action. We explore her career shift, highlighting how even established professionals can embrace sustainability and become agents of positive change.

Dive into these key takeaways:

• A Career Trajectory Shift: Witness Marcel's journey as she redirects her expertise from the traditional automotive industry to championing a more sustainable future.
• Life Cycle Assessments (LCA): Demystified: Learn how LCA plays a critical role in assessing a product's environmental impact throughout its lifecycle, helping us make informed choices.
• Collaboration is Key: Discover the power of collaboration between industry and academia in tackling complex climate challenges. Together, we can bridge the gap between theory and real-world implementation.
• The Future of Sustainability Professionals: Get a glimpse into the exciting opportunities emerging in the sustainability sector. This episode paves the way for a future exploration of how sustainability careers will evolve in the coming years.

This episode is a rallying cry for all those who believe in a greener future. By listening and sharing, you become part of the solution!

#Sustainability #ClimateAction #PeoplesPlanetPodcast

P.S. Stay tuned for future episodes where we'll explore Marcel's journey further and delve deeper into the ever-evolving world of sustainability! Join us as we unpack innovative solutions and empower you to make a difference!

Email us: peoplesplanetpodcast@gmail.com

Hosts

Marcelle Batson-Warner

Simon Morris

Dr Usman Sikander

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the People's Planet Podcast!

In today's conversation, we have the pleasure of interviewing one of our co-hosts, Dr Usman Sikander, a materials scientist specializing in sustainable composite materials. With a PhD in advanced composite materials and a background in metallurgical material science and engineering, Dr Sikander shares his journey from working with metallic materials to diving into the world of polymers. He reflects on the challenges encountered along the way and emphasizes the importance of sustainability, stressing the need for collective efforts to achieve our environmental goals.

Dr Sikander also explores the impact of sustainability on businesses, highlighting the complexities involved in transitioning to more eco-friendly practices, including the implications for manufacturing processes and profit margins. Furthermore, he discusses the performance and financial aspects of petroleum-based products versus bio-based materials.

We appreciate you joining us for this insightful discussion. If you have any questions or would like to participate in future episodes, feel free to reach out to us via our social media channels or email at:peoplesplanetpodcast@gmail.com.

Co-hosted by:

Marcelle Batson-Warner

Simon Morris

Dr Usman Sikander