Experts from universities, NGOs and industry from across the UK,
Europe and South America have gathered at Loughborough University
to discuss and move forward solutions for small and medium sized
enterprises (SMEs) on sustainability and climate issues.
The international conference was organised by Dr Ed Brown, the
Associate Director of the Sustainability Research School along with
colleagues from across the University. Delegates heard about
challenges facing SMEs and new, creative and practical ideas to
help them reduce energy and become more sustainable.
Dr Brown explained: "This event was an important stepping stone
to discuss a whole range of new and innovative projects to help
SMEs thrive and succeed in an emerging green economy. Loughborough
is delighted to be working with such an influential array of
innovative people from global and local businesses and other
sectors."
Topics covered included behaviour change initiatives, the
regulatory, financial and personal motivations for changing
business behaviour and creating opportunities for firms to expand.
In addition, Dr Jacqui Glass from the University's Department of
Civil and Building Engineering, talked about two new research
projects which are now underway focusing on responsible sourcing in
the construction industry.
The session also looked at the sustainability challenges being
felt by businesses on an international scale with a guest speaker,
Alejandro Diaz of Acción RCE, presenting results of a
research study of 321 small businesses in Chile, where 96 per cent
of respondents stated that they believed ethical behaviour would
bring long term success to a business.
Speakers at the conference also included Professor Francisco
Castaneda from the Universidad de Santiago de Chile and Shamir
Ghumra, Head of Sustainability for Aggregate Industries as well as
Drs Grahame Boocock and Laurie McAulay from the University's School
of Business and Economics.
The conference highlighted to delegates the value that can be
gained from interaction between SMEs, large companies, academics
and policy makers. Dr Brown added: "This conference was just the
start for us. We are very keen to hear from businesses and other
organisations interested in sustainability issues to take this
agenda forward and we welcome the opportunity to work with
them."