WIREDGOV

Over 50 businesses including Skanska, Heathrow, Thames Water and Carillion came together this week to devise a future where the value of nature is at the heart of business strategy and all Government policy decisions.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Natural Capital Coalition and WWF-UK hosted a meeting for businesses to discuss the implications and opportunities presented by the Government’s expected 25 Year Environment Plan and the recently announced Industrial Strategy, reflecting the need for these frameworks to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Government consultation on the 25 Year Environment Plan is yet to be released, but during the event businesses - joined by representatives from over 20 industries bodies and non-profits - collaborated to formulate the coordinated response that is needed to advocate for “smart” regulation that reverses environmental degradation, leverages market forces and supports social and livelihood benefits for people and nature.

One clear theme was that low-carbon growth and natural capital valuation will be essential to the success of the industrial strategy, if it is to become a fundamental pillar for delivering the UK’s international commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement. This will only be achieved by recognising the risk of national and local environmental degradation and aligning with the 25 Year Environment Plan.

Businesses agreed that the Sustainable Development Goals must be at the centre of the Government’s approach to policy development because sustainable development will create jobs, increase competitiveness and secure the natural resources on which our economy relies. The Government signed up to the SDGs at the end of 2015, and will be developing many new policy frameworks over the next year or two that could either help or hinder achievement of the goals. Meeting the SDGs is imperative for ethical reasons, but also makes sound business sense. The UK must move towards a more sustainable economic pathway if we are to remain resilient and competitive in a future world of growing resource- and carbon-constraints.

Tanya Steele, Chief Executive for WWF, commented:

“Nature is central to our health, prosperity and wellbeing and we urgently need to value the crucial role nature plays in our societies and economies.  The planet is in a perilous state: from coral reef bleaching through to glaciers melting, there are more and more danger signs that we are pushing our planet beyond its boundaries. The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and its recently announced Industrial Strategy provide us with a unique opportunity to formally value natural capital within UK policy. We are pleased today that business joined us to stand up for change and play their part to help transform our world and deliver a future in which people and nature thrive.

Mark Gough, Executive Director of the Natural Capital Coalition, commented:

“A thriving natural world is essential for flourishing societies and prosperous economies. We’re thrilled to be able to bring together so many organizations to discuss how they can place nature at the heart of their decision making, and benefit from a clearer understanding of environmental policy in the United Kingdom and beyond”.

Chris Gerrard, Anglian Water, Natural Catchment and Biodiversity Manager, commented:

“Protecting resources isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for the economy and it’s good for society. That’s why Anglian Water is working with others to create a joined-up approach to water resource management that will safeguard everyone’s needs for the long term.”

Notes to the editor

1. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Natural Capital Coalition and WWF-UK hosted a meeting for business on the implications and opportunities presented by the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and new Industrial Strategy, reflecting the need for these frameworks to help us achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
2. Further details of the UN Sustainable Development Goals can be found here https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs
3. Sustainable development – from ending poverty and gender inequality to fighting climate change and protecting our land, rivers and seas – is essential to the UK’s long-term prosperity. It will help create jobs, increase competitiveness and secure the natural resources our economy relies on.

   The SDGs are formed of 17 goals and 169 targets to encourage action over the next 15 years in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet. The UK Government played a leading role in developing the SDGs and many businesses have embraced them as a driver of sustainable business strategies, innovation and investment decisions.

4. List of attendees

• Thames Water
• EVORA
• Environment Agency
• Natural England
• CDSB
• Link
• Neighbourly
• Belu
• S&P Global
• Eftec
• ISS
• Volans
• Mitsubishi Electric
• UNPRI
• Anglian Water
• Canray Wharf Group
• BT
• Natural Capital Coalition
• GEC
• Little Blue Research 
• Skanska
• Enabling Outcomes
• ATC Systemwide