The Executive Network Group recently hosted a thought-provoking virtual roundtable event titled: "The Sustainability Journey in Logistics," featuring guest speaker Chris Cleveland, Head of Sustainability at Freightliner. The event shed light on various aspects of sustainability within the logistics sector, exploring the challenges of inspiring others, addressing the people side of sustainability, and the tremendous opportunity the industry has to achieve Net Zero emissions.
The intimate session welcomed 15 attendees within the safety and sustainability disciplines in logistics across the UK.
Let's delve into the key takeaways from this insightful discussion.
Inspiring Others:
Chris Cleveland emphasized the significance of inspiring individuals within the logistics sector to embrace sustainable practices. He highlighted that sustainability is not just about reducing carbon emissions - it's also about encouraging a broader mindset shift towards responsible resource utilization and environmental stewardship. By fostering a culture of sustainability within organizations, leaders can motivate employees to actively participate in sustainability initiatives, and drive positive change.
The People Side of Sustainability:
During the roundtable, the focus shifted to the importance of considering the people side of sustainability. Chris Cleveland pointed out that sustainability initiatives should not solely revolve around technical solutions but should also address the social and human aspects of the industry. Engaging with employees, communities, and stakeholders is crucial for creating sustainable practices that are inclusive, equitable, and beneficial for all.
Troubles in Inspiring the Next Generation into Engineering:
One significant challenge highlighted during the event was the struggle to inspire the next generation to pursue engineering careers within the logistics sector. Our attendees agreed this is a shared challenge from all aspects of logistics to engage talent and inspire future generations. This emphasized the need to showcase the exciting and diverse opportunities that the industry offers. By presenting engineering as a means to contribute to sustainability efforts and shape a greener future, young talent can be enticed to consider logistics as a viable career path. Collaboration between industry leaders, educational institutions, and youth organizations becomes pivotal in bridging this gap.
Skills Gaps and the Path to Overcoming Them:
The roundtable also shed light on the skill gaps that remain prevalent in the logistics sector. As the industry moves towards sustainable practices, new skill sets and expertise are required. Chris stressed the importance of investing in continuous training and development programs to upskill the existing workforce. Moreover, he emphasized the need to attract diverse talent pools, fostering innovation and fresh perspectives within the industry. Collaboration between academia, industry associations, and governments can play a crucial role in addressing these skills gaps.
The Net-Zero Opportunity:
Finally, the roundtable emphasized the immense opportunity the logistics sector has to achieve net zero emissions. With transportation being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, it becomes imperative for logistics companies to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their environmental footprint. Chris and our attendees highlighted the importance of setting ambitious targets, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and exploring alternative fuels and electrification to decarbonize the industry. The transition to net zero emissions not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also presents a competitive advantage for businesses - attracting environmentally conscious customers and investors.
The virtual roundtable event provided valuable insights into the sustainability journey within the logistics sector. Chris Cleveland's expertise shed light on inspiring others, addressing the people side of sustainability, bridging the skills gaps, and the immense opportunity for the industry to achieve net-zero emissions. The event emphasized the need for collaboration, innovation, and a holistic approach to transforming logistics into a sustainable and responsible sector. By embracing these principles, logistics companies can drive positive change and contribute to a greener future for all.
A huge thank you to our speaker Chris Cleveland, and our attendees - who all contributed to an engaging and interactive discussion with incredible key takeaways from the session.
ENG are looking forward to hosting more sustainability roundtable events within this series.