Shaping a Sustainable Future: Insights on Leadership, Technology, and Accountability

"We all have a duty to find out what truly happens in our organisations and act on it." - Andy Gomarsall

The intersection of sustainability and technology is no longer a future concern—it is a pressing reality. As highlighted in a recent discussion with Andy, a former professional rugby player turned sustainability advocate, technology leaders are in a unique position to drive impactful change. But what does it take to align our businesses, behaviours, and systems with the goals of a sustainable future?

The Imperative for Change

The urgency around sustainability is underscored by startling facts: we are depleting Earth's resources faster than they can regenerate. Andy shared a striking statistic: Indium, essential for touchscreen technology, has only 12 years of viable reserves left. This highlights the critical need to rethink the lifecycle of products and embrace practices like circular economy principles.

But sustainability is not just about materials. It is about accountability at all levels—leadership, supply chains, and individual behaviours. Andy emphasised, "If your business doesn't look at its supply chain and net zero goals, it will not be relevant in the future."

Technology as a Double-Edged Sword

While technology offers tools to combat environmental challenges, it is also a significant contributor to the problem. For instance:

• Scope 3 emissions—those tied to supply chains—account for the vast majority of carbon footprints for companies like Sainsbury’s.
• Outdated recycling methods - such as thermal or acid-based processing, emit pollutants while recovering precious metals.

Andy’s innovative solution involves bioleaching, a revolutionary method using bacteria to extract metals from circuit boards, reducing environmental harm.

The Role of Leadership in Driving Sustainability

Andy shared that companies often do not assess the environmental impact of their practices, leaving untapped opportunities to reduce carbon footprints. Leaders, particularly CIOs and technology leaders, must take responsibility for embedding sustainability into their strategies. This includes:

• Asking tough questions about sustainability metrics.
• Aligning with frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Collaborating with supply chains to innovate and set shared goals.

Want to dive deeper into how technology can lead the charge on sustainability? Watch the full masterclass for exclusive insights and actionable strategies.

Andy reminds us "We all have to educate ourselves because the problem is getting worse, not better."

Four Pillars to Start the Journey

For organisations at the beginning of their sustainability journey, the path can seem overwhelming. Andy offers these actionable steps:

1. Set Clear Goals: Adopt a roadmap to align with targets like net zero by 2050. Make sustainability a key KPI for your business.
2. Challenge Suppliers: Ask vendors pointed questions about their sustainability credentials.
3. Leverage Technology: Invest in solutions that reduce waste and optimise energy consumption.
4. Educate and Empower: Equip employees at all levels to make sustainable choices in their roles.

"Small improvements lead to dramatic changes. We need to act now." - Andy Gomarsall

Sustainability is no longer optional. 

Whether it's extending the lifecycle of technology, challenging greenwashing, or pushing for systemic change, every action counts. As Andy put it, "We are all in this together." The question is not whether we should start but how quickly we can scale our efforts.

To explore how to implement sustainable strategies, foster innovation, and lead meaningful change, watch the full masterclass with Andy. Unlock insights to transform your leadership and sustainability journey today.

This blog draws insights from the inspiring conversation with Andy Gomarsall, a former professional rugby player and sustainability advocate, and Executive Director at N2S, passionate about driving change through technology and leadership, as part of The CIO Circle masterclass series.

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