Nigel's Sustainability InSight - August 2024 | Cambridge Marketing College

As the UK summer and holiday season draws to a close, this is what I have been reading and listening to on sustainability over the past month.

1. Exploring the role of carbon markets in reaching climate targets

One of the major topics of discussion amongst sustainability professionals this year has been the controversy and credibility of carbon markets and the role carbon credits can or cannot play in achieving Net Zero, so it was good to listen to this two-part series from the S&P Global ESG Insider podcast on carbon markets in general and the role of voluntary carbon credits.

2. Stakeholder capitalism still makes business sense

If carbon market controversy has been one theme of 2024 to date then another has certainly been a pushback on corporate ESG targets, largely in the US, so this article by Paul Polman - the ex-CEO of Unilever - and Andrew Winston, the authors of the excellent book Net Positive (which we use in our sustainability apprenticeship programme) was a very welcome read. Lots to inspire!

3. Unilever: Profits Up; Purpose Down

In contrast to the previous article's challenge to corporate leaders to be brave, this blog post from the always-readable and forthright champion of sustainability Jonathon Porritt tells the tale of what happens when leadership begins to falter in its sustainability aims and objectives. I'm sure Unilever will question and challenge many of Jonathon's claims, but it contains many truths for corporate leaders looking to stay the course and follow Paul Polman's lead above.

4. How to stay audacious in an era of sustainability compliance

My third theme for 2024 to date must be the challenge sustainability professionals face to make a positive difference to their organisation while facing up to the increased demand for data, disclosure, reporting and compliance. This article from Joel Makower at Trellis Group sets a positive challenge to both benefit from compliance and remain bold in your ambition to innovate and be impactful.

5. Sustainable Marketing Practice and Green Branding

Alongside our specialist sustainability courses, we do a lot at Cambridge Marketing College to help marketers be more sustainable in their plans and practice. My colleague Neil Wilkins recently released this podcast which is a good intro and/or useful reminder for any marketer on sustainable marketing practices and green branding.

Want to learn more?

I am a tutor at Cambridge Marketing College where we are committed to developing a variety of resources, courses and apprenticeships around sustainability and corporate responsibility. If you'd like to know more, contact us at info@marketingcollege.com or see our events.

About Sustainability InSight

'Sustainability InSight' is my regular roundup of recent insightful sustainability content. My aim is to improve understanding and knowledge across the sustainability spectrum - not just the environment and climate change - to help us all lead a more sustainable life. If you see any content that you'd recommend, then just let me know.