Integrating Sustainability into Business Strategy: Aspen Waite’s Journey
“We were fortunate to engage Net Zero Now with their structured sector-specific reporting framework. Now we have completed our baseline report and identified our carbon reduction plan, taking us to the highly recognised OTRTNZ certification.” Mark Waite, CEO at Aspen Waite.
Aspen Waite, a trusted business advisory firm renowned for its comprehensive growth services, has embraced sustainability as a core component of its strategic offerings. Recognising the growing importance of environmental responsibility, Aspen Waite established its Legacy division to provide clients with tailored energy-saving and carbon-reduction solutions. Recently certified as "On the Road to Net Zero" through Net Zero Now, Aspen Waite is taking bold steps to reduce its own carbon footprint while setting an example for clients. By appointing Sustainability Champions at each of its offices and reshaping its procurement policy, Aspen Waite is not only driving internal transformation but also inspiring positive change in the advisory sector. We spoke with Mark Waite, CEO of Aspen Waite Legacy, to discuss the firm's sustainability journey, challenges, and the opportunities arising from its Net Zero commitment.
Insights from Aspen Waite’s Commitment to Net Zero and Sustainable Growth
What inspired Aspen Waite to integrate sustainability into its advisory services and corporate strategy, particularly with initiatives like the Legacy division?
Sustainability is such an important element in current business strategy and one that often comes up in conversation with clients. There was clearly a requirement for us to support clients with their own sustainability objectives with many of these also impacting on core business costs and operational efficiency. Identification of this requirement led us to set up our comprehensive sustainability and energy saving service ‘Legacy’
Before partnering with Net Zero Now, what sustainability challenges or client demands led Aspen Waite to pursue the “On the Road to Net Zero” certification?
Within our Legacy service it soon became that we needed to accurately report our own carbon output and follow the guidelines following GHG protocol. This led us to seek out the leading experts in carbon accounting and we were fortunate to engage NZN with their structured sector specific reporting framework. Now we have completed our baseline report and identified our carbon reduction plan taking us to the highly recognised OTRTNZ certification.
How has Aspen Waite’s “On the Road to Net Zero” certification influenced client relationships, business growth, or new opportunities in the advisory sector?
The transparency of our own approach together with the publication of our own carbon accounting results has demonstrated to clients what is involved with their own journey. The increased staff awareness, utilising the NZN toolkit and general framework has also educated staff and clients alike.
Aspen Waite recently introduced a Sustainability Champion within the team. What impact has this had on employee engagement and the company culture?
A key part of sustainability and carbon reduction is staff training and focus. Early on we made the decision to have a sustainability champion at each of our sites. This has significantly increased staff engagement and awareness in energy reduction and sustainable solutions within our business operations and daily activity.
Could you share specific projects or sustainable practices within Aspen Waite that have effectively reduced the firm’s environmental impact?
An initial win was the decision to move to a renewable energy supplier. Our Sustainability Champions also ensure that any procurement activities fits within our carbon reduction targets and embrace the 3 R’s reduce reuse recycle. The complete eco purchasing review has transformed our procurement policy and also allowed us to seek local suppliers wherever possible.
What advice would Aspen Waite offer to other firms considering a Net Zero journey, especially regarding integrating sustainability with client services?
I think it’s very much down to having the confidence and desire to become Net Zero. Provision of correct information and engagement of staff is key. Any business considering the Net Zero journey need to ensure accurate reporting and avoid Greenwashing. You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Net Zero Now provides this. By embracing Net Zero you also have a positive impact on your supply chain.
Building a Sustainable Future: How Aspen Waite is Setting Standards in Business Advisory
Aspen Waite’s journey highlights the profound benefits that a commitment to Net Zero can bring to both internal operations and client relationships. By leading with transparency, fostering a culture of sustainability, and leveraging Net Zero Now’s expert support, Aspen Waite is creating lasting impacts in the advisory sector.
Ready to embark on your own path to Net Zero? Contact Net Zero Now to discover how we can support your firm’s sustainability journey and help you build a resilient, future-ready business.
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