To watch this event, you can rent or buy the video here.
Thursday 9th July 2020 saw The Future Economy Network run an interactive webinar on circular economy, titled “In The Loop”. The topic and our fantastic panel brought FEN and non-FEN members alike to join us on the day to discuss the topic from the perspectives of the built environment, agriculture and retail.
The team introduced everyone to the virtual events space and gave quick training on how to make the most out of the interactive webinar and networking opportunities. Once everyone had gotten used to the space and enjoyed the novelty of something brand new, the seminars began. Katherine Piper, Director of The Future Economy Network, welcomed attendees, highlighting the benefits of joining the Network and also sharing updates about The Future Economy Network’s Carbon Neutral Hub in Bristol, Future Leap. Katherine also briefly ran through the plans for The Festival of Sustainable Business, and you can check out the video here.
First up, we welcomed Tim Danson, Environment and Sustainability Project Manager for WSP. Tim introduced the concept of circular business with reference to 4 key prerequisites; a circular business 1) uses resources wisely and in the highest possible value application, 2) eliminates waste, seeing everything as a resource, 3) protects and regenerates natural capital and 4) looks holistically up and down the supply chain using a strategic management approach such as BS 8001. Tim advised that there is an exponential growth in client interest in the circular economy and also in its links to net zero. He gave case studies of some of the projects WSP has undertaken using circular economy principles before suggesting where this movement will lead the industry in the future.
Next, we welcomed Rachel O'Connor, Agricultural Lawyer at FEN Members, Michelmores to discuss a completely different area of the circular economy; that of insect farming in order to achieve a sustainable food cycle! She advised that modern and commercial agriculture has forgotten about the importance of insects, however in recent years we are starting to see a market for insect protein. In 2018, for example, there was more investment in insect protein that year than in the previous 4 years. Rachel discussed insects for human consumption, as waste converters and as animal feed. There is an increased interest in insects due to the rise in meat consumption, the unsustainable reliance on soymeal and fishmeal, and the associated impacts on deforestation and valuable ecosystems. She then closed by highlighting some of the challenges faced by the industry, such as legislation on animal feed, legislation on waste and by-products and the difficulties associated with economies of scale.
We then invited Jack Farmer, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of LettUs Grow to speak about the circular economy in relation to vertical farms and greenhouse farms. Jack discussed the benefits of vertical farming in that it has the ability to localise supply, which is becoming increasingly recognised as important. He explained how LettUs Grow are trying to address circularity in their vertical farming through efficient use of resources by recapturing water and nutrients. He discussed the ability for greenhouse farming to be combined with a combined heat and power (CHP) plant thus making efficient use of that energy. And how vertical farms can integrate well with renewables and align the use of energy in the vertical farm with excess energy generation. Jack closed by highlighting the materials crisis within traditional horticulture where plants are grown on unsustainable materials.
And last but by no means least, we welcomed Becky Gordon, Sustainability Manager (UK and Ireland) for FEN Members, Interface to speak. Interface are a flooring manufacturer and renowned for their sustainability leadership. In 1994, Interface set a mission to eliminate any negative impact that the company may have on the environment by 2020. So far, they have ensured a 96% GHG reduction, a 74% carbon footprint reduction on their carpet tiles and use 100% renewable energy. Their next mission is entitled 'Climate Take Back' where they aim to have zero negative impact on the environment and to transform the industry as a force for the future. In terms of the circular economy, Interface look at the product lifecycle and use 3 lenses to make decisions on materials; 1) embodied carbon, 2) green chemistry and 3) circular economy. Becky finished by showing the following video entitled “Net-Works, a community-based supply chain for collecting discarded fishing nets”.
We continued with mini Q&A’s after every speaker, which created a continuous buzz throughout the event. The seminar finished with some insightful and high-level questions to the panel as a group after the mini Q&A’s.
Finally, Pitched For You and Network members It’s A Shovel and GENeco gave a 60 second pitch - a popular opportunity at these events that continues despite the virtual nature of our events. Everyone was then able to network in different groups using facilitated break out rooms, before the event finished.
A huge thank you to our speakers and attendees, these events would not be possible without you!