ESS Expo 2024: SUEZ’s visionary leaders reveal key insights for a sustainable future

SUEZ’s overarching strategy is grounded in collaboration, innovation and a deep commitment to the environment and society. CEO John Scanlon, in a panel discussion on ‘Leaders in Waste’, emphasised the need for alignment between industry and government to ensure that the sector receives the attention and investment it deserves.

“Reducing consumption and waste is essential, but we need clearer legislation and funding pathways to unlock capacity and investment,” said John, very much aware of the call from customers for greater transparency in how regulations will evolve and where resources will come from.

He said that while regulations like extended producer responsibility, Simpler Recycling systems and emissions trading scheme are driving change, the real challenge lies in moving from weight-based to carbon-based reporting. This is where a strong focus on building great data systems to support digitisation will help the sector in the long-term.

He noted that collaboration with government will be key in driving re-use, reducing waste and creating more flexible solutions for the future.

He challenged the group on being clear about what they want from the new Labour leadership and urged everyone to look at how high the waste and resources sector is on the government’s priority list. Attending events, such as the Labour Party Conference 2024 and two fringe events on 22 to 25 September 2024 in Liverpool, will offer key industry insights about the sector’s future and an opportunity to discuss strategies for advancing industry priorities.

SUEZ’s vision for the future puts a premium on its people. Dr Tracey Leghorn, Chief Business Services Officer, is a vocal advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the industry. As chair of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management’s (CIWM) new Sector Inclusion Forum, Tracey is committed to implementing tangible actions that improve diversity and build a more inclusive workforce. The Forum is set to address key challenges in EDI and drive positive change in the sector.

“It’s important that we are honest about where we are currently and ambitious in what we want to achieve,” she said, adding that the formation of the Sector Inclusion Forum is “an exciting step forward in our determination to create a more inclusive and diverse sector”.

Chairing an action orientated panel discussion on ways to improve diversity and inclusivity in the workforce, Tracey noted the importance of translating policies and messaging into tangible actions, with companies that deliver on their promises benefitting from employee advocates who in turn help to attract more talent into their organisations.

Adam warned that the biggest barrier to meeting the transition to a resource efficient low carbon society is skills and capability. This is why efforts like the IEMA Green Careers Hub are a step in the right direction, helping both young people and those switching gears with practical, business-relevant qualifications.

“New qualifications for 16 to 18 years old, as defined in our education system’s Extended Project Qualification, will offer practical focus that businesses want,” he said, adding that the CIWM Skills for the Future Working Group is already focusing on supporting government on improving sector attractiveness and creating long-term sustainable career paths that are accessible to school leavers and those working in other sectors.

“Reducing resource consumption isn’t just about packaging or plastics – it’s about rethinking how we use materials across the entire value chain,” he said. “To move towards a One World Living mindset, we need to reduce both resource consumption and carbon emissions.”

He cautioned that whilst the UK may not have achieved circularity in packaging 2034, to make progress on the journey towards this goal would require increased focus on renewable feedstocks, minimising, but ideally eradicating single use packaging and avoiding materials that can’t form part of closed loop. Even with these steps, achieving net zero in a sustainable way means finding ways to use and consume less, as neatly illustrated by his footprint graphic.

Sarah Ottaway, Sustainability and Social Value Lead along with Dr Adam Read, in another energetic session, looked at SUEZ’s commissioned research into public’s attitude towards re-use shops, sharing customers’ needs and challenges from a number of our sites which will help shape action plans to embed re-use shops and services at the heart of SUEZ’s household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). The research, conducted by Keep Britain Tidy, surveyed 700 people across 11 UK locations and found nine out of 10 re-use shop visitors had positive experiences, driven by environmental impact, cost savings and staff interactions.

However, one in three non-users were unaware of these shops, despite six in 10 being open to second-hand consumption. In response, SUEZ customers like the GMCA and Aberdeen City Council are enhancing shop visibility and outreach, while SUEZ is drafting a 10-point manifesto for DEFRA to expand reuse and repair initiatives at the Labour Party Annual Conference in Liverpool next week.

According to Leigh, BNG is a step in the right direction but it’s not a silver bullet. “Thankfully, the UK government has recognised its importance and has committed to meeting the Global Biodiversity Framework. We look forward to seeing the details of their National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan later this year, which will outline specific steps to improve biodiversity,” stated Leigh.

SUEZ is taking action through its publication of the Nature Positive Toolkit, which helps organisations assess and reduce their biodiversity-related risks. Leigh also points to the potential of repurposing closed landfill sites to improve biodiversity. As the sector grapples with the practicalities of BNG, SUEZ is driving this movement forward showing how it can be done effectively.

The company’s investments in proven, cutting-edge technology, such as Ice Pigging, are also driving operational efficiency. Phil Pettit, Ice Pigging Business Development Manager, explained how this technique is making a difference in wastewater management. With 85% of surveyed pumping stations spilling to the environment at least once per year, Pettit said that traditional solutions are often costly and have long-build times.

Congratulations to SUEZ UK's Karishma Gajjar, Technical Plant Engineer at Surrey Eco Park; Amy Bloom, Technical Plant Engineer at Packington; and Stephen Conway Regional Maintenance Manager at Longley Lane, Manchester. Along with 13 other applicants from SUEZ, our winners embody SUEZ’s commitment to creating a sustainable future through green jobs, while promoting an inclusive workforce that brings social value to the communities we serve.

From workforce development and diversity to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency, SUEZ’s leadership team is one in its mission to create a more sustainable, inclusive and innovative future. More than just simply managing resources and through collaboration with key stakeholders, SUEZ is determined to create a positive impact not just for the sector, but for society and the planet.

As SUEZ continues to lead with vision and action, keep an eye on upcoming publications, which will feature innovation, workforce upskilling and plans for transition. These publications will continue to highlight SUEZ’s efforts to expand re-use across sites and with customers, alongside its strategy in green skills, diversity and recognition of rising talent through competitions like the 35 Under 35 awards.