The Swiss Impact Forum 2024

The Swiss Impact Forum took place in Bern last November. Organised by B Lab Switzerland, this annual event brings together all the private sector companies in Switzerland which are committed to the ecological transition, with the aim of promoting a fair, inclusive and regenerative economy. Inovacomm team took part in this event for the second time and shares with you the best practices from the day's workshops and discussions.

 

Workshop 1: How to activate sustainability throughout the value chain?

Sahra, Purchaser, attended this workshop focusing on sustainability throughout the value chain. Here are the main lessons she kept from it:

• Adopt a pragmatic approach: adapt to the size and needs of the company.
• Rely on recognised platforms: use tools such as those from B Lab Switzerland, for example, to choose suppliers.
• Work with suppliers: set up a double assessment of materials with their active contribution.

Sahra also recommends the Agenda 2030 toolbox, which offers practical tools to help companies achieve their sustainability objectives and focus on priorities.

 

 Workshop 2: The role of leadership in shaping organisational culture.

Joëlle, who is also responsible for purchasing, took part in this workshop about the key role of leadership in shaping organisational culture. Here are her key points.

• Clear vision and mission: defining an explicit direction and objectives to engage the team around the company's purpose.
• Empowerment and inclusiveness: encouraging collaboration and innovation through an open environment, constructive feedback and regular recognition.
• Well-being at work: fostering a healthy work-life balance for a sustainable professional environment.

 

Workshop 3: Transparent communication in a changing environment.

This workshop focused on communication as part of sustainability efforts. Joelle highlighted these lessons:

• Authenticity and measurable data: truthful and quantified data through storytelling reinforce credibility and avoid greenwashing.
• Openness about challenges: sharing obstacles and failures to remain authentic.
• Clarity and relevance: balanced, concise messages to inform without overloading.

 

Workshop 4: Strategy for aligning corporate objectives and social impact.

Camille, our sustainability manager, attended this workshop and highlighted the following points:

• Committed leadership: without a strong commitment from senior management, efforts can falter in times of crisis.
• Key stakeholders: choosing the right partners for a robust and sustainable strategy.
• Income and performance: basing income solely on performance can be incompatible with a social impact strategy (e.g. Alternative Bank).

 

Workshop 5: From linearity to circularity: Transition to a circular economy model.

This workshop explored the challenges of the transition to a circular economy. Camille highlighted two points:

• Gradual change: consumption habits are difficult to change and require in-depth analysis.
• A step-by-step approach: start by testing a small range of products.

 

The Inovacomm team hopes that these different key points will inspire you and offer you concrete ways of integrating greater sustainability into your activities. Don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like to find out more or discuss any of these issues!