How to Drive Company-Wide Sustainability: Openreach (Abby Chicken)

How does one of the UK's largest infrastructure companies successfully transition 27,000 employees to achieve net zero? Abby Chicken, Head of Sustainability at Openreach, reveals practical strategies for tackling major sustainability challenges - from electrifying the UK's second-largest van fleet to engaging thousands of employees and suppliers in sustainable practices. Whether you're leading a large-scale transformation or just starting your sustainability journey, this episode provides actionable insights on driving organisational change while maintaining business performance.🎯 Key Takeaways:Infrastructure TransitionFleet electrification is a major challenge for large organisations but critical for meeting net zero targetsOpenreach is successfully converting their massive van fleet to EVs by tackling infrastructure, behaviour change, and practical challenges simultaneouslyStakeholder EngagementSuccess requires buy-in across all levels, from field engineers to financeOpenreach uses different messaging for different audiences - from clean air benefits for those with asthmatic children to ESG requirements for raising capitalSupplier IntegrationNet zero goals require transformation across the entire supply chainOpenreach embeds carbon reduction requirements in supplier contracts and shares best practices across their network⚡ Quick Wins (Next 24 Hours):Action 1: Map your sustainability messaging [30 mins]Resource needed: Stakeholder mapping templateSuccess indicator: Different value propositions identified for key stakeholder groupsAction 2: Audit supplier contracts [2 hours]Resource needed: Current supplier agreementsSuccess indicator: Opportunities identified to embed sustainability requirementsAction 3: Identify potential sustainability champions [1 hour]Resource needed: Employee roster and team structureSuccess indicator: List of employees who demonstrate both business acumen and sustainability interest, representing different departments/levels❓ Got a question?We’re here to help you with your sustainability problems. Submit a question for the show here🔄 Share Your Impact:Help build our community of practice:Let us know how you implemented these actions: [email protected] your case studyJoin our Sustainability Solved Hub🛠 Tools & Resources:Reading Recommendations:Material World by Ed Conway - Deep dive into the raw materials shaping our futureHow to Get Big Things Done by Bent Flyverberg and Dan Gardner🎙 Guest:Abby ChickenHead of Sustainability, OpenreachConnect: LinkedInOrganisation: Openreach🏢 Green Element GroupGreen Element Group is an environmental management consultancy offering a range of bespoke sustainability services, products, and resources to...