Keynote Transforming business to change the world – Workshop Biomimicry Design Thinking

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Introduction

In a world increasingly aware of its environmental impact, the conversation around sustainable business practices has never been more crucial. Recently, our colleague, Geanne van Arkel (✝︎ 17-07-2023), delivered an inspiring keynote talk titled “Changing Business to Change the World.” This was complemented by an engaging workshop on Biomimicry Design Thinking at our client’s headquarters. Both events showcased the potential for sustainability to not only reshape industries but also foster innovation.

The Keynote Talk: Inspiring Change

The hybrid format of the keynote talk drew an impressive audience, with over 130 participants joining online and around 20 in the room. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees describing the session as “inspiring.” One participant even reached out during the talk to express how he could contribute to the sustainability initiatives discussed. This engagement highlights the growing interest in aligning business objectives with sustainable practices.

Geanne’s insights as the sustainability head at Interface illustrated the profound impact that a commitment to sustainability can have on business strategy. Her presentation emphasized that sustainability is not merely a compliance activity but a core component of a company’s competitive advantage.

Workshop Highlights: Biomimicry Design Thinking

Following the talk, the workshop on Biomimicry Design Thinking introduced participants to a design methodology that draws inspiration from nature to solve complex sustainability challenges. Many attendees had limited prior knowledge of biomimicry, but they found the concepts surprisingly applicable.

Key points from the workshop included:

• Biomimicry Defined: Biomimicry is a design and leadership discipline that seeks sustainable solutions by emulating nature’s time-tested strategies. It promotes the idea of learning from biological adaptations to create products, processes, and policies that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
• Practical Applications: The workshop equipped participants with practical tools to implement biomimicry in their organization. By using nature as a model, businesses can innovate in ways that are not only effective but also harmonious with the environment.

Feedback from the workshop suggested that the insights gained were valuable and applicable, with follow-up discussions anticipated to explore further implementation within their respective teams.

The Business Advantage of Sustainability

She provided compelling arguments for the integration of sustainability into business strategies. Key insights from her own experience working with the Framework for Strategic Sustainability combined with Biomimicry at Interface include:

• Cost Reductions: Interface’s adoption of sustainable practices has led to significant cost savings. For example, by reducing energy usage by 40% per unit of production and switching to renewable energy sources, the company saved approximately €7.6 million annually.
• Job Creation: Transitioning to sustainable practices has not only benefited the environment but has also created skilled jobs. It is estimated that the European manufacturing sector could see an increase of 168,000 new skilled jobs by adopting similar sustainable models.
• Environmental Impact: Implementing sustainable practices can drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Interface’s efforts alone have led to a reduction of over 35,500 tCO2e annually, demonstrating the tangible benefits of embracing a sustainable business model.

Conclusion

The successful keynote and workshop led by Geanne van Arkel reflect a growing awareness and enthusiasm for sustainability in business. As organizations begin to understand that integrating sustainability into their core strategies is not just beneficial for the planet but also for their bottom line, we anticipate a shift towards more environmentally friendly practices across industries.

With insights from the workshop and the report, businesses can start to explore how they can apply biomimicry and sustainable practices to drive innovation and create a more sustainable future.