A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2022 from edie!

The edie team are now logging off for the festive season

As we look forward to another jam-packed year for sustainable business, it’s worth taking some time to reflect on all of the progress that has been made in 2021, despite the obvious challenges of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the fact that, even post-COP26, the world is likely on track to breach the Paris Agreement. 

The net-zero movement has accelerated to the point that 90% of GDP is now covered. Climate activists have continued to pile pressure on governments and corporates. Resource-related policies are finally starting to come back through the pipeline in nations across Europe. And, throughout it all, communities and individuals have been going above and beyond to lead the transition to a sustainable future. 

edie has therefore rounded up the top sustainability stories of the year, month by month, – especially for those of you in the mood for reflection. This article includes some of our best-read stories and those which proved the most impactful to the UK’s green economy.

— RECAP ON THE SUSTAINABILITY STORIES OF 2021 HERE —

Once you’ve brushed up on your trivia, you can test your knowledge with the 2021 edition of edie’s annual Big Fat Quiz of the year. From climate to the circular economy, this quiz will determine whether you’re a sustainable news superstar or whether one of your New Year’s resolutions should be to follow the headlines a little more closely. 

— TAKE EDIE’S BIG FAT QUIZ OF THE YEAR HERE — 

Readers keen to get into the festive mood, meanwhile, will be happy to know that we’ve lined up some Christmas-themed articles to help you get into the spirit of the season.

The first of these is our Christmas-themed Sustainable Business Covered podcast – a special episode that includes exclusive interviews with Otrium’s sustainability lead Marlot Kiveron, AllMatters co-owner and chief executive Gitte Dalberg Larsen and Diversity in Sustainability’s co-founder Heather Mak. These discussions invite listeners to think about innovative business models with sustainability built-in, how shopping habits can be changed and what we all can do to empower and uplift our peers from marginalised backgrounds in 2022. What better way to escape the festive hustle and bustle for an hour?

— CLICK HERE TO STREAM THE EDIE PODCAST —

Additionally, we’ve put together this fun ‘in numbers’ explainer, tracking just how much waste and emissions will be generated by festivities in the UK this season, and this roundup of the biggest green innovations of the year, in association with our innovation partner Springwise.

On the horizon for 2022

We hope that all of our readers have a relaxing festive break, ready to return refreshed and with renewed ambition for 2022. 

To kick-start the year, we’ve teamed up with Faversham House’s B-Corp partner Seismic to host an afternoon of Business Leadership Sessions on Thursday 6 January. 

Registrants will gain access to two, back-to-back live webinar sessions which are taking place from 12pm to 1.45pm GMT – namely a high-level panel debate and a 45-minute masterclass on becoming a B Corp-certified business. 

Register now to join us and hear from experts at Ikea UK & Ireland, Willmott Dixon, Seismic, innocent Drinks, Virgin Media O2, Gousto and Pukka Herbs. 

Then, on 1-2 February, edie is hosting its biggest annual event – the Sustainability Leaders Forum and Sustainability Leaders Awards. 

The Forum will unite hundreds of professionals for inspiring keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, interactive workshops and facilitated networking. There will also be digital tickets.

Taking place at London’s Business Design Centre, the event will feature more than 60 speakers, including experts from Natural England, the Green Finance Institute, the World Economic Forum and the Centre for Climate Repair. We’re planning our most diverse and inspirational programme yet.

Click here for full information and to book your pass.

On the evening of the second and final day of the Forum (2 February), edie will crown the winners of the Sustainability Leaders Awards 2022. Now in its 15th year, this is the world’s largest sustainable business awards scheme that champions bold and brilliant climate leadership. 

The Sustainability Leaders Awards ceremony takes place as an in-person event at the Park Plaza London Westminster hotel on Wednesday 2 February 2022. It is highly recommended that you book your place at the Awards as soon as you are able, as tables are limited. Click here to see a list of shortlisted entries.

So, that’s well and truly it for another year. We’ll be back on 4 January 2022 and in the meantime, from all of the edie team, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Luke Nicholls, Matt Mace and Sarah George