Modus Led the ESG Strategies Talk at FOOTPRINT+ 2024
We recently hosted a Breakfast Briefing at FOOTPRINT+ alongside our parent company, Workplace Futures Group (WFG), bringing together workplace experts to discuss the evolving role of ESG strategies in the built environment. The conversation covered everything from supply chains and certifications to practical steps for driving social impact through design and delivery.
The briefing, hosted by WFG’s COO Tim White, discussed our sustainability strategies and commitments in real estate with expert Adam Hinds, co-founder of LifeProven and our talented Project Director, Juliet Price. Our panellists offered sharp, honest takes on what works – and what doesn’t – when implementing ESG strategies across the workplace sector. It’s clear that while ambition is high, execution still varies, especially when it comes to measuring outcomes and aligning across stakeholders.
Long-standing Commitment to Sustainability
Tim began the briefing by discussing our long-standing dedication to sustainable practices, highlighting the strategic partnerships that we’ve established with major real estate players such as British Land and Canary Wharf Group. As a B Corp company, Tim emphasised our commitment to environmental stewardship beyond compliance. He stated, ” Modus has been trading for over 30 years, and sustainability has always been a key part of what we do… But we’ve always done it in a very low-key way and were one of the first businesses in our sector to become ISA 14001 accredited back in 2001.”
Analysing the ESG Landscape
Adam delved into the macro and microeconomic forces shaping the ESG landscape. Macro-economic forces like climate change, biodiversity loss, and geopolitical shifts reshape global markets. These global changes prompt local regulatory adjustments and influence microeconomic factors such as market demands and investment trends, compelling businesses to adopt resilient asset management strategies. Adam highlighted the necessity for real estate assets to adapt to maintain and enhance their value and insurability in a rapidly changing world.
Strategic ESG Integration in Projects
During the briefing, Juliet provided valuable insights on how we integrate ESG commitments into our business operations. She shared a case study of our collaboration with the Canary Wharf Group and explained how ESG strategies can significantly improve project outcomes and sustainability metrics. This segment demonstrated how we apply ESG principles to enhance environmental and business performance in our projects.
Embracing Technology and Innovation
The briefing also showcased our use of advanced technologies such as One Click LCA and Qflow. These tools are pivotal in enhancing sustainability during the design and construction phases, allowing us to perform detailed environmental assessments and material tracking. This approach aids in reducing the environmental impact of construction activities and helps achieve greater efficiency and transparency in project execution.
Promoting a Circular Economy
A key highlight from the event was the discussion on developing physical reuse hubs in collaboration with the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS). This initiative is part of our effort to promote circular economy principles, focusing on reducing waste and reusing materials across projects. This proactive approach demonstrates our commitment to sustainability beyond the immediate scope of our projects, impacting the broader industry and community.
The FOOTPRINT+ Breakfast Briefing showed our leadership in weaving sustainability into our business practices. The discussions provided valuable insights into the evolving role of ESG strategies in real estate and showcased our innovative strategies and commitments to shaping a sustainable future. As the industry continues to evolve, we remain committed to taking charge of sustainable development and setting new standards for the real estate sector.