Transforming Business for Good: Sustainability and Innovation in London’s Chamber Awards

Since the inception of the SDG Cities program in 2021, the London Chamber of Commerce has been one of the key partners we wanted to engage with. Initially, our dialogue centred around raising awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the business community. Followed by the integration of the SDGs into the Chamber’s prestigious Business Achievement Awards. The SDGs, as we explained in our first-year meetings, aren’t just goals; they represent a transformative approach to conducting business. However, this integration required time to mature, as we discovered.

In the same year, the Chamber set out to develop its new strategic plan. The Green Economy London, an alumnus of our SDG Academy, was instrumental in charting a strategic course for the London Chamber of Commerce by leading sustainability focus groups to inform the new plan. Being part of this process was a valuable experience, allowing us to actively participate and contribute to shaping this new direction.

The subsequent year was a period of focused development, dedicated to formulating the strategic plan. This was a time of reflection and anticipation, laying the groundwork for what was to come.

In parallel, the London Chamber of Commerce played a key role in bringing the City of Music designation to London. Their Music Expo in 2023 was a landmark event, featuring a panel where SDG Cities collaborated with representatives from Canada’s UNESCO Commission and creative cities from Norway and Germany. This event underscored the interconnectedness of culture, creativity, economic development and sustainability.

In that same year, the 2023 Business Achievement Awards marked a significant milestone with the introduction of the Nonprofit Award, managed by Pillar Nonprofit Network in collaboration with the London Chamber of Commerce. This award recognized organizations like Indwell – the largest developer of new supportive housing in Ontario, housing more than 1,100 residents within seven communities across the province, and employing over 200 individuals, both full-time and part-time – and ReForest London – spanning a broad geographic range, the organization collaborates extensively with a variety of community collectives, commercial entities, and individuals in a concerted effort to plant trees and rejuvenate the urban forest landscape. Having successfully planted upwards of half a million trees, Reforest London further connects with the community via a series of educational initiatives and outreach activities. – Both of which are alumni of the SDG Cities Academy and exemplars in social and environmental impact.

It’s worth mentioning a few other categories that included organizations that are community-led and have a strong social purpose. In the agribusiness category, among the contenders was The PATCH, a vibrant team of eight, championing urban agriculture skills training, horticultural therapy, and community hospitality. The PATCH emerged from a blend of aspirations: neighbours wanting to revitalize an urban space, a non-profit seeking new training avenues, and a memorial fund looking to support an indoor hydroponics farm. Today, The PATCH operates two urban farms in London – the Cavendish Community Food Hub and Nathan’s Urban Farm. These farms, one featuring accessible raised garden beds and the other boasting year-round aeroponic farming, have become hubs of community engagement, offering events, programs, and volunteer opportunities.

Another highlight of the awards was the environmental category, featuring strong contenders like Convertus and the London Health Science Centre (LHSC). Convertus, a leader in organic waste treatment, has a substantial global presence and an impressive track record in waste processing. Meanwhile, LHSC, the city’s largest employer, has been pioneering in ecological stewardship, evolving from energy conservation initiatives to a comprehensive approach towards reducing environmental impact.

As we look forward to the 2024 Business Achievement Awards, Pillar Nonprofit Network is excited to continue this partnership with the London Chamber of Commerce. The upcoming awards will further strengthen the SDG principles, showcasing the intersection of economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

The awards, to be presented at the Annual Business Achievement Awards Gala on September 25, 2024, span various categories including Business of the Year, Agribusiness, Environmental Leadership, Nonprofit and more. These awards are not just accolades; they are a testament to the commitment of businesses and organizations towards building a sustainable city.

Nominations for the 2024 awards are open until March 31, 2024. This is an invitation to the community to recognize and celebrate those who are at the forefront of sustainable development in our city.

For more details on the Business Achievement Awards and to understand the criteria for each category, visit the London Chamber of Commerce website. This is more than an awards ceremony; it’s a movement towards a more sustainable, interconnected London, where business success, social and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.