Spotlight on Sustainable X: Navigating Sustainability with Rondi Allan

Q1: What inspired you to embark on your journey in the sustainability consultancy field, and how does Sustainable X differentiate itself in this space?

Rondi Allan (RA): My journey into sustainability consultancy was driven by a desire to bridge the gap between business success and sustainability. Having a background as a Chartered Accountant and years working in international Supply Chains, I realised the immense potential for businesses to drive positive change while maintaining profitability. Sustainable X stands out by offering a practical and transparent approach. We simplify sustainability. We don't just advise businesses on sustainability; we help them communicate their achievements without greenwashing and provide actionable plans for continuous improvement.

Q2: Sustainability is a complex and multifaceted domain. Can you elaborate on how Sustainable X helps businesses measure and communicate their sustainability impacts?

RA: Absolutely, sustainability can be daunting. We guide businesses in measuring their impacts using clear and relevant metrics. Businesses are typically doing a number of things but sometimes don’t know it is a sustainability initiative. We help businesses such as a care home identify key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with their greatest impact areas, sector and sustainability goals. Once these impacts are quantified, we assist in communicating them transparently, ensuring that businesses convey their positive contributions without misleading claims.  

Q3: Could you share a specific success story or case study as an example of the transformative impact Sustainable X has had on a business's sustainability journey?

RA: Certainly, one of our success stories involves a company that was struggling to navigate sustainability. We worked closely with them to implement sustainable practices in their supply chain, reduce waste, and enhance their environmental footprint. We identified how they could support their stakeholders and the wider community.   Within a year, they achieved a significant reduction in waste and saw their environmental sustainability ratings improve. They were able to satisfy their stakeholders’ demands of them on sustainability topics and attract the best talent and new enquiries. Not only did this boost their reputation, but it also led to cost savings, illustrating how sustainability can be both socially responsible and financially advantageous.

Q4: Sustainability often requires a mindset shift within organisations. How does Sustainable X support businesses in fostering a sustainability-focused culture within their teams?

RA: Fostering a sustainability-focused culture is critical. We provide tailored sustainability training and awareness programs for businesses and their employees. These programs are designed to build a sustainability mindset, helping teams understand their roles in achieving sustainability goals. By engaging and empowering employees, we create a culture of sustainability that extends beyond compliance to become a shared business value, an area which the care sector is increasingly engaging with.

Q5: As a leader in the sustainability field, how do you see the role of sustainability evolving in the business world in the coming years, and how will Sustainable X adapt to these changes?

RA: Sustainability will continue to gain prominence in the business world as environmental and social issues become increasingly urgent and the larger and more regulated businesses start to ask their supply chains for their data and credentials. Sustainable X will adapt by staying at the forefront of industry trends, collaborating with businesses to set higher sustainability standards, and leveraging emerging technologies and best practices. We will remain agile and responsive to the evolving landscape, ensuring that businesses we partner with, such as the care home sector, are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Q6: Collaboration and partnerships seem to be a cornerstone of Sustainable X's approach. Could you share an example of a collaboration that has had a significant impact on advancing sustainability goals?

RA: Certainly, one impactful collaboration involved teaming up with a regional sustainability organisation and a group of local businesses. Together, we launched a sustainability initiative that aimed to reduce single-use plastic consumption in the community. By working collectively and engaging both businesses and consumers, we successfully reduced plastic waste by 30% in a year. This collaboration not only had a measurable positive impact but also showcased the potential of collective efforts in advancing sustainability.

Q7: In a world increasingly concerned about climate change and social responsibility, what advice would you give to care home businesses looking to embark on their sustainability journey with Sustainable X?

RA: My advice to care home businesses is to embrace sustainability as a strategic programme, not just a checkbox. Start with a clear vision of your sustainability goals and understand your impacts. If you engage Sustainable X early in the process, we will guide you through the complexities, help you define measurable objectives, and create a tailored roadmap. Remember that greater sustainability is not only the right thing to do, it also makes perfect business sense.