GreenTech Gathering, proudly hosted in partnership with Leeds Digital Festival and supported by madeby.studio, AD:VENTURE, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and the Mayor of West Yorkshire, returns on April 25th. This month’s event brings together Yorkshire’s vibrant GreenTech community to connect, share knowledge, and collaborate to propel the region towards a more sustainable future.
While visions of wind farms and rooftop solar panels dominate GreenTech’s popular ideas, sustainability’s future is far broader. GreenTech encompasses an array of emerging innovations that extend beyond established solutions. From biomimicry-inspired materials to the repurposing of everyday objects, these innovations are accelerating our journey towards carbon neutrality. As more industries embrace environmental responsibility, we’re witnessing a shift towards GreenTech solutions that address a wider range of environmental challenges.
However, adopting new technologies and exploring emerging markets often involve a disruptive element. This means that traditional business models may feel threatened by the potential challenges posed by sustainable alternatives. While adaptability and innovation are invaluable assets for any industry, these traditional methods can be resistant to change.
GreenTech Gathering recognises the need to bridge the gap between established practices and innovative solutions. To achieve this, the event brings together a powerful network of key stakeholders: industry leaders, sustainability experts, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs. They’ll explore ways to navigate disruption productively and unlock new avenues for sustainable development in previously underserved sectors.
Reclaim Audio, a featured Community Spotlight for the upcoming GreenTech Gathering demonstrates this concept. Understanding the inherent ecological destruction of traditional loudspeaker production methods – methods reliant on globally sourced components with a significant carbon footprint – Andrew Bishop, Founder and MD, will share his insight on bringing sustainability to the forefront of the events industry.
Reclaim Audio sources materials from within a 200-mile radius of their factory, utilising fully reclaimed components to address the “circularity gap” in the loudspeaker industry. Not only does this offer an end-of-life solution, but by embracing a circular economy – where products are designed for reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling – Reclaim Audio is reducing carbon emissions within the events industry, most notably without the “Green Premium” that is attached to most repurposed products.
A common misconception is that sustainability requires drastic changes from everyone. In reality, even small steps collectively lead to significant progress towards carbon neutrality. GreenTech Gathering aims to encourage all industries to take those initial steps towards a more sustainable future.
Continuing the conversation, GreenTech Gathering welcomes Paul Shortland, Head of Sustainability and Risk, and Mark Little, Formulation Chemist at Advanced Bacterial Sciences (ABS). These speakers will inspire attendees to explore the potential impact of sustainable solutions in overlooked yet crucial areas, such as wastewater management.
ABS utilises microbial solutions to offer facilities a more sustainable alternative to harsh chemicals. Their approach leverages naturally occurring processes to break down organic waste and treat various hazardous materials. ABS goes beyond reducing waste and resource consumption by delivering a truly transformative approach to sustainability, demonstrating how seemingly small changes in wastewater management can have a significant positive impact on our environment.
The upcoming GreenTech Gathering aims to showcase these hidden disruptors of GreenTech. We hope to inspire divergent thinking and spark avenues for meaningful impact in often-overlooked areas. As climate change awareness grows beyond a passing trend, GreenTech Gathering aims to use its platform to shed light on the important work many businesses are doing to improve our environment and help meet sustainability goals.
By encouraging growth and collaboration within the GreenTech sector, we can collectively accelerate our progress towards a sustainable future.