Jaime Lee, head of Sibos for SWIFT, explains the new Sibos #LeadTheChange sustainability strategy, and the brand new look and feel awaiting participants at Sibos 2022.</em></p> Jaime, the #LeadTheChange strategy means there will be some major changes at Sibos 2022, can you tell us more?</strong></p> Our sustainability strategy has three pillars: protecting our environment, caring for the community and promoting equality and diversity. </p> With #LeadTheChange we’re doubling down across all three areas, which means big changes in how Sibos will look, and the experience for participants. Our aim is to become one of the most sustainable global events and engage with our exhibitors and participants to consider how we can work together to create a more sustainable gathering of the financial community.</p> If we can equip our exhibitors and participants with the tools and know-how to rethink their approach, and also learn from them to keep evolving our strategy, the benefits of #LeadTheChange will multiply. The collective influence of the financial industry will help the world transition to a more sustainable way of working.</p> As the next generation of leaders comes through, expectations of Sibos change. We appreciate many people travel long distances to benefit from the in-person conference, exhibition and networking experience. People will only keep coming if we take measures to limit our impact on the environment, and make a meaningful contribution to society.</p> Can you give us some examples of the changes you’re making?</strong></p> We’ve considered our impact from every angle and done a lot of research, carefully weighing up sustainability benefits with our participants’ experience. </p> One of the most visible and impactful changes is to overall build of the event. As soon as you walk into the RAI this year, you’ll see Sibos is different. Wherever possible we’re reducing the volume of materials used, and choosing options that can be hired, repurposed or recycled. We’ve also asked exhibitors to complete a questionnaire so we can assess their stand sustainability, and benchmark improvement over time. The RAI will even collect usable donations from exhibitors after Sibos, and deliver them to local non-profits.</p> The carpet we’re using is 100% recyclable. The production process is very clever, it uses no water or latex and requires 85% less energy compared to traditional event carpet, more than halving carbon emissions. Carpet can be a huge source of waste at events and it has to stop. </p> We’re also scrapping the use of PVC, foam board and vinyl from signage and stand branding, to minimise waste that ends up as landfill. The main materials you’ll see in Discover are scaffolding, which we’re hiring locally, and cardboard, which is really robust if it’s used in the right way. </p> The food you eat at Sibos will be locally sourced and seasonal, and we’ve been thinking hard about how you’ll eat it. Common thinking is that wooden cutlery is the most sustainable disposable option, but it has the same environmental impact as compostable plastic, which is much easier to eat with, and doesn’t change the taste of your food. It’s important not to be deceived by perception.</p> How important a factor is sustainability when you’re selecting a venue for Sibos?</strong></p> Sustainability is a very important part of our venue selection process and the RAI came through strongly. It’s the first European conference centre to be platinum certified by EarthCheck, and its initiatives include using city heat to power the venue, a zero landfill waste policy, and a programme to tackle youth unemployment. </p> They even have bat and swift nest boxes on the roof, and their own greenhouse to grow herbs and vegetables. It’s a comprehensive and impressive strategy that complements our own.</p> What’s SWIFT corporate approach to climate action?</strong></p> SWIFT is part of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a clearly defined pathway for companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with a 1.5 ºC future. Between 2007 and 2015 SWIFT reduced its carbon footprint by 71%, and achieved net zero by 2020 using carbon offsetting. </p> The SWIFT Climate Action team has a wide ranging programme underway to reduce emissions further. Last year a solar energy system was installed on the roof of our operating centre in Switzerland, part of a major drive to make our buildings and datacentres more energy efficient. We are working closely with this team to make Sibos a greener event.</p> Sibos recently signed up to the Inclusive Panels Charter, what prompted you to do this?</strong></p> We’ve been working hard to showcase the full breadth of the Sibos community on our speaker platform, by gender and cultural background. Diversity of thought is what makes our panel sessions so interesting and the charter is another way to demonstrate our commitment. </p> Last year 48% of our speakers were women, and it’s a similar balance for this year. On the Innotribe programme women speakers actually outnumber men two-to-one.</p> The financial industry still has a reputational issue to overcome in order to ensure young talent is attracted to finance as a career, and every organisation needs to ensure they provide flexible opportunities and introductions to the right role models to retain this talent. </p> Balance@SWIFT is our employee network focused on equal access to opportunities, and its work covers everything from recruitment to supporting working parents and talent development. </p> It’s this drive for equality that’s also behind the STAR scholarship, which gives women in finance the opportunity to expand their networks and expertise with a dedicated programme during Sibos week.</p> Which charity is Sibos supporting this year?</strong></p> Supporting the community at our event locations is essential, so we always opt for local projects. This year our charity partner is Samen Lachen (Smile Together), who provide monthly outings for underprivileged children, for example taking them to a playground, museum or amusement park. </p> We’re also funding the purchase of a plot of land for the Kempen-Broek nature conservation project. This chain of nature reserves in Belgium and the Netherlands supports species like red deer and wild cattle, and absorbs water to help prevent flooding downstream, making it an important buffer against climate change. </p> How can Sibos participants contribute to #LeadTheChange?</strong></p> We’re asking everyone to pack their reusable water bottle to hydrate at the water fountains around the RAI, and with every week-long Sibos pass, participants receive free access to Amsterdam’s green powered public transport. I encourage everyone to make the most of it to get around the city, it’s a very efficient network.</p> If it’s possible to travel to Amsterdam via land rather than air please do, and if not please consider using the Gold Standard</a> scheme, which offsets carbon emissions by funding environmental projects. </p> There will be recycling bins throughout the venue, and participants can use the QR codes on delegate badges to exchange contact details, rather than business cards. </p> And please be sure to join the many insightful conference sessions planned on sustainability hot topics</a>! </p> Join us in Amsterdam from 10 – 13 October.</strong> Find out more about the Sibos #LeadTheChange strategy here</a>, and sign up for the Sibos Insider newsletter</a> for updates on how you can play your part. </em></p>