Pioneering sustainable waste management
In the dynamic world of waste management, sustainability is not just necessary but an opportunity for innovation. Dr Adam Reed, a veteran with three decades in the field, recently shared insights on the second episode of the Bees Knees podcast. He spoke to Catherine Linch about how Suez is adapting and thriving by embedding sustainability communications at its core.
Innovating for a sustainable future
As a leader at waste management company Suez, which serves 20-25% of UK households, Adam spearheads consumer and industry engagement. He aims to reverse traditional attitudes to household waste through robust communications and public engagement. Adam describes forward-thinking approaches that prioritise sustainability. These approaches have not only raised awareness, but also delivered measurable behavioural change.
Innovation and customer-centric solutions, such as personalised services like customisable bin colours and collection frequencies, have proven effective. Adam explains that good communication isn’t just about broadcasting efforts. It’s about meaningfully engaging with the community and stakeholders to foster deeper understanding and support for their initiatives.
Strategic sustainability and engaging audiences
Suez has transformed its sustainability communications strategy to be highly customer-centric. Understanding that effective communication with stakeholders has proved critical to encouraging higher levels of recycling and re-use. As anyone in communications knows, having a strong consistent message that is frequently reinforced is essential for changing behaviour.
Suez has reduced the percentage of waste going to landfill from 95% in 1995 to just 5% today. They have enhanced their recycling infrastructure and energy recovery processes. Adam explained that their proactive approach underlines a commitment to shaping a sustainable future. They engage not only local communities but also industry counterparts, policymakers and NGOs.
Redefining waste management through thought leadership
Suez’s approach to public relations is holistic. They use a mix of media outreach, social engagement and community programmes to communicate their sustainability efforts transparently to customers.
Adam emphasised the importance of media visibility to build trust and accountability. By showcasing their innovations and the tangible benefits of their services, Suez strengthens its brand as an environmentally responsible industry leader.
In fact, Suez’s leadership in waste management shows that as a ‘triple bottom-line business’, sustainability extends beyond compliance to become a core business driver across social, environmental and financial facets.
To listen to the whole episode, search for the Bees’ Knees Comms-Cast on your preferred podcast streaming platform.
Bees’ Knees Comms-Cast is proudly brought to you by Pinstone. Get in touch if there is anyone you would like to hear from on a future episode of if you are interested in us telling your sustainable story.
