Tag: Sustainable Business

The photo-realistic image illustrating a modern industrial setting or manufacturing floor with digital overlays, indicating AI and IoT in action, is now ready. It features digital screens displaying safety metrics and workers using wearable tech gadgets, set in a futuristic workplace safety environment.
Digital Supply Chain

The Pivotal Role of Technology in Enhancing Environmental Health and Safety

In the realm of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), the winds of change are blowing strong and steady. As the host of the Digital Supply Chain podcast, I recently had the privilege of delving into this topic with Donovan Hornsby, Chief Strategy Officer at Benchmark Gensuite. Our conversation showed the profound impact that technology, particularly AI and data management systems, is having on EHS practices. This post aims to share some of these insights and explore the transformative power of technology in EHS.

Tech-Driven EHS: More Than Compliance

The traditional EHS model, often compliance-driven, is being fundamentally redefined. We’re transitioning from reactive to proactive strategies, with technology at the forefront. Consider, for example, the use of AI and machine learning. These tools can analyze historical incident data and predict potential hazards, allowing organisations to preemptively address risks. A study by McKinsey suggests that AI could reduce workplace injuries in manufacturing environments by up to 20%.

AI and Machine Learning: Game Changers in Risk Assessment

One of the most compelling takeaways from my conversation with Donovan was the pivotal role of AI and machine learning in EHS. These technologies are not just about compliance; they’re about preemptively identifying and mitigating risks. By processing vast datasets, AI can uncover hidden patterns and correlations that might escape human analysis. For instance, predictive analytics can forecast equipment malfunctions or system failures, thus preventing accidents before they occur. This approach is not just about hazard identification; it’s about creating a safer, more informed workplace.

IoT and Wearable Tech: Real-Time Monitoring and Safety

Another technological marvel reshaping EHS is the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable technology. During the podcast, we didn’t delve deeply into IoT and wearables, but these technologies are worth noting for their impact on EHS. Devices equipped with sensors can monitor environmental conditions like toxic gas levels or extreme temperatures, alerting workers and managers to potential dangers. Wearables can track physiological data, warning of fatigue or other health risks. According to a report by Verdantix, the use of wearables in EHS is expected to see significant growth, highlighting their value in real-time safety monitoring.

Data Management Systems: Centralising EHS Insights

Donovan emphasized the importance of robust data management systems in our discussion. Robust data management systems are crucial. They enable the integration of disparate data sources, providing a comprehensive view of EHS metrics. Such systems not only streamline compliance reporting but also offer insights for continuous improvement. For instance, a unified EHS platform can track sustainability metrics, aiding in a company’s journey towards reduced carbon footprint and environmental stewardship.

The Challenges Ahead

As we advance technologically, the challenge lies in balancing tech implementation with human factors. Technology should complement, not replace, human expertise. Continuous education and training are crucial to ensure effective utilisation of these tools.

The Road Ahead: Technology as a Catalyst for Change

The integration of technology in EHS is a journey toward a safer, more sustainable workplace. As discussed with Donovan Hornsby, these advancements empower organisations to move beyond traditional compliance models, fostering a proactive safety culture.

To explore these concepts further and hear our full discussion, I invite you to listen to this episode of the Digital Supply Chain podcast.

As we navigate this path, it’s clear that technology is not just an enabler but a necessary catalyst for building safer, more responsible business environments. Embracing these innovations is imperative for any organisation committed to safety and sustainability.

The future is not only about meeting standards; it’s about setting new ones.

Photo of water with snow capped Alaskan mountain in the background
Climate Change

Writing for Change: Stories to Transform the Climate Crisis

I’m proud to present the latest episode of my Climate Confident podcast, where I had the pleasure of speaking with two prominent voices in the fight against climate change: Professor Denise Baden and Steve Willis.

Denise is a Professor of Sustainable Business at the University of Southampton and the mastermind behind the Green Stories project, which is all about writing climate solutions into stories that can reach a wider audience. Meanwhile, Steve is the Director of Herculean Climate Solutions and the co-producer of “No More Fairy Tales: Stories to Save Our Planet” an anthology of 24 stories that present positive and engaging solutions to the climate crisis.

The authors took a unique approach to addressing the lack of positive stories in the climate fiction genre by using three questions to evaluate potential solutions: Does it work? Can it produce a million tons? And is it negative emissions? These solutions are then illustrated through entertaining stories that include powerful kernels of scientific truth.

Denise, who was the editor of these stories, talked about the challenge of managing perspectives from various renowned writers (Kim Stanley Robinson, Paolo Bacigalupi, Andrew Dana Hudson, and more), experts, including engineers, ecologists, and social scientists. She highlighted the concept of “social science fiction” as a safe space for exploring more systemic solutions that can be difficult to discuss in a political environment.

Steve talked about the power of fiction and storytelling to raise awareness of transformative solutions. He compared the idea of saving the planet to saving the Titanic and the use of a holodeck to write a program of what the future could look like. The conversation also touched upon the comparison between the utopian world of Star Trek and the current world, and the goal to achieve the former within the time and effort required.

Denise talked about the need for a shift from the current Gross Domestic Product (GDP) metric to a Wellbeing Index or Happy Planet Index, as well as the importance of long-term decision making that falls outside the electoral cycle. She mentioned the use of citizen assemblies and personal carbon allowances as topics explored in their stories. Steve talked about the idea of making the ocean an independent state in order to solve its problems and how this idea has been incorporated into his anthology about the future. He also discussed the potential for planting sea grass, kelp, and other ocean vegetation, and the lack of awareness around the ocean.

The authors have big dreams for the future of their project, including turning the stories into a Netflix series and focusing on refreezing the Arctic as a crucial step in fixing the climate crisis. They hope that these stories will inspire people to take action and make a positive difference in the world.

So if you’re looking for a podcast that’s both informative and entertaining, then look no further! Listen to the latest episode of Climate Confident and discover the inspiring work of Professor Denise Baden and Steve Willis. They’re making a difference, and so can you!

Finally, don’t forget to follow the Climate Confident podcast for weekly inspiring stories and remember, if you value receiving weekly actionable insights on sustainability and climate, you can always sign up to be a Supporter of the podcast for less than the cost of a cup of coffee.

Photo Credit Bureau of Ocean Energy on Flickr