In this episode, we are focussing on of our Partnerships in the education sector the Association of Colleges, and their annual awards called the Beacon Awards. The Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK further education (FE) colleges. The aim of the awards programme is to demonstrate and promote the far-reaching impact of colleges on their students and the communities they serve.

We feature inspiring conversations with two outstanding finalists: Nina Hart, Head of Sustainability at the Eastern Education Group, and Debra Gray, Principal and CEO of Hull College. They share their journeys, challenges, and successes in embedding sustainability into education.

Adding a unique perspective from the energy and carbon sector, our guest speaker Alex Wilson, Senior Commodities & Carbon Consultant at Sustainable Energy First, joins us to explore how colleges can lead the way in creating a greener future.

Tune in for insights on sustainability leadership, practical strategies, and why collaboration matters in shaping tomorrow’s education landscape.

For more information on the Eastern Education Group sustainability efforts CLICK HERE.

And for more information on Hull College and all about their journey CLICK HERE.

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.

This is the second of our Spotlight💡episodes of the Sustainably Speaking Podcasts! In this series, we’ll be shining the light on Sustainable Energy First clients, partners, and green tech collaborators to highlight real-world sustainability success stories, case studies, and industry insights.

Whether we're speaking to a business that is making great strides in their sustainability efforts or one of our tech partners that does amazing work with us to help us inspire and empower others to raise their climate ambitions.

In this episode, we discuss the future of sustainability in Manchester with three brilliant guests. Joining us are Lucy Mulligan, Marketing Director at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC), Chris Fletcher, Policy Director at the GMCC, and business consultant Wayne Jones. From shaping policy to driving change across Manchester, our guests share fresh perspectives on how the city can balance growth with greener, more sustainable practices.

Our partnership with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) enables us to work together to help businesses accelerate their journey to net zero. Through this collaboration, GMCC members will gain access to expert energy advice, practical net-zero strategies, and sustainability workshops, supporting the region’s ambition to become the UK’s first net-zero business hub by 2038.

If you want to continue the conversation in person, we’re hosting a sustainability event in Manchester in collaboration with the Chamber on Friday 26th September which will be a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and share ideas for a greener future.

Register here: https://www.gmchamber.co.uk/events/sustainably-speaking-pathway-to-target-zero/

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.

Hello listeners to our eighth episode of the Sustainably Speaking Podcast!

In this latest episode, we were delighted to be joined by Lars Fabricius Managing Director of SAV Systems, Dr Andy Pickard Net Zero Innovation Delivery Officer with Blackpool Council and our own Chief Commercial Officer Anthony Mayall from Sustainable Energy First.

Ben dives straight in, inviting the guests to introduce themselves and share their extensive experience with Heat Networks, built over many years in the Energy and Sustainability sector.

Discover what Heat Networks are and explore the exciting developments currently unfolding in the North West. This episode offers a compelling listen, so get ready as we take you deep into the world of renewable energy and innovative processes that harness excess heat from complex industrial operations.

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.

In this month’s engaging episode of Sustainably Speaking, we start the conversation with Dr. Zoe Detko; carbon consultant and emissions reductions specialist. Zoe shares her experience on how we manage our scope emissions, how this can affect business – sustainably and cost wise – as well as, providing advice on how we can get better as reducing the greenhouses gas emissions for the benefit of our green future. 

We explore:

• How scope emissions affect businesses and how we can reduce this. 
• The importance of factoring in scope free emissions when addressing climate change as a business. 
•  Talking around the key challenges that businesses face in accurately measuring emissions and how this can be improved. 
• How businesses can make a difference to supply chain with a carbon reduction plan
• What are the right steps for your business to reduce your carbon emissions and overall reduce your carbon footprint. 
• How to calculate your scope emissions, and not only cut your costs in supply chain, but also reduce your emissions

If you are wanting to advance in your future in scope emission reduction, to make a greener future for you, your business and your loved ones; give this episode a listen to hear Dr. Zoe Detko’s advise on how we can excel in the world of scope emission management and reduce them overall to allow ourselves a brighter, and greener future.

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.

In this inspiring episode of Sustainably Speaking, we sit down with the visionary behind The Wellbeing Farm, Celia Gaze. From burnout to barnyard, Celia shares the remarkable story of how a simple idea blossomed into a multi-award-winning venue rooted in sustainability, community, and joy.

We explore:

• 🌱 The origins of The Wellbeing Farm and its mission to bring wellbeing to the forefront of rural enterprise
• 🏅 The journey to achieving B Corp certification and what it truly means for a business
• 📅 The launch of a brand new national awareness day—and why it matters
• 🌾 The principles of regenerative farming and how they’re being put into practice
• 🕊️ The importance of legacy, purpose, and creating a business that gives back

Whether you're a changemaker, entrepreneur, or simply curious about sustainable living, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and a few surprises from Celia and the Wellbeing Farm.

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.

Hello listeners! 🍃🗣️🎙️

Along side our main Sustainably Speaking podcast we are introducing a brand-new addition to the series: "Spotlight" 💡

In this series, we’ll be shining the light on Sustainable Energy First clients, partners, and green tech collaborators to highlight real-world sustainability success stories, case studies, and industry insights.

Whether we're speaking to a business that is making great strides in their sustainability efforts or one of our tech partners that does amazing work with us to help us inspire and empower others to raise their climate ambitions.

In our first Spotlight Series episode, we are introducing Puja Balachander the CEO and co-founder of UpGreen.

UpGreen are a retrofit finance and implementation platform accelerating the net zero journey for property owners and investors. UpGreen supports landlords in meeting UK MEES (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) regulations by turning retrofit projects into investable propositions—combining AI-enabled business case analysis, project management, and post-retrofit performance data.

We also welcome our friend and colleague, Head of ESG, Phil Richards from Sustainable Energy First. He breaks down what ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) means to businesses and discusses the energy efficiency compliance issues with MEES and goes into detail on why businesses should be looking to improve their energy performance ratings.

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.

Hello again listeners! This is the fifth episode of the Sustainably Speaking Podcast!

In this episode we have Lee Petts, a straight-talking PR and marketing maven, who founded his company Fifty2M (the agency with balls) on 19th June 2002. Since that time they've worked in lots of different sectors and with every type and size of business and charity imaginable.

Lee is a fountain of knowledge on everything marketing and PR and is passionate about helping businesses and charities to flourish. He is also no stranger to the world of sustainability, waste and recycling, winning the IoD’s Director of the Year Award for Corporate Responsibility in 2016.

Listen in to this podcast to hear some top tips and insights into marketing your businesses sustainability efforts effectively as you can!

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.

Welcome listeners, to our fourth episode of the Sustainably Speaking Podcast!

In this episode the Director of People and Culture at Sustainable Energy First, Victoria Zawistowicz, joins us to talk about wellbeing in the workplace.

Ben and Victoria discuss what the difference between 'HR' and 'People & Culture' at Sustainable Energy First means. Victoria is incredibly passionate about people and delves into the core of the importance of trust and understanding in work, and the dynamics of relationships between managers and their team.

Find out more about one size fits none at Sustainable Energy First, wellbeing in and out of the workplace and what the real world benefits of flexible working are.

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.

Welcome listeners to the third episode of the Sustainably Speaking Podcast!

In this episode we were joined remotely by the fabulous Esther Griffin, Account Director & Content Writer and Joanna Watchman, Founder and MD of Content Coms. They're a B Corp Certified agency delivering strategic comms and specialistic content to companies in the energy, technology & built environment sectors.

Content Coms are also our creative partners who help us create the content for our website the Energy Advice Hub. They're an incredible bunch of people who we love working with. So if your organisation is struggling with transparent, honest and authentic communications, they’re here to help.

Greenwashing is a fairly complex and nuanced topic, where even the best intentions can fall foul. But you can enlighten yourselves by listening to this podcast.

For more advice and help with communicating your green credentials the right way visit their website here - Anti Greenwashing Comms, Content | Guidance | Support

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.

Welcome listeners to the second episode of the Sustainably Speaking Podcast!

Today we have Georgina Penfold, an experienced energy industry expert. Georgina initially trained in environmental due diligence and carbon management, and has held senior and executive posts in compliance, procurement, cleantech, government relations and corporate commercial strategy.

By her own admission, 'G' loves solving chunky problems and making a positive impact. Her knowledge and expertise absolutely shines through in this episode which makes for essential listening for anyone responsible or interested in energy, sustainability, or compliance.

If you want to hear all about REMA, locational pricing, constraint payments, the (now delayed) Climate and Nature Bill, ISO Net Zero standards and all the things compliance, this is the right podcast for you.

*This Podcast was recorded at the beginning of January 2025.

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.

Welcome listeners to the first episode of the Sustainably Speaking Podcast!

Today we have Michael Abbott, CEO of Sustainable Energy First, to introduces you all to the unheard story of where and how our company started.

It really is an interesting story and Michael's compelling commentary gives some insights into how people were the force in growing the business over the years.

Find out more about the huge milestones in Sustainable Energy First's history and what the recent acquisition of Inenco means for the future.

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.

This is the trailer for Sustainable Energy First's Podcast called - Sustainably Speaking. 

As well as discussing ESG and sustainability topics we're breaking down complex energy policies to put them in plain simple terms, empowering you to raise your businesses climate ambitions.

This podcast is just one of many ways such as videos, webinars, articles, and events, that we use to engage with businesses and people, to discuss a wide breadth of topics all linked to social, economic and environmental sustainability.

Sustainable Energy First is an energy and sustainability consultancy, based in the Northwest of England, with over 50 years of experience in solving energy management problems in very large, complex commercial estates.

To find out more about Sustainable Energy First, or any of the topics we cover, you can follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit our website sefirst.com or alternatively you can visit the Energy Advice Hub at energyadvicehub.org, our free information resource that breaks down complex policy and empowers UK organisations to raise their climate ambitions.