Can you discuss your or your company’s efforts relating to renewability, sustainability, or other environmentally friendly activities?

Newrest is really committed to sustainability. It’s been working hard to reduce food waste by raising awareness among customers and staff. Newrest Are also improving our waste management strategies to enhance recycling and reduce overall waste. One of our key initiatives is sustainable purchasing, where we source products from local farmers and cooperatives to ensure fresh and locally sourced food. Newrest is also making strides in reducing single-use plastics and moving towards paperless processes to minimise our environmental footprint. Additionally, it is focused on reducing our greenhouse gas emissions through various initiatives, including carbon footprint analysis.

Why are in-house lawyers well-placed to drive change in their organisations?

In-house lawyers are in a unique position to drive change because we have a deep understanding of the company’s operations, goals, and challenges. This allows us to align legal strategies with business objectives effectively. We are also well-versed in regulatory requirements, which means we can ensure compliance while advocating for sustainable practices. Our expertise in risk management is crucial when implementing new initiatives, and our influential positions within the company enable them to champion change and drive organisational transformation. On a personal note, my own journey as an in-house lawyer has shown me the power of legal expertise in driving meaningful change. I’ve seen firsthand how understanding the intricacies of our business and the regulatory landscape can help us navigate challenges and seize opportunities for sustainability. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that is committed to making a positive impact, and I believe that in-house lawyers are uniquely positioned to lead these efforts.

It can be challenging to measure a company’s track record in environmentally friendly behaviour. What, in your opinion, has mostly been missed in discussions about how green a company is?

One of the aspects often overlooked is Scope 3 emissions, which are indirect emissions from the supply chain and other activities. While direct emissions and purchased electricity emissions are commonly measured, Scope 3 emissions are frequently underestimated. Another point is the long-term impact of sustainability initiatives; discussions often focus on immediate actions and results, neglecting the long-term sustainability and impact. Additionally, a holistic approach that includes social and economic impacts alongside environmental metrics is sometimes missing. Lastly, ensuring accurate and transparent reporting of environmental data is challenging but essential for a meaningful assessment.