Reflections on Sustainability Live Net Zero 2025

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend Sustainability Live Net Zero 2025 at QEII in London alongside our QSE Manager Vania Borges.

The event brought together industry leaders, sustainability experts, and businesses committed to achieving net zero and promised to offer valuable insight on best practices, challenges, and opportunities in the sustainability space.

Attending the event at the QEII Centre, a valued client of ours, made it particularly special. We were delighted to attend in a venue we maintain and to meet with our site manager, Domingos Bessa, who plays a key role in ensuring the centre operates smoothly.

At JR&Co, we apply our undivided attention to every aspect of our work, including our sustainability journey. So, I was eager to explore the latest learnings presented, with the aim of identifying applications for our business. After a day of engaging discussions and presentations, these were my key takeaways.

Key Takeaways for Sustainable Cleaning

1. The Journey to Net Zero Starts with a Plan

One of the biggest messages that resonated with me was that reaching net zero begins with a clear and structured plan. Once the framework is in place, the steps toward sustainability become more actionable and achievable. Without a solid strategy, efforts can become fragmented, making progress slower and less effective.

We know this to be the case. At JR&Co, we’ve been at the forefront of fresh thinking in cleaning for a while, but committing to B Corp and the framework that has given us the tools to be better for people, community, and planet has had a positive impact on our activities.

We also have a net zero plan at JR&Co, and I’ll let Vania tell you some exciting news in the very near future (Watch this space!).

2. Leadership Buy-In is Essential

A successful sustainability strategy requires the full support of an organisation’s board and senior leadership. When top executives believe in and advocate for sustainability goals, this commitment trickles down through every level of the business. Without leadership buy-in, efforts can struggle to gain traction, making real change difficult to implement.

3. Sustainability is an Investment, Not a Cost

One of the most critical mindset shifts emphasised at the conference was to stop viewing sustainability as a financial burden. Instead, it should be recognised as a long-term investment that adds value—not only for businesses but also for their clients, stakeholders, and the planet. Companies that integrate sustainability into their operations gain competitive advantages, enhance brand reputation, and create long-term economic benefits.

The Most Impactful Insight: Responsible Cleaning Brand Impacts

Perhaps the most eye-opening moment from the conference came from Chris Minter of Zurich Insurance Group on “How Procurement can Lead on Net Zero”. Chris demonstrated evidence that shows many businesses are now refusing to engage with suppliers that lack clear net zero and sustainability commitments.

The reality is that inaction on sustainability can lead to lost opportunities and being left behind in an increasingly eco-conscious market. The cost of failing to act could ultimately be far greater than the investment required to implement sustainable practices.

The Most Impactful Session: Corporate Net Zero Strategies

This compelling panel highlighted the importance of aligning corporate sustainability targets with the latest climate science.

Maria del Mar Rojas, Engagement Manager, Europe, SBTi, in particular, provided a powerful reminder of the strategic advantage gained by businesses that prioritise and demonstrate clear, science-backed sustainability commitments.

The session validated our commitment to taking meaningful action and reinforced our decision to pursue Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals.

What This Means for JR&Co

At JR&Co, sustainability has always been a priority, and we are continuously looking for ways to build on our existing achievements. In August 2024, we were proud to achieve B Corp certification, a significant milestone in our sustainability journey. But we know there’s always more to be done.

For 2025, we are committed to taking our efforts even further:

• Submitting our Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals to ensure our sustainability targets align with the latest climate science.
• Enrolling with EcoVadis, a globally recognised sustainability rating platform that will help us benchmark and improve our sustainability performance.

Attending Sustainability Live Net Zero 2025—along with insight from Sustainable Cleaning—reinforced our commitment to continuous improvement and proactive sustainability leadership. The event was a timely reminder that net zero is not just an obligation—it’s an opportunity to innovate, drive business growth, and create a more sustainable future for all. We look forward to implementing these new initiatives and sharing our progress in the coming year!

If you’d like to find out about our sustainability journey, how applying our undivided attention is paying dividends, and the lessons you can apply to your business, please get in touch. We’re always happy to share what we’ve learned.