Q&A: three voices on sustainability

As the world faces mounting environmental challenges, the role of business in driving sustainable change has never been more critical. From shifting mindsets around long-term impact to embracing transparency and innovation, leaders across industries are reimagining what it means to operate responsibly. In this Q&A, we hear from three voices where they share their perspectives on the most pressing changes needed in business sustainability, the trends shaping the future, and how their organisations are preparing to lead the way. 

Philip von Segebaden
Head of Partnerships, Novatron

If you could change one thing about how businesses approach sustainability, what would it be and why?
It’s already happening to a higher degree than before but there is a need for a focus shift from short term ROI to long term impact – sustainability needs patience and needs to be done in collaboration with others.

What’s one sustainability trend you’re most excited about for the future, and how are you preparing for it?
Current geopolitics are changing our world – Europe needs to step up and work together to make sure that we can meet the climate goals. So, I would point to energy resilience, energy independence, and energy security as decisive factors for making this happen in our region. 

Stephen Handscomb
Managing Director – UK and Construction, LKAB

If you could change one thing about how businesses approach sustainability, what would it be and why?
One thing that I would change about how business is approach sustainability is transparency in the supply chain. A lot of companies claim to be very sustainable but when you dig into it they are far less sustainable than they appear.
 
As a business LKAB do everything we can to ensure that our business is as sustainable as possible and has as little impact as it can. Where we do have an impact we are honest so that people know exactly what they’re buying and the work that’s being done to improve it so they can trust and rely on us.

What’s one sustainability trend you’re most excited about for the future, and how are you preparing for it?
I’m not sure if it would be classed as a sustainability trend, but one thing that we are very excited about as a business is net zero construction and how we can help to get to this target. LKAB have a number of different products that can replace high carbon materials such as cement and whilst we manufacture these, where we can, we take responsibility for minimising our impact. We aim to be one of the most resource and environmental efficient mining and minerals companies in the world. Our prioritised areas for action are: biodiversity, sustainable water and waste management, to secure our energy supply and energy efficiency, circularity, and resource efficiency.

David Cronin 
Inward Investment Manager – Sustainability, London & Partners

If you could change one thing about how businesses approach sustainability, what would it be and why?
Too often, sustainability is treated as a compliance exercise or a branding tool, rather than a driver of innovation and long-term value. I’d shift the mindset of founders and businesses from “risk mitigation” to “opportunity creation.” All businesses – regardless of size or sector – should embed sustainability into their core strategy, not just their reporting. Whether through circular design, regenerative supply chains, or climate tech adoption, sustainability should be a source of competitive advantage. The most successful companies will be those that treat it not as a cost, but as a catalyst for growth, resilience, and relevance in a rapidly changing world.

What’s one sustainability trend you’re most excited about for the future, and how are you preparing for it?
One trend I’m particularly excited about is proptech, it is transforming the built environment. From smart energy systems to zero-emission construction sites, technology is reshaping how we build and live. Regulation is catching up too – Awaab’s Law in the UK mandates fast action on mould. At L&P, we’re helping international proptech firms scale in London. One standout is Swedish company AI-BOB, which uses AI to automate compliance checks and detect design errors early, saving time, energy, and materials. It’s a great example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.