“We had a lot of time to think during COVID as to how we would like to do things differently,” said Marija. “And one of the main things was a renewed focus on sustainability. The industry has had a reputation for build and burn which it is thankfully trying to eradicate.”

We knew that there was more that we could and should be doing, she explained. The team at Solutions 2 did not know where to start. “It is such an enormous thing, there is so much green washing going on that we wanted an expert to help us through the process,” she said.

Marija was keen to disprove the myth that custom build was not sustainable – or the only solution for exhibition stands was aluminium frame systems. “We wanted someone to work with to help us find a good balance. We want to keep servicing our customers and employing our staff but not kill the planet at the same time,” she added. “GCS understands the industry and they really understand our business.”

Solutions 2 started working with GCS in 2021. First, GCS helped Solutions 2 develop its sustainability policy, a business impact report, and an energy and waste management strategy. GCS also delivered training for staff and advised on carbon offsetting.

“It was all so new that we did not know what we were looking at, GCS helped us learn about sustainability and understand what actions we could take, she said.” For example, the team decided to use more sustainable materials such as recyclable non PVC material for banners and install wood burners for waste, removing the need for gas.

Workshops for staff, led by GCS, helped employees understand why the company was embarking on its sustainability journey. A working group was established with members from each department, and they were encouraged to come up with new ways of doing things.

“It was not a difficult sell,” said Marija. “Employees were keen to learn and make a difference.” The working group, which still exists today, continues to seek new ways of doing things differently to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

Empowered with an improved understanding of sustainability and a robust set of baseline data, the company has pledged to reduce its emissions by 50% by 2030 and to achieve Net Zero by 2050. An annual carbon report is now published showing their results year on year and the impact of their actions taken.

Environmental is not all that the team focuses on. The company pays great importance to social values, both within its direct business activities, and externally, taking into consideration those who may be impacted by our activities. Marija explained that Solutions 2 sponsors a grass roots children’s rugby team, donates paint pots to a children’s charity and donates wood off cuts to a local school for their woodwork classes, just to name a few things.

To drive further impact, the company also requests sustainability policies from all its suppliers to further instil awareness and drive action through their supply chain.

Solutions 2 is seeing event organisers asking for sustainability documentation and for certain materials not to be used. This was another area where GCS was able to advise Solutions 2 to enable them to better understand and meet expectations.

So, what’s next for Solutions 2 on their sustainability journey. “We want to hit our targets and continue to reduce our carbon footprint.” says Marija.

The company has its sights firmly on achieving tier 5 of ESSA Sustainability accreditation, which is the pinnacle of sustainability achievement in our industry and represents extraordinary dedication and outstanding results in every aspect of sustainable practices. It distinguishes an organisation as an industry leader and exemplar of sustainable excellence.

Marija likened their sustainability journey to turning a huge tanker. “It takes time, but everybody needs to be thinking about it. We must continually improve, even just baby steps every year, we want to see improvement on our journey. If we are staying the same, then we are doing something wrong,” she added.

“My advice for any company is to speak to an expert, surround yourself with people who know what they are doing and make sure you get good advice. It is a journey but doing nothing is not acceptable. Set targets and try to achieve them, don’t do too much too soon otherwise you might fall at the first hurdle,” she concluded.