Genee Consulting Ltd, North East based sustainability specialists who deliver Investors in the Environment (iiE), in collaboration with Positive About Inclusion, North East equity, diversity and inclusion consultancy and training provider.
When businesses talk about sustainability, conversations often gravitate toward carbon emissions, energy use, and waste reduction. These are undeniably important, but they’re only part of the picture. Increasingly, forward-thinking businesses are recognising that sustainability isn’t just environmental, it’s social too.
To truly create lasting, positive change, businesses must embed social equity at the heart of their sustainability strategies. Genee work closely with Positive About Inclusion to ensure this is at the centre of our own operations, and through our delivery of iiE, we integrate this into our work supporting businesses across the region.
What is social equity?
Social equity means ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance, have fair access to opportunities, resources, and support. It’s about removing systemic barriers and creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
In the context of sustainability, social equity ensures that the transition to greener business practices is fair, inclusive, and beneficial to all.
Why this matters in the North East
The North East has long been a region defined by resilience and community. As we look toward a net-zero future, there’s a unique opportunity for our businesses to lead the way, not just in going green, but in doing so fairly.
Social inequality and climate vulnerability are often two sides of the same coin. Marginalised communities are more likely to be disproportionately affected by climate change and less likely to have access to green jobs or resources.
Embedding social equity into sustainability efforts helps ensure that green job creation is inclusive and accessible; that training and upskilling opportunities reach underrepresented groups; and that supply chains reflect this diversity and fairness.
Practical ways to embed social equity in your sustainability strategy
Sustainability strategies should be co-designed, bringing in perspectives from across your workforce and community, especially those who are often underrepresented.
Work with training providers to offer pathways into sustainability-focused roles for people from diverse backgrounds. Apprenticeships, mentorships, and targeted outreach can all help.
Embed ethical and inclusive criteria into procurement policies. This might include working with local social enterprises, minority-owned businesses, or organisations with strong environmental and social credentials.
Track and report not only environmental KPIs but also indicators around diversity, equity, and inclusion within your sustainability initiatives. Transparency builds trust and drives improvement.
Partner with groups already doing work on the ground, whether that’s youth programmes, refugee support services, or disability advocacy groups. This helps align your sustainability work with real local needs.
The Investors in the Environment framework
The Investors in the Environment accreditation scheme looks at sustainability holistically, recognising that true environmental stewardship must include social equity, staff engagement and community impact.
The iiE framework supports organisations to integrate social value considerations into their environmental management systems and sustainability strategies, engage staff from across the breadth of the organisation to ensure every voice is heard, and build stronger connections with their local communities.
This comprehensive approach ensures that organisations are not just reducing their environmental impact, but are also creating workplaces and communities that are more inclusive and resilient.
Sustainability that works for everyone
By embedding social equity into sustainability, North East businesses can lead the way in creating a greener future that leaves no one behind. This is a business opportunity, as companies that prioritise inclusion and equity with authenticity and intention, tend to be more innovative, attract better talent, and build stronger customer loyalty.
Embedding social equity means looking at the bigger picture and designing a future that works for everyone. That’s how we create truly resilient, future-fit businesses.
For more information on simple ways to embed social equity into your sustainability approach, contact Positive About Inclusion at hello@positiveaboutinclusion.com
To discuss your business’ environmental impact and how to reduce it, contact us at jo@genee.org.uk or visit our website www.genee.org.uk