Embedding sustainable practices in businesses requires buy-in from senior leaders. To achieve this, senior employees at Unity Trust Bank have taken part in Earthwatch’s Sustainability Leadership Programme, an immersive training experience that explores the business value of sustainability.

This hands-on programme reconnects employees with nature, and provides an opportunity to understand climate change as a critical issue for the bank. It also challenges attendees to make a positive difference for the environment, professionally and personally.

Since the first programme in 2017, the senior management team have taken numerous steps to improve environmental performance at the bank. This has included conducting a comprehensive review of their carbon footprint, which has led to the bank securing a ‘bronze level’ carbon literacy accreditation.

Whilst taking part in the Sustainability Leadership Programme, attendees are trained as ‘citizen scientists’ to collect important data supporting research into the potential of urban trees to reduce flooding risk. This research is part of Earthwatch’s Climate-Proof Cities programme, looking into understanding how nature can help cities adapt to climate change.

It is projected that by 2050, two-thirds of us will live in cities. Urban life can bring many benefits, but it can also present environmental challenges such as flooding, which can have significant costs for businesses and individuals. These problems are only expected to get worse as climate change progresses.

Find out more about our Climate-Proof Cities programme, and how your business could get involved.