80 Attendees Gather for Inaugural BCC Summer Sustainability Meet

On the evening of Thursday 11 July 2024, the Sustainability Group of the British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg (BCC) held its inaugural "Summer Sustainability Meet" at LaLux's headquarters in Leudelange.

The aim of the event was to give participants in sustainability in Luxembourg the opportunity to meet, share insights and inspire collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable future.

About 80 BCC members and guests attended the event, eager to hear from the panel of expert speakers and to have the opportunity to network.

The attendees were welcomed by Giulia Iannucci, CEO of KnowThyBrand and Chair of the BCC Sustainability Group.

Jérôme Wiwinius, Director at LaLux, introduced the guests to the history of the insurance company, before Noelle Gerin, Head of Sustainability at LaLux, presented some of the environmentally-friendly features of the company's new offices, together with some of sustainability practices, including employee well-being programmes and a recycling scheme for cigarette ends.

Luc Zwank, Director of the Environment Agency within Luxembourg's Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, then explained to the audience how the different divisions of the ministry operate and discussed some of the current sustainability challenges the ministry is tackling. Dr Zwank emphasised that the ministry aims to work in collaboration with both businesses and individuals to improve sustainability and the environment for everyone in Luxembourg.

This last point of collaboration between participants was reiterated during the following presentation when Thibaud Bastien, Sustainability Advisor from the House of Sustainability, invited the audience to "Discover the House of Sustainability". Mr Bastien provided details of the objectives and activities of the organisation, together with information on both the practical advice and financial assistance available to businesses seeking to transition to a sustainable way of operating.

Finally, Tilly Metz, newly re-elected MEP from Luxembourg's Green party (déi Gréng), spoke on "Sustainability Challenges at EU Level". She outlined the many current areas where the European Union is aiming to improve sustainability - including further reductions in greenhouse gases and increases in renewable energy - and summarised some of the recent successes at EU level, including a social climate fund and a "right to repair".

As the organisers shared, attendees were left in no doubt that there is a real determination in Luxembourg to encourage and develop a more sustainable way of living in all aspects of both business and everyday life.

After a final word of thanks from Giulia Iannucci, BCC members and guests had the opportunity to continue their discussions, exchange ideas and network over refreshments provided by hosts LaLux.