The Furniture Makers’ Company has launched a Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, and the inaugural meeting was held by zoom on Tuesday 14 June 2022. It was attended by committee members from the Company along with invited guests Rob Casey and Martin Gettings from the Livery Climate Action Group and Nick Levens from Life’s Kitchen (see photo below)
The committee is designed to have a multifaceted role including supporting greater environmental awareness within The Furniture Makers’ Company itself, promoting initiatives within the sector and identifying opportunities for knowledge sharing. The committee includes many leading names across the contract and domestic furnishing sector. It is scheduled to meet regularly with targeted outputs.
Chaired by court assistant and liveryman, Joanna Knight, the committee will also be closely working with the Livery Climate Action Group (LCAG). Formed in 2021, LCAG is focussed on helping City of London livery companies and guilds to manage their impact on climate change and the environment by reducing carbon emissions and making responsible use of resources.
“This is an exciting initiative of us,” explains Joanna . “The furniture and furnishings sector has a responsibility to focus on greater environmental awareness and sustainability initiatives. Similarly, with its Hall in the heart of the City of London, The Furniture Makers’ Company must develop implement a plan to reduce its own carbon impact.”
At the augural meeting Martin Gettings shared his experience of the Constructors Climate Change Committee, including their aims and influence on the construction industry, plus the benefits of working collaborative working with other Livery Companies. Rob Casey outlined the work of the LCAG sub group on calculating a Company’s carbon footprint, offering up the latest LCAG draft guidelines and support if needed.