In an exclusive conversation with UKREiiF, Jason Longhurst, Chair of the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development and the UK Head of Sustainable Investment and Partnerships for Prologis, delved into the pressing issues of sustainability, clean growth, and the alignment of various sectors in the green movement.

UKREiiF: Jason, could you give us a bit of background about the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development?

Jason Longhurst: Absolutely. We are part of a 166 global network countries, and our mission is to bring together leading innovators in sustainability. We form the UK arm of the World Business Council, focusing on net zero, decarbonising,  sustainability sector development, and defining a green economy for the future.

UKREiiF: That’s an impressive scope. How do you find the alignment among developers, investors, councils, and contractors?

Jason Longhurst: It’s been a journey. We’re going to be 25 years old next year, and we’ve seen a shift towards alignment. Sustainability is becoming mainstream,  a core value ion growth, and major infrastructure partners,  developers and the public sector are recognising its importance.

UKREiiF: What’s the end goal for your organization?

Jason Longhurst: Our end goal is action-oriented. We’re not about pledges and platitudes; we are about delivering change, supporting the transition of businesses, and creating an investable environment – all through active partnership.

UKREiiF: Can you share some successes that you’ve had?

Jason Longhurst: Certainly. We launched Sustainability superpower UK at UKREiiF 2023. Defining the approach to unlock more than £70bn of economic benefits and export £17bn of renewable energy a year. We’re working with partners like UKREiiF to shape a new sustainability sector and investable environment that can drive change. Our members are at the forefront of sustainability in the UK and many on the global stage which showcases success.

UKREiiF: What are some of the complex challenges you’ve faced?

Jason Longhurst: The challenges are around the adoption of ESG into core business and planning the transition. We’re working to shape retrofit programs and lead an agenda that focuses on commercial opportunity and social responsibility going beyond just Netzero but delivering more across Sustainability Goals.

UKREiiF: How do you see the possibility of clean growth?

Jason Longhurst: Clean growth is achievable. We don’t have to set ourselves back. We can evolve and transition to ensure that we all gain, benefit, and leave no one behind.

UKREiiF: What advice would you give to organizations embracing clean, green growth?

Jason Longhurst: My advice is to understand what you can contribute at every level. If you’re coming to it late, you need to move fast, engage, and see the opportunities for your business. That is why UKBCSD exists and drives sustainable change.

UKREiiF: Thank you, Jason, for sharing your insights and the work of the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development.

Jason Longhurst: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to collaborate with UKREiiF and others who are committed to this vital cause.

For more information about the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development and their initiatives, visit www.ukbcsd.org.uk. UKREiiF continues to be a strong advocate for sustainable investment and growth, working closely with industry leaders like Jason Longhurst to drive positive change.