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In this episode, we are joined by Tim Foote, founder of Susymbio.
Susymbio is a sustainability consulting firm based in Singapore that provides consulting services to logistics leaders who are looking to establish net-zero targets. The company assists its clients in developing a sustainability plan by creating a roadmap and initiatives that align with their sustainability goals. Susymbio also evaluates the clients’ current carbon accounting and green improvement processes to provide options for carbon offsets.
In addition, Susymbio trains clients’ staff to become experts on why sustainable practices are essential, and its services help establish a company culture that supports sustainability goals. The company helps clients set and achieve sustainability goals, assesses and mitigates risks, reports progress, and develops solutions and initiatives to innovate performance towards carbon neutrality.
Overall, Susymbio helps logistics leaders in achieving their sustainability targets by providing a comprehensive and personalized approach to sustainability consulting.
Please tell us a bit about yourself, and what inspired you to start Susymbio?
Having worked in a management capacity for more than 25 years in logistics, I accumulated vast knowledge and expertise in operations and spearheaded solutions for many multinational clients. My operational knowhow extends to process improvement facilitation, quality management, and vendor management.
Additionally, I was the first regional Head of Go Green for DHL eCommerce. I was able to lead the sustainability programs that helped elevate DHL towards being a recognised sustainability leader in the logistics industry. The programs include carbon footprint management, sustainability training, employee engagement, and industry leadership building in support for biodiversity.
Established in 2020, “Susymbio” was chosen as the company name to reflect the combination of sustainability goals to be symbiotic with modern business.
Could you tell us what services Susymbio provide?
- Provides a plan for getting green to match your organizations ambition
- Trains your staff to be experts on why sustainable practices are important
- Monitors the interventions that support your green plan
- Provides options for carbon off-sets
Can you share any specific challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your journey towards being a carbon positive company, and how you overcame them?
As a small consulting firm, I did take the position that I have to walk the walk. In doing so carbon mitigation is very important. The first year of work I actively sought out tree growing activities to start my own “in-house” carbon off-set program. My vendor carbon is also tracked and switching to vendors like Sunseap for electricity allowed me to keep my footprint low enough so that I can off-set with tree planting activities.
What industries or companies can benefit from the services provided by Susymbio?
I find that transport and logistic companies can benefit along with other companies in the e-commerce sector. My logistics background and constant research in the sector provides customers with a real expert to guide and understand their sustainability challenges.
I also find that larger consultants benefit from having an expert for logistics. This is a significant source of GHG emissions and many larger consultants can benefit from bringing in an expert like myself for that part of the overall consulting job.
How does Susymbio work with its clients to develop emissions reduction strategies?
First it is important to establish the sources and overall share of emissions to specific sources. Afterwards we engage the operations team in plotting reduction initiatives to bring those down to zero. My expertise helps to guide the team on what reduction initiatives are available. I also provide a future outlook for the technological development for critical decarbonisation initiatives using the research I’ve done.
How do you see the role of businesses and corporations in addressing climate change?
Business’ role in Asia Pacific is critical. In some cases I can say it is business that is actually driving the region forward.
What future initiatives can we expect to see from Susymbio in the next few years?
Susymbio is interested in reaching out to more medium to small size businesses via a training course that I am calling “Move Green”. That’s the working title. I hope to have something available by the end of this year for the Singapore market. Hopefully this is successful and I can grow that program throughout the region.
Any other things that you would like to add on?
Humanity’s ability to innovate its way out of tight spots in history has never been more critical. My role is to guide people in the right direction and provide some roadmap toward a sustainable business, but innovation is the only way to help the planet. Let’s please support our scientists and innovators that are working on projects that will change our world for the better.
Summary
Find out more about Susymbio at https://susymbio.com.