Event Program

Pre-Conference Masterclass

Learn Practical Skills from one of the most trusted names in climate change communications

6th March 2007, London, 9.30am - 5.00pm

If you're not Al Gore, confidently communicating on climate change can be a challenge. What practical skills and techniques should you use to reach your consumers? Futerra, the UK's leading specialists on the development and delivery of climate change communications will lead a practical masterclass before the conference, dealing with these very issues. The agenda will cover:

  • Facing the challenges: What are the biggest barriers to changing attitudes and behaviours towards the climate?
  • Where are we now and what's happening around the world?
  • Rules and Games: Key insight from Futerra's research, covering: 'The Rules of the Game' and 'New Rules, New Game' - tactics to change attitudes and behaviours to climate change
  • Try-before-you-buy: Road testing the rules with real life climate challenges
  • Pulling it all together: How to build campaigns that work

"A huge thank you to you for doing such an amazing job yesterday! I have had so many people email me today to say what an incredible workshop it was, how much they learnt and how great you are. I have never had so many thank yous' from any other event we've done in the past! I have to say that you had the audience captivated right from the beginning and had the momentum going right up till the end - not many speakers can do this, especially for an entire day!"
UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Day One

Keynote Speeches:

Consumer reaction to climate change campaigns

Eight out of ten cats prefer Whiskas - but how many consumers favour your climate change message?

It's a fact that 8.2 out of ten people prefer environmentally responsible companies. (And that's even more than Whiskas!) But how many of these people actually want to hear about climate change? And how exactly do they want to find out about your messages? Frankly, it's anyone's guess. But then again, some guesses are more informed than others...

  • Is consumer interest in climate change now growing - and if so, how fast?
  • Are NGOs about to force your hand?
    • The I Count Campaign: What is it? What are its aims?
    • How does the I Count Campaign plan to marshal consumer and government action?
    • When will the masses mobilise?
  • How big is your organisation's carbon footprint?
  • How far does your carbon footprint reach back into the supply chain - and forward into the homes of customers? How will consumers react when they find out?

National Consumer Council, Ed Mayo, CEO

The Carbon Trust, Tom Delay, CEO

Marks & Spencer, Mike Barry, Head of Corporate Responsibility

Stop Climate Chaos, Ashok Sinha, Managing Director

BSkyB, Ben Stimson, Group Head of Corporate Responsibility

Moderator: Futerra, Solitaire Townsend, MD

Carbon Offsets: Act now to secure the high ground - and lower financial risk

Carbon offsets: What are they? How do you use them? What do you get back?

An offset strategy can benefit your company as well as the climate. Just for a start, it can reduce your financial risk.

It can also establish you as an environmental leader, and enable you to truly differentiate your products and services. Equally important, offsets can help you build trust and goodwill with your consumers, as well as enabling you to become a consumer education resource.

  • Carbon neutrality: How can you make sure your strategy presents you as environmental leader - and avoid falling into the trap of developing a costly, complicated, fashion accessory?
  • The nuts and bolts of an offset programme:
    • How long will it take you to set up an effective programme?
    • How much work is involved?
    • Who do you go to for essential information?
    • Providers: What are your options and how do you choose between them?
    • When will you start to see measurable results?
  • Case Studies: Offset programmes from BA and Ben and Jerry's
    • Why do two such different companies both offer consumer offset programmes?
    • How easy are the programmes to run and manage?
    • What does offsetting really offer the two companies?

BA, Andy Kershaw, Climate Change Manager

Ben & Jerry's, Philippa Marshall, European Communications Manager

Standard Life Investments, Julie McDowell, Head of SRI Research

Corporate reputation and climate change: Is your good name at risk?

Tipping points: What turns a £10,000 fur coat into a liability... and what turns a company with good reputation into a pariah?

Remember how fast people scorned fur coats. And the huge demos against animal testing and sweatshops? Is climate change next on the list for activists? And if so, what can you do to make sure your business isn't accused of being part of the problem, rather than part of the solution?

After all, global warming is now headline news - and consumer awareness is on the way to building critical mass.

Will consumers punish companies that contribute to climate change and reward the ones that don't?

In this session, you'll learn why it's so important to protect your name - and why an immediate start will pay dividends.

  • What happens when consumer concern over climate change turns into action?
  • How much is your good name worth? And what's the cost of a bad one?
  • First mover advantage: How easy is it to get in first and become a leader?
  • Will being an industry leader generate extra revenue - or will you have to swallow the costs?
  • Greenwash - when a good name turns sour: How do you prevent it?

BT, Donna Young, Head of Climate Change

Virgin Atlantic, Jill Brady, Head of Legal

Moderator: Forum for the Future, Stephanie Draper, Deputy Director, Business Programme

Breakout Session One: Choose one of the following

[a]

How to work in partnership with local government to spread your climate message

Meet the climate change expert who's already saved £5.4 million for the people of Woking. How did he do it - and what are the implications for your business?

The star of this fascinating session is Allan Jones, whose work in the Surrey town of Woking between 1992 and 2004 led to an astonishing:

  • 48.6% saving in energy consumption
  • 77.4% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions
  • 31.3% saving on water bills - worth over £5.4m

Allan is now Chief Development Officer of the London Climate Change Agency, and is here to unveil his latest plans to involve businesses in a scaled-up energy - and money - saving initiative.

You'll gain thought-provoking insights into the high profile partnership between Edf Energy and the London Climate Change Agency. What are the targets to improve London's energy efficiency and combat the causes of climate change? How can you contribute? And what will you gain by taking part?

EDF Energy's project director will talk you through the partnership from a business perspective. It's your chance to find out about the benefits - and drawbacks - of working with local government.

London Climate Change Agency, Allan Jones, Chief Development Officer

EDF Energy, Angus Norman, Project Director

[b]

How to use certification and labelling to validate your climate claims

How much power does a sticker really have?

Organic food sales have rocketed by 30% since 2005... can climate-friendly products do the same?

BP sold $400m worth of photovoltaic products in 2004 - an increase of 30% on the previous year. Meanwhile, B&Q is now selling wind turbines and solar panels for the home. Climate-friendly products are beginning to boom. So what's the best way to focus on the mainstream and leave niche markets behind?

  • The Fair Trade label adds value. Can a Penguin Approved carbon-neutral one do the same?
  • What are the most effective ways to give niche products mass appeal?
  • What are the implications for your bottom line?
  • Case Study: The B & Q experience

B & Q, Rachel Bradley, Social Responsibility Manager

Penguin Approved, Reed Paget, Managing Director

[c]

The language of climate change

"We're all #@%$&d!" Why it's essential to use the right words

For many, climate change is a confusing, negative subject - which can make it hard to get your message across. That's why language is so important. Choose the wrong words and you end up with a counter-productive message. Pick different words and benefit from their impact.

In this session language experts from the BBC and More Associates will show you how to construct well-received climate change communications.

Learn the secrets of tailoring your message to specific audience groups:

  • Climate change: Why does the message begin with the language?
  • How to use language that won't scare people off
  • Language in competitive and collaborative spaces: What's the difference and why is it so important?
  • Language as a tool: What's the extent of its power - and how do you maximise its impact?

BBC, Matt Prescott, Head of 'Planet Relief'

More Associates, Luke Nicholson, Creative Director

Moderator: Global Action Plan. Trewin Restorick, Director

Breakout Session Two: Choose one of the following

[a]

How good climate change credentials enhance your marketing message

Can you benefit from a threat? The Co-op shows you how...

Climate change isn't a tangible product. What's more, it's a threat - and threats are hard to sell. How can you use climate change as a springboard to market your business? The good news is that it can be done. Clever marketing can raise the profile of your business, and sharpen its competitive edge against the competition.

In this dynamic Case Study the Co-operative Group covers these key issues:

  • Selling colder summers to the English - we'll show you how it can be done!
  • Climate change credentials that set your products apart
  • Raising the Co-op's corporate profile by reporting on GHGs and measures for reduction
  • How to overcome the challenge of consumer short-termism while nevertheless communicating - and educating - on the long-term effects of climate change

Co-operative Group, Chris Shearlock, Head of Sustainability

Hewlett Packard, Jeannette Weisschuh, Head of Corporate Affairs (EMEA)

Moderator: Business in the Community,Libby Sandbrook, Climate Change Director

[b]

Emission disclosure: Why it's important... and the best way to do it

Just how big a problem have you got on your hands?

Carbon disclosure is no longer a niche; it's a business necessity. The latest Carbon Disclosure Project Report was signed by 225 institutional investors with assets of more than $31trillion. Ninety-one per cent of FTSE 500 companies responded, illustrating how vital it has become to convincingly communicate on climate change.

In this session, Carbon Disclosure Project Director Paul Simpson joins forces with environmental consultancy ERM to discuss:

  • Essential knowledge: Why is carbon emissions data - and your "footprint" - now so vital in the climate-aware age?
  • What is the real cost of alienating your consumers and investors?
  • The bonuses: How can you use carbon disclosure to add value to your company?
  • Non-disclosure: Why secrecy breeds distrust

The Carbon Disclosure Project, Paul Simpson, Project Director

ERM, Charles Allison, Partner

[c]

How partnerships with NGOs can strengthen your climate message

Mutual benefits or giant headaches?

Are companies using NGOs as a shield? It's a common accusation. And if your NGO partnership is nothing more than a PR move, you're left open to valid criticism.

NGO partnerships can add huge value to your communications strategy, but they can also be a big headache, unless both parties share common objectives. In this session, you will hear from the successful Allianz/WWF partnership and learn the advantages of a complete, fully-integrated agreement. Plus how to make sure your partnership's adds value, not problems.

  • Full integration or nothing: Why will a half-hearted attempt inevitably backfire? And what will both sides gain when a fully-functioning partnership is achieved?
  • Getting the message across: What are the essential do's and don'ts of partnerships and improved communications?
  • Case Study - The insurer and the environmentalist. How Europe's largest insurer and the WWF created a successful partnership: Challenges, solutions and benefits.

Allianz SE, Michael Anthony, Group Communications and Sustainability Team

WWF Germany, Matthias Kopp, Climate Project Leader

Moderator: Forum for the Future, Sally Uren, Director, Business Programme

Day Two

Keynote speech:

Investors: Why they need to know your stance on climate change... and how to tell them

The growing link between climate change and investor demands

Climate change is an increasing source of risk - and a mounting threat to your company's continued profitability. While from a different perspective, climate change offers plenty of potentially lucrative opportunities. What kind of a message are you currently sending out to investors and stakeholders?

  • The golden rules of making sure investors appreciate your climate change awareness policies and strategies
  • Your carbon footprint: How long can you get away with keeping your investors in the dark?
  • From corporate to investor disclosure: What is it, and why does it matter so much?

Association of British Insurers, Jane Milne, Climate Change Leader, Head of Property and Creditor Division

Henderson Global Investors, Nick Robins, Head of Sustainable Investment

Climate Change Capital, Gareth Hughes, Head of Corporate Development

Moderator: FTSE, David Harris, Senior Executive, Responsible Investment

Breakout Session One: Choose one of the following

[a]

How easy is it to change consumer behaviour... and is it worth the effort?

Case Study: Getting rid of dirty habits

Changing the behaviour of your consumers is vital in fighting climate change. Get it right and considerable rewards are in store.

But it's so much easier said than done. Trying to alter the lives of your consumers is a dangerous game, that can easily backfire. This is your chance to pick the brains of the people behind two successful consumer behaviour change campaigns: The British Gas Energy Saving Starts At Home project and Procter & Gamble's Ariel Energy Saving Promise:

  • Ariel CoolClean - Can you give consumers brilliant cleaning while reducing C02 emissions?
  • British Gas and 'Energy Saving Starts At Home'
  • Other peoples' problems: What's the point of getting involved?
  • What are the risks of trying to change behaviour?

British Gas, Jill Harrison, Head of Consumer Affairs

Procter & Gamble, Andrew Fisk, Western European Director for Fabric Care External Relations

Moderator: Business in the Community, Libby Sandbrook, Climate Change Director

[b]

The Transport Industry and climate change communications

Industry-specific Summary Session

If you're in the Transport or Travel business then you have your own "industry specific" session at this event. Which means, you'll be able to freely discuss the burning issues with an audience made up entirely of your peers, including:
:

  • Energy efficient fules and new transportation methods - how to ensure consumers know what you can offer
  • What's on the horizon for carmakers?
  • Can transport and travel ever be sustainable?
  • Case Study: Ford and investment in green vehicles
  • Case Study: DHL and green products - how do they help to get the message across?

Ford, Andrew Taylor, Director of Corporate Responsibility

Moderator: KBOR Research, Colum Joyce, CEO

[c]

How to use new media to drive your message home

Talking climate change with the "MySpace" generation

The internet is an essential and ubiquitous tool, and if you don't get your climate message across online, you've a huge chink in your armour. But how can you utilise your web presence to the maximum effect?

And what about the other new technologies coming into play that will have a real impact on both climate change and communication? Donna Young, head of climate change at BT, will get you up-to-speed with what's happening - and about to happen - and discuss the impact of new technologies on your communications strategy.

  • How to use cutting edge media to help with your climate communications and maximise the effectiveness of your campaign?
  • Case Study: Ben & Jerry's show you how it's done

BT, Donna Young, Head of Climate Change

Ben & Jerry's, Philippa Marshall, European Communications Manager

[d]

The Financial Sector and climate change communications

Industry-specific summary session

This session will work as both a summary and a discussion group - if you're a member of the finance industry you can deal with the general issues raised at the conference and the finance-specific burning issues facing your industry today, which include:

  • The risks of climate change - insuring for global warming
  • Carbon markets and the financial markets
  • Green products - how do they play a part in communicating on climate change
  • Providing financial services to corporate clients - how much should you worry?

Barclays Bank, Andrew Flett, Head of Environmental Management

Royal and SunAlliance, Paul Pritchard, Head of CSR

Moderator: WBCSD, Barend Van Bergen, Programme Officer

Breakout Session Two: Choose one of the following

[a]

"So did it work?" Measuring effective climate communications

What do the numbers tell you

Climate campaigns are beginning to permeate the national consciousness. But do they really work? And more importantly, how can you actually tell if your own campaigns are working well, or are just like throwing money down, well, a well? In this session we'll deliver the facts and figures surrounding climate communications. Specifically, you'll learn about the impact of climate campaigns on:

  • Awareness: What do consumers know?
  • Attitudes: What do consumers think?
  • Behaviour: What do consumers do - and what are they doing differently?
  • Plus tools and techniques that enable you to measure the success of your own climate campaigns

Ipsos-MORI, Jenny Dawkins, Head of CSR Research

[b]

The Retail Industry and climate change communications

Industry-specific summary session

If you're in the reail industry, attend this industry-specific session to deal with issues faced by your industry in climate communicating. What's more, it will act as a conference summary session for a retail-specific audience. Issues to be covered in this dynamic roundtable session include:

  • The carbon footprint of your suppliers - should it matter?
  • The carbon footprint of your consumers when they use your products and visit your stores - how do you control it?
  • Case Study: Boots and their caron neutral HQ - the benefits and risks

Boots, Richard Ellis, CSR Manager

[c]

How do you create the right news headlines?

Hold the front page! We've got a good story...

Public relations is an essential marketing tool, and getting your climate change messages picked up by the media will raise the profile of you and your company. But why should journalists and broadcasts talk to your organisation, rather than to one of your competitors?

In this revealing sessions you'll discover how to create messages that are newsworthy, interesting and coherent - and worth being picked up by the media. You will hear from one of the most respected environmental correspondents at work today what works - and what doesn't - and get expert advice from the MD of one of the UK's foremost environmental communications agencies:

  • The media as gatekeepers to the public: How do you get past the front door?
  • How do you make sure your communications - and your solutions - are engaging, interesting and 'new'?
  • How do you minimise the fall-out from bad press?
  • What can't the media do for you?

Futerra, Solitaire Townsend, Managing Director

Financial Times, Fiona Harvey, Environment Correspondent

[d]

The Energy Industry and climate change communications

Industry-specific summary session

If you're in the Energy Industry, you have been allocated your own industry-specific session, to discuss the issues surrounding climate communications specifically relating to them. This session, also a chance to debate the issues raised over the two days, will cover:

  • Renewables - how do you communicate best on the issues surrounding them
  • Consumer energy saving campaigns - what are they good for?
  • Does environmental responsibility mean bigger energy bills? How to sell carbon costs to consumers
  • Case Study: nPower Juice and 'green tariffs' - how effective are they?

nPower, Robert Harper, Product Manager, Environment and Renewables

solarcentury, Mel Davis, Communications Manager