“With current consumption, we would need roughly 3 globes.”
Now introducing Dennis van der Putten, Chief Sustainability Office at Cardano. He shares his insights on integrating sustainability into business practices and the influential concepts that shape his approach.
1. What is one book that has helped you in your career that you recommend to others?
Hard to pick just one. The one that helped my most in combining different elements and showcasing it in a way that is easy to understand, is Doughnut Economy by Kate Raworth.
2. What is one concept that has most helped you in your career/role & why?
Easily the Doughnut Economy. What I like about the concept is that it combines environmental and social aspects. The planetary boundaries, which are science-based, create a starting point for setting longer-term targets and are easy to relate to from a financial perspective.
3. What is one podcast or newsletter that you subscribe to, and love?
I would pick the Risk Report of the World Economic Forum. On a yearly basis they look at the biggest financial risks, it's very interesting for investors. In their most recent study they showed that the biggest risks in terms of likelihood and the biggest impacts are climate (failing to mitigate or to be adaptive), loss of biodiversity and resource scarcity. All sustainability related topics. That means that all investors should integrate sustainability into their strategy, vision, processes and portfolio construction. Some will do so from an ethical/societal motivation, others to optimize financial returns. Any way you need to act!
4. What is one jargon/acronym that you think is important to understand for your career/role & why?
A golden oldie: “There is no plan B”. It refers to the fact we only have one world but we are (mis-)using it to the max, and beyond. With current consumption we would need roughly 3 globes. So we must fundamentally change the way we invest, produce and consume. There is literally no alternative.
5. What is one person or organisation that you follow that inspires you in your career/role & why?
Interface, a commercial flooring company (I know - their product seems very boring). Their CEO Ray Anderson wanted to turn around the company and make it completely sustainable. With longer term targets on climate, circularity etc. The way they embraced and integrated it all is amazing and mind blowing. Using old nets from fisheries, contributing to less ocean pollution and reducing harm to animals. They are now creating floors that capture carbon. (https://www.interface.com/GB/en-GB/sustainability/our-mission.html)
6. What skill(s) do you think is/are most important for your career/role & why?
Being able to connect on different levels.
Being open to the ideas of others that are not like-minded.
Translating bigger trends and impacts into practical stories and solutions that people can relate to.
7. If you could make one change in the world that would help your sector what would it be?
Adjust GDP thinking into a model in which the value of nature is integrated. Our discussions should go beyond economic growth as we currently define it.
Links to Dennis’ recommendations:
Doughnut Economics - https://www.kateraworth.com/
Interface - https://www.interface.com/GB/en-GB/sustainability/our-mission.html
Global Risks Report - https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2024/
