Ekko named SME of the Year by Environmental Finance

FuturePlus member Ekko has been named SME of the Year for the EMEA region by Environmental Finance.

Ekko provides software that empowers financial institutions' customers to track their decarbonisation efforts. The software, which can be integrated into any global payment or banking platform, allows users to monitor their environmental impact in real time based on their transactions.

“We're honoured to receive the SME of the Year award, which underscores the dedication of our team at Ekko to driving environmental change through financial services,” - Oli Cook, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Ekko.

Sea Containers London teams up with EARNT for volunteer initiative at The Felix Project

Sea Containers London, one of FuturePlus’ member LORE Group’s properties, recently partnered with EARNT and The Felix Project for a volunteer initiative to combat food poverty in London.

The Felix Project, known for its vital work in rescuing surplus food and transforming it into meals, supports over 900 frontline charities and schools across the city.

Together with EARNT, Sea Containers London invited volunteers to join their team at The Felix Project’s depot, helping to prepare meals for communities in need.

Volunteers had the opportunity to learn more about The Felix Project’s important mission of feeding vulnerable groups and reducing food waste.

Apple Reduces iPhone 16’s Carbon Footprint by 30%

Apple has announced that its newly released iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have achieved a 30% reduction in their carbon footprint, thanks to innovations in materials and supplier processes.
This marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing sustainability efforts and aligns with its goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2030.

A key factor in this achievement is the extensive use of recycled materials. The iPhone 16’s enclosure is made from 85% recycled aluminium, which has contributed to an 8% reduction in overall product emissions. The device also incorporates 100% recycled tungsten and rare earth elements in its magnets, and Apple plans to use 100% recycled cobalt in batteries by 2025.

Additionally, the packaging for the iPhone 16 is now 100% fibre-based, marking progress in Apple’s commitment to eliminate plastic from packaging by 2025. While some coatings and inks still contain plastic, this shift is an important step toward more eco-friendly product design.

RH Amar shortlisted as Employer of the Year

Congratulations to the team at RH Amar after it was announced they have been shortlisted for three awards in The Business Magazine - South East Thames Valley 250 Awards 2024.

The awards celebrate the best of business in the Thames Valley, and RH Amar has been named finalists in the Employer of the Year, Fast Riser, and One to Watch categories.

The winners will be announced in October. We have our fingers crossed!
RH Amar has worked with FuturePlus to accelerate its sustainability initiatives and advance its ESG commitments. For a deeper look into their progress, you can explore their efforts in the 2023 Impact Report, available here.

UK’s first carbon capture pilot launched at energy-from-waste site

enfinium, a leading UK energy-from-waste operator, has launched the country’s first carbon capture pilot at its site in West Yorkshire.

The initiative is part of enfinium’s broader strategy to implement Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology across its UK facilities to achieve significant carbon removals and contribute to the nation’s Net Zero ambitions.

The pilot, developed in partnership with Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), utilises containerised CCS technology to capture 1 tonne of CO2 per day from the site’s operations. Over the next 12 months, the project will test how scalable the technology is by collecting operational data on CO2 capture rates and solvent performance.

This carbon capture pilot supports enfinium’s Net Zero Transition Plan, announced in January, which aims to decarbonise its operations and achieve 1.2 million tonnes of carbon removals by the 2030s. Backed by a £1.7 billion investment in CCS, the plan represents a significant step toward reducing the UK’s carbon footprint.

Middlesex Mavericks: providing an inclusive cricket environment for asylum seekers

The Middlesex Mavericks has been offering a safe and inclusive space for asylum seekers, primarily from Afghanistan, since its formation in late 2023.

Competing in the Middlesex Development League, the team consists entirely of refugees, facing not only the usual sporting challenges but also personal struggles such as homelessness and sudden relocations.

Led by Dharani Thayi of Cricket4London and funded by FuturePlus member, the England and Wales Cricket Board, this project supports displaced individuals by using sport as a tool for integration. Through cricket, participants overcome language barriers and initial divisions, forming connections rooted in their shared passion for the game.

Training facilities at Middlesex's Finchley Indoor Centre and Finsbury Leisure Centre have allowed the players to develop their skills and the Mavericks’ first win in July against Enfield CC marked a milestone for the team.