Interflow’s new Sustainability Framework is about leaving a better legacy for future generations, and that’s everyone’s business.
When Interflow Sustainability and Environment Manager, Pam Johnson, joined the company she recognised that some good foundations had already been established to drive meaningful and positive sustainability outcomes. What the organisation now required was structure, clarity and momentum.
“That’s what the Sustainability Framework delivers,” she said.
Sometimes, sustainability is mistakenly reduced to just environmental management, particularly in operational or project-based industries. Instead, Interflow’s latest Sustainability Framework deliberately connects environmental protection, social considerations, governance, ethical practices and economic sustainability together and brings Interflow’s purpose to life, that is ‘to improve the lives of the people we work with, the communities we serve and the environments we work in, for generations to come.’
While the broad focus of the framework is on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that will help improve global outcomes, such as Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action and Clean Water and Sanitation, Ms Johnson and her team are working to translate its pieces into personal, relatable outcomes for all members of the Interflow family.
Interflow’s key areas of sustainability focus
The new Sustainability Framework identifies three pillars, environmental stewardship, social responsibility and governance. From the environmental angle, this means a commitment to net-zero emissions by 2040.
Less than 20 per cent of the company’s emissions come from operations, with over 80 per cent coming from Interflow’s supply chain. And so, the framework will also help to guide action and influence within that supply chain and with business partners.
“There is going to be an increased focus on supplier prequalification and engagement,” Ms Johnson said.
“We want to be working with suppliers that share our sustainability values. It’s not necessarily going to be one-size-fits-all, but for us to achieve our goals, we’re going to need to bring our suppliers along with us.”
In terms of social responsibility, there is a strong focus on health and wellbeing amongst Interflow’s people and communities, as well as diversity and inclusion.
From the governance side, the framework describes a robust structure that underpins everything, ensuring every agreed idea is translated into actions and outcomes.
The framework is driven by the Interflow leadership team, who are responsible for oversight and integration into the business’s strategy and decision-making processes. Pam then leads execution, working with regional managers, team leaders and business partners to ensure implementation at all levels.
Ms Johnson said that transparent reporting is a key focus.
“We need to measure and document what we’re doing and what we’re achieving, so we can continually improve,” she said.
Join the journey
“Sustainability isn’t the responsibility of one person or one team, it needs to be woven into the work of so many within the business, from site crews to executives and outside the business, including our suppliers and customers,” Ms Johnson said.
“That’s why Interflow’s message is clear, that this is a journey we take together.
“And as the framework says, as a business and as partners, we can drive meaningful change, create shared value and improve lives for generations to come.”
For more information, visit www.interflow.com.au
