There’s more to sustainability than net zero…

Ailsa Harrop and Naomi Atkins, founders of Ivy Mason Ltd and former members of the Isle of Man Government’s climate change team, bring a wealth of local expertise and passion to the sustainability conversation. In this article, they explore the importance of broadening our understanding of sustainability beyond the concept of net zero. Drawing on their experience in policy, education, and technical decarbonisation, they highlight how businesses, especially SMEs, can take meaningful, accessible steps that benefit both people and planet. Their message is clear: sustainability is not just about reduction, but about opportunity, community, and positive impact.

‘Net zero’ is a term you hear a lot. But how useful is it? And how important?

Hi – we are Ailsa and Naomi of Ivy Mason Limited. We are passionate about sustainability and, as recent alumni of the Isle of Man Government’s climate change team, have a unique insight into climate action in the Manx context.

Net zero is a central tenet of the global movement to mitigate the effects of climate change and, at its heart, neatly covers what is needed i.e. reduce emissions and increase removals. It provides a measurable target toward which countries and companies can work.

So yes, it’s useful and important. But it’s also not the whole picture…

‘Net zero’ can feel far away and, for some, it carries connotations of austerity, bringing to mind reduction and cutting back. Sustainability on the other hand can be expansive, inclusive and about doing more. It can also remind us of the opportunities, no matter how big or small, for us to contribute in a positive way.

Sustainability can be defined in many ways – for example the UN define it as: "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Like the term ‘net zero’, this boils the term right down – but it doesn’t really tell us anything about how we could achieve it.

At Ivy Mason, we like to describe sustainability using its three core principles: Environment, Society and Economy.

A robust, thriving economy requires mentally and physically healthy workers to function productively. For workers to be healthy, the community needs to live in a healthy environment, which provides them with nourishing food, clean water, clean air, etc. In fact, sustainability is often simplified even further - to just ‘people and planet’ because the economy is a function of society.

Most residents of the Isle of Man are proud of its community and value its beauty. Preserving and enhancing these is a key part of sustainability – and something that people can get behind!

Businesses, particularly SMEs, occupy a special place in our local community – contributing to way we live our lives, the choices available to us, and how we spend our time and money. There is therefore a wealth of opportunities available for businesses to increase sustainability.

And the actions you take don’t need to break the bank – getting involve in community projects, shopping local, lunch-and-learns, litter picks, repair cafes, buying second-hand, installing insulation or smart office hub, volunteering to plant trees, citizens’ science projects – the list goes on.

But wait, it gets better! The benefits are interconnected and multiply each other… for example, by improving the energy efficiency of an office, a company saves money, helping it thrive and continue to provide employment – but it also reduces emissions, helping global efforts to mitigate climate change. Or by supporting a local charity event, they increase their visibility and help to strengthen connections in the local community: stronger, more cohesive communities are more resilient and able to adapt to change. 

And don’t forget – we live in the digital age, so let’s shout about the good stuff your business is doing on socials. It’s not just about attracting customers - by promoting sustainability, businesses can leverage their role in the community to multiply benefit for people and planet. By being more sustainable themselves, they encourage sustainable choices more widely – creating a positive ripple effect in the community.

So, yes – net zero is important, we absolutely must reduce emissions to avert the worst impacts of climate change. But the way we think and talk about getting there is important. The language we use should bring people in and make taking positive action feel accessible, achievable and inspiring.

We need to make sure that we don’t miss out on the benefits that sustainability - and the sustainability journey - can bring to people, communities and businesses, right here and now!

So, let’s make Sustainable September the start of something wonderful for your business, our community and our world... what will you do?