A Southern Co-op director is inviting people to reflect on those who have inspired them on International Women’s Day.

A passionate advocate for sustainability, Gemma Lacey is keen for people to use the occasion to transform their own ideas into action and play a part in the movement to a greener future.

As Director of Sustainability & Communications at Southern Co-op, Gemma has been a key driver behind carbon reduction and energy efficiency improvements at the company’s retail stores, funeral homes and head office such as LED lighting, movement sensors, airflow technology for refrigeration, and solar photovoltaic panels.

She has also spearheaded a new strategy to scale and accelerate the business’s work on climate action. Southern Co-op’s commitment to reduce operational absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2019 base, provides a vital first step on a longer-term pathway to net zero carbon.

Gemma said: “Regardless of gender, I think it is incredibly special to be able to reflect on those who have inspired us. We have so many great leaders in our society including many who have tirelessly pushed for a more environmentally responsible future.

“When we think about big names inspiring people to be more sustainable, there are a few that spring to mind – David Attenborough, Christiana Figueres, Greta Thunberg or Ellen MacArthur.

“But my greatest inspiration has come from my mum. She may not be a world renowned activist but her values have made a huge impact in my life.

“When I studied biology at the University of Portsmouth twenty years ago, environmental issues and protection of our natural resources were common themes throughout that degree.

“I grew up with a passion for the natural world and my lecturers inspired me to make it my career.”

Gemma has been a force for sustainability throughout her professional life including working with The Body Shop’s campaigns team focusing on rainforests and animal testing, and helping build KPMG’s sustainability services arm, helping businesses in sectors as diverse as finance and oil to tackle sustainability risks and opportunities.

She is also an ambassador for the Meaningful Business 100 network celebrating business leaders who help bring the world closer to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Gemma added: “If you stay true to your passion there’s no reason why you can’t find a role, in whatever type of organisation that enables you to live and breathe that.

“At Southern Co-op, we take our lead from our purpose as a co-operative organisation, working together with others for the benefit of our communities.

“From an environmental perspective that’s about taking climate action, using resources wisely, tackling waste and packaging issues and helping to support nature recovery.

“The next decade is absolutely critical if we’re to stay within temperature limits to avoid dangerous climate change, address unprecedented declines in biodiversity and improve community resilience. The size of the challenge keeps me motivated because it’s a job that never ends. We have to continually look at how we can go further, faster.”

To find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to tackling climate change, visit www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/about-us/.