The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce launches Sustainability Committee to inspire and accelerate sustainability actions across corporate Australia
7 April 2022, Canberra: The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) today announced that it has launched its sustainability committee to advocate for corporate Australia to champion best practice in sustainable business practice and take an active stance on the transition to a net zero economy. The SACC Sustainability Committee was officially launched at an event hosted by the Embassy of Sweden, in Canberra, officiated by His Excellency, Henrik Cederin, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia.
The SACC Sustainability Committee consists of fourteen global companies with long standing presence in Australia, recognized within their respective industries as being in the forefront of sustainability. These companies include ABB, Alfa Laval, AstraZeneca, Getinge, H&M, IKEA Australia, Sandvik, Serneke, Tetra Pak, Volvo Group Australia, BCSD Australia, Embassy of Sweden, Business Sweden and the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce.
Carin Varverud-Hardin, Chair of the SACC Sustainability Committee, said: “Swedish companies are leading the way in how they actively respond to climate change. The aim of our sustainability committee is to share global best practices with corporate Australia so that we can inspire faster and greater action, and create a platform where companies can learn from each other”.
Camilla Jennings, General Manager of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce said: “Sweden is recognised as one of the most sustainable countries in the world. The Swedish government has set ambitious goals for sustainability, including going fossil-free by 2045 and 100 percent renewable energy”.
“This ambition extends to the Swedish corporate sector as well, and so we are seeing a lot of innovative practices that are driving real and tangible results in achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals such as reduction of carbon emissions and driving equality in the workplace,” said Ms Jennings.
Some of these best practices include:
ABB has committed to becoming carbon neutral across its own operations and enable its customers to reduce their CO2 emissions by 100 megatons per year through its technologies.
Alfa Laval collaborates with cleantech pioneers to accelerate the energy transition, such as Australian start up RayGen building the world-first ‘hydro-solar’ thermal storage power plant in Victoria. Alfa Laval also set itself the target to become a climate neutral company by 2030.
AstraZeneca has partnered with Greening Australia to plant 25 million trees in Australia by 2025, as a result of the ‘AZ Forest’ Global initiative.
Getinge is transforming its corporate fleet to hybrids and electrical vehicles and switching to renewable energy sources in production.
IKEA uses more renewable and recycled materials than ever to eliminate waste in its operations and to change how they design products. They have set a goal to become climate positive by 2030.
Sandvik has ambitious sustainability targets that take a holistic approach that includes customers, suppliers and their own operations in its scope which are in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). They have committed to become the leaders in battery electric trucks, loaders and drills which feature zero underground emissions, produce less noise and heat and help their mining customers reach their Net Zero targets.
Tetra Pak is working towards delivering the world’s most sustainable packaging, made solely of responsibly sourced renewable or recycled materials, fully recyclable and carbon-neutral.
Volvo Group’s long-term ambition is to lead the industry towards net-zero emissions. The Group have committed to net-zero emissions across their value chain by 2040. More than 35% of vehicle sales will be electric by 2030.
Read more about the Committee Members and their Sustainability Initiatives here
About the Committee, Vision and Focus
For further information, contact:
Carin Varverud Härdin, SACC Sustainability Committee Chair and Vice President of Marketing Communications, Volvo Group Australia
Email: carin.varverud-hardin@volvo.com
Camilla Jennings, General Manager Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce
Email: camilla@swedishchamber.com.au
The Political Landscape in Sweden Pre-Election – Swedish Chambers International Webinar 19 May at 6pm AEST
Through our membership with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce International – we invite you to join us at this webinar on May 19, 2022, reflecting on the upcoming General elections in Sweden which will take place on September 11, 2022.
We are very pleased to welcome Daniella Waldfogel, Deputy Director and Chief Policy Officer, Stockholm Chamber of Commerce who will give us an update on the pre-election trends, the key questions discussed and the consequences for business and trade relations and Stefan Westerberg, Chief Economist, Stockholms Chamber of Commerce who will give us an insight to the Stockholm economy and state of the market in a broader aspect and the effect of the Ukraine war on Swedish business.
Date: May 19, 2022
Time: 18.00 – 19.00 AEST (10.00 – 11.00 CET)
Program and Speakers
Platform: Zoom webinar
SACC and YP Members Free, Non Members $25
Sign up to become a member of SACC here https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/membership/
The link to access the webinar will be forwarded to registered participants prior to the webinar.
IKEA People and Planet Positive Event 20 April 2022
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) and IKEA North Lakes Brisbane welcomed members and guests to an evening event on 20 April
A night of live music and a sustainable menu to complement hearing how IKEA is working with an outlook of People & Planet Positive by focusing on 3 main change drivers of Healthy & Sustainable Living, Circular & Climate Positive, Fair & Inclusive. Members and guests of the SACC Queensland Chapter, enjoyed the exceptional hospitality of Renea Robson, Market Manager IKEA North Lakes and her team, whilst at the same time learning about IKEA’s People and Planet Positive strategy, presented by Melissa Hamilton, Country Sustainability Manager. Guests were treated to live music and a sustainable menu, all created based on the drivers behind IKEA’s sustainability commitment: Healthy & Sustainable Living, Circular & Climate Positive and Fair & Inclusive. Thanks to the IKEA North Lakes team for hosting this fantastic event.
SACC YP Sydney – Valborg Celebration 7 May
Valborg celebrations!
Come join us as we celebrate “Valborgsmässoafton” with a group of amazing Swedish\Australians at a relaxed event in Centennial Park.
Date: 7th May
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Location: Centennial Park (by the BBQ area near the Café)
Make sure you warm up as we will be playing some fun Swedish games! We will divide into teams to play the Swedish outdoor game “Kubb” and the winning team will receive a secret prize at the end!
During the day we will make good use of the BBQs and serve up some traditional Swedish style hot dogs whilst relaxing and having a drink or two. The event costs only $8 for members and $12 for non-members and includes BBQ lunch and a great afternoon with Swedish tunes, fun games and hanging with cool Swedish/Australian people.
In the event of rain, we may cancel the event and any tickets purchased will be refunded.
Who Are Young Professionals?
Young Professionals (YP) is a subdivision of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce. SACC YP provides a platform to network with professionals within the Swedish-Australian community both for business and social. YP Sydney welcomes Swedes and Australians living in Sydney on a temporary to permanent basis and for people interested in Swedish culture and community in general. Professional or student – we welcome all! We aim to create a network for those who are at the initial stages of their careers and are looking to establish themselves in Sydney.
To gain access to our member-exclusive benefits, events and member discounts, become a member today!
https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/product/young-professional-subscription/
SACC Melbourne Executive Forum with Ambassador of Sweden HE Henrik Cederin 12 May, 3pm
Welcome to the SACC Melbourne Executive Forum with the Ambassador of Sweden to Australia, HE Mr Henrik Cederin. The afternoon forum will take place on the 12th of May, 3.00 for 3.30 pm at Tetra Pak, Hawthorn, VIC.
This forum will provide an opportunity for SACC Company Member Executives, Special Guests and Team Sweden Australia members to network in person and to hear from Ambassador Cederin, company host Tetra Pak represented by Andrew Pooch, Managing Director Tetra Pak Oceania, and guest speaker from Victoria State Government Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions Mr Hugh Moor, Executive Director, Business Investment and Engagement on innovation and sustainability initiatives which drive industry investment and collaboration opportunities.
There will be an opportunity for participants to join interactive round table discussion with focus on topics raised, ask questions, share knowledge, experiences, challenges and opportunities and discuss potential cooperation with Swedish organisations based in Australia.
The SACC and the Embassy of Sweden are working together proactively in bringing together Swedish-Australian companies. The SACC offers a unique and exclusive business network, with over 130 corporate and professional members, who all share the passion for building strong business networks together, sharing experiences and gaining knowledge. Our presence and active engagement in the Australian business space is greatly valued.
The Executive Forum is followed by a networking event for SACC members and guests from 5.30 for 6.00 pm at the same venue.
Date & time: 12 May, 3.00 for 3.30 start followed by networking event 5.30 for 6.00 pm start
Venue: Tetra Pak, Level 2, 5 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn, VIC
Cost: SACC members $25, Non-members $45
We recommend early registration to secure your participation as spots are limited.
Afternoon tea, coffee and refreshments will be served followed by drinks and canapés for the networking event. This event is by invitation only and if you see value in becoming a member please visit swedishchamber.com.au or contact us at sacc@swedishchamber.com.au for information.
Business Networking Event with the Ambassador of Sweden 10 May, Grant Thornton, Sydney
SACC Welcomes Members and Guests to a Business Networking Event at Grant Thornton, Sydney on 10 May
We are delighted to provide members and guests with an opportunity to network with Guest of Honour, HE Henrik Cederin, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia in conjunction with his visit to Sydney in May.
We will hear from our host Grant Thornton and new SACC Corporate Member and event sponsor Sinch represented by Hugh Haley – Oceania General Manager, who will give us an insight to Sinch and their focus areas on the Australian Market.
When: Tuesday 10 May, 5.30 for 6.00 pm start
Where: Grant Thornton, Level 17, 383 Kent Street, Sydney 2000
SACC/YP Members $15, Non Members $35
Please feel free to bring a guest along.
Sign up to become a member of SACC here
We look forward to seeing you there!
Event Sponsors:
Sinch Grant Thornton
SACC Melbourne Invitation to Business Networking Event with the Ambassador of Sweden 12 May
SACC Melbourne welcomes you to a business networking event at Tetra Pak 12 May from 5.30 pm
The SACC is delighted to provide members and guests with an opportunity to network in person together with Guest of Honour, HE Henrik Cederin, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia in conjunction with his visit to Melbourne, Victoria in May.
We will hear from Dr Leif Lundin, Food Program Research Director, CSIRO Food Innovation Centre, on how to approach innovation and industry collaboration. Our host and event sponsor for this evening is Tetra Pak represented by Andrew Pooch, Managing Director Tetra Pak Oceania, who will give us an insight to Tetra Pak and their focus areas on the Australian Market.
When: Thursday 12 May, 5.30 for 6.00 pm start
Where: Tetra Pak, Level 2, 5 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
SACC Members Free, Non Members $25
Sign up to become a member of SACC here
We look forward to seeing you there!
The SACC Sustainability Committee Launch Event on 6 April at the Embassy of Sweden in Canberra
7 April 2022, Canberra: The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) today announced that it has launched its sustainability committee to advocate for corporate Australia to champion best practice in sustainable business practice and take an active stance on the transition to a net zero economy. The SACC Sustainability Committee was officially launched at an event hosted by the Embassy of Sweden, in Canberra, officiated by His Excellency, Henrik Cederin, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia.
The SACC Sustainability Committee consists of fourteen global companies with long standing presence in Australia, recognized within their respective industries as being in the forefront of sustainability. These companies include ABB, Alfa Laval, AstraZeneca, Getinge, H&M, IKEA Australia, Sandvik, Serneke, Tetra Pak, Volvo Group Australia, BCSD Australia, Embassy of Sweden, Business Sweden and the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce.
Carin Varverud-Hardin, Chair of the SACC Sustainability Committee, said: “Swedish companies are leading the way in how they actively respond to climate change. The aim of our sustainability committee is to share global best practices with corporate Australia so that we can inspire faster and greater action, and create a platform where companies can learn from each other”.
Camilla Jennings, General Manager of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce said: “Sweden is recognised as one of the most sustainable countries in the world. The Swedish government has set ambitious goals for sustainability, including going fossil-free by 2045 and 100 percent renewable energy”.
“This ambition extends to the Swedish corporate sector as well, and so we are seeing a lot of innovative practices that are driving real and tangible results in achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals such as reduction of carbon emissions and driving equality in the workplace,” said Ms Jennings.
Some of these best practices include:
ABB has committed to becoming carbon neutral across its own operations and enable its customers to reduce their CO2 emissions by 100 megatons per year through its technologies.
Alfa Laval collaborates with cleantech pioneers to accelerate the energy transition, such as Australian start up RayGen building the world-first ‘hydro-solar’ thermal storage power plant in Victoria. Alfa Laval also set itself the target to become a climate neutral company by 2030.
AstraZeneca has partnered with Greening Australia to plant 25 million trees in Australia by 2025, as a result of the ‘AZ Forest’ Global initiative.
Getinge is transforming its corporate fleet to hybrids and electrical vehicles and switching to renewable energy sources in production.
IKEA uses more renewable and recycled materials than ever to eliminate waste in its operations and to change how they design products. They have set a goal to become climate positive by 2030.
Sandvik has ambitious sustainability targets that take a holistic approach that includes customers, suppliers and their own operations in its scope which are in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). They have committed to become the leaders in battery electric trucks, loaders and drills which feature zero underground emissions, produce less noise and heat and help their mining customers reach their Net Zero targets.
Tetra Pak is working towards delivering the world’s most sustainable packaging, made solely of responsibly sourced renewable or recycled materials, fully recyclable and carbon-neutral.
Volvo Group’s long-term ambition is to lead the industry towards net-zero emissions. The Group have committed to net-zero emissions across their value chain by 2040. More than 35% of vehicle sales will be electric by 2030.
Read more about the Committee Members and their Sustainability Initiatives here
About the Committee, Vision and Focus
For further information, contact:
Carin Varverud Härdin, SACC Sustainability Committee Chair and Vice President of Marketing Communications, Volvo Group Australia
Email: carin.varverud-hardin@volvo.com
Camilla Jennings, General Manager Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce
Email: camilla@swedishchamber.com.au
SACC Executive Forum 10 May 2022
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) Executive Forum followed by a networking event with the Ambassador of Sweden to Australia, HE Mr Henrik Cederin on 10th of May, 3.00 pm at Grant Thornton, Sydney.
The forum will provide an opportunity for SACC Company Member Executives, Special Guests and Team Sweden Australia members to network in person and to hear from Ambassador Cederin, our host Grant Thornton, Rebecca Iwanuscha, Director Innovation Initiatives and keynote speaker Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer on key innovation and sustainability initiatives which drives industry investment and collaboration opportunities.
There will be an opportunity for participants to join interactive round table discussions with focus on topics raised, ask questions, share knowledge, experiences, challenges and opportunities and discuss potential cooperation with Swedish organisations based in Australia.
The SACC and the Embassy of Sweden are working together proactively in bringing together Swedish-Australian companies. The SACC offers a unique and exclusive business network, with over 130 corporate and professional members, who all share the passion for building strong business networks together, sharing experiences and gaining knowledge. Our presence and active engagement in the Australian business space is greatly valued.
Schedule:
3.00 pm Registration, coffee, tea and refreshments are served
3.30 Welcome and introduction by Jan Gardberg, President of SACC
3.35 Grant Thornton, Rebecca Iwanuscha, Director Innovation Incentives
3.40 Guest of Honour Ambassador of Sweden HE Henrik Cederin
3.50 Keynote Speaker Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer
4.15 Q&A followed by round table discussion
5.20 Conclusion
5.30 End of Forum followed by networking event, drinks and canapés are served
Date & time: 10 May, 3.00 pm followed by networking event 5.30 for 6.00 pm start
Venue: Grant Thornton, 17/383 Kent St, Sydney
Cost: SACC members $45, Non-members $65
RSVP by 29 April
This event is by invitation only and if you see value in becoming a member please visit swedishchamber.com.au or contact us on sacc@swedishchamber.com.au for information.
SACC Melbourne Chapter – After Work Networking Event with Topic Speakers on D&I 10 August
We look forward to welcoming you to the SACC Melbourne Chapter quarterly networking event series with topic speakers.
This event offers unique opportunities to meet and network with members and contacts from the Swedish-Australian business community while listening to the following topic speakers sharing their expertise on diversity and inclusion.
During the evening will also take the opportunity to introduce new members of SACC.
When: Wednesday 10 August, 6.00 – 8.30 pm
Where: Salon Lounge, Young & Jackson’s, 1 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC
Cost: $25 (SACC Members) and $35.00 (Non-members)
Dietary requirements: Please submit your dietary requirements upon registration.
Numbers are limited, so please book early to avoid missing out on this event.
Introducing our speakers:
Sarah Goss was appointed Head of Innovation on the Ericsson Australia and New Zealand executive leadership team in mid-2016, working part time at 3 days a week. In this role Sarah leads company-wide strategy execution and the overall innovation agenda. Prior to this, Sarah and a colleague job-shared the position of Practice Lead for Ericsson’s government and enterprise business for Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia, overseeing digital transformation projects in industries such as utilities, transport and public safety. During this time the pair were recognised as one of Australia’s Top 5 Powerful Part Timers. Sarah was also a finalist in the 2019 Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards, recognising her as an emerging leader who is determined to reshape her industry and create a smarter and more inclusive future.
Sarah is active at the intersection of her passions: diversity and inclusion, innovation, leadership and the future of work. Sarah was a founding director of HealthTech startup, Umps, where she remains a shareholder. She is also Chair of Ericsson’s Diversity & Inclusion Council, member of the Industry Advisory Committee for the RMIT School of Management, and Advisory Board member for In2Science, which provides STEM peer mentoring in low socio-economic schools.
Beverly is the Country Human Resources (HR) Manager for ABB in Australia. Prior to joining ABB in 2011, Beverly held several HR and Learning & Development Management roles within the global utilities sector and subscription television organisations. Beverly has extensive experience in executive and leadership coaching, organisational development, change leadership & management, competency development, workforce planning, job design and remuneration management, mergers, acquisitions and integrations. Beverly is passionate about responsible leadership, diversity, and inclusion within the workplace and is proud to work for a company which upholds those same values. In addition, Beverly is a strong advocator of STEM education, and fostering the development of the future Australian workforce, through collaboration between Business, Education and Government sectors. Beverly has a Bachelor of Education from RMIT University majoring in Psychology, English & Adult Education and is based in Melbourne.
Partner Diversity Atlas
Chair Conscious Capitalism
Board Swedish Australian Chamber Commerce
Deputy Secretary World Literacy Foundation
Joseph is the founder and CEO of Brilliant Women Global. BWG drives the business case for diversity and inclusion in corporate life. He is a partner of Diversity Atlas and Deputy Secretary of the World Literacy Foundation. Joseph Ghaly recently served as the CEO of Lexplore Australia and New Zealand. Lexplore is an educational technology organisation, enabling literacy development for all learners. Joseph Ghaly was the incumbent Director of Mobile Internet with Ericsson Telecommunications during the dot-com era. He was based on 5 continents. He was the Global Director of Value Based Selling for Ericsson, the largest organisation in Scandinavia going through a transformation from a 120-year engineering company to an organisation competing on value. He is the former State Relationship Manager of CSIRO – Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific Industrial and Research Organisation, heading up relationships with industry and a member of the national commercialisation team.
We hope to see you there!
The SACC Melbourne Chapter.
Sign up to become a member of SACC
SWEDELINK Newsletter Autumn 2022
Autumn news from SACC, with New Member Presentations, Innovation, Tech and Design Summit 2022, upcoming events, links to recent events and more…