Beyondly exhibits at Edie 25 – Our top takeaways from this year's event
We were thrilled to be back at Edie 25 this March – a major event that brings together people and organisations who care about building a more sustainable future. Held over two inspiring days, Edie 25 gave us the chance to connect with businesses, share ideas, and explore the latest in climate action, emissions data, and sustainability innovation. As part of that, we spoke with:
- Sam Goodenough – Asahi UK
- Karl McGrory – RSPB
- Vanessa Lee – Mitsubishi Electric
- Allister Maxwell – GAP Group Ltd.
- Reuben Chorley – Jaguar Land Rover
- David Sprake – Wrexham University
Whether you're just starting your sustainability journey or are deep in the details of climate strategy and reporting, there was something for everyone. Here’s our roundup of key insights, big ideas, and practical tips we took away from the event.
A focus on The Big CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project)
Celebrating 25 years of impact, CDP took centre stage with its continued push for data transparency, measurement, and efficiency. What stood out this year was the shift from compliance to value creation. While environmental concerns remain important, businesses are increasingly driven by economic benefits – from capital access to operational efficiency – with many seeing emissions reductions of 7–10% within two years of reporting.
We were particularly excited by CDP’s alignment with major frameworks like TCFD, ISSB, and EFRAG, and its ambition to support interoperability. 2025 promises to be a year of stability before the next wave of regulatory shifts.
AI and Innovation in Sustainability Reporting
A key theme throughout Edie 25 was the rise of AI to enhance reporting accuracy and efficiency. From anomaly detection in supply chain data to automating emissions tracking, businesses are turning to tech to cut through the complexity. Leaders embracing CDP are using carbon pricing, climate-linked executive pay, and dynamic transition planning to stay ahead.
Progress Over Perfection: Emissions Data Done Right
A standout panel featuring Estée Lauder, the BBC, and Zeigo explored what “good” looks like in emissions data. The BBC discussed their use of the ‘Albert’ carbon calculator, now widely adopted by broadcasters including ITV and Channel 4. ITV, in turn, is embedding sustainability into its content – showcasing heat pumps in dramas and second-hand fashion in reality shows – while also rethinking its Scope 3 strategies using tools like Watershed.
Supplier engagement came up time and time again. Estée Lauder’s data-driven approach to supplier support and Schneider’s AI-powered audits of top vendors show that smart segmentation and standardisation are key to meaningful progress.
Climate Transition Plans: From Ambition to Action
We heard from Hilton Foods, Mondi, Vodafone and others on the practicalities of Scope 3 emissions and the long-term net zero journey. The message was clear: short-termism is a barrier. Businesses need to reimagine their value chains and customer relationships in a low-carbon world. “You’ll never solve Scope 3 until everyone solves Scope 3.”
The Rising Tide of Disclosure
With ESG regulations up 155% over the past decade, staying ahead of reporting requirements is no small feat. Richard Barker of the ISSB highlighted the UK’s expected adoption of S1 and S2 standards from 2026, with more jurisdictions likely to follow suit.
The move toward double materiality – balancing financial relevance with societal impact – is gaining traction. For businesses, that means better horizon scanning, stronger internal governance, and choosing the right digital tools to keep up.
Final Thoughts: Turning Data Into Action
An insightful example came from The Aldersgate Group: after achieving a CDP A rating, they saw increased investment and tender wins. It’s a reminder that sustainability reporting isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s about building trust, shaping future strategy, and demonstrating resilience.
We’re excited to take what we’ve learned at Edie 25 and help our clients turn insight into impact.