Sustainability is climbing the agenda for Guernsey’s businesses.
And the Chamber of Commerce’s Sustainable Business Initiative (SBI) is stepping up – with fresh leadership, a practical event programme, and a clear mission: helping local firms turn good intentions into action.
The SBI’s mission is to make sustainability practical and relevant for every business – from sole traders to major corporations. Now, with a new Co-Lead focused on strengthening links with other local groups, the initiative is picking up fresh momentum.
Joining existing Lead Rollo de Sausmarez is Alex Herschel — a familiar face in Guernsey’s environmental and business community.
Alex is a Chartered Environmentalist with over 25 years’ experience advising on environmental impact, nature-based solutions, and sustainability. She’s worked with governments, developers, and energy firms both here and abroad. Locally, she’s on the board of the Nature Commission, serves on the Guernsey Institute of Directors Committee, and is an active member of the Guernsey Green Forum (GGF).
“I am delighted to join Rollo and the rest of the existing SBI committee and contribute to the already excellent work that SBI is doing to make sustainability accessible — and to help connect the dots between sustainability-related groups in Guernsey and further afield, ” Alex says.
“SBI is focused on awareness-raising, training and events. Helping businesses understand the ‘what’ and the ‘how’. At the same time, the Guernsey Green Forum is creating space for businesses to share knowledge and work together to implement practical initiatives—especially around energy efficiency, active travel and local CSR. It’s an exciting time to get involved.”
Alex takes over from former Co-Lead Jennifer Strachan, who recently stepped down to take up her new role as a Deputy in the States of Guernsey. Chamber has warmly thanked Jennifer for her dedication and drive during her time on the committee.
The SBI’s new strategy is all about helping businesses take practical, proportionate steps. It focuses on three things:
Tools and support
practical help for businesses to act
Local inspiration
sharing success stories from Guernsey firms
Sharing the voice of businesses
in important policy conversations.
One such policy milestone is the States of Guernsey’s Net Zero Pathway, approved at the end of the last political term. This sets a clear direction for cutting emissions and building a climate-resilient island, and the SBI will help businesses prepare for and contribute to it.
“The transition isn’t just about targets and government policy,” says Rollo
“It’s about real choices being made every day—how we move, how we heat and power our buildings, where we buy from. Businesses are at the heart of that. We’re here to make that transition feel manageable, not overwhelming.”
To help, the SBI is rolling out a programme of events this autumn—open to all and designed to be accessible, informal, and above all useful.
Coming up
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People, Planet, Pint – 2 October: relaxed meet-up, no slides, no speeches — just conversation, ideas, and a drink or two Book your ticket here
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Sector-specific workshops on the transition to a green economy
Finance & Professional Services and the transition to the green economy
Retail & Hospitality and the transition to the green economy
Construction & Architecture and the transition to the green economy -
ESG reporting & nature-based solutions with guest speakers from the UK and Europe
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Local business case studies showing what’s working here in Guernsey
Businesses making a difference in Guernsey
Whether you’re just getting started with sustainability or already leading the charge, the SBI is here to support you.
If you’d like to attend an event, join the mailing list or get involved, drop the committee a line at Hello@guernseychamber.com or keep an eye on the Chamber’s newsletter and social media.
Now’s the time to get involved — because building a greener Guernsey is everyone’s business.
