Canary Wharf Group

In 2024, Heart of the City, in partnership with Canary Wharf Group (CWG), launched a mentoring programme for 27 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within CWG’s supply chain. The programme aimed to support each SME in measuring and reducing their carbon footprint, and to help them set science-based emissions reduction targets.

Over eight months, the SMEs attended four workshops and Surgery sessions hosted by Heart of the City. These online sessions provided SMEs with a space to learn about topics in detail, including creating a business case for net zero and how to calculate a baseline, along with practical tips on best practice, and what resources they needed to use for that section of the programme.

The programme also included an in-person data ‘sense check’ session which provided support for SMEs on gathering their individual carbon footprint data, and sense check their measurements with both Heart of the City and the CWG sustainability team. Throughout the programme the SMEs could book in one-to-one meetings with experts for further bespoke support.

We spoke with Dylan John, Sustainability Analyst at CWG about how the programme helped to support their supply chain, the value the learning experience provided their SMEs, and the tangible outcomes achieved. Dylan highlights how the programme empowered their SMEs to take meaningful steps towards sustainability by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to measure and reduce their carbon footprint.

What motivated CWG to reach out to Heart of the City?

At Canary Wharf Group, we’re committed to reaching net zero and ensuring that 60% of our purchased goods and services have a science-based target (SBT) by 2025 through the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). After hearing a former colleague’s positive experience with Heart of the City, we saw this as a great opportunity to engage our supply chain, simplify sustainability, and guide SMEs through the process of applying for an SBT. Heart of the City’s approach helped bridge the gap for suppliers who often didn’t know where to start.

How did this programme align with CWG’s values and long-term goals?

Our long-term goal is to achieve net-zero emissions, which requires addressing both our direct and indirect emissions, particularly within our supply chain. Engaging and collaborating with our suppliers was key to supporting our net-zero journey. By working with Heart of the City, we’ve improved our data collection, moving from estimates to real data from suppliers. This allows us to set accurate benchmarks, make informed decisions, and track progress toward industry-wide targets.

How would you describe your experience with the programme and working with Heart of the City?

We’ve an excellent experience, developing strong relationships with the Heart of the City team from the initial planning stages through to the online sessions held with our suppliers.

“When we encountered various unfamiliar scenarios, we were able to learn from each other. This collaborative learning experience not only deepened our understanding but also strengthened our collective commitment to sustainability.”

What advice would you give to other organisations looking to support SMEs in measuring their carbon footprint?

Don’t be intimidated by the unknown – embrace the opportunity to gain valuable insights that will benefit your organisation long-term. Reducing your carbon footprint is a journey that requires patience, collaboration, and a deep understanding across your team. It won’t happen overnight, but as you progress, the process becomes more manageable.

What aspects of the course did you find most valuable?

The hybrid format worked well, offering the flexibility of online sessions while enabling in-person data reviews and networking opportunities for suppliers to discuss shared challenges.

“The ‘data sense check’ session was particularly valuable. Having Heart of the City and our suppliers come together to share their data collection experiences and challenges fostered confidence among participants as they worked to complete their carbon footprints.”

What was the overall highlight from the experience?

The highlight was watching the growth and increased confidence of our suppliers throughout the process. It was particularly rewarding to see them take an active role in developing their understanding of carbon reduction and sustainability. For many participants, this was their first exposure to concepts like the SBTi, making their progress even more impressive. Collaborating with Heart of the City also gave us valuable insights into the challenges faced by different suppliers across the industry.

If you’re working for an organisation and would like to support your supply chain to become more sustainable, or understand responsible businesses, visit our programmes page here, or you can get in touch at: info@theheartofthecity.com