Chief Executive Graham Simmonds takes a moment to reflect as Jump, the company behind the Net Zero Challenge, celebrates its 10th anniversary. Graham looks ahead to opportunities in the years to come, with the Net Zero Challenge accelerating sustainable behaviour change.
Ten years on and the time is ripe for our new Net Zero Challenge
I can’t believe it’s ten years since I and a small group of like-minded backers set up Jump. And maybe that’s because I’ve barely had time to pause and catch my breath. The last decade has seen so many changes and yet there’s one constant that has been with us throughout – the ever-increasing pace of climate change.
When we set Jump up in 2011 our vision was to reach a mass audience through employers, councils, NHS trusts and universities. Then, through these organisations, motivate lots of people to take positive steps that cumulatively add up to a big impact.
Investing in technology
From the outset we saw technology playing a key role and initial investment went into developing our platform. The pace of technological change in recent years has undoubtedly worked in our favour. Now all our clients get their own customised apps and websites with seamless integration with popular apps such as Fitbit. My kids who’ve grown up as Jump the company has grown up are, I think, secretly amused that their 58 year old dad is now running a tech company but he doesn’t even use Tik Tok!
What have we achieved in the last 10 years?
On our 10th anniversary, I’m making a conscious decision to pause and catch my breath. And what an amazing feeling it is to see Jump pushing sustainable behaviour change with companies large and small. From major banks like Barclays to manufacturers such as ASM Pacific Technology; and with universities, NHS trusts and councils across the country from Strathclyde and Swansea to Manchester, Camden and Exeter.
Over the last 10 years we’ve seen over 15 million positive actions completed by Jump participants, with 4,000 tonnes of carbon emissions avoided in the last year alone. Whether it’s residents recycling more in Bexley, students avoiding single use plastics at the University of Bristol, or staff at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust cycling to work, it’s the energy and commitment of participants in our programmes that I find so rewarding.
I count my blessings that I took the risk I did back in 2011 to leave a secure job and follow my instincts. They say most entrepreneurs have to be naïve optimists or they’d never get started. I think that’s especially true of the environmental sector where sadly I’ve seen a number of environmental start-ups crash and burn over the last decade.
Finally, whilst I’m in pause and reflection mode, the last word must go to the committed and creative people I’ve had the privilege to work with. Jump could only have achieved what we have because of the amazing Jump team. A huge high five and thank you to all of you for staying on the ride with me.
What’s next for sustainable behaviour change?
So, enough catching of breath – what’s coming up in the next 10 years? I’ve always been a glass half full person, and now I really do feel positive despite the ever-increasing pace of climate change. It feels like we’re at a major shift in attitude and as I talk to organisations about getting their people engaged in sustainability, the conversation is no longer about the need, but rather about the how and when.
Clearly President Biden’s emerging green agenda and the UK hosting COP26 in Glasgow in November are helping push corporations forward faster to net zero. The need to work together as communities take up the gauntlet has never been more important, and I’m delighted that in our 10th anniversary year we are launching a new initiative, the Net Zero Challenge.
Introducing: the Net Zero Challenge
The Net Zero Challenge channels our learning and experience of the last 10 years into a new engagement tool combining a digital platform with innovative communications. It features 30 unique net zero carbon activities covering travel, recycling, nature and energy, with more added each month tying into national events like World Environment Day.
An impact dashboard allows participants and organisations to track the live impact of their actions through metrics like carbon emissions avoided and kilowatts of electricity saved; and participants compete against other individuals and organisations with sector-specific leader boards.
I recognise the Challenge won’t be for all organisations. Many will want their own unique programme with customised activities, websites and apps, and full management information and tracking. However for those organisations looking for a smart, off-the-shelf tool that will get their people more engaged in net zero, then I’d encourage you to get in touch and we’ll show you how the Challenge works.
Coming full circle on sustainability
As the founding Chief Executive back in the 1990s at the charity Trees for Cities (or Trees for London as we were then), it’s great that one of the beneficiary projects through the Net Zero Challenge is Trees for Cities’ Edible Playgrounds initiative. I helped plant out the charity’s first edible playground at a school in Islington back in 2009, so it will be exciting to see participants in the Net Zero Challenge raising donations for more edible playgrounds whilst accelerating their journey to net zero.
Graham Simmonds, Chief Executive
March 2021