Bentley Environmental Foundation Interview

Della Mura:
"Having worked with the Foundation for just over a year now, beyond representing a clear commitment from the business to tackle climate change and environmental issues, I would say the Foundation is a catalyst for change. Whether this is on a global scale through our partnerships with renowned NGOs and charities to drive climate-positive change, or through educating, influencing and increasing climate awareness closer to home here in Crewe, the Foundation's impact transcends our business needs, continuously fostering meaningful environmental change. "

Della Mura: 
"Like many businesses across the world, we still have much to learn about how we can contribute to a just and regenerative future. Primarily, we recognise that the automotive industry has had a significant impact on climate change; and through our Beyond100 strategy, and indeed the Foundation, we aim to become leaders in sustainable luxury mobility and will transition into a values-led, end-to-end carbon neutral luxury brand over the next 10 years.

Regarding the Foundation’s purpose, first and foremost, as an environmental Foundation, tackling the climate crisis is our top priority. Just this year, for the first time, global warming exceeded 1.5C across an entire year, according to the EU's climate service, and the world's sea surface is also at its highest ever recorded average temperature. This is already having a visible impact on biodiversity, weather patterns, agriculture, and much more – so addressing the impact of climate change is integral to what we do, but so is funding the cutting-edge climate solutions to equip the world for a just and regenerative future.

To bring about this change, another priority is our focus on partnerships and people. Whether this is through our partnerships with global experts and NGOs, or engaging those within our sphere of influence, the Foundation has already played an integral part in catalysing environmental change beyond our own fundamental business needs."

Della Mura: 

"Our strategy focuses on three key pillars:

1. Accelerating Drawdown
Removing greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere.

2. Supporting Changemakers
Empowering climate leaders to amplify their influence and develop innovative ideas.

3. Reimagining Sustainable Luxury
Extending product lifespans, introducing sustainable materials, and adopting environmentally-friendly production techniques."

Della Mura: 
"Despite being established only a year ago, the Foundation’s projects already span five continents across eleven countries, working with our 10 project partners. A selection of our achievements so far include:

SeaTrees: Planting 200,000 mangrove trees in Kenya and restoring 15,000 m² of seagrass in Spain and Portugal.

SeaTrees & everwave: Featured in a BBC documentary released for World Ocean Day in June 2024.

Blue Marine Foundation: Funding a scientific expedition leading to The Dominican Republic formally committing to protecting over 30% of its waters.

Everwave: In a VW Group collaboration with Audi Environmental Foundation and Ferry Porsche Foundation, we are preventing waste entering oceans in Thailand.

Biomimicry Institute: Transitioned the Ray of Hope prize competition for ecopreneurs into an accelerator to scale nature-inspired solutions.

Project Drawdown: Working alongside renowned climate scientist Dr. Jonathan Foley, influencing billions of philanthropic capital and investments as founding partners of Project Drawdown’s Capital Coalition."
 

Della Mura: 
"Our Impact has definitely been tangible beyond philanthropy. Here are a few of the projects we've been involved with to support education and innovation:

Alumni of the Biomimicry Institute’s Ray of Hope Prize pitched to Bentley’s design team, aiming to influence, educate and possibly integrate nature-inspired products into our future vehicles.

From plastic waste to food waste, we created our very own ‘Let’s talk Sustainability’ forum to discuss sustainability topics, hosted by our expert partners for our 4,000+ colleagues onsite in Crewe.

Volunteering opportunities hosted, with Bentley colleagues most recently taking part in a river cleanup along the Valley Brook in Crewe alongside our partners the Rivers Trust.

Integrated content from our Foundation partners into our online training curriculum for all colleagues, inspiring and educating our colleagues across the business on sustainability issues and solutions.

Providing placements for our early careers Bentley colleagues with the Foundation.

Members of the Environmental Funders Network, networking and sharing best practices with other funders in the climate space."

Della Mura: 

"As with other global issues, and this is partly due to the scale of the matter, disillusionment on climate change has become a particular problem. And whilst, undoubtedly, the Foundation has funded some excellent projects across the world which are having an incredibly positive impact for both people and planet, I’m most proud of our work in engaging, educating and inspiring our colleagues, with an emphasis and focus on solutions.

Changemakers is an integral pillar of our Foundation’s strategy, and whether it has been through our volunteering initiatives, or sessions around sustainability issues, I am incredibly proud to have fostered a community of changemakers right here at the home of Bentley."