Sewell Group, a multi disciplined business spanning construction, consultancy, facilities management, and digital mapping, has been on an inspiring journey to make everyday travel more sustainable.
When the company looked at how it could reduce its environmental impact at its East Hull headquarters, Modeshift STARS offered the perfect framework. With support from Hull City Council, Sewell developed a travel plan that not only aligned with their carbon reduction ambitions but also sparked positive behaviour change across their teams.
Beth Dennett, who leads on community investment and sustainability, shared how the STARS process has brought everything together:
‘We were already delivering lots of initiatives but not capturing them in one place. STARS has given us a platform to monitor, review, and share progress, helping us to set clear sustainability targets and support biodiversity projects.
Simple but effective changes have already made an impact. From office stickers encouraging car sharing to staff choosing cycling and walking for work journeys, Sewell has seen a cultural shift.’
The company’s hard work was recognised when they won STARS Business of the Year at the National STARS Summit – a surprise accolade that Beth describes as a ‘really nice way to get recognised for the work you’ve been doing.’
Importantly, Sewell’s motivation wasn’t about awards.
‘For us, it was about behavioural change – shifting mindsets to travel more sustainably,’ Beth explained. ‘The award was a bonus!’
Looking ahead, Sewell Group is maintaining its Very Good accreditation and planning to extend travel plans across its other offices in the North of England, while working towards the next accreditation stage at its headquarters.
Beth’s advice to other businesses starting their journey?
‘Trust the process, don’t be afraid of unique ideas, and connect with other businesses who’ve been through it. It’s a great behavioural change tool that supports sustainability and decarbonisation goals while giving staff new skills.’
Key Outcomes:
- Staff travel behaviour change: more car sharing, cycling, and walking.
- Strengthened internal communications and carbon reduction planning.
- Award-winning recognition at the STARS Summit.
- Ongoing plans to scale across multiple sites.
