LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT IN SUSTAINABILITY
“ Our position as a disaster response organisation puts us on the frontlines of extreme weather and the climate crisis ”
Under Noel ’ s leadership , the American Red Cross has implemented a robust plan to minimise its environmental impact and become the first known humanitarian non-profit to publish a comprehensive ESG report in 2022 .
The organisation reports that in the last 10 years , more than 8.5 million people were displaced in the US due to the climate crisis . These disasters have a disproportionate impact on diverse communities , people with disabilities , older adults and low-income families .
As the country ’ s largest provider of emergency sheltering , the Red Cross works one-on-one with people impacted to help them recover from disasters . It says the most significant recovery needs it sees revolve around chronic health conditions , food insecurityand the availability of affordable and safe housing .
Celebrating a sustainability champion Noel was honoured with the Lifetime of Achievement Award at the Global Sustainability and ESG Awards 2024 at Sustainability LIVE London .
“ It ’ s not just about me , it ’ s really about the entire Red Cross community ,” Noel said in an interview afterwards . “ It ’ s a representation of all we ’ ve accomplished so far .”
Noel impressed the judges with his approach to sustainability , diversity and , in particular , humanitarian aid .
“ His dedication to the prevention and alleviation of human suffering is highlighted by the 19 years he has spent at the American Red Cross ,” says Glen White , CEO of BizClik and Sustainability Magazine .
“ His passion has had a truly global impact and he has prioritised sustainability within that . A truly passionate , impactful leader .”
Steven Downes , Editor-in-Chief , Sustainability Magazine , adds : “ Noel richly deserves this award . He is an inspirational leader at the Red Cross — and a man who is setting the sustainability benchmark for other NGOs .”
Despite being humbled on receiving this award and reflecting on the impact of his career , the work for Noel carries on .
Looking ahead , he aspires to continue reducing the American Red Cross ’ environmental impact and helping people affected by climate change .
Noel says : “ We ’ ve got some pretty concrete planes in place to reduce our carbon footprint , waste and our water use .
“ This gives us the opportunity to really go into harder sectors and make some inroads in spaces that we haven ’ t been able to address to date .”
34 November 2024