Highland-based ecological consultants Footprint have just appointed an expert in ethical approaches to enterprise who is currently advising the Scottish Parliament on their purchasing policy and helping to 'green' award-winning broadband company Lumison.

Osbert Lancaster, who for the last seven years has been director of the Edinburgh based Centre for Human Ecology, has become a director of Footprint where he will offer the business community services geared towards raising awareness of the issues of ethical purchasing and sustainability and how to tackle them.

Mr Lancaster said: "Businesses that take their environmental and social responsibilities seriously are laying the foundations for long term success, as well as benefiting from immediate market opportunities. I believe the companies that will really thrive in this climate change era, have leaders personally committed to 'doing the right thing'. Joining Footprint is a great opportunity to work with people who not only have the expertise, but are also passionate about helping organisations and their leaders do the right thing and make the transition to fair and sustainable future."

Footprint director, Dave Key, said: "The private sector can respond extremely quickly and effectively to the challenges of sustainability, reducing costs and opening up new markets, once business leaders embrace sustainability as the heart of their strategy. Osbert's new role is to support businesses and organisations in this realisation through strategic consultancy and training services and we're delighted to have such an experienced, highly qualified and well-reputed person join us."

About Footprint Consulting Limited

Footprint Consulting is an ethical enterprise established to promote ecological sustainability and social justice. Their approach uses human ecology - which explores individual and cultural relationships with nature - as a framework for thinking about sustainable development and cultural change. They offer support with strategic thinking, education & training, and the design and development of services and products that support, rather than exploit, the Earth's life systems.

Footprint work on a very diverse range of projects for the commercial, social enterprise, NGO and public sectors. Website: www.footprintconsulting.org.

About Osbert

Osbert works at the interface between business, ecological sustainability and social justice. Working closely with his clients he develops and helps implement strategies for sustainability that improve environmental, social and economic performance. He combines a deep understanding of sustainability, experience of business and market realities, and a pragmatic approach to deliver concrete results.

Osbert worked in management and economic development consultancy, became disenchanted with the lack of interest at the time in the sustainability agenda, before joining the Centre for Human Ecology to develop projects in this area. In 2001 he became CHE's executive director, supporting the development of the Centre's renowned MSc in Human Ecology, leading the course in Ethical Enterprise and delivering sustainability consulting - including work with the Scottish Parliament to help develop its ethical purchasing policy.

He is particularly interested in the potential for positive change that arises when personal values and organisational strategies are aligned towards environmental and social responsibility.