The Greener Way: Recent Episodes
FS Sustainability
The Greener Way is your podcast for exploring the big environmental, social and governance questions. Each week, The Greener Way will focus on deep conversations with investment and corporate experts who are deeply engaged in managing the sustainability challenges facing our planet.
From climate change to biodiversity, human rights and modern slavery to corporate purpose and governance, we tackle head-on the nuances and trade-offs of our complicated world.
The Greener Way is the podcast of FS Sustainability, the premier weekly trade publication that covers how investors and companies are changing real world outcomes across environmental, social and governance issues.
🌿 How are ESG fund managers using sustainability to make better investment decisions?
❓ Question: As ESG investing faces increasing scrutiny and evolving reporting requirements, how do professional fund managers integrate sustainability considerations into investment decisions without sacrificing returns?
✅ Answer: According to Mans Carlsson, head of ESG and co-portfolio manager at Australian fund manager Ausbil Investment Management, ESG integration is fundamentally about making better-informed investment decisions. Rather than focusing on ideology, Carlsson argues that ESG research helps investors identify risks, assess management quality, evaluate stakeholder relationships and uncover long-term opportunities that traditional financial analysis may overlook. Through proprietary ESG research, company engagement and on-the-ground investigation, investors can better understand which companies are managing risks effectively and which may face future reputational, regulatory or operational challenges.
🌟 One of Carlsson's key messages is that ESG investing does not necessarily require investors to sacrifice returns. He challenges the long-standing perception that excluding companies on sustainability grounds automatically reduces performance, arguing that ESG analysis helps investors avoid poorly managed companies while identifying businesses that are improving governance, risk management and stakeholder relationships. In his view, these factors can contribute to stronger valuations over time.
🌟 Ausbil's investment process combines traditional financial research with proprietary ESG analysis. The firm's ESG team continuously assesses ASX 200 companies and works closely with portfolio managers and analysts. Engagement with companies is a core part of the process, with more than 200 ESG-related company meetings conducted annually. These engagements are often used to encourage companies to adopt best-practice approaches to issues such as climate change, responsible sourcing, corporate governance and workforce management.
🌟 Direct engagement and field research remain critical despite advances in artificial intelligence. Carlsson argues that while AI can assist with data collection and summarisation, ESG analysis involves qualitative judgement that cannot easily be automated. Understanding how seriously a company manages risks, responds to challenges and implements policies still requires human expertise, experience and direct interaction with management teams and stakeholders.
🌟 Supply chain transparency is becoming an increasingly important area of ESG analysis. Carlsson described how technology now allows companies to trace the origins of commodities and products with greater accuracy. Businesses that invest in supply chain visibility can reduce the risk of reputational damage, particularly as regulators, investors and consumers pay closer attention to issues such as modern slavery and responsible sourcing.
🌟 ESG analysis can identify risks before they become widely known. Carlsson shared an example of avoiding an investment in a high-profile company after proprietary research uncovered allegations of worker underpayment. Once the issue became public, the company's share price fell significantly. He argues that this demonstrates the value of conducting independent research rather than relying solely on company disclosures.
🌟 Sustainability reporting requirements are improving the quality of information available to investors, particularly around climate risk. Carlsson highlighted climate-related disclosure frameworks such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) as useful because they encourage companies to examine future risks and opportunities rather than simply reporting historical emissions data. He believes forward-looking climate assessments provide a more complete picture of potential investment risks.
🚩 One challenge is that ESG data alone does not provide investment answers. Carlsson cautions against overreliance on datasets and reporting frameworks, arguing that the value lies in interpreting the data and understanding how it affects a company's future prospects. Investors still need analytical judgement to separate meaningful signals from noise.
🚩 The transition to a lower-emissions economy is proving more complicated than many anticipated. Carlsson noted that rising energy demand, slower-than-expected commercialisation of some decarbonisation technologies and increasing demand from AI-powered data centres are creating challenges for the energy transition. He argues the discussion is increasingly shifting from "energy transition" to "energy addition" because overall energy demand continues to grow.
⚠️ Modern slavery and supply chain risks are likely to face greater regulatory scrutiny in coming years. Carlsson points to emerging international regulations, particularly in Europe, that could impose stricter due diligence requirements and restrictions on goods linked to forced labour. Companies that fail to understand and monitor their supply chains may face operational, legal and reputational risks.
⚠️ Reputational damage can emerge rapidly when supply chain issues become public. Carlsson believes advances in traceability technology mean companies will face increasing expectations to verify where materials and products originate. Organisations that fail to invest in transparency could find themselves exposed as external scrutiny intensifies.
🌟 Looking ahead, Carlsson expects ESG investing to become more focused on financial materiality. Rather than broad ideological debates, he believes the future of responsible investing will centre on identifying sustainability issues that have direct implications for company performance, risk management and long-term shareholder value. For active managers, this means maintaining a disciplined focus on material ESG factors that influence investment outcomes.
💡 Why it matters:
As sustainability disclosure requirements expand and ESG investing continues to evolve, investors face growing pressure to separate meaningful sustainability risks from superficial reporting. Carlsson's approach highlights a broader shift taking place across the investment industry: ESG is increasingly being treated as a tool for risk management and company analysis rather than a standalone investment philosophy. Issues such as supply chain transparency, climate resilience, workforce management and corporate governance are becoming material financial considerations that can influence company valuations and long-term performance. For investors, understanding these factors may prove increasingly important as regulations tighten, stakeholder expectations rise and new technologies expose risks that were previously difficult to detect.
🎙️ Sources:
Mans Carlsson, Head of ESG and Co-Portfolio Manager, Ausbil Investment Management
Michelle Baltazar, host, The Greener Way
⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Why supply chain transparency is becoming critical
00:19 – Introduction to Ausbil and ESG investing
01:14 – Ausbil's investment approach and ESG capability
02:31 – Proprietary ESG research and company engagement
03:20 – ESG field trips and responsible sourcing insights
04:01 – Encouraging companies to adopt best practice
04:44 – Can AI replace ESG research?
06:04 – The biggest myths about ESG investing
07:00 – How ESG factors influence company value
08:07 – Sustainability reporting and climate disclosure
09:15 – Climate risk versus emissions reporting
10:05 – Examples of ESG leaders and laggards
11:09 – Supply chain traceability and modern slavery
12:28 – Decarbonisation, AI and energy demand growth
14:21 – The future of ESG investing
15:21 – Why financial materiality matters
15:45 – Modern slavery regulation and supply chain due diligence
16:14 – The broader benefits of supply chain scrutiny
16:37 – Final reflections on ESG and responsible investing
🌿 We record on Gadigal Land and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
🌿 How can Australia catch up to the frontrunners in the green steel race?
❓ Question: As global demand shifts towards low-carbon industries and clean supply chains, does Australia have a realistic opportunity to move beyond exporting raw materials and become a leader in green steel manufacturing?
✅ Answer: According to Tim Buckley, founder and director of Climate Energy Finance, Australia has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform its economy by decarbonising the steel supply chain and building domestic green steel manufacturing. While Australia is already the world's largest exporter of iron ore, it captures very little value from processing it. Buckley argues that with the right policy settings, investment frameworks and industrial strategy, Australia can create jobs, strengthen regional economies, reduce emissions and become a major supplier of low-emissions steel in a decarbonising world.
🌟 One of the report's central themes is that Australia needs to move beyond its traditional "dig and ship" economic model. While unprocessed iron ore remains one of Australia's most valuable exports, Buckley argues that future competitive advantage will come from adding value domestically and supplying trading partners with the low-carbon products they will increasingly require. Decarbonising steelmaking represents one of the largest industrial opportunities globally, and Australia is uniquely positioned due to its iron ore resources and renewable energy potential.
🌟 Buckley believes the global transition away from fossil fuels is inevitable. The real question is whether Australia benefits from that transition or becomes one of its casualties. As one of the world's largest exporters of fossil fuels, Australia faces significant economic risks if it fails to diversify. Green steel manufacturing offers a pathway to protect export revenues while positioning the country for future growth.
🌟 Rather than immediately pursuing large-scale export ambitions, Buckley argues Australia should begin by developing domestic low-emissions steel production using electric arc furnaces. These facilities use scrap steel and renewable electricity instead of coal-intensive blast furnaces, significantly reducing emissions while creating local manufacturing capacity. He sees electric arc furnaces as a practical starting point that allows Australia to learn, build expertise and establish supply chains before scaling further.
🌟 Regional Australia could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of this transformation. Proposed electric arc furnace projects in Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia could create construction jobs, ongoing manufacturing employment and opportunities for associated industries such as recycling and renewable energy generation. Buckley argues that successful energy transition policies must provide replacement industries for coal-dependent communities rather than leaving workers behind.
🌟 Green steel is also about national resilience and supply chain security. Buckley notes growing concerns across Western economies about overreliance on offshore manufacturing. Developing domestic processing capability would not only create economic opportunities but also strengthen Australia's strategic position by reducing dependence on imported industrial products.
🚩 One major challenge is the scale of investment required. Climate Energy Finance estimates Australia will need hundreds of billions of dollars of capital to transform its economy. Buckley argues that private capital is available, but governments must provide policy certainty and strategic investment mechanisms that help crowd in private-sector funding and lower project risks.
🚩 Another challenge involves workforce transition. Communities built around coal mining, coal-fired power generation and other legacy industries face uncertainty as Australia decarbonises. Buckley stresses that political and community support for climate action depends on creating visible pathways into new industries and ensuring future jobs are located in existing regional centres wherever possible.
⚠️ Policy settings will play a critical role in determining whether Australia succeeds. Buckley highlights the need for government-backed investment vehicles, stronger carbon pricing signals through mechanisms such as the safeguard mechanism, and clear industrial policies that incentivise low-emissions manufacturing. Without these frameworks, Australia risks missing the opportunity despite its natural advantages.
⚠️ Greenwashing is another emerging risk. Buckley argues that as demand grows for low-emissions products, robust verification systems will become increasingly important. Consumers and investors need confidence that products labelled as green steel genuinely meet high environmental standards. This will require independently verified taxonomies and credible reporting frameworks to distinguish genuinely low-emissions steel from marketing claims.
🌟 Looking ahead, Buckley remains optimistic. He believes Australia has all the ingredients necessary to become a major green steel producer, including renewable energy resources, mineral reserves, skilled workers and growing policy support. The challenge now is moving from discussion to implementation and demonstrating that new industrial projects can be built and scaled successfully.
💡 Why it matters:
The shift to a low-carbon economy is reshaping global trade, investment and industrial strategy. For Australia, green steel represents far more than an emissions-reduction initiative. It could become a cornerstone of future economic growth, regional employment and national competitiveness. As countries seek cleaner supply chains and low-emissions industrial products, Australia faces a strategic choice: continue exporting raw materials with limited value-add or build domestic industries that capture more of the economic value generated from its resources. The success or failure of green steel could become one of the defining economic stories of Australia's energy transition.
🎙️ Sources:
• Tim Buckley, founder and director, Climate Energy Finance
• Michelle Baltazar, host, The Greener Way
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Australia's opportunity in the global steel transition
00:42 – Introducing Climate Energy Finance and the Arc of Ambition report
01:18 – Climate, energy and finance: the intersection driving change
02:00 – The scale of investment needed for Australia's transition
03:22 – Can Australia mobilise the capital required?
04:02 – Diversifying beyond dependence on overseas manufacturing
05:19 – Key findings from the Arc of Ambition report
06:00 – Why Australia must move beyond exporting raw iron ore
07:17 – Building a domestic green steel industry
08:00 – Electric arc furnaces and low-emissions steel production
09:29 – Regional jobs and a Future Made in Australia
10:17 – Employment opportunities from green steel manufacturing
12:17 – Turning former coal regions into industrial hubs
13:22 – Recycling steel and creating circular economy opportunities
15:45 – What governments and businesses should do next
16:19 – Three reforms needed to accelerate green steel
17:00 – Carbon pricing, safeguards and investment incentives
18:00 – Why verification and green steel taxonomies matter
18:41 – Final reflections on Australia's green steel opportunity
19:12 – Can green steel become a major employer? Yes.
Link: Arc of ambition report
🌿 We record on Gadigal Land and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
🌿 Is greenwashing evolving into a new risk era driven by climate reporting and emissions targets?
❓ Question: As climate disclosure becomes mandatory and regulators crack down on misleading environmental claims, is greenwashing becoming less about marketing spin and more about governance, reporting and accountability?
✅ Answer: According to Dr Mark Siebentritt, executive director at Edge Impact, greenwashing is entering a new phase. What was once largely viewed as an ethical issue is now a regulatory and governance concern, driven by enforcement action and mandatory climate disclosure requirements. Organisations can no longer rely on broad sustainability claims or aspirational net-zero statements. Instead, they must be able to substantiate their claims with evidence, robust data and credible implementation plans.
🌟 One of the most significant changes is the shift from voluntary to mandatory climate reporting. Dr Mark Siebentritt notes that sustainability reporting has become deeply embedded in organisational decision-making, particularly within finance, governance and risk functions. Climate-related risks and their financial implications are increasingly being treated as core business issues rather than standalone sustainability concerns.
🌟 Greenwashing has also moved from being an ethical debate to a regulatory risk. In the past, organisations were primarily challenged by stakeholders questioning environmental claims. Today, companies face potential consequences from regulators if they make claims that cannot be supported by evidence. This shift has elevated greenwashing from a reputational concern to a board-level risk.
🌟 Directors are paying closer attention because of both financial and reputational implications. According to Dr Mark Siebentritt, discussions around potential regulatory action often resonate strongly in boardrooms because directors have fiduciary responsibilities and need confidence that sustainability claims are supported by reliable data and governance processes.
🌟 Mandatory climate disclosure reporting is accelerating this trend. More than 6,000 Australian companies are expected to be affected by reporting requirements that include disclosure of climate-related risks and financial impacts, with assurance and auditing requirements increasing over time. Dr Mark Siebentritt describes the changes as among the most significant developments in financial reporting in recent years.
🚩 One challenge is the compressed timeframe facing organisations. While businesses may previously have developed gradual sustainability roadmaps, climate disclosure requirements and greenwashing regulations are now converging. Companies are under pressure to strengthen governance, reporting systems and evidence frameworks much sooner than many originally anticipated.
🚩 Another challenge relates to artificial intelligence. While AI can help organisations process large and complex datasets, identify patterns and improve reporting efficiency, Dr Mark Siebentritt warns that businesses cannot rely on technology alone. Climate risks remain real-world challenges that require informed judgement, credible analysis and high-quality information. AI-generated outputs that lack accuracy or real-world validation could create significant governance risks.
🌟 AI nevertheless presents important opportunities. Used appropriately, it can support the analysis of vast climate datasets, help uncover trends and strengthen reporting processes. However, organisations must ensure the resulting disclosures are based on robust evidence if they are to meet expectations for investment-grade reporting.
⚠️ Looking ahead, Dr Mark Siebentritt believes one of the biggest emerging greenwashing risks involves emissions-reduction targets. Organisations are increasingly required to disclose targets and explain how they intend to achieve them. This means broad declarations about achieving net zero or carbon neutrality are no longer sufficient without supporting evidence and realistic implementation pathways.
⚠️ He describes this as a potential "Greenwashing 2.0" challenge. The future risk may not be false marketing claims but rather targets that lack credible plans, achievable pathways or practical actions. Companies will need to demonstrate not only what they aim to achieve, but also how they will deliver measurable outcomes over time. For multinational organisations in particular, global commitments will need to be translated into credible local strategies and actions.
💡 Why it matters:
The sustainability landscape is rapidly maturing. As climate reporting requirements expand and regulatory scrutiny intensifies, organisations face growing expectations around transparency, evidence and accountability. Sustainability claims are no longer judged solely by what companies say, but increasingly by the quality of their data, governance and execution. The next generation of greenwashing risk may centre on ambitious climate promises that cannot be realistically delivered. For boards, executives and investors, the challenge will be ensuring environmental commitments are supported by credible plans, measurable actions and robust disclosure frameworks.
🎙️ Sources:
Dr Mark Siebentritt, executive director, Edge Impact
Michelle Baltazar, host, The Greener Way
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Greenwashing meets mandatory climate disclosure
01:24 – How Edge Impact's work has evolved
02:49 – Sustainability moves into finance, governance and risk teams
03:30 – The evolution of greenwashing from ethics to regulation
04:33 – Why boards are paying closer attention
06:16 – The impact of mandatory climate reporting
08:00 – Can AI accelerate climate disclosure reporting?
09:00 – The limits of AI and investment-grade reporting
10:35 – The emerging greenwashing risk nobody is talking about
11:00 – Why emissions targets now require evidence and action plans
12:07 – Greenwashing 2.0: From false claims to false targets
13:01 – Final reflections on regulation and accountability
🌿 We record on Gadigal Land and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
🌿 Can committing just 1% of revenue help businesses drive meaningful environmental impact?
❓ Question: Can a relatively small commitment of 1% of annual revenue create measurable environmental outcomes, strengthen business performance and help companies embed sustainability into their long-term strategy?
✅ Answer: According to Kate Williams, chief executive officer of 1% for the Planet, the answer is yes – provided businesses treat environmental giving as a core operational expense rather than a discretionary donation. The organisation encourages members to commit at least 1% of annual revenue, not profits, to vetted environmental causes every year, regardless of business conditions. This approach is designed to integrate environmental responsibility directly into corporate strategy, planning and financial decision-making.
Founded in 2002, 1% for the Planet connects businesses with environmental partners across four key impact areas: just economies, resilient communities, rights to nature, and conservation and restoration. Member companies can direct their contributions according to their own sustainability priorities, while the organisation verifies and certifies their commitments.
🌟 One of the key insights from the discussion is why the 1% figure has endured for almost 25 years. Williams explains that 1% is both psychologically accessible and financially meaningful. It feels achievable for most organisations, yet when applied to annual revenue rather than profit, it becomes a substantial long-term commitment that can fund significant environmental initiatives.
🌟 The strongest area of support among members is resilient communities, which accounts for roughly 40% of certified contributions. Williams says this reflects growing recognition that environmental issues are fundamentally linked to people and communities. Businesses increasingly want their sustainability efforts to deliver both environmental and social outcomes, particularly as climate impacts become more visible.
🌟 Climate-related causes are receiving increasing attention. Climate adaptation attracted approximately $25 million in certified giving during 2025, representing around 22% of all contributions certified by the organisation. Renewable energy funding also experienced significant year-on-year growth, highlighting the increasing focus companies are placing on climate solutions.
🚩 One challenge is maintaining sustainability commitments during periods of economic pressure. Businesses globally are dealing with cost-of-living pressures, margin compression and uncertain economic conditions. In these environments, environmental spending can be perceived as an additional cost rather than a strategic investment.
🚩 Another challenge is demonstrating commercial value. Williams notes that organisations must be able to link environmental commitments to tangible business outcomes such as customer loyalty, brand differentiation, talent attraction and employee retention. Without a compelling business case, sustainability initiatives may struggle to gain long-term support from leadership teams and stakeholders.
🌟 To address these concerns, 1% for the Planet emphasises flexibility. Companies can contribute through cash donations, products or professional services. For example, a marketing agency may provide pro bono services to a non-profit partner, allowing businesses to maintain commitments even in years when cash budgets are constrained.
🌟 Williams also highlights the long-term strategic view. She argues that business viability ultimately depends on a healthy environment and functioning communities. Framing sustainability investments through this lens helps organisations move beyond short-term financial pressures and focus on long-term resilience and value creation.
⚠️ Looking ahead, one area of opportunity is the technology sector. Despite technology companies often generating significant revenues and strong margins, Williams says the sector remains underrepresented within the organisation's membership. She sees substantial potential for technology firms to play a larger role in funding environmental initiatives as stakeholder expectations continue to evolve.
⚠️ The organisation is also continuing to invest in its global community of members. Through events, peer networks and ongoing support, businesses can share ideas, refine their giving strategies and learn from others facing similar sustainability challenges. According to Williams, participation is designed to be an evolving journey rather than a one-off commitment.
💡 Why it matters:
As sustainability expectations expand beyond emissions reductions and reporting requirements, businesses are increasingly being asked what direct contribution they are making to environmental and social outcomes. Models such as 1% for the Planet aim to move environmental responsibility from the margins of corporate strategy into core business operations. By linking environmental giving to revenue rather than profits, organisations can create more predictable and accountable funding streams while potentially strengthening customer relationships, employee engagement and long-term business resilience.
🎙️ Sources:
• Kate Williams, chief executive officer, 1% for the Planet
• Michelle Baltazar, host, The Greener Way
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Why 1% of revenue became the benchmark
01:30 – How 1% for the Planet works
03:10 – The rationale behind revenue-based giving
05:00 – Trends in environmental funding and impact areas
06:00 – Why resilient communities receive the most support
07:00 – Climate adaptation and renewable energy funding growth
09:00 – Maintaining commitments during economic pressure
10:00 – The business case for environmental giving
12:00 – Flexible contribution models and in-kind giving
13:00 – Opportunities in the technology sector
15:20 – How businesses can join 1% for the Planet
16:20 – Community-building and member support
Link: https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/
🌿 We record on Gadigal Land and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
🌿 Can carbon recycling turn industrial emissions into profitable products?
❓ Question:
Can captured carbon dioxide be transformed into valuable commercial products, and could this help heavy industries such as cement, steel and mining accelerate their path to net zero while creating new business opportunities?
✅ Answer:
According to Sophia Hamblin Wang, co-founder and chief operating officer of MCi Carbon, carbon dioxide should no longer be viewed as a waste product. Instead, it can become a feedstock for new industrial materials, creating a commercial incentive for companies to capture emissions rather than release them into the atmosphere.
MCi Carbon was founded in 2013 to commercialise a process known as mineral carbonation, which permanently locks CO₂ into mineral products that can be used across industries including cement, plasterboard, refractories, paper and construction materials. The company's vision emerged from research highlighting mineral carbonation as a viable long-term carbon storage solution, but at the time there were few examples of the technology being deployed at scale.
🌟 A major milestone was recently achieved with the opening of what MCi Carbon describes as the world's first fully integrated carbon refinery in Newcastle. The demonstration facility can permanently store approximately 2,500 tonnes of CO₂ each year while producing around 10,000 tonnes of low-carbon materials for industrial use.
🚩 One challenge highlighted in the discussion is the ongoing uncertainty around climate policy frameworks. While governments and corporations have broadly committed to net zero by 2050, many of the regulatory mechanisms needed to support large-scale decarbonisation are still evolving. Carbon markets, emissions trading schemes and standards continue to develop across different jurisdictions, creating uncertainty for climate technology companies seeking to scale globally.
🚩 Another challenge is convincing industrial companies to adopt new technologies at scale. Heavy industries have traditionally faced limited commercially viable options for reducing emissions, particularly in sectors such as steel, cement and chemicals where emissions are difficult to eliminate. Success depends not only on environmental performance, but also on economics, operational integration and customer demand for lower-carbon materials.
🌟 One of MCi Carbon's differentiators is that its business model does not rely solely on carbon credits or emissions trading schemes. The company has designed its technology to generate revenue through the sale of valuable products created from captured CO₂. In some cases, customers are interested purely in removing emissions from their operations, leading to what Sophia describes as "carbon removal as a service".
🌟 The technology is also designed as a "bolt-on" solution that can be installed alongside existing industrial facilities. By locating operations close to major emitters, MCi Carbon can take captured CO₂ and convert it directly into useful materials, lowering barriers to adoption for industrial customers.
⚠️ Looking ahead, Sophia believes the next 18 months could be a pivotal period for industrial decarbonisation technologies. As pressure grows for heavy industries to reduce emissions and more governments establish climate transition frameworks, demand for commercially viable carbon utilisation technologies is expected to increase significantly. The company is also exploring opportunities linked to sustainable finance, including green bonds and infrastructure-style investment models.
💡 Why it matters:
Heavy industries account for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet they remain among the hardest sectors to decarbonise. Technologies that can transform captured carbon into commercially valuable products offer a potentially powerful alternative to treating emissions solely as a compliance or waste-management problem. If successful, carbon recycling could help industries reduce emissions, unlock new revenue streams and accelerate progress towards net zero while creating entirely new markets for low-carbon materials.
🎙️ Sources:
• Sophia Hamblin Wang, co-founder and chief operating officer, MCi Carbon
• Michelle Baltazar, host, The Greener Way podcast
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to carbon recycling and industrial decarbonisation
01:30 – Why MCi Carbon was founded
04:15 – Building a carbon refinery in Australia
07:10 – Global investors and strategic partners
10:15 – Europe and Japan expansion plans
11:45 – Regulatory uncertainty and net-zero frameworks
13:00 – Carbon removal as a service explained
14:10 – Opportunities in steel, cement and heavy industry
15:15 – Future growth, green bonds and scaling commercial plants
16:00 – Why the next 18 months will be critical
🌿 We record on Gadigal Land and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
🤖 Can good AI governance help companies become long-term winners?
❓ Question:
How are Australian company boards approaching artificial intelligence, and can strong AI governance help companies create long-term value while managing emerging risks?
✅ Answer:
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming an investment issue rather than simply a technology issue. According to Sue Lyn Stubbs, associate director in sustainable investing at Fidelity International, investors are increasingly assessing not only whether companies are adopting AI, but how effectively boards are governing its implementation.
To better understand the state of AI governance in Australia, Fidelity engaged with 31 ASX-listed companies across sectors including financials, healthcare, technology and real estate. The research focused on five areas: strategy and value creation, board oversight and skills, risk and controls, governance and ethical AI, and workforce impacts.
One of the key findings was that many companies remain in the early stages of AI adoption. Fidelity's assessment framework, based on Microsoft's AI maturity model, required an additional category "Stage Zero" to classify companies that were not yet actively implementing AI. Most organisations currently sit between experimentation, pilot programs and early operational use.
🚩 One of the key governance red flags was a disconnect between executives and boards. In some cases, CEOs described ambitious AI strategies and extensive use cases, while boards appeared significantly more conservative in their understanding of AI opportunities. This mismatch raised questions about strategic alignment and whether AI investments were being directed effectively across the organisation.
🚩 Another concern was the absence of clearly defined "no-go" areas for AI. While many boards acknowledged potential risks, few could clearly articulate where AI should not be used, particularly in sensitive areas such as workforce surveillance or customer decision-making that could create biased outcomes. As AI becomes more embedded across organisations, investors are likely to expect stronger guardrails and clearer accountability.
🌟 Despite these challenges, the research highlighted several examples of emerging best practice. Leading companies are investing in AI talent, building internal capability, expanding workforce training and, in some cases, incorporating AI-related measures into employee incentive programs. Some companies are also engaging directly with regulators and policymakers on the future development of AI governance frameworks.
From an investment perspective, Stubbs believes strong AI governance could become an important indicator of long-term success. Drawing comparisons with previous technology disruptions, she argues that companies that can adapt their business models, embrace change and govern emerging technologies effectively may be better positioned to create sustainable shareholder value.
⚠️ The report also challenges the common assumption that "human in the loop" oversight is enough to manage AI risks. While human review remains important, there is a growing risk that employees become overly reliant on AI-generated outputs. Boards may eventually need additional layers of monitoring and control to manage potential errors, compliance issues and unintended consequences. Meanwhile, the growing use of unauthorised AI tools by employees, sometimes referred to as "shadow AI", presents another governance challenge for organisations seeking to protect intellectual property and manage operational risk.
Ultimately, the research suggests that investors should view AI governance as more than a compliance exercise. A board's ability to oversee AI effectively may provide valuable insights into whether a company can adapt, compete and thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.
💡 Why it matters:
Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, workforces and business models at an unprecedented pace. While much of the public discussion focuses on productivity gains and innovation, investors are increasingly concerned with governance, accountability and risk management. Companies that can successfully balance AI opportunity with strong oversight may be better positioned to create long-term value, while those that fail to establish appropriate guardrails risk operational, reputational and strategic setbacks.
🎙️ Sources:
• Sue Lyn Stubbs, associate director, sustainable investing, Fidelity International
• Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media, FS Sustainability
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Why AI governance matters for investors
02:05 – Researching AI adoption across 31 ASX companies
04:59 – Understanding AI maturity and Stage Zero
07:33 – Red flags and governance gaps
11:39 – Examples of emerging best practice
15:25 – Linking AI governance to long-term value creation
17:51 – Why "human in the loop" may not be enough
19:50 – The risks of shadow AI
21:25 – What boards should focus on next
Link: Insights from Fidelity International’s 2025 Australian AGM season AI governance survey
🌿 We record on Gadigal Land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Can responsible investors justify defence exposure?
Question:
Can investors responsibly invest in defence companies while managing ESG risks, and where should they draw the line?
Answer:
Defence investing has become increasingly relevant as global conflict and government spending rise, but it remains complex for ESG-focused investors. According to Jess Cairns, head of responsible investment at Alphinity, the key is not blanket avoidance but having a clear, practical framework that balances responsible investing with investment opportunity.
Most investors already apply strict exclusions to controversial weapons (such as nuclear or banned weapons), often at a zero-revenue threshold. However, beyond that, there is significant variation across the industry, especially when it comes to conventional weapons and indirect exposure.
A major challenge is “dual-use” companies. Many industrial and technology firms produce components that can be used in both civilian and military applications, making it difficult to clearly classify exposure. Cairns notes that even small, generic components can end up in weapons systems, making traditional dual-use vs single-use distinctions unreliable in practice.
Instead, Alphinity’s approach is to:
• Apply a hard exclusion to companies directly manufacturing weapons.
• Allow some indirect exposure (e.g. components or services), but with strict limits.
• Use enhanced due diligence to assess how products are used, who they are sold to, and whether there are risks linked to conflict zones or human rights issues.
This due diligence includes analysing end markets, government contracts, sanctions compliance, and any controversies linked to misuse. For example, a company with a small portion of revenue tied indirectly to defence (around 5% in one case discussed) may still be investable if risks are well understood and managed.
However, the hardest decisions arise when companies are linked to active conflicts. Even minimal revenue exposure can create significant ethical and reputational concerns. In some cases, companies have limited control over how their products are ultimately used, forcing investors to weigh financial materiality against potential human rights implications.
Ultimately, responsible defence investing is about clarity and consistency, not perfection. Investors can participate in the sector, but only if they set clear boundaries, apply rigorous analysis, and remain accountable to stakeholders.
Why it matters:
Defence is no longer a niche or easily excluded sector, it’s becoming a meaningful driver of returns in global markets. At the same time, it carries significant ESG risks, particularly around human rights and conflict exposure. Investors who fail to define their approach may either miss opportunities or take unintended risks. A clear framework helps balance performance with responsibility and builds trust with clients and stakeholders.
Sources:
• Jess Cairns, head of responsible investment, Alphinity
• Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media, FS Sustainability
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why defence investing is back on the agenda
01:19 – How investors began reassessing the sector
02:45 – Mapping exposure and company disclosures
04:50 – Why dual-use classifications break down
07:14 – Building a practical investment framework
11:44 – Balancing risk and return
14:34 – Real-world ethical dilemmas and case studies
18:30 – Key insights from the responsible investment report
We record on Gadigal Land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
https://www.fssustainability.com.au/
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Portfolio poison: How ignoring modern slavery risks your returns
Question:
Why does modern slavery persist despite Australia’s Modern Slavery Act, and what practical steps can investors and fund managers take to drive real change beyond compliance?
Answer:
Modern slavery remains a global issue, with an estimated 50 million people affected. Australia’s Modern Slavery Act has increased awareness but hasn’t yet reduced incidents. According to Måns Carlsson, OAM, head of ESG at Ausbil Active Sustainable Equity, the key is moving beyond a “compliance mindset” to genuine leadership. This means harmonising laws internationally, adopting human rights due diligence (not just reporting), and using investor influence for practical engagement with companies.
Investors can’t guarantee portfolios are free from modern slavery risk, but they can:
• Incentivise suppliers to meet responsible sourcing standards, focusing on deeper supply chain tiers (not just tier one).
• Use tools like worker voice technology for real-time feedback, rather than relying solely on annual audits.
• Collaborate with other investors and advocate for stronger, harmonised laws (e.g., import bans on goods made with forced labour).
• Support companies to improve, rewarding progress rather than demanding perfection.
The real power lies in ongoing, practical engagement and policy advocacy, not just risk assessments or box-ticking.
Why it matters:
Modern slavery is not just a legal or ethical issue—it’s a material risk for companies and investors. Reputational damage (as seen with Boohoo in the UK) can hit share prices hard and fast. As global regulation tightens, companies that fail to act may find their goods blocked from key markets. For investors, supporting companies to improve standards helps reduce risk, avoid negative surprises, and contribute to positive change.
Sources:
• Måns Carlsson, head of ESG, Ausbil Active Sustainable Equity
• Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media, FS Sustainability
• RIAA Human Rights Working Group toolkits
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why modern slavery persists; need for global collaboration
02:01 – Investor relevance: reputational risk, earnings sustainability
05:51 – Harmonisation, human rights due diligence, import bans
08:40 – Practical steps: engagement, worker voice tools, supplier incentives
13:19 – Responsible purchasing and unintended consequences
16:40 – Monitoring deeper supply chain tiers
18:32 – Accountability and ongoing engagement
20:54 – ESG, risk management, and performance
We record on Gadigal Land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
https://www.fssustainability.com.au/
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Is Your Portfolio Missing Out? The Green Bond Boom Explained
Question:
How have green bonds evolved, what risks and opportunities do they present for investors, and what are the biggest misconceptions about this asset class?
Answer:
Green bonds have grown into a US $2 trillion global market, with Europe leading but APAC and emerging markets catching up. According to Johann Ple, senior portfolio manager at BNP Paribas Asset Management, green bonds now offer broad sector diversification and transparency, making them a credible alternative to conventional bonds. Risks are similar to traditional bonds (interest rates, credit spreads), but greenwashing and sector concentration require careful due diligence. Misconceptions about lower returns (“greenium”) are fading, and green bonds are increasingly viable for all investors, not just those focused on sustainability. Australian super funds and institutional investors can now build custom strategies, aligning portfolios with net zero ambitions without sacrificing performance.
Why it matters:
For investors, green bonds represent a way to combine positive environmental impact with competitive returns and transparency. The asset class is mature enough for custom strategies, with over 800 issuers and broad sector representation. Understanding the risks and debunking myths is crucial for informed allocation, especially as demand grows in Australia and globally.
Sources:
• Johann Ple, senior portfolio manager, BNP Paribas Asset Management
• Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media, FS Sustainability
• Responsible Investing Association Australia
• EU Green Bond Standards, APAC market data
Timestamps:
00:00 US as a missed opportunity for green bonds
02:07 Market size: $2 trillion, Europe dominates, APAC and emerging markets rising
03:50 Sector diversification: utilities, banks, real estate, transport, telecom
06:54 Risks: conventional bond risks, greenwashing, sector concentration
09:00 Greenwashing: issuer and project due diligence
11:25 Australia’s role: investor and issuer, custom strategies for super funds
13:03 Misconceptions: returns, “greenium”, ESG backlash
16:54 Growth drivers: APAC, emerging markets, not just Europe
We record on Gadigal land and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
https://www.fssustainability.com.au/
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
A conversation with Josh Gilbert, head of geospatial strategy, ISS STOXX Sustainability, on how geospatial intelligence is reshaping climate and nature risk analysis for investors.
Data overload or data goldmine? Investors race to decode nature’s signals
Question:
How can geospatial tools help investors move from climate risk mapping to nature risk management, and what does this mean for investment decisions?
Answer:
Geospatial data, like satellite imagery and sensor data, has moved from being a reporting tool to a strategic asset for investors. According to Josh Gilbert, head of geospatial strategy, ISS STOXX Sustainability, the challenge is no longer data starvation but “data digestion”: translating abundant, complex environmental data into clear, actionable financial insights. Sectors with tangible assets (like mining, real estate, and infrastructure) are most directly impacted, but as supply chains and nature risks become more visible, all asset classes are affected. The investors who learn to integrate geospatial and nature data into their decision-making will gain a competitive edge.
Why it matters:
For investors, this shift means that understanding climate and nature risks is no longer optional or just a compliance exercise. The ability to interpret and act on geospatial data will increasingly drive portfolio resilience, risk management, and even alpha generation. Those who treat nature and climate data as core investment signals, not just pretty dashboards, will be better positioned in a volatile, changing world.
Sources:
• Josh Gilbert, head of geospatial strategy, ISS Stoxx Sustainability
• Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media, FS Sustainability
• European Space Agency, SustGlobal, Responsible Investing Association Australia
• Industry frameworks: TCFD, IFRS, SASB
Timestamps:
00:00 Data digestion vs data starvation
01:15 Guest background: from economics to geospatial strategy
03:22 Why investors struggle with climate and nature risk
04:59 How geospatial data moves from reporting to real investment insight
06:22 Sectors most impacted by climate and nature risk
08:44 Misconceptions: dashboards vs actionable metrics
10:53 Nature risk management: real-world examples
12:32 The next decade: AI, numeric models, and financial integration
15:32 Competitive edge for early adopters
16:56 Final thoughts and wrap-up
We record on Gadigal land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
https://www.fssustainability.com.au/
*Both FS Sustainability and ISS STOXX Sustainability are owned by ISS STOXX.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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HALO trade: Why hard assets are the new gold for sustainable investors
Question:
What is the HALO trade, and why are asset-heavy companies suddenly attracting investor attention in the age of AI and decarbonisation?
Short answer:
The HALO trade (Hard Assets, Low Obsolescence) is reshaping investment strategies. According to Dierdre Cooper, companies tied to physical infrastructure (like grids, pipelines, and industrial equipment) are seeing renewed growth as AI drives demand for electricity and hard assets. Unlike asset-light sectors threatened by automation, these companies are essential for electrification and climate solutions. Investors who focus on this theme may benefit from attractive valuations and strong growth, especially as decarbonisation and electrification accelerate globally.
Why it matters:
For sustainable investors, the HALO trade highlights a shift from tech and asset-light stocks to companies with tangible, enduring value. Understanding this trend means recognising the importance of infrastructure, energy storage, and electrification in a world increasingly powered by AI and climate technology. Missing this shift could mean missing out on the next wave of growth and resilience in global portfolios.
Sources:
• Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media, FS Sustainability
• Dierdre Cooper, head of sustainable equity, Ninety One
• Ninety One Global Environment strategy
• Companies: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), Hongfa Technology, Shaman Electric Co., Limited, Infineon Technologies, TE Connectivity
• Industry context: MSCI All Country World Index, decarbonisation trends
Timestamps:
00:00 Asset-heavy companies and electrification
00:29 HALO trade explained
01:24 Ninety One’s sustainable investing approach
03:15 Global environment strategy vs traditional equity
06:11 AI, asset-light vs asset-heavy sectors
08:32 Data centres and electricity demand
11:30 PE multiples and growth outlook
13:13 Market cycles and investor sentiment
14:28 Electricity as “all of the above” solution
17:25 Exciting trends for the next decade
19:52 Autonomous robots and electrification
20:42 Risks and selectivity in thematic investing
21:33 Wrap-up and final thoughts
We record on Gadigal Land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
https://www.fssustainability.com.au/
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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AI, Workplace Culture and Labor Rights: Why human capital risk is financially material
This week on The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Emily DeMasi, regional team lead - North America EOS at Federated Hermes, about why human capital risks, such as workplace culture, harassment and violence, labour rights, and supply chain conditions, are financially material for investors through impacts on productivity, reputation, and long-term returns.
DeMasi explains how stewardship engagement assesses human capital using employee surveys, whistleblower mechanisms, and core disclosure metrics such as workforce size (including gig and contract workers), turnover, demographics, and total workforce cost.
They discuss AI’s double-edged impact, from efficiencies and training needs to job displacement anxiety and potential worker surveillance.
00:39 Why human capital matters
02:45 Workplace harassment as material risk
04:29 Do employee surveys work?
05:50 Investor engagement metrics
07:55 AI workforce disruption
11:13 Case studies
13:43 Best practice supply chain frameworks
16:18 Why stewardship is crucial
17:42 Looking ahead on AI and governance
We record on Gadigal land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
https://www.fssustainability.com.au/
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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Why Australia Is a Clean Energy Investment Hotspot: Solar, Wind, Batteries & Energy Security | Joost Bergsma
On The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Joost Bergsma, global head of energy at Nuveen Infrastructure, about clean energy investing, energy security, and why Australia is attractive for large-scale renewables.
Bergsma reflects on his the last two decades in the sector and describes how capital raising has evolved from needing to explain basic technologies to today’s dedicated institutional infrastructure teams, alongside greater competition.
He explains clean energy investments across solar, onshore/offshore wind and battery storage that appeal to Nuveen’s institutional clients.
He also highlights what’s new in the battery storage sector and Australia’s land-driven scale advantages versus Europe.
For investors just entering the clean energy sector, he explains the need to address China-concentrated supply chains and Australia’s grid buildout needs.
01:02 A career milestone in clean energy
02:13 Capital raising outlook
03:09 Nuveen infrastructure strategy
04:43 Geopolitics and energy security
06:47 Data centres and demand surge
08:41 Risk return spectrum explained
09:45 Australian investor appetite
10:54 Nuveen’s local pipeline
12:04 Ten-year outlook on batteries
14:40 What could go wrong?
We record on Gadigal land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
https://www.fssustainability.com.au/
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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Who Really pays tariffs? Stanford economist breaks down the hidden consumer cost
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Stanford University economist Luke Heeney about the often-overlooked social impacts of industrial policy, focusing on the 2025 US tariffs and their effects on the automotive sector.
Heeney explains why accounting for tariffs on intermediate inputs is crucial, finding that many US producers lose billions when parts are included, with only one company coming out ahead due to greater domestic sourcing.
He also finds the largest percentage of financial losses fall on the lowest-income households, costing billions of dollars.
00:00 Who pays tariffs?
00:58 Industrial policy focus
03:11 Tariffs study setup
04:30 Key findings explained
06:27 Lessons for Australia
07:37 Why impacts are overlooked
09:37 Staggering consumer costs
12:04 Building better toolkits
14:27 What the government can do
We record on Gadigal land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
https://www.fssustainability.com.au/
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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Critical Minerals Supercycle? How AI, Clean Energy & Geopolitics Are Reshaping Supply Chains
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar chats with Vinnay Cchoda, responsible investment manager at BetaShares, about the predicted shortage of some critical minerals in the next couple of decades and how that could force a resetting of investment expectations and strategies.
Cchoda says the convergence of electrification, AI-driven data center buildout, and unstable geopolitics is causing supply chain issues.
He argues that the supercycle of critical minerals is directionally right but too simplistic, with uneven outcomes across the different types of minerals. For example, lithium and nickel are seeing faster supply responses and price corrections, while copper has hit new highs.
The discussion highlights why investors need to look at their diversification strategies and how to respond to the cycles within the supercycle impacting investment outcomes.
Read: Critical minerals in the age of AI and tariffs (Link: https://www.fssustainability.com.au/article/critical-minerals-in-the-age-of-ai-and-tariffs)
01:08 Three forces converge
04:17 Supercycle creates uneven outcomes
07:27 When AI meets clean energy
09:06 Predicted 40% supply shortage
10:52 Supply chain bottlenecks
13:05 Investor playbook
We record on Gadigal land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders, past and present.
https://www.fssustainability.com.au/
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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Deep Green vs Medium Green Investing: Returns, Volatility & ESG Trade-Offs | The Greener Way
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with financial adviser Alex Jameison of Jamieson Private Wealthabout how investors reassess sustainability preferences amid fuel shortages, energy insecurity, and geopolitical shocks.
Jamieson explains starting with a client’s values and ESG preferences, clarifying what they want to exclude or include (such as mining, defense, tobacco), and discussing “levels of greenness” and potential performance trade-offs—especially when sectors like materials or oil and gas outperform. He notes medium-green portfolios may not see major performance trade-offs, while very deep-green approaches can increase volatility due to concentration and may require a more global investment mindset, with Europe offering larger opportunities than Australia.
02:03 Deep green vs returns
03:54 Explaining cycle differences
05:25 Volatility and global diversification
06:15 Investor expectations and greenwashing
07:59 ESG options and advisor role
09:45 Geopolitics and renewables trends
We record on Gadigal land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
https://www.fssustainability.com.au/
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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Green loans & cheaper home batteries: How the CEFC Is Powering Australia’s Household Energy Transition
This week on The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar chats with Grace Tam, head of consumer finance at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), on how the Australian government, through the CEFC, is driving record levels of green loan applications.
According to the CEFC, the number of loans made under the Household Energy Upgrades Fund™ more than doubled between the first and second halves of 2025, up by 158 per cent. More than 4,100 loans have been made and over 10,000 technology installations completed since the fund was launched.
Tam explains what's worked, the misconceptions around green loans and how lenders are adopting a new approach to appeal to investors and 'green' households.
00:49 What is the CEFC's purpose?
01:02 The latest on the $1bn Household Energy Upgrades Fund
02:33 What is a green loan?
03:21 The green lending ecosystem
05:38 The uptake and key lessons
07:16 The rise of virtual power plants
08:41 Has the risk around green lending changed?
09:54 Barriers and the need for more consumer education
11:10 How lenders are partnering with third parties
12:53 A small window of opportunity
We record on Gadigal land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders, past and present.
https://www.fssustainability.com.au/
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What does it actually mean to become a B Corp, and is it worth the effort? In this episode, UNLESS Financial chief sustainability officer and financial adviser Marissa Theodorou talks us through the journey she and the UNLESS team went through recently to become B Corp certified.
Breaking down the business case, timeline, key pillars, and common pitfalls of the process, Theodorou explains why the certification is more than just a badge and highlights the tangible benefits that come with it.
She also touches on how the certification process has been strengthened in recent times to ensure businesses are truly balancing profit with positive impact.
We record on Gadigal land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
https://www.fssustainability.com.au/
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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On a recent visit to Sydney, MSCI's global head of sustainability and climate index Sebastien Lieblich sat down with The Greener Way to shed light on how institutional investors, particularly superannuation funds, are changing their approach to climate investing.
Gone are the days of simply excluding or divesting companies, he says. Asset owners are looking more closely at the role benchmarks and index design can play in implementing their goals, embedding climate considerations in investment strategies.
Lieblich also touches on the potential ramifications of the current geopolitical environment and how a disruption to traditional energy sources and supplies could impact the global transition.
We record on Gadigal land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
https://www.fssustainability.com.au/
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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Quant + ESG Without the Black Box: Transparent Sustainable Investing with AXA IM’s Ram Rasaratnam | The Greener Way
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Ram Rasaratnam, CIO of Equity Quant Investing at AXA IM, part of BNP Paribas, about some of the misconceptions about quant investing, including calling it a ‘black box’.
Describing it instead as “fundamental investing at scale”, Ram explains how sustainability portfolios can be built with clearly defined steps that show both the ESG overlays and the fund manager’s core fundamental decisions.
Asked on the impact of AI, Ram shares how the latest technology has transformed the fund’s investment toolbox - but that the market, despite all the quant analysis in the world, still keeps him on his toes.
01:38 Quant as fundamentals at scale
03:39 Separating ESG and returns
05:27 Machine learning toolbox
07:42 Markets keep changing
08:54 Mindset shift for ESG quants
We record on Gadigal land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.
https://www.fssustainability.com.au/
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Energy security vs net zero: What Australia’s new “fuel czar” means for investors
This week on The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with economist Nicki Hutley about energy security after the federal government appointed Anthea Harris as a new “fuel czar” to oversee Australia’s fuel supply amid Middle East conflict and rising oil and LNG prices.
Hutley explains how fuel supply risks flow through the whole economy—from transport and manufacturing to agriculture—and why petrol demand is relatively inelastic.
They discuss how short-term fuel security measures should not derail Australia’s net zero reduction targets, arguing governments can address near-term risks while accelerating renewable rollout and planning.
00:13 Energy security returns
01:03 Why a fuel czar?
02:08 Fuel shocks hit economy
04:39 Renewables and net zero
06:38 Keep transition moving
07:55 Investing in energy security
09:36 Uncertainty and budget watch
Links: https://www.nickihutleyeconomics.com.au/
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Australia’s mandatory climate reporting (2026): What investors need to know | Dr Mary Stewart (ERM)
This week on The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Dr Mary Stewart of ERM about Australia’s new mandatory climate disclosure regime introduced in 2024 and what the first wave of calendar‑year reports, due next month, means for investors, boards, and markets.
Dr. Stewart frames climate as a knowable risk with opportunity, urging investors to look for clear, accessible disclosure of what companies know, don’t know, and how they will close gaps on issues like scope 3 and scenario analysis, and argues strong Australian reporting could raise global investor expectations.
01:29 What mandatory reporting is
02:22 Who must report first
03:41 Early report quality check
05:43 Adequate versus gold standard
07:23 CEO And CFO ownership
09:49 Sector risks and market impact
13:16 Investor checklist for disclosures
15:01 Australia sets global expectations
15:52 Wrap up and disclaimer
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Gender pay gaps in financial services: What WGEA’s new targets mean for employers & investors
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar talks with Mary Wooldridge, CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), about why gender equality in financial services matters and how new national reforms will affect employers, investors and super funds.
Wooldridge explains that WGEA collects yearly gender‑equality data from businesses with more than 100 employees and publishes their gender pay gaps. The latest results show some improvement, with an overall median pay gap of 11.2%, but a much higher 21.4% in financial services, along with ongoing imbalances across pay levels.
She also outlines new rules requiring large organisations to set and meet gender‑equality targets over three years, with public reporting and consequences for those that fall behind.
01:01 How pay gaps are measured
03:01 Key findings and stats
04:42 Financial services reality check
05:55 Reforms and target setting
06:58 Compliance and consequences
08:10 Choosing the right targets
09:44 What works in practice
11:56 Board and C-suite accountability
14:35 On ESG and gender equality
Links: WGEA Data Explorer
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Indigenous Cultural Heritage Protection: Investor Risk, Responsibility & First Nations-Led Governance | The Greener Way
This week on The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Kado Muir, chair of the National Native Title Council ahead of the RIAA Conference in May where Muir is one of the panelists on a session titled, “Indigenous Cultural Heritage Protection: Investor Risk and Responsibility”.
Muir argues that tools already exist to protect indigenous heritage, but incentives and governance are lacking, including too few First Nations people in decision-making roles and boards.
He urges investors and governments to screen risks, work with First Nations governance institutions, and make cultural heritage protection a non-negotiable in boardroom discussions.
02:20 Responsible investment steps
03:46 Scorecards and governance gaps
06:46 Real world liability examples
11:45 Native title and investor risk
15:53 Building a virtuous cycle
17:50 Standardising with First Nations
19:05 Board representation is a blind spot
22:21 Five years after Juukan Gorge
23:40 Progress and podcast wrap
02:20 Responsible investment steps
03:46 Scorecards and governance gaps
06:46 Real world liability examples
11:45 Native title and investor risk
15:53 Building a virtuous cycle
19:05 Board representation blind spot
22:21 Five years after Juukan
23:40 Positive note and wrap
Links:
https://www.kadomuir.com.au/
Podcast: My culture story with Kado Muir
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Despite global sustainable funds recording more than US$80 billion in net outflows in 2025, Australia and New Zealand are bucking the trend and continue to attract new capital.
In this episode, Australian Ethical deputy chief investment officer John Woods unpacks how ESG investing is evolving in 2026, explaining why there's still plenty of opportunities out there for sustainable investors, the importance oftransparency, and the need for a reliable ESG fund labelling system.
He also breaks down Australian Ethical’s approach to investing in emerging markets, and how it's looking at renewables, climate tech, private credit, and solar‑driven infrastructure.
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This week on TGW, host Michelle Baltazar welcomes ESG and responsible investing leader Dr Ian Woods to discuss 'ESG Unlocked', a new book he has co-authored with Josh Dowse, which was written to address the disconnect between how companies and investors understand and apply ESG.
Woods explains that the book’s aim is to demystify ESG by reducing jargon, joining the dots between corporate and investment perspectives, and showing how ESG integration can support both sustainability outcomes and profits and investment returns.
00:42 Meet Dr. Ian Woods + introducing the book 'ESG Unlocked'
02:07 How the book was born: Bridging the company–investor disconnect
03:52 From climate pioneer to ESG mainstream: What changed over time
06:18 Case study: IAG’s investor-aligned climate journey
08:00 Common ESG investing myths: Divestment, materiality and performance
11:50 The ticking clock: Physical climate risk vs transition risk
14:34 Natural, social, human and financial capital: making ESG relevant
16:21 Behind the scenes: Writing during COVID + making ESG readable
19:04 The next decade: No more “ESG teams”?
Links: ESG Unlocked
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar from FS Sustainability, discusses the increasing climate-driven risks to data centers with Julia Leske, managing director at ISS Sustainability.
They explore the challenges posed by extreme heat and water stress on data centres globally. Julia shares insights from ISS's report, Actionable Insights: Top Sustainability Themes in 2026, revealing infrastructure vulnerabilities, the urgent need for resilient cooling systems and investment implications.
00:36 Exploring climate risks for data centres
01:06 Data centre resilience
01:44 The biggest climate threats to data centres
02:24 Case Study: Heat waves and water stress
03:47 Global analysis of data centre risks
04:07 Future projections and regional vulnerabilities
06:45 The need for advanced cooling technologies
09:02 Business continuity planning and gaps
Links: https://www.issgovernance.com/sustainability/actionable-insights-top-sustainability-themes-in-2026/
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the critical and complicated role of steel in the transition to a decarbonised future with Fidelity International's Sue-Lyn Stubbs.
They discuss the steel paradox and its essential role in economic growth, green technology development versus its high emissions footprint, the financial and regulatory implications, and the effect of methane emissions on the industry.
02:04 Understanding the steel paradox
04:10 Financial risks and opportunities in the steel value chain
06:35 The importance of methane emissions
07:49 Impact on Australian mining companies
08:33 Future of green steel technologies
10:44 Investor engagement and regulatory developments
16:03 The steel methane investor initiative
Links: The methane blindspot: Why investors are rethinking their steel value chain exposure
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Can we really trust the tools measuring biodiversity risk?
This week on TGW, Michelle Baltazar, Executive Director of Media at FS Sustainability, sits down with Dr. Jennifer Willetts of Franklin Templeton to unpack one of the biggest questions facing investors today: how do you actually measure biodiversity risk—and are current tools up to the task?
Dr. Willetts breaks down the challenges, the latest innovations, and the emerging opportunities for investors looking to understand their biodiversity footprint and drive more sustainable outcomes.
00:00 Introduction: Disagreement among biodiversity tools
00:29 Introducing Dr. Jennifer Willett and her research
01:30 The Complexity of biodiversity metrics
04:00 Key Findings from the biodiversity study
07:04 Challenges and solutions for investors
12:29 The Role of regulation in biodiversity risk
14:24 Emerging opportunities for investors
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Are investors adding sustainable ETFs to their portfolio?
This week on The Greener Way podcast, host Michelle Baltazar chats in the studio with Chris Brycki, founder and CEO of Stockpot, about the returns of sustainable ETFs and market trends that are driving fund inflows.
They delve into the growth and divergence in the ESG market, how sustainable ETFs compare with traditional ETFs, and how investors can align their personal values with their investment goals.
00:46 State of sustainable ETFs
02:07 Performance and comparison
03:54 Choosing the right sustainable ETF
05:34 Fees, transparency and ESG ratings
08:43 Challenges and considerations
14:08 Future outlook for sustainable ETFs
17:35 About StockSpot
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This week on 'The Greener Way', host Michelle Baltazar interviews Mike Harut, partner and responsible investment manager at $7bn fund manager Munro Partners.
Together they discuss the biggest misconceptions about the performance of renewable companies in the US, the green stocks that defied the odds in 2025 and why TINA (short for 'There Is No Alternative') underpin the future of renewables.
Mike also shares insights on how their Climate Leaders fund returned a strong 22 per cent in returns last year.
01:00 Munro Partners is a growth equities specialist
02:57 The renewable sector's performance: myths vs reality
06:30 The future of electricity demand in the US
13:11 China's revised emission targets and investment opportunities
14:44 Performance of the Climate Change Leaders Fund
20:10 What's next?
For more info on the Climate Change Leaders fund, see https://www.munropartners.com/. US utility NextEra’s Capital Markets Day shares research on the US electricity system here: https://www.investor.nexteraenergy.com/news-and-events/events-and-presentations/2025/12-08-2025
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Is now a good time to look for a new role in sustainability?
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the recruitment challenges and opportunities in the sustainability sector with Richard Evans, founder and chief executive of Talent Nation.
They explore critical issues including low staff retention rates, the necessity of executive support, and the impact of economic pressures on sustainability roles.
Richard emphasises the importance of hiring the right talent, understanding organisational needs, and the rising demand in 2026 for roles focused on disclosures and compliance.
00:58 Guest Introduction: Richard Evans
01:14 Retention issues on ESG roles
03:10 Survey insights on burnout and turnover
05:31 Challenges on the job
06:37 Solutions for staff retention and support
10:21 Blurring lines between roles
2:53 Current job market and opportunities
7:54 Final thoughts and practical tips
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
Great partnerships can make all the difference.
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar talks with Yossi Kraemer, co-head of capital partnerships and director of funds management at Salter Brothers.
In the year where the future of sustainable investing was hotly debated following greenwashing claims and reversal of climate policies in the US, Salter Brothers defied general sentiment and partnered with Kilara Capital to launch KSB Sustainable Investments. Why now, and what are the results?
Yossi explains the merits of sustainability and the impact of decarbonisation, electrification, and sustainable technologies on investment returns and how SMEs operate.
00:30 Guest Introduction: Yossi Kraemer
00:56 Background of Salter Brothers
01:48 The fund behind major hotel brands and boutiques
02:52 Teaming up with Kilara Capital
04:26 Growth opportunities and market trends
05:43 Electrification and energy efficiency
06:34 Investor returns and risks
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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2025 has been a milestone year for responsible investing.
This week on The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the year that was with Estelle Parker, co-chief executive of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA).
They discuss the organisation's key achievements and the trends that reshaped the sustainable sector in the year that saw US president Donald Trump reverse key ESG policies.
Estelle talks about how nature risks edged out climate risks as the key ESG issue this year and the investment scorecard of sustainable funds.
00:55 Key industry highlights
01:09 Global policy and regulatory developments
02:31 Australia's policy shifts and achievements
03:59 Addressing greenwashing concerns
04:21 Nature risks and investment opportunities
05:53 RIAA's engagement and committees
06:10 US political impact on ESG
07:44 Resilience of responsible investment markets
08:52 RIAA's 2025 milestones
11:34 Looking ahead to 2026
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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This week on The Greener Way Podcast, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the top sustainability trends of 2025 with Adam Verwey, co-founder of ethical investment platform Six.
In this episode, they dive into the surge of shareholder resolutions in Australia, key wins and setbacks on nature risk, greenwashing and the state of funding for sustainability startups.
01:23 Shareholder resolutions and their impact
04:01 Global vs. Australian shareholder sentiment
06:00 The rise of nature risk
07:41 Coles vs. Woolworths: which one is winning the sustainability stakes
10:24 Greenwashing: the penalty on Prime Super
12:48 The role of startups
14:20 Looking ahead to 2026
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar interviews Candace Coppere, head of Climate and Innovation Lab, Sustainability Business at ISS STOXX (parent company of FS Sustainability) about the latest in measuring and monitoring physical risks for real asset investors.
Coppere explains how fund managers and super funds can leverage geospatial AI to turn coarse global climate data into localised and more granular information. For example, AI and machine learning tools today can help convert wildfire projections from 100km grids to 300-meter estimates
Read the full report here: https://insights.issgovernance.com/posts/measuring-and-monitoring-physical-risk-for-real-asset-inve…).
*ISS STOXX is the parent company of FS Sustainability
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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COP30 Insights: Global Climate Challenges and Achievements
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar talks with Dr. Evan Center, senior manager for environment and climate change from the UN Global Compact Network Australia, about the key takeaways from the 30th annual UN Conference of the Parties (COP30) held in Brazil.
They discuss the conference milestones and disappointments, including the lack of progress on fossil fuel reduction.
Center provides insights into the role of businesses in sustainability, the significance of climate-related financial disclosures, and the impactful representation of indigenous voices at the conference.
02:38 Insights from COP30
04:27 On-the-ground perspective
08:43 Key takeaways for sustainability professionals
11:32 Looking ahead to COP31
13:57 Final thoughts and conclusion
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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Earlier in the year, First Sentier Group’s global head of responsible investment Kate Turner joined Jamie Williamson on The Greener Way to talk through the findings of the group’s inaugural Climate and Nature Report.
In this episode, we welcome her back to the podcast to reflect on First Sentier Group’s experience in adopting the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) reporting standards.
She shares key learnings from the process, the challenges faced and the areas First Sentier is still looking to improve upon.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of the Greener Way, we explore the intersection of AI and sustainability with host Michelle Baltazar and guest Scott Lane, founding chief executive of Speeki.
They delve into how Gen AI can improve whistleblowing programs, drive ESG initiatives and sustainability strategies for better corporate governance and compliance.
02:00 The role of technology in sustainability
03:59 Whistleblowing systems and AI
05:41 The evolution of Nicole: AI in action
07:44 Trust and effectiveness of AI systems
10:50 Future of AI in sustainability
13:27 Governance and monitoring of AI
16:28 Final thoughts
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of 'The Greener Way,' host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Jane Gibbs, national ESG advisory lead at Unwelt, to delve into the proposed environmental planning and assessment amendment reforms in New South Wales.
The discussion covers the implications of the reforms for the sustainability and investment sectors, highlighting the establishment of a housing delivery authority and a development coordination authority.
The conversation also explores the inclusion of climate resilience in the legislative changes and their expected impact on project development and approval processes.
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01:03 Introducing Jane Gibbs and her expertise
02:15 Understanding the environmental planning and assessment amendment
03:35 Significance of climate resilience in planning
04:32 Impact of the Housing Delivery Authority and Development Coordination Authority
05:05 Legislative process and expected timeline
07:21 Streamlining approvals for sustainability
11:31 Climate change and natural disasters: Implications for investors
14:48 Final thoughts and future outlook
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Link: https://www.umwelt.com.au/news/nsw-planning-system-reforms-what-you-need-to-know/
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Over the past 10 years, the investment case for batteries and battery storage has evolved phenomenally as their efficacy in supporting the energy transition became more apparent.
But Australia remains behind many other developed countries, even five years behind the UK, and Gresham House chief executive Tony Dalwood says educating super funds and other institutions could be the answer.
Dalwood joins The Greener Way to discuss opportunities in batteries and battery storage, as well as sharing his insights on forestry and biodiversity – including why Australia should consider a biodiversity fund within the Future Fund.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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This week on The Greener Way podcast, Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media at FS Sustainability, sits down with Shaokai Fan, head of asia pacific (ex china) and global head of central banks at the World Gold Council (WGC), to discuss the role of the WGC in enhancing the gold market, the significant rise in gold prices, and the importance of responsible gold mining principles.
The discuss the challenges and initiatives surrounding artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM), including the use of mercury, exploitative labor practices, and efforts to improve traceability, processing plants, and responsible sourcing.
01:11 Understanding the World Gold Council
02:05 Gold price trends and market insights
02:41 Responsible gold mining principles
04:04 Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM)
00:00 Challenges and initiatives in ASGM
06:15 Super funds and investment opportunities
07:14 Innovations in gold traceability
08:36 Central banks and responsible gold buying
10:05 Addressing labour exploitation and modern slavery
12:28 Gender diversity in mining
13:31 Future of ASGM and gold market
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar talks with Mirtha Kastrapeli, global head at ISS STOXX Research Institute, on how institutional investors are starting to look at 'nature' with a fresh lens. Beyond its impact on investment outcomes, many super funds can start unpacking nature-related risks and opportunities.
00:30 Welcome to The Greener Way
00:45 Introducing Mirtha Kastrapeli from ISS STOXX Research Institute
02:02 The importance of nature in investment
03:32 Understanding nature-related risks
05:09 Data and measurement of nature-related risks
09:15 Case study: circular economy in the chemicals industry
12:38 Modern slavery and industry disclosures
14:22 Final thoughts
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode, Australian Ethical deputy CIO and head of multi-asset, John Woods, discuss how their allocation into defensive assets, particularly government bonds, are changing.
00:00 Introduction to government bonds in ethical portfolios
00:44 Meet John Woods from Australian Ethical
02:01 Ethical considerations in government bond investments
03:17 Challenges with US Treasuries and defensive assets
05:40 Diversifying defensive assets
08:40 Investment themes and global opportunities
10:56 Final thoughts on government bonds
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this week’s episode of The Greener Way, Michelle Baltazar, Executive Director of Media at FS Sustainability, chats with Julia Lesky, Managing Director and Senior Consultant at ISS Sustainability in Australia, about the latest report from ISS's Climate and Nature Innovation Lab that evaluates corporate emission targets.
They discuss the importance of setting ambitious climate goals, the challenges of comparing different types of targets, and how investors can use this information to achieve sustainability objectives.
Beyond Companies’ Emissions Target Setting: Tracking Decarbonization Performance
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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Criticisms of private credit are typically focused on its opaque nature; as a recent ASIC report pointed out, transparency is scarce.
As an ESG-led manager, Woodbridge Capital believes there’s nothing more important than transparency – and that investors working with private credit managers that don’t prioritise it put themselves at risk.
Woodbridge Capital chief executive Andrew Torrington joins The Greener Way to discuss the evolving private credit landscape, what ESG implementation looks like within it, and explains what might make a project unfundable.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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Join host Michelle Baltazar on The Greener Way as she discusses the vital topic of children's rights with Ross Teverson, regional team lead at Federated Hermes.
Explore how companies must integrate safety by design in AI development, the risks of indiscriminate AI content, the rising need for regulatory consistency across global markets, and recent legislative developments aimed at safeguarding children's rights in a tech-driven world.
01:40 Understanding the 'S' in ESG
02:00 Federated Hermes' role and client priorities
03:35 AI and digital rights: Protecting children online
06:01 Investor response to child safety
06:47 Examples and case studies
17:05 Global regulatory landscape
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Jai Mirchandani, founder and CIO of Elm Responsible Investments.
Jai provides an in-depth look at sustainable investing, discussing the importance of long-term business ownership, the impact of current climate policies, and what sets his fund apart from ESG-led fund managers.
He also shares his views on fintech and renewables, and explains the role of private markets in driving innovation for a sustainable future.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Frankie Muskovic, the newly appointed Executive Director of Policy at the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC).
Frankie shares her unique journey from an engineering background to the forefront of climate policy. She shares key priorities that the IGCC brought to a recent governmental round table discussion, emphasising the need for ambitious climate targets for 2050, the economic benefits of decarbonisation, and effective policy implementation for sustainable investment.
Frankie also discusses Australia's role in global climate action and the importance of partnerships in driving impactful reform.
IGCC 2025 conference link: https://igcc.org.au/event/igcc-summit-2025-climate-investment-insights-for-the-asia-pacific/
Frankie's podcast: https://www.letmesumup.net/
and LinkedIn contact info
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar chats with Bjarne Graven Larsen, founder and CEO of Qblue Balanced, on the hard numbers behind climate transition.
Graven Larsen explains how defining and measuring climate transition involves measuring a company's societal value creation, emissions reduction, and green innovation capabilities.
He highlights the challenges faced by investors in supporting transition companies and the importance of adopting a balanced approach.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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Is it still the wild, wild west on product labelling for sustainable investments? In this podcast, host Michelle Baltazar chats with Dug Higgins, Head of Responsible Investment & Real Assets for the broader Zenith Group, on how financial advisers can benefit from a more rigorous debate on how investment managers address ESG and sustainability. He also explains why not all greenwashing claims are created equal, why disclosure alone isn't enough and why sustainability reporting must pass the pub test.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Charlotte O'Meara, head of responsible investment at Challenger.
They delve into the issue of modern slavery and how an investor network representing $12 trillion FUM hopes to fight it.
The episode highlights the efforts and frameworks developed by Challenger to assess and address modern slavery risks in their investments, particularly in the supply chains of their portfolio companies, as well as the broader industry collaboration, including work with the Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking Asia Pacific (IAST-APAC) .
O'Meara argues for a victim-centered approach to remediation, a national compensation scheme, and renewed efforts to bolster anti-slavery laws.
01:01 Understanding modern slavery in Australia
02:15 Challenger's approach to tackling modern slavery
04:51 Collaborative efforts and working groups
08:31 Challenges and risks in modern slavery
12:54 Future directions and legislative changes
Link: Human rights toolkit
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of 'The Greener Way,' host Michelle Baltazar chats with Rachel Halpern, head of sustainability at JANA Investment Advisors, about the pivotal role asset consultants play in the evolving landscape of institutional investment.
They discuss the integration of ESG themes, debunk the misconception around sustainable investing hurting returns, and explore key investment trends.
Rachel also shares insights on how regulatory requirements and improved data could shape future investment profiles.
01:39 JANA's approach to sustainable investing
02:26 Key investment themes and trends
05:23 Impact of climate and biodiversity risks
08:35 Role of asset consultants
09:56 Upcoming investment conference
11:26 Case study: Orica
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the inaugural investment stewardship report by TCorp with the company's head of investment stewardship, Alexis Cheang.
Alexis shares insights on how TCorp has integrated ESG factors into their investment strategies, detailing their efforts in active ownership and the challenges faced in compiling carbon emissions data.
The discussion covers TCorp's approach to managing a substantial $118 billion portfolio, highlighting key achievements in sustainable investing and the importance of continuous improvement.
00:58 Introducing Alexis Cheang and TCorp's report
01:30 Feedback and goals of the report
02:25 Challenges in data collection and analysis
04:37 Active ownership and ESG risks
06:34 Case study: Qantas and governance
09:20 Integration and ESG champions
13:02 Climate change and US market exposure
14:58 Technical insights on portfolio emissions
18:59 Commitment to continuous improvement
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In this episode of The Greener Way podcast, Financial Standard's Eliza Bavin talks with Carl Prins, Co-founder and CEO of PathZero, about the challenges superannuation funds face in managing climate-related financial risks when it comes to private equity.
They discuss the need for precise emissions data, regulatory standards, and the unique approach PathZero takes to enhance data accuracy through collaboration among fund managers, asset owners, and operating entities.
Learn how PathZero's secure platform helps in substantiating disclosures, managing regulatory risks, and addressing greenwashing in private markets.
01:08 Introducing Path Zero
02:46 How Path Zero works
05:41 Ensuring data accuracy and reliability
07:16 Addressing greenwashing risks
09:46 Managing physical risks
11:13 Future of regulatory requirements
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of 'The Greener Way,' host Michelle Baltazar discusses the critical role of company directors in climate transition planning with Christian Gergis, head of policy at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
The discussion covers the evolution of climate issues in boardrooms, the importance of robust transition plans, combating greenwashing, and the significance of directors' best interest duties.
The episode highlights the need for comprehensive internal support and collaboration across business areas, especially involving the CFO, to effectively implement transition plans.
Link: https://www.aicd.com.au/tools-and-resources/climate-change.html00:58 Insights from AICD's Christian Gergis
01:59 Climate transition planning in Australian boardrooms
04:29 Governing for net zero: new guidance in partnership with ACSI
07:40 How to address greenwashing
10:48 Why directors need to show ‘fluency’ in climate transition planning
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the governance risks posed by AI with Elfreda Jonker from Alphinity Investment Management.
They explore the impact of AI on cybersecurity and data privacy, as highlighted in Alphinity's latest sustainability report. The conversation covers the importance of a Responsible AI framework, how companies including Netflix and Wesfarmers address these risks, and the need for better investor disclosures by fund managers on how they tackle AI risks.
01:38 Overview of Alphinity's Investment Management
02:54 Highlights from the Sustainability Report
04:20 What did Netflix do
08:35 AI as a governance risk
11:09 Opportunities and challenges
13:54 Conclusion
Link: https://www.alphinity.com.au/
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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Join host Michelle Baltazar as she speaks with Dr. Erin Kuo-Sutherland, chief sustainability officer at Yarra Capital Management.
In this episode, they discuss the implications of surpassing the 1.5°C global warming threshold, the impact on various sectors, and the new climate reality.
They discuss Yarra’s strategic approach to ESG integration, physical risk assessments, and the promising opportunities in climate resilience and adaptation.
02:10 Yarra's approach to sustainability
02:44 The new climate reality
05:44 Sector-specific risks and responses
13:13 Opportunities in climate adaptation
19:06 Concluding thoughts and personal reflections
Read Yarra Capital Management's white paper published in July 2025: Reframing Net Zero: Investing in a >2°C World [Hyperlink: https://www.yarracm.com/reframing-net-zero/]
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of 'The Greener Way,' host Michelle Baltazar discusses the new accounting standards for Scope 3 emissions with Alison George, Chief Impact and Ethics Officer at Australian Ethical Investments.
They discuss why it's crucial for investment banks and insurers to be included in these disclosures, the risks involved in granting them exemptions, and the impact on transparency and investor confidence.
Submission link: https://www.ifrs.org/projects/work-plan/amendments-to-disclosure-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-s2/ed-cl-amendments-greenhouse-gas-s2/
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Join host Michelle Baltazar as she chats with Pablo Berrutti, senior portfolio specialist at Stewart Investors, about emerging market investment opportunities and their main growth drivers. Berrutti also explains why Samsung, Wallmex and Bank of the Philippine Islands are featured in their portfolios and why mid-cap US companies offer good value for investors.
00:57 Guest introduction: Pablo Berrutti
01:26 Stewart Investors: Under the bonnet
03:50 Investment strategies and criteria
06:47 What's driving global emerging markets
09:18 Stocks to watch
16:55 US companies riding on sustainability trends
21:12 DEI-washing: Why it's good for investors
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While still at a very nascent stage in Australia, direct indexing holds great potential – particularly for ESG and responsible investors.
Investing in line with your values is a very idiosyncratic desire as what’s important to one investor can differ greatly for another. Being able to build a low-cost, custom portfolio that removes all the ESG exposures an investor doesn’t want while still tracking a selected benchmark could prove a game-changer in more ways than one.
Briefcase founder and chief executive Josh Persky joins The Greener Way to discuss exactly what direct indexing involves and why it’s important to recognise that each individual investor is different – as are their values.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the transition to nature-positive investment portfolios with Lucian Peppelenbos, climate and biodiversity strategist at Robeco.
Lucian shares his insights on the importance of incorporating environmental impacts into investment strategies, using the Task Force for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) guidance, and the launch of Robeco's biodiversity traffic light system.
Together they discuss how investors can measure and monitor nature risks and opportunities to support the transition towards a nature-positive economy, while adhering to sustainable investment practices.
01:13 Understanding Robeco's sustainability approach
03:40 The complexity of measuring nature risks
06:22 The new biodiversity traffic light system
12:28 Opportunities and future developments
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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The challenges facing sustainable investors are always evolving, and approaches to responsible investment must evolve as well.
Over the years, much of the industry has adopted a siloed approach to E, S and G issues, but a new report from First Sentier Investors explores how an integrative approach to responsible investment can produce more lucrative opportunities for investors.
First Sentier Investors’ global head of responsible investment Kate Turner joins The Greener Way to discuss how accounting for the many inter-reactions and flow-on effects of addressing specific sustainability issues can lead to improved outcomes.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of 'The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar interviews Paul Clements-Hunt, founder and CEO of the Blended Capital Group, about the evolution and future of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing.
They explore the origin of ESG, emphasising its role in changing the culture of asset owners, particularly in Australia. He discusses the transition from ethical investments to responsible and sustainable investments, stressing the need for authenticity in addressing systemic risks like climate change and social inequality.
Clements-Hunt also highlights emerging opportunities in ESG investing, including the development of tradable carbon securities and resilient infrastructure.
03:20 The genesis of ESG
05:11 The evolution and impact of ESG
08:35 challenges and opportunities in ESG
10:09 Future of ESG and regenerative capitalism
14:56 The shift to tradable carbon securities
19:05 Infrastructure and climate investment
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar chats with Will Farrell, co-lead of climate change at Federated Hermes Stewardship and Engagement Body (EOS), about the complexities of reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like aviation, shipping, and primary chemicals.
They explore the obstacles related to systemic dependencies, policy enablers, and market-led changes such as electric vehicles. They also discuss the importance of policy clarity, value chain coordination, and governance in achieving successful energy transitions.
1:03 Introducing the US$2.1 trillion sustainability heavyweight
1:36 Energy transition for hard-to-abate sectors
2:57 How economies of scale drive change
5:17 Why climate solutions are expensive for primary chemicals
6:59 The role of policymakers
8:30 The 21% cost advantage of SA’s hydrogen strategy
9:46 Coordinating the value chain
11:03 Case study: The cement industry
12:06 Key messages for investors and companies
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Raf Wood, co-managing director of Silva Capital, on the evolution of Australia's carbon market and Silva's latest update on their carbon credit projects.
They explore the impact of the 2022 safeguard mechanism, the company's commitment to sustainability inspired by Wood's personal promise to his daughter, and their milestone achievement of planting 160,000 mixed-species native trees.
Wood also highlights the importance of managing biodiversity risks and engaging with local and indigenous communities to achieve investment-grade returns.
00:35 Welcome to the greener way podcast
00:50 Meet Raf Wood and Silva Capital
01:14 The founding of Silva Capital
03:45 Evolution of the carbon market
07:54 Community engagement
11:09 Importance of biodiversity
13:59 Impact of global politics
00:35 Welcome to the greener way podcast
00:50 Meet Raf Wood and Silva Capital
01:14 the founding of Silva Capital
03:45 Evolution of the carbon market
07:54 Silva Capital's community engagement
11:09 Importance of biodiversity
13:59 Impact of Global Politics on Climate Strategy
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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Australia’s job market is relatively robust, but just like different industries tell different stories, so too do different segments of the sustainability sector.
While recruitment for ESG roles has generally slowed across financial services from the highs we’ve seen of late, there are still opportunities out there for the right skill sets.
In this episode of The Greener Way, Kaizen Recruitment’s Simon Gvalda talks to Financial Standard managing editor Jamie Williamson about the current state of the job market for ESG professionals and offers tips around negotiating salaries and benefits.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Nicki Hutley, a climate councillor and chief economist, about a comprehensive climate risk report by the Climate Council.
The discussion centres on the alarming rise in insurance premiums due to climate risks, emphasising the need for prompt and effective climate action.
They discuss the current and future scenarios of climate risks affecting property insurance, the role of sustainability in corporate decision-making, and the importance of financial and community engagement in addressing these challenges.
Link to report: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/escalating-climate-risks-for-aussies-homes/
00:41 Climate risk and the cost-of-living crisis
01:03 Impact of climate policy reversals
02:18 Climate Council's latest research
02:38 Insurance affordability and property risk
05:46 Economic implications
07:08 Corporate responsibility and climate action
11:48 Key findings
13:11 Conclusion and final thoughts
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Australia’s big five banks – ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, Macquarie Group, NAB and Westpac – have all committed to limiting or cutting financing to fossil fuel projects that they feel are not aligned to achieving a net zero future.
This requires a lot of work on several fronts, and for investors it’s about understanding how realistic the success of such initiatives is – but the data just isn’t up to scratch. While our banks are performing well in terms of reporting on Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, there’s far less transparency around Scope 3 emissions, or their financed emissions.
U Ethical stewardship manager and friend of the podcast Rachel Alembakis joins Financial Standard managing editor Jamie Williamson to discuss why the fund manager is so committed to collaborating with Australia’s big banks to ensure alignment with the Paris Agreement and improve data accuracy and transparency.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Brian Redican, Chief Economist at TCorp, about the economic implications of transitioning to renewable energy. They discuss evolving priorities in financial analysis, the volatility of energy prices, and the geopolitical risks that influence investment decisions. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in sustainable investments, the importance of long-term energy strategies, and key considerations for superannuation fund members.
00:00 Introduction to Economic Perspectives
00:26 Welcome to The Greener Way
00:41 Today's Topic: Transition to Renewable Energy
01:20 Guest Introduction: Brian Redican
03:27 Energy Prices and Economic Implications
04:36 Geopolitical Risks and Energy Transition
06:43 Investment Uncertainty and Energy Security
10:00 Challenges in Sustainable Investments
11:49 Key Considerations for Super Funds
13:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
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In this episode of The Greener Way, Michelle Baltazar speaks with Dave Rae, a responsible investment advisor from Unless Financial.
They discuss common myths about responsible investing, affirming it doesn't sacrifice returns and requires global diversification to be successful.
The discussion also highlights the growing role of tech in sustainable investments and the importance of addressing climate change for portfolio risk and opportunity.
00:00 Introduction to Sustainability Themes
00:36 Welcome and Guest Introduction
01:21 Dave Ray's Background and Responsible Investing
01:56 Financial Advice for Climate-Conscious Investors
02:25 Engaging Clients in Sustainable Conversations
06:57 Risk and Return in Sustainable Investing
09:48 Misconceptions About Ethical Financial Advice
12:02 Global vs. Australian Sustainable Investments
13:01 Technology's Role in Sustainable Investing
14:55 Urgency of Climate Action in Investing
16:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar, Director of Media at FS Sustainability, speaks with Estelle Parker, Co-Chief Executive of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA).
They discuss the surge in public awareness and demand for responsible investments in Australia, the success of RIAA's Sustainable Classifications Initiative, and the AI toolkit for human rights.
Estelle also provides updates on the upcoming RIAA annual conference in Sydney on May 28-29, where crucial topics like global investment trends, policy impacts, and sustainability in finance will be covered.
01:56 Sustainable Classifications Initiative
04:09 AI Toolkit for Human Rights
07:28 Responsible Investing for Financial Advisors
09:53 Global Perspectives on Responsible Investing
10:30 Upcoming Conference Highlights
13:54 Australian Election and Sustainable Finance
15:58 Nature and Biodiversity Risks
16:39 Conclusion and Closing Remarks
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Join host Michelle Baltazar as she interviews Rob Langrick, CFA Institute's Chief Product Advocate, on the evolving landscape of sustainable finance and investing. Learn about the CFA program's integrated approach to sustainability education, the impact of recent U.S. regulatory rollbacks, and the innovative advancements making decarbonisation more appealing and feasible. Discover how countries and industries worldwide are adapting to balance climate action with economic realities.
00:00 Introduction to the New Era of Decarbonization
00:14 Welcome and Acknowledgements
00:30 Recap of Last Year's Episode
00:51 Updates on CFA Institute's Sustainable Finance Program
02:04 Global Changes in Sustainable Investing
02:40 Impact of U.S. Environmental Policy Changes
04:05 European Climate Action and Regulatory Shifts
06:21 Innovations in Sustainable Finance
07:15 Technological Advancements Driving Decarbonization
08:47 CFA Institute's Commitment to Sustainability Education
09:50 Conclusion and Closing Remarks
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In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar, Director of Media at FS Sustainability, discusses the newly implemented climate-related financial disclosure standards in Australia with Nicholas Guest, co-lead of HLB Mann Judd's Sustainability Steering Committee. They explore the phased approach of the new regime, its impact on small to large companies, the role of technology in easing compliance, and the broader commercial opportunities and challenges.
The discussion also touches on global political influences, particularly the reversal of climate policies in the U.S. Tune in to understand why these disclosures are critical and how your organisation can stay ahead in this dynamic landscape.
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Harnessing Synthetic Biology for Sustainable Mining and Pollution Mitigation.
In this episode of The Greener Way, guest host Michelle Baltazar interviews Nicole Richards, CEO of Allonnia, about the company's use of synthetic biology to address sustainability issues. The discussion covers Allonia’s work in accelerating nature's process of breaking down contaminants like PFAS, and their initiatives in the mining sector to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The episode highlights Allonnia's partnerships in Australia, significant investors including BHP, Vale, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the company's aim to commercialise these technologies.
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Today we are going to talk about founder-led companies, which can provide high returns for investors – but also be high risk.
From Uber's aggressive expansion tactics under Travis Kalanick, Theranos's fraudulent blood testing under Elizabeth Holmes, and WeWork's unsustainable growth under Adam Neumann, founder-led companies can be more at risk of corporate management shortfalls and pose a need for more rigorous governance standards.
Lawrence Lam joins host Rose Mary Petrass on the podcast today.
He is the managing director and founder of Lumenary Investment Management and the author of The Founder Effect – a book that provides a framework to identify and invest in high-performing founder-led companies.
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Recent research has revealed that sustainability professionals are fighting anxiety, loneliness, imposter syndrome.
43% of green professionals are the sole staff member responsible for sustainability within their organisation, according to a UK study out of the University of St Andrews and the University of Strathclyde.
Here to discuss is Heather Lynch, a coach working with sustainability professionals, who was a lead researcher on the study.
The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass.
If this podcast has raised concerns for you, support is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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Oil spills, leaks and contaminants can wreak havoc on marine life, and abandoned and decaying platforms and pipelines can cause large-scale damage through chemical and heavy-metal pollutants.
With LNG markets declining and ageing offshore oil and gas infrastructure representing an environmental safety risk, titleholders are now having to decommission offshore infrastructure.
This process represents an estimated $60 billion liability for investors over the next 30–50 years.
In December 2024, the Australian government released the 'Offshore Resources Decommissioning Roadmap', helping titleholders fulfil their regulatory obligations under laws like the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.
Here to discuss is Joshua Runciman, lead analyst of Australian gas at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).
The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
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When you think of high-net-worth investors, you probably think of fast cars, designer bags and all-inclusive vacations. The last place your mind likely turns to is their interest in sustainable investing.
But according to Amanda MacDonald, high-net-worth investors are increasingly looking to make an impact in their portfolios.
But the global sustainable investing landscape is changing, experiencing pushback and becoming increasingly politicised.
So how does this impact the responsible investment goals of high-net-worth investors?
LGT Crestone’s Head of Sustainable Investing Amanda MacDonald joins us on the podcast today.
The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass.
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Today, Rachel Alembakis joins us on the show to discuss her role as stewardship manager at U Ethical.
Alembakis pivoted from a career in journalism – including as the prior editor of FS Sustainability – and says that communication skills are one of the most important aspects of stewardship and engagement with companies to ensure they are following U Ethical’s responsible investment principles.
With its first funds established in 1985, U Ethical is one of Australia's largest ethical investment funds.
Alembakis joins Rose Mary Petrass, the host of The Greener Way and senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
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With energy efficiency highlighted as a global priority at COP29, asset managers are faced with a big task: to align their strategies to meet new international standards.
Joining us today is David Scaysbrook, co-founder and managing partner of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners.
With over 28 years in energy and renewables infrastructure, Scaysbrook leads Quinbrook's strategy in advancing green decarbonisation and renewable energy projects globally.
Scaysbrook discusses how Australia is rising to the challenge of grid stability and renewable integration.
He also talks challenges and opportunities in data centres – particularly with the rise of AI.
The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
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Sustainable investing is experiencing a rise in anti-ESG sentiment – both abroad and at home.
US President Donald Trump’s move back to the White House this week heralds the next stage of anti-ESG, anti-climate, and anti-DEI sentiments overseas.
Media reports here in Australia predict that we could soon see the same on home soil depending on the outcome of the federal election to be held to be held on or before 17 May 2025.
This comes as Meta recently announced it will swap fact-checking for user-generated community labelling.
Here to discuss is Morningstar Sustainalytics executive Michelle Cameron.
The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass.
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First Nations businesses in Australia face many barriers to accessing financing, including historically exclusionary policies, institutional barriers, and lack of capital.
Jake Berthelot is Associate Director of Business Advisory at First Australians Capital – an organisation uniting private, public and philanthropic investment in Indigenous businesses.
Jake, a Potaruwutj Padthaway man, was drawn to a career in strategy and finance and works to empower First Nations entrepreneurs to succeed in a new economy.
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n August, it was revealed that PFAS known as ‘forever chemicals’ have been found in water filtration plants and even in platypus livers across NSW, which Australian authorities said were at a ‘safe’ level of exposure for the population – a level which is considered unsafe by US standards.
Here to discuss is Georgia Hall, the London-based ESG and investment director, global listed infrastructure, with boutique investment manager Maple-Brown Abbot, which recently put out a paper outlining the impact of PFAS on water infrastructure investments and what investors can do about it.
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With 2024 now officially over, for those that want to get a higher salary and career progression in 2025, this episode is for you.
Today we’re going to talk about jobs trends, most highly paid roles, how can professionals can level up their salaries in 2025. We will also delve into that big scary word that has been everywhere the past two years – layoffs, and why being laid off might not be such a bad thing.
To discuss we have Richard Evans, CEO of Talent Nation.
The sustainability and ESG recruitment firm recently updated its salary guide for the sector.
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With the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, companies are facing growing pressure to ensure their AI practices are ethical, transparent, and aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
But what does responsible AI look like in practice, and how should investors approach this emerging frontier to manage risks and seize opportunities?
Joining us today to unpack these questions is Jessica Cairns, head of ESG and sustainability at Alphinity Investment Management.
The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
Alongside Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, Alphinity earlier this year released ‘Intersection of Responsible AI and ESG: A Framework for Investors Report’ with an actionable toolkit to help investors navigate the accelerating AI opportunity.
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Gold shines brighter than ever with a record-breaking 37 price highs this year solidifying it as a safe haven in uncertain times.
Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) produces 20% of the world’s gold but employs 80% of gold miners – an estimated 10-15 million people, often in low-income countries.
However, 30-35% of ASGM miners are children, and the sector is riddled with black market criminality – financing terrorism, war, and organised crime.
Today we take a closer look at human rights and ESG in the value chain, and the important work being done to pinpoint the problem and clean up gold’s act.
Terry Heymann, CFO and ESG Lead at the World Gold Council (WGC), joins host Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
Some of the initiatives discussed in this episode include the industry-wide Consolidated Mining Standards Initiative and WGC’s Gold Bar Integrity database.
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Today we take a closer look at weapons and defence-related holdings.
We ask the question, what does responsible investing mean in the context of conflict?
To answer this question Estelle Parker, co-CEO at Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) joins guest host, Financial Standard senior journalist Karren Vergara on the podcast today.
In her reporting, Karren Vergara has found many of Australia's super funds have no qualms about investing in contraversial weapons manufacturers like BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Elbit.
This episode uncovers investment risks, how materiality thresholds impact decision-making, and the call from super members for greater transparency – and even divestment from – weapons and defence-related holdings.
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COP29, the 2024 UN Conference of the Parties on Climate Change, ran from November 11-22 in Azerbaijan.
The main decision was how to pay for poorer nations' climate financing - decarbonisation, adaptation, and resilience to climate impacts – which are hitting them hardest despite contributing the least.
The major win of the event was an eleventh-hour agreement on carbon markets, while some other negotiations failed the reach their goals, or reached an impasse.
Richie Merzian was on the ground in Baku during COP29. Richie, the CEO of Clean Energy Investor Group, joins host Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
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Donald Trump’s election victory has far-reaching implications for the clean energy sector and climate finance as a whole.
Today, we jump in the time machine and take a look at the next four years under Trump, with our guest Lachlan Carey.
Lachlan is a Washington-based expert on clean energy investment and a non-resident fellow at the United States Studies Centre.
Opinions expressed are solely Lachlan Carey’s own and do not express the views or opinions of his employer.
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The next wave of sustainability investment professionals is poised to benefit from a new movement. The 24/7 clean energy approach could surpass 100% renewable energy status as the way to manage our escalating global energy use. Google and Microsoft have already adopted it but how does it work? Climate advocate Ian Lieblich breaks it down in this episode with guest podcast host Michelle Baltazar.
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It’s fair to stay that AI is officially here to stay – it’s everywhere, in our workplaces and even in our homes.
However, the datacentres used in AI churns through energy and leaving behind a hefty carbon footprint, especially when we consider scope 3 emissions.
Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Prabakar Shrinivasan, Director and Co-Lead of Artificial Intelligence at Synechron, the global consulting firm, to help us navigate the environmental impact of AI.
With a strong presence in the financial space, including some of Australia’s largest banks, Synechron brings insights on how companies can harness AI’s power sustainably without compromising performance.
The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
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Many in the investment community believe that implementing net zero policies comes with high risk and is incompatible with active investing, but is this really true?
To discuss this, Guido Baltussen joins us on the podcast today.
Guido is Northern Trust Asset Management’s International Head of Quantitative Strategies.
He recently put out a paper on ‘carbon misconceptions’ and the impact of net zero commitments on equity portfolios.
This episode covers how investors can apply conventional portfolio construction techniques to achieve net zero targets, and how to achieve alignment with multiple sustainability objectives without taking significant active risk.
Guido joins host Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
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After 20 years of progress, we are now seeing rising inequality and poverty reaching levels not seen in a century, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In response, there’s been an uptick in demand for companies to report on social impact through the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) – and along with it, an increase in misleading marketing through ‘social-washing’.
Of course, poverty is not the only critical UN sustainable development goal – there are actually 17 of them, of which many are interconnected.
To discuss, Read Taylor Price is the founder of Investors for Impact and director and managing partner at Alpencrest Capital.
Do investors play a role in driving meaningful change towards achievement of the UN SDGs, especially in an era of ‘socialwashing’?
Join host Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability to find out more.
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With mandatory climate reporting coming into force in Australia, the corporate regulator ASIC is stepping up enforcement, targeting misleading and deceptive practices with serious consequences for non-compliance.
Today's episode is your guide to mastering climate reporting and avoiding greenwashing.
To explain we have special guest Kate O'Rourke, Commissioner at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
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As the green revolution sweeps the globe, professionals are searching for quality sustainable finance education to help them stay on top of the game in an ever-evolving ESG landscape.
This week we hear from Rob Langrick, chief product advocate of CFA Institute, a global professional organisation that provides investment education – including on sustainable finance.
Alongside the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, the non-profit offers the Certificate in ESG Investing, the Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate, and other professional development opportunities.
Whether you want to enter the industry or boost your career, make better investment choices or improve your own organisation’s ESG performance, this episode is for you.
The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
This is a podcast episode is brought to you by CFA Institute.
For more information, visit www.cfainstitute.org.
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This week, host Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability, is joined by two expert guests from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) – Mark Rigotti, Managing Director and CEO, and Anna Gudkov, Policy Advisor.
The AICD is a member-based organisation helping improve corporate governance by providing courses, programs, and other professional development opportunities.
They recently published an updated guide for directors on the mandatory climate reporting laws in Australia.
In this episode, we delve into the evolving responsibilities of company directors in managing ESG risk, the growing influence of shareholder activism on climate action, and the critical role boards play in navigating these complex dynamics.
Tune in to learn how directors can stay ahead of the curve.
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This week we have Duncan Paterson, Director of Investor Practice at the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) on the show to discuss Australia’s mandatory climate reporting regime.
It’s undoubtedly a massive opportunity to open the door wider to green investment and reach net zero by 2050. However, investors face the unique challenge of understanding portfolio emissions, as well as growing concerns around exposure to greenwashing – and ‘greenhushing’ – risk.
How can we ensure that climate reporting goes beyond a mere compliance exercise and provides investors and stakeholders with genuinely useful and actionable information?
To unpack this topic and many more, the IGCC is holding its annual Climate Finance and Investment Summit, on 7-8 November at the Sofitel, Melbourne.
This unmissable event brings together leading investment experts, policymakers, academics, and industry associations dedicated to driving the transition towards a decarbonised economy.
The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
This podcast episode is brought to you by the IGCC.
For more information, visit igcc.org.au. To book your ticket and view the agenda for IGCC’s Annual Summit, visit the event website here.
With ESG and sustainability roles in high demand, many professionals are eyeing a career change into this impactful sector.
In this episode, host Rose Mary Petrass speaks with Belinda White, who successfully transitioned from a communications background into the world of responsible investing and ESG.
She now works company-side at Telix Pharmaceuticals as Director of Investor Relations and ESG.
Belinda shares valuable advice on leveraging transferable skills, effective networking, common misconceptions, and facilitating better stakeholder relationships between investors and companies.
Whether you're considering a career change or simply want to understand the ESG landscape better, this episode is packed with insights.
Australia recently gave employees the right to ignore their boss outside of ordinary work hours.
The law is meant to protect the health and wellbeing of workers and reduce stress and overwork, allowing for better work-life balance in a time when the world is more hyper-connected than ever before.
But what role does corporate culture and employee satisfaction play in financial performance, and will financiers actually consider the new law when making investment decisions?
Today, we are joined by Emma Pringle, Head of ESG and Portfolio Manager at Maple-Brown Abbott, a boutique firm with around $9 billion in assets under management.
Pringle will explain how investors and asset managers respond when workplaces are exposed as dysfunctional or 'toxic' - and what impact this has on business performance.
The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
Responsible investors are pushing back against so-called ‘Tea and Scones Stewardship’ and demanding meaningful company engagement.
Done right, stewardship can steer companies toward net zero; done wrong, it’s as unsatisfying as a lukewarm brew and a stale scone.
Today, we’re joined by Rachel Halpern, head of sustainability at JANA Investment Advisers, which advises on over $1.3 trillion in funds. She’ll discuss responsible stewardship strategies for achieving real impact.
Rachel is the head of sustainability at JANA Investment Advisers, an advisory firm with over $1.3tn funds under advice.
The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
When investors want to avoid specific activities in their portfolio – like tobacco, gambling, weapons, or adult entertainment – they turn to ESG screening.
But what happens behind the scenes when fund managers make these crucial decisions? Are all ESG funds created equal? And how can an investor be sure their money isn’t inadvertently supporting sectors they wish to avoid?
In this episode, we’re joined by Julia Leske, managing director and senior consultant in ESG strategy at ISS ESG.
Julia sheds light on how ESG professionals navigate the fine lines in screening and controversies – from vapes to toilet paper and beyond.
The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
ISS ESG is part of ISS STOXX, publisher of FS Sustainability.
This episode outlines the climate and commercial case for sustainable buildings.
With buildings and building materials in hot demand, especially as the nation grapples with meeting its housing targets, momentum is growing on the sustainability side.
To discuss, host Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability welcomes Davina Rooney
Davina is CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) – a group helping steer Australia’s built environment sector towards highly efficient, low carbon, healthier places that are future-focused and resilient.
The GBCA’s Climate Positive Roadmap advocates for all new buildings net zero by 2030 and existing buildings well before 2050.
There are currently more than 400 nuclear power reactors in 32 countries, generating about a tenth of the world's electricity.
The Coalition’s plan to build seven nuclear power plants to replace Australia's ageing coal-fired power stations and to abandon the government's 2030 net zero target has been receiving plenty of attention.
Is this idea viable?
To discuss we have Jai Mirchandani, founder and portfolio manager at ELM Responsible Investments.
Jai sits down with host Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability, to discuss the timeline, costs, and safety of nuclear power, as well as the geopolitical risks that are associated with this renewable energy source.
No one should be left behind in the transition to a net zero economy – and behind the scenes, both private and public sectors are working hard to understand where funding needs to flow.
But putting aside nice-to-haves, will achieving a just transition have an impact on investor returns and reduce risk whether financial, reputational or systemic?
Amanda Cahill is the CEO of the Next Economy, which acts as a sort of intermediary between regional communities, government, investors and industry to accelerate the transition to a climate-safe, socially just and regenerative economy.
Amanda joins host Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability to discuss.
The US Inflation Reduction Act will crowd in more than $3 trillion US dollars of investment over the next decade. The Future Made in Australia Act has been billed as Australia’s response to the US IRA – but are taxpayer dollars better spent elsewhere?
Today, we discuss climate finance and the role of government in de-risking climate investing. And we ask the ultimate question: can the market solve climate change?
To answer this, we are joined by Blair Palese, director of philanthropy at Ethinvest, Australia’s oldest ethical investment firm.
Blair is also the founder of Climate Capital Forum, the global climate editor and managing director at Climate & Capital Media, and co-founded 350.org Australia.
She joins host Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.
This episode is all about the power of advocacy and moving business towards a low carbon economy.
Influential public figure, philanthropist Jon Dee is the founder of a number of initiatives including Planet Ark, DoSomething, and National Recycling Week. He is also the chair of the Forest Stewardship Council of Australia and New Zealand.
Host Rose Mary Petrass, Senior Journalist at FS Sustainability, sits down with Jon to find out how to motivate business to take action on climate.
Today's guest is Erica Hall, director of strategy and distribution at U Ethical Investors.
Erica has experience across ESG, advisor solutions and more. She is also the author of 'Top Stocks Special Edition - Ethical, Sustainable, Responsible: A Sharebuyer's Guide to ESG for Leading Australian Companies'.
Senior Journalist Rose Mary Petrass sits down with Erica to discuss incorporating sustainability into the advice process, what determines a 'good' ESG stock, and the best - and worst - performing sectors.
Most importantly, find out what the top ESG stocks in Australia are - and whether they make good returns.
“The biggest challenge in our lifetime is the global market failure we call climate change” – Jeremy Cooper.
Jeremy has a radical idea to shake up Australia’s superannuation system for climate change progress.
With a wide-ranging career spanning over four decades, Jeremy Cooper is a regular commentator on superannuation and retirement income.
He was chair of retirement income at Challenger, led the ‘Cooper Review’ into the super system, and earlier served as deputy chair of the corporate watchdog ASIC.
Superannuation, with its long-term investment view, necessarily requires a transition to a sustainable economy to safeguard retirements – especially for the many members set to live to the end of the century.
And according to Jeremy, his plan is certainly achievable.
Join Senior Journalist Rose Mary Petrass to find out how.
This NAIDOC Week, we welcome two guests to the show to discuss legislation, risk, best practice, storytelling as a tool for change, and the concept of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
Australia has a crucial responsibility to protect and respect First Nations cultural heritage; there are serious consequences if things go wrong.
The recently launched Dhawura Ngilan Business and Investor Guides are the only First Nations-led resources on proactive best practice.
This week, Senior Journalist Rose Mary Petrass welcomes two guests to the show: Rachel Perkins and Anirudha (Anu) Nagar.
Rachel is an Arrernte and Kalkadoon Indigenous woman. She is a widely celebrated filmmaker, founder of Blackfella Films, and Executive Director of Cultural Heritage for the National Native Title Council (NNTC) and the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance (FNHPA).
Anu is the NNTC's Director of Clean Energy and Investment. He comes from a background defending the rights of Indigenous communities in development projects in South Asia, police accountability at the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, and prosecution at the International Criminal Court.
Natalie Kyriacou joins senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass to discuss how Australia is tracking on ESG compared to our global peers.
The pair discuss Australia’s Nature Repair Market scheme and the Coalition’s proposal to ditch Australia’s 43% emissions reduction target if it wins the next election and invest in nuclear energy.
Natalie’s work as an environmentalist, founder, presenter, and board director has led to involvement driving ESG conversations in the corporate sphere.
Her work highlights the importance of nature and biodiversity in the climate conversation. The My Green World founder and chair is also involved with the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, UNESCO, CARE Australia, and W20 – the official women’s taskforce to the G20.
Enhancing sustainability and incorporating environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) matters into investment decision-making and ownership practices can be a vast and overwhelming task.
To get the job done right, it is a path that no responsible investor or asset manager should tread alone.
The United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI or PRI) is an international network of more than 5000 financial institutions with over US$121 trillion in assets under management, working together to advocate for ESG integration into investment activities to promote sustainability.
David Atkin, chief executive, has a long list of accolades to his name and prior experience at the helm of entities the likes of the Climate Council, AMP Capital, Cbus Super, ESSSuper, and more.
Senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass sits down with David to discuss the latest developments in responsible investment, effective stewardship strategies, and the growing focus on social impact within the investment community.
ESG regulation is evolving fast. Whether it’s mandatory sustainability-related reporting, modern slavery regulations, or circular economy laws – what exactly do practitioners need to know?
In this episode, Andrew Peterson joins FS Sustainability senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of ESG regulation.
The CEO of the Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia (BCSDA), Andrew brings an abundance of expertise on mandatory sustainability reporting, business leadership in sustainable development, circular economy practices, and more.
Tune in for a comprehensive update on national and global laws and standards, and how to better navigate an ever-evolving regulatory environment.
When it comes to investing, information really is everything.
Finding the right ESG investment product that delivers returns alongside positive impact, while side-stepping potential greenwash or unethical business practices can be a rocky road – whether you’re an institutional investor, a wholesale investor, or a financial advisor.
Here to shine a light on the right path is Aman Ramrakha. With almost two decades of experience leading research across banking, ratings, and governance solutions, Aman is the new executive director of research at Rainmaker Information.
In this episode, senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass sits down with Aman to unpack the evolution of ESG investing research – from early genesis into the future and the harnessing of artificial intelligence (AI).
Rainmaker Group is owned by ISS STOXX, publisher of FS Sustainability.
When it comes to ESG, there are so many acronyms. From TCFD to ISSB, GRI and GSSB. But today, we are talking about reporting against the TNFD – that is, the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures.
In this episode, senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass sits down with Tony Goldner, executive director of the TNFD, to talk about business risks, opportunities, dependencies, and impacts on nature, and how these might impact on the portfolio.
With nature-positive the new buzzword at the top end of town, nature-related data is no longer a CSR issue. It is a risk management issue that has the potential to disrupt business plans, cash flows, and returns to investors.
Around one in six (18%) people in Australia live with a disability – around 4.4 million people – and roughly 90% of those have ‘invisible’ or ‘hidden’ disabilities.
Australians living with a disability have so much to offer organisations. From longer employee retention and fewer workers’ compensation claims to better leadership styles, disability inclusion has emerged as the missing puzzle piece in DEI and ESG investing.
Yet, people with disabilities are employed at a rate 30% lower than the general population. So why are so many organisations so slow in engaging disability in their operations and culture?
On this episode of The Greener Way, senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass chats with Corene Strauss, CEO of the Australian Disability Network and former CEO of Special Olympics Australia, about why inclusion matters – both for responsible investors, and the bottom line.
Last week the Australian Federal Budget 2024-25 was handed down, coinciding with Sydney’s inaugural Climate Action Week.
In this episode of The Greener Way, we hear from Tim Buckley, founder and director of Climate Energy Finance, a public interest pro bono think tank that produces research and analysis on accelerating the global energy transition.
With more than three decades of financial market experience, Tim is a highly influential commentator on decarbonisation and sustainable finance.
Does the 2024-25 Budget pave a greener way for Australia’s clean energy future? What does a realistic road to net zero looks like? What are the key takeaways from Sydney’s first ever Climate Week?
Join senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass to unpack these questions and more.
In this episode of The Greener Way, we hear from Simon Gvalda, manager of the ESG and Responsible Investment Recruitment team at Kaizen Recruitment, which recently released its much-awaited salary guide for ESG roles in 2024.
Join senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass as we sit down with Simon to get career tips and advice on job hunting and promotions.
We'll also ask the question on everyone’s lips: how much are ESG professionals earning?
Let’s talk recruitment trends, the key skills that candidates must develop, the impact of the pandemic and work-from-home on an emerging workforce, and whether ESG roles are still in high demand in 2024.
In the midst of massive change for the industry, both companies and financiers are grappling with what to do next.
To help practitioners navigate changing tides, the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia (RIAA) held a conference in Sydney last week, where more than 800 attendees had the opportunity to learn from – and network with – the best and brightest, and several new roadmaps and initiatives were unveiled.
We interrupt our scheduled programming for a bonus episode to debrief on the conference and break down the key takeaways – including fund flows, data, AI, greenwashing, nature, and DEI – for those who weren’t able to make it (or those who want a recap).
To discuss, senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass is joined in the studio by FS Sustainability and Money magazine director of media – Michelle Baltazar.
FS Sustainability, the producer of this podcast, was the media partner for the event.
This episode of The Greener Way, we hear from Sarah Clawson, Global Head of Investor Relations at New Forests – an international investment manager of nature-based real assets and natural capital strategies.
Join senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass and explore forestry investment, as well as best practice approach to generating returns while prioritising ESG principles.
We discuss sustainable landscape management, carbon credits integrity, and First Nations engagement policy and philosophy.
Sarah just completed a trip to New Forest’s newly opened office in Africa; she discusses the firm’s global approach and regional differences across Australia and New Zealand, Asia, the US, and Africa.
When it comes to advancing outcomes for First Nations Peoples, economic empowerment, accessibility, and financial literacy are at the fore.
In this episode of The Greener Way, senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass is joined by Phil Usher, a proud Wiradjuri man, born and raised on Gomeroi country. He serves as CEO of Australia’s only national Indigenous financial wellbeing provider, the First Nations Foundation.
Phil is on a mission to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities emerge from the effects of historical exclusion and oppression, empowering Community to deconstruct and unpack their relationship with money.
Cultural competency is vital for finance and business to better engage with First Nations Peoples. The foundation is also equipping professionals with the cultural tools they need to ensure they safeguard respect and effective engagement through this process.
In this episode of The Greener Way, we welcome to the show Erin Remblance – founder of (re)bBiz and Project Tipping Point.
Erin runs programs teaching professionals how implementing the theories of de-growth and post-growth economics into their business strategies can address the ecological and climate crises.
FS Sustainability senior journalist and host, Rose Mary Petrass, chats with Erin all about regenerative and sustainable systems, the concept of social tipping points, and the importance of partnering with First Nations organisations.
Today, senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass sits down with Sharon Davis, Executive Director of Investments at Future Super, a superfund that invests for a fossil fuel free future with no coal, oil and gas holdings, and an ethos rooted in ethical investment with a focus on clean energy and social impact projects.
The pair chat impact investing, stewardship (proxy voting and engagements), and how to approach divesting from fossil fuels while at the same time ensuring the fiduciary duty of long-term returns for members.
In the wake of the Qantas and ongoing Boeing scandals, investors – and the public – are asking questions on corporate governance, risk management, and ethical conduct.
Today we chat with Megan Motto, CEO of the Governance Institute of Australia - a professional association for company secretaries, governance advisers and risk managers.
Aircraft manufacturer Boeing is embroiled in a quality control scandal that included doors blowing off mid-flight and allegations of defects at a key supplier; while Qantas deals with the fallout of its CEOs Alan Joyces quitting in September following intense scrutiny from the national consumer watchdog for selling tickets on flights that didn’t exist.
On the show today, Motto discusses how communication, transparency, and accountability, can safeguard trust, confidence, and company success.
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Rose Mary Petrass welcomes sustainability expert John Pabon to discuss the importance of international collaboration in combating greenwashing. They discuss cultural attitudes, consumer awareness, and regulatory frameworks around greenwashing, and dissect Australia's new climate reporting laws and its impact on corporate transparency. John's book The Great Greenwashing: How brands, governments, and influencers are lying to you, has just launched in the UK, North America, and Singapore.
On this episode of the Greener Way, we’re talking sustainability and intersectionality with Kylie Porter, Group Head of Sustainability, SunRice Group.
Kylie has worked across a wide variety of organisations, but always at the intersection of the E the S and the G in sustainability.
Joining us for this conversation on The Greener Way is Brighter Super head of Aussie equities and ESG Fiona Mann to talk about the fund’s approach to ESG and what high performance means in a variety of settings and professions.
On today's episode, we are talking to the multi-hyphenate sustainability and responsible investment leader Fiona Reynolds about the intersection of the E and the S and why it matters for business.
Our guest today has been a leading voice in the economic case for managing climate change since before net zero was a thing. In addition to authoring two landmark papers on climate change and Australia’s future in 2008 and 2011, Ross Garnaut was the principal economic adviser to Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke from 1983 to 1985, and Australian Ambassador to China from 1985 to 1988.
Now he and former ACCC chair Rod Sims have launched the Superpower Institute, which is designed to provide analysis to help Australia take advantage of the economic opportunities of the post-carbon world.
Ross Garnaut explains the mission of the Superpower Institute and why he still believes Australia isn’t a pissant country when it comes to managing climate change.
What’s on the sustainability agenda for Australia’s publicly listed companies? Every Year, Perennial Better Futures takes the temperature of a wide range of companies to answer just that question, and on this episode, we’re talking with Emilie O’Neill, co-head of ESG and equities analyst of the Perennial Better Future Trust on the results of their 2024 survey and how those results shape their conversations with companies.
In this episode brought to you by Igneo Infrastructure Partners, part of First Sentier Investors, we’re talking poles, wires and utilities – the infrastructure sector. Infrastructure is one of those asset classes that is heavily exposed to the risks of climate change, but which is also key to decarbonizing our global economy. Joining us to talk about what that means for an investment strategy is Niall Mills, Igneo’s managing partner and head of global infrastructure investments.
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We’re well into the beginning of 2024, so it’s a good time to look back at what happened in sustainability in 2023 and what the big events and trends will be this year. Joining us for this conversation is Julia Leske, senior consultant ESG strategy at ISS ESG. ISS STOXX is the owner of both ISS ESG and ISS Media, publisher of this podcast.
On this episode, we’re going to do a deeper dive into how we measure sustainable finance, and how we value the dollar impact of financing emissions-intensive activities. This is a key discussion point particularly as we look at Australia’s sustainable finance strategy and net zero targets. Here to help us understand it all is Nishtha Aggarwal, financed emissions analyst at think tank Climate Energy Finance.
In this conversation, we’re talking about making gold a little more green. If noted commodities experts and rock group Smashmouth taught us anything, it’s hey now, all that glitters is gold. Now the World Gold Council is working to make gold more sustainable and traceable.
Link: https://www.gold.org/industry-standards/responsible-gold-mining
On this episode brought to you by First Sentier Investors, we’re talking responsible investment from the top down and the bottom up, and how an institutional investor builds its responsible investment strategy through an organisation. Joining us for this conversation is FSI global head of responsible investment Kate Turner, who is pretty much everywhere when it comes to the big discussions on responsible investment!
First Sentier Investors communicate and conduct business through different legal entities in different locations. This material is communicated in:
• Australia and New Zealand by First Sentier Investors (Australia) IM Ltd, authorised and regulated in Australia by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (AFSL 289017; ABN 89 114 194311).
• European Economic Area by First Sentier Investors (Ireland) Limited, authorised and regulated in Ireland by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI reg no. C182306; reg office 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; reg company no. 629188).
• Hong Kong by First Sentier Investors (Hong Kong) Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities & Futures Commission in Hong Kong. First Sentier Investors, FSSA Investment Managers, Stewart Investors, and Realindex Investments are the business names of First Sentier Investors (Hong Kong) Limited.
• Singapore by First Sentier Investors (Singapore) (reg company no. 196900420D) and this advertisement or material has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. First Sentier Investors (registration number 53236800B), FSSA Investment Managers (registration number 53314080C), Stewart Investors (registration number 53310114W) and Realindex Investments (registration number 53472532E) are the business divisions of First Sentier Investors (Singapore).
• Japan by First Sentier Investors (Japan) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Service Agency (Director of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (Registered Financial Institutions) No.2611).
• United Kingdom by First Sentier Investors (UK) Funds Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (reg. no. 2294743; reg office Finsbury Circus House, 15 Finsbury Circus, London EC2M 7EB).
• United States by First Sentier Investors (US) LLC, authorised and regulated by the Securities Exchange Commission (RIA 801-93167).
• other jurisdictions, where this document may lawfully be issued, by First Sentier Investors International IM Limited, authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA ref no. 122512; Registered office: 23 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 1BB; Company no. SC079063).
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation is Australia’s green bank. Over the last 10 years, the CEFC has deployed more than ten billion dollars to invest in decarbonising Australia with an annualised cumulative return of 4.24%. But almost more importantly, because of their co-investment model, each dollar of CEFC capital attracts just over five dollars of additional private capital to projects.
CEFC Executive director Richard Lovell joins us for this conversation to talk about the past decade and the future of green investment in Australia.
Empirical evidence is clear: having a workforce that is diverse across a broad range of gender, cultural background and cognitive background results in better decision making. Here to talk about this topic is Raymone Jackson, head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at T. Rowe Price
As we’re now in peak summer season, we here at the Greener Way are reviewing our swimwear wardrobe with an eye as always on the intersection of fashion and ethics. Joining us is Charys Caldarella, founder of ethical swimwear line Styelle Swim to talk about how to build a sustainable fashion brand from the ground up.
Sure, you’ve got the know-how on all shades of green – but have you heard of blue finance?
In our latest episode Lucy Holmes, Senior Director of Blue Finance at WWF US Oceans Markets & Finance, joins FS Sustainability senior journalist Rose Mary Petrass.
Lucy works with banks and investors to identify the risks of a business-as-usual approach and to incorporate ocean-related ESG metrics into financial decision making.
It’s that time of year when we pause to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Is one of your New Year's resolutions to help save the world and align your investments with your values? In this podcast we hear from Louise Edkins, one half of the co-founders of Ethical Investment Advisers, a boutique ethical investment firm she co-founded in 2004 alongside Terry Pinnell. With more than 3 decades in responsible investment experience, Louise helps her clients merge their financial goals with their aspirations to make a better world. FS Sustainability Senior Journalist Rose Mary Petrass chats with Louise about risk tolerance, financial returns versus positive impact, and how to evaluate whether a company or investment product aligns with ethical criteria in the current global economic and geopolitical climate.
We’re joined by Joshua Gilbert, a Worimi man who lives and works on country. Josh is a Senior Researcher at the UTS Jumbunna Institute of Indigenous Education and Research and is completing his PhD at Charles Sturt University, focusing on the post-colonial involvement of Indigenous peoples in Western agricultural systems.
We’re here to talk about Josh’s research and why learning from Indigenous people’s 60,000-plus year knowledge base is key to building thriving agriculture and natural capital markets in Australia.
https://www.joshuagilbert.co/
From December 12th, workplaces will be legally required to manage psychosocial risk in much the same way as physical risk - meaning workplaces can be held liable for sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination, and investigations can be made regardless of whether a complaint has been filed. In this podcast FS Sustainability Senior Journalist Rose Mary Petrass chats with new Sex Discrimination Commissioner Dr Anna Cody about the laws and what they mean for financial practitioners. Anna has a distinguished career as an academic and lawyer specialising in discrimination and human rights, working on cases involving domestic and family violence, LGBT+ discrimination and the Stolen Generation.
In this episode brought to you by BNP Paribas Asset Management, we’ll be talking about green bonds and their role in investments and how they assist in achieving net zero aims.
Joining us for this conversation is BNP Paribas Asset Management Head of Euro Multi-Strategy Fixed Income Arnaud-Guilhem Lamy.
Marketing Communication – For Wholesale Investors Only
In this episode brought to you by BNP Paribas Asset Management, we’ll be talking about ESG integration in real assets and how investors identify decarbonisation risks and opportunities in infrastructure assets.
Joining us for this conversation is head of real assets Karen Azoulay, who talks to us about how her team applies one of BNP Paribas Asset Management’s four pillars of sustainability investment and seeing real world positive impact in infrastructure investments.
Marketing Communication – For Wholesale Investors Only
In this episode, brought to you by BNP Paribas Asset Management, we’ll be talking about stewardship and how issues that are specific to the APAC region impact on investment considerations.
Joining us for this conversation is BNP Paribas Asset Management head of stewardship, Asia Pacific, Jane Ho. Jane discusses how she implements the global aims of energy transition, environmental sustainability and equality and inclusive growth in the APAC region and why stewardship is not only a fiduciary obligation but also an investment opportunity.
Marketing Communication – For Wholesale Investors Only
In this episode brought to you by BNP Paribas Asset Management, we’ll be going back to basics to talk about how to be a sustainable investor as a global fund manager.
Joining us for this conversation is BNP Paribas Asset Management head of sustainability Jane Ambachtsheer.
Marketing Communication – For Wholesale Investors Only
When we talk about going for the nuclear option, it’s rarely a positive sign. But is nuclear power a solution to the reliable, emissions-free power generation that our global economy requires to transition to a net zero world?
Here to talk about how a new push for nuclear power generation might impact on investors, and the ESG considerations in uranium mining is Phillip Hudak, co-Portfolio Manager, Australian Small Companies, at Maple-Brown Abbott.
In this episode brought to you by First Sentier Investors, we’ll be talking about engagements. Active owners and investors usually cite deep conversations with portfolio companies as a key weapon in the stewardship arsenal, but how do we know if they’re successful?
Joining us to discuss this is Sudip Hazra a director at First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute.
First Sentier Investors communicate and conduct business through different legal entities in different locations. This material is communicated in:
• Australia and New Zealand by First Sentier Investors (Australia) IM Ltd, authorised and regulated in Australia by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (AFSL 289017; ABN 89 114 194311).
• European Economic Area by First Sentier Investors (Ireland) Limited, authorised and regulated in Ireland by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI reg no. C182306; reg office 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; reg company no. 629188).
• Hong Kong by First Sentier Investors (Hong Kong) Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities & Futures Commission in Hong Kong. First Sentier Investors, FSSA Investment Managers, Stewart Investors, and Realindex Investments are the business names of First Sentier Investors (Hong Kong) Limited.
• Singapore by First Sentier Investors (Singapore) (reg company no. 196900420D) and this advertisement or material has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. First Sentier Investors (registration number 53236800B), FSSA Investment Managers (registration number 53314080C), Stewart Investors (registration number 53310114W) and Realindex Investments (registration number 53472532E) are the business divisions of First Sentier Investors (Singapore).
• Japan by First Sentier Investors (Japan) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Service Agency (Director of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (Registered Financial Institutions) No.2611).
• United Kingdom by First Sentier Investors (UK) Funds Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (reg. no. 2294743; reg office Finsbury Circus House, 15 Finsbury Circus, London EC2M 7EB).
• United States by First Sentier Investors (US) LLC, authorised and regulated by the Securities Exchange Commission (RIA 801-93167).
• other jurisdictions, where this document may lawfully be issued, by First Sentier Investors International IM Limited, authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA ref no. 122512; Registered office: 23 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 1BB; Company no. SC079063).
Joining us for this episode is Maria Meinert, director of sustainability at Cochlear. Maria is an experienced sustainability professional and part of FS Sustainability’s inaugural ESG Power50 list, representing one of the 50 most influential sustainability professionals at ASX-listed companies.
Maria is joining us to talk about sustainability considerations at a leading MedTech company and Cochlear’s evolving approach to integrated sustainability and financial reporting.
On this episode brought to you by First Sentier Investors, we’ll be talking about biodiversity and natural capital and how investors are taking these massive topics on board.
Joining us is First Sentier Investors responsible investment specialist Joanne Lee. Recently First Sentier Investors shared its internal biodiversity and nature guide, which outlines which resources can be used at each step for investors to undertake nature-related company assessments and develop engagement approaches to biodiversity risks.
First Sentier Investors views fresh water and forests as two fundamental areas both to the global economy and the fight against climate change.
First Sentier Investors communicate and conduct business through different legal entities in different locations. This material is communicated in:
• Australia and New Zealand by First Sentier Investors (Australia) IM Ltd, authorised and regulated in Australia by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (AFSL 289017; ABN 89 114 194311).
• European Economic Area by First Sentier Investors (Ireland) Limited, authorised and regulated in Ireland by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI reg no. C182306; reg office 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland; reg company no. 629188).
• Hong Kong by First Sentier Investors (Hong Kong) Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities & Futures Commission in Hong Kong. First Sentier Investors, FSSA Investment Managers, Stewart Investors, and Realindex Investments are the business names of First Sentier Investors (Hong Kong) Limited.
• Singapore by First Sentier Investors (Singapore) (reg company no. 196900420D) and this advertisement or material has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. First Sentier Investors (registration number 53236800B), FSSA Investment Managers (registration number 53314080C), Stewart Investors (registration number 53310114W) and Realindex Investments (registration number 53472532E) are the business divisions of First Sentier Investors (Singapore).
• Japan by First Sentier Investors (Japan) Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Service Agency (Director of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (Registered Financial Institutions) No.2611).
• United Kingdom by First Sentier Investors (UK) Funds Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (reg. no. 2294743; reg office Finsbury Circus House, 15 Finsbury Circus, London EC2M 7EB).
• United States by First Sentier Investors (US) LLC, authorised and regulated by the Securities Exchange Commission (RIA 801-93167).
• other jurisdictions, where this document may lawfully be issued, by First Sentier Investors International IM Limited, authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA ref no. 122512; Registered office: 23 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 1BB; Company no. SC079063).
The responsible investment industry had 1 point 3 trillion dollars in assets under management in 2022, a gigantic number representing around a third of total managed assets in Australia. That figure comes from the Responsible Investment Association Australasia’s annual benchmark report. Here to talk about the state of the responsible investment sector and where future growth comes from is CEO Simon O’Connor.
Joining today on The Greener Way is the Wide Open Agriculture CEO Jay Albany. Wide Open Agriculture is an ASX-listed company that focuses on a portfolio of regenerative food products and brands that aim to produce nutritious food at accessible prices as well as nurture the planet back to health. You know, the low-hanging fruit!
On this episode of The Greener Way, we’re talking with Alex Banks, a partner at EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services. Banks is co-author of a report commissioned by The Wilderness Society that found that financiers do not assess and disclose deforestation and biodiversity loss in Australia and may not even be aware of the risk when funding Australia's primary industries.
Stepping into the role of the Lorax, Alex talks about the urgent need for investors and financiers to assess deforestation loss and why Australia is such a blind spot.
Link: https://www.wilderness.org.au/following-the-money
On today’s episode, we’re talking with Ingrid Kukuljan, the head of impact and sustainability at Federated Hermes. Ingrid is responsible for the construction and management of the portfolios within Federated Hermes’ impact and sustainability strategy and, among other activities, is the non-executive director of Fair4All Finance, an organisation founded with UK dormant asset money to create positive impact by promoting financial inclusion in the UK.
We speak with Ingrid about climate and biodiversity and where Australia stands in terms of action on both.
On this episode of The Greener Way, we’re speaking with the Investor Group on Climate Change advocacy manager Michael Bones. IGCC has recently launched a two-year strategy to help investors put money in investments that will help our changing would adapt to the impacts of climate change, and we’re doing to discuss the task ahead, what investors can do and what it means professionally and personally to embrace the really severe negative impacts of climate change.
Link: Road to Resilience: An investor action plan for an adaptive and sustainable economy https://igcc.org.au/road-to-resilience-an-investor-action-plan-for-an-adaptive-and-sustainable-economy/
What message do Aussie farmers have for the corporate world? And what opportunities are out there for investing in innovative climate solutions within the agricultural sector? In this podcast we hear from Dr Anika Molesworth, Founding Director of the organisation Farmers for Climate Action. Anika is a farmer, scientist, author, and public figure on issues of food systems, climate change, conservation, rural community development and women in STEM. FS Sustainability Senior Journalist Rose Mary Petrass chats with Anika about the challenges and opportunities Aussie farmers face, and what a utopian future sustainable food system could look like.
Joining us for this episode is Amarjot Bagga, head of environmental and social impact at Iress, a financial services software provider. Amarjot is an experienced sustainability professional and part of FS Sustainability’s inaugural ESG Power50 list, representing one of the 50 most influential sustainability professionals at ASX-listed companies.
Amarjot talks to us about setting a sustainability strategy and making it integral to company performance.
On this episode of The Greener way, we’re speaking with Forever Wild CEO Fiachra Kearney. Forever Wild is an innovative Queensland social enterprise seeking to protect wilderness ecosystems in conjunction with the land’s Traditional Owners, supported by a blend of philanthropy and private investment.
In this episode … brought to you by CFS Thrive+, we’ll be discussing the big picture of responsible investing and why it matters to end investors and the advisers who are assisting them.
Joining us for this conversation is Colonial First State Chief Investment Officer Jonathan Armitage. Jonathan has had a storied career in funds management, including a deep experience in sustainable and responsible investment, which he shares with us.
https://www.cfs.com.au/thrive-plus.html
In this episode of The Greener Way, we’re talking investing in affordable housing with Casey Taylor from Conscious Investment Management. By any conceivable measure, affordable housing is a crisis in Australia, with a variety of potential mechanisms being levied to solve the problem, including the federal government’s national Housing Accord struck between the government, institutional investors, and industry to help tackle issue.
Conscious Investment Management has invested in several specialist affordable, social and affordable housing projects as part of its investment mandate, and Casey will talk to us about Conscious Investment Management, how they approach the issue and the role private investment can play in solving the problem.
Today senior journalist Rose Mary Petrass speaks with Gary Wyatt, group managing director of Corporate Carbon – Australia's largest Emissions Reduction Fund project owner with more than 3 million acres of land under active management and more than 100 projects across 12 different methodology types.
Gary demystifies carbon credits and how they are developed and brought to market, the verification process, and what changes are needed to drive investor participation in this emerging asset class.
In this episode of The Greener Way, we’re speaking with Jack Latimore. Jack is the Aboriginal affairs journalist at The Age. He is a Birpai man with family ties to Thungutti and Gumbaynggirr nations.
Later this year, Australian citizens will be asked to vote on in a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Constitution by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.
The Vote on Voice is being widely debated and many institutions including key Australian business and investors have either publicly come out in favour of the vote, or are mulling whether to publicly take a stance.
Jack discusses discuss how he approaches covering this historic time for The Age, how he establishes sources within Indigenous communities and how people can better educate themselves as they consider how to vote later this year.
More information:
The Quarterly Essay – Megan Davis, Voice of Reason On Recognition and Renewal: Quarterly Essay 90 (https://www.quarterlyessay.com.au/)
Elements of Indigenous Style: A Guide for Writing by and about Indigenous Peoples, Gregory Younging (https://www.amazon.com.au/Elements-Indigenous-Style-Writing-Peoples/dp/1550597167)
Truth-Telling: History, sovereignty and the Uluru Statement, Henry Reynolds https://www.newsouthbooks.com.au/books/truth-telling/
Tom King, director and CIO of Nanuk Asset Management, joins the podcast in conversation with senior journalist Rose Mary Petrass.
Tom’s career spans Olympic sailing to funds management. We discuss how Tom steers the Nanuk ship of sustainably-themed responsible investment through the turbulent waters of a changing world – while simultaneously calling for ESG to be banned.
This episode of The Greener Way is a couple of firsts – our first repeat guest and our first book corner!
We welcome back John Pabon, corporate sustainability consultant, former UN advisor and analyst, and author to discuss his new book The Great Greenwashing. John defines green speak, misdirection, greenscamming and what you can do to fight it.
In this episode of The Greener way, we’re speaking with Tianna Rose, an associate adviser at Verse Wealth. The CFA Institute in recent years has introduced the Certificate in ESG Investing in Australia, designed to investment professionals the benchmark knowledge and skills they require to integrate ESG factors into their investment processes.
Tianna recently received the Certificate in ESG Investing accreditation, and we’re going to talk with her about her career, why she went for the certificate and what she feels it can do for career development.
In this episode senior journalist Rose Mary Petrass speaks with Dr Laura Ryan, head of research at Ardea investment management, on her research surrounding promotion in the Australian finance industry.
Laura discusses her recent paper, co-authored alongside the CFA Institute and ANU, and the business case for getting the mix right.
In this episode brought to you by CFS Thrive Plus, Colonial First State director Responsible Investment Guneet Rana and Affirmative Investment Management partner Kate Temby discuss all things responsible investing – what it is, how manager build responsible investing strategies, and how advisers can find solutions to meet their clients’ needs.
FS Sustainability Senior Journalist Rose Mary Petrass joins to discuss our action-packed month of May, the issues she's looking into and the news shaping our coverage going forward.
Stewart Investors Senior Investment Specialist Pablo Berrutti to talk about sustainable investing, what is stewardship and how his passion for sustainable investing led him to found Altiorem, a not-for-profit library and resource centre for sustainable finance research.
Recent research paper by Altiorem: https://altiorem.org/2023/02/22/how-can-businesses-thrive-in-a-sustainable-economy/
In this episode brought to you by CFS Thrive+, we’ll be discussing what retail investors want when it comes to ESG and sustainable investment products and how financial advisers can help their clients decide where to put their hard-earned dollars.
Joining in this discussion is CFS Director – ESG Camilla Skalberg and Julia Harley, a financial adviser at Ethinvest.
https://www.cfs.com.au/thrive-plus.html
We’re joined by Julia Leske, Head of ESG Australia and New Zealand at ISS ESG to talk about ISS ESG’s recent global thought leadership report, Actionable Insights and the specific Australian and New Zealand aspects that companies and investors have on their agenda.
For more information on the report, click here: https://www.issgovernance.com/library/actionable-insights-top-esg-themes-in-2023-regional/
We are joined by V-Square Quantitative Management president and chief executive officer Mamadou-Abou Sarr. Mamadou talks about how index funds can capture green opportunities, the opportunity set for Australian investors and how to define a country’s “readiness” to invest in low-carbon opportunities.
The Responsible Investment Association Australasia is gearing up to hold its annual conference in Melbourne May 10-11.
FS Sustainability is proud to be an official media partner to RI Australia 2023, and we’re joined by RIAA’s executive manager, programs Estelle Parker to talk about how RI Australia helps set the scene for responsible investment in Australia, the topics that will be showcased and what she’s particularly looking forward to learning.
To learn more about RI Australia 2023, click here.
Dr James Cockayne is the NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner (the first at either a state or federal level). James explains his role, how government, business and investors can catalyse action on modern slavery, and his thoughts as we mark the 10th anniversary of
the factory collapse at Rana Plaza in Bangladesh, a tragedy that left more than 1,000 people dead and galvanised a global conversation on companies’ responsibility to eliminate modern slavery in their operations and in their supply chain.
We’re joined by Nuveen’s global head of impact private equity Rekha Unnithan. Impact investing and the ability to invest to achieve real world social and environmental outcomes as well financial returns is a hot topic in investing, and we cover Nuveen’s approach in private markets and how it plays out in real-world examples.
In this episode, we're pulling back the (sustainably-sourced, ethically manufactured) curtain on our newsroom with FS Sustainability senior journalist Rose Mary Petrass to talk about her journalistic passions, what's going on in FS Sustainability and what you can expect in forthcoming weeks.
On this episode, we’re joined by Damion Rallis and Matt Moscardi of Free Float Media. Damion and Matt’s podcast Business Pants is where they share their research into board sabermetrics from ripped-from-the-headline corporate news. They explain to us why who is on boards and – more importantly – who has influence on boards – matter. Plus new and interesting awards for ASX-listed boards.
In this episode, we’re joined by Northern Trust Asset Management’s global head of sustainability and stewardship Julie Moret. Julie will explain how managing investors’ capital is like good practice in camping (it involves returning it in a more sustainable condition than you received it) and why the EMUs (energy, materials and utilities companies) are a focus area for decarbonisation.
Link to vote in the ESG Power50 final voting round://www.fssustainability.com.au/esgpower50
Graz van Egmond is the CEO of the Banksia Foundation, the driving force behind the Banksia Foundation Sustainability Awards. The awards have highlighted organisations around Australia, of all sizes and industries, for their sustainability performance for more than 30 years. Graz talks about the forthcoming 2023 awards and why it's necessary to hero the organisations building a sustainable future in Austrlalia.
We’re joined by Metrics Investment Director – Sustainable Finance Alison Chan. Alison has packed a lot of career experience into a short amount of time and we’re going to talk the state of sustainable finance in Australia and why she became a "climate quitter".
Metrics Responsible Investment page: https://metrics.com.au/esg-responsible-investing/
Disclosure website: https://www.netzeroassetmanagers.org/signatories/metrics-credit-partners/
ESG Power50: https://www.fssustainability.com.au/esgpower50
We're joined by Fidelity International’s head of Sustainable Investing Australia, Daniela Jaramillo. Daniela manages the global fund manager’s stewardship activities in Australia and we discuss what investment stewardship looks like, how it impacts investment decisions and real-world outcomes.
We speak with Insight Investment’s head of responsible investment research and environmental economist David McNeil to talk about the outlook for green bonds in 2023, plus how being an environmental economist led him to his current job.
We talk with Rainmaker Information director of research Alex Dunnin about demystifying ESG, how super funds are doing in disclosing what’s in their portfolios and why disclosure and clarity around ESG matters for super fund members.
We talk with UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures' Alison Atherton and Gordon Noble on their recent research which found that there is a climate skills gap in the Australian financial industry, with demand for people with climate skills outstripping supply. Atherton and Noble explain why this could hamstring the trajectory of Australia's net zero ambitions.
We speak with Shalini Samuel, director of certification and standards learning, B Lab AANZ on why profit with purpose matters, how B Corps were countering greenwashing before it was a thing, and the future for B Corp companies.
B Corp accreditation is a global standard which identifies businesses and organisations with sustainable and ethical practices. B Corps are certified by the non-profit B Lab as meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
In this episode, we speak with Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) CEO Simon O’Connor on the big issues in sustainable investing in 2022, from greenwashing to demand for authentic sustainable investments, and how the momentum will keep going in 2023.
With more than 500 members representing US$29 trillion in assets under management, RIAA covers people and organisations engaged in responsible, ethical and impact investing across Australia and New Zealand.
We speak with Camille Soquet-Clerc, founder of Bloom Impact, an investment app offering retail investors access to climate-related impact investments.
Fintech Bloom Impact offers access to a diversified growth portfolio of assets that meet climate impact goals with a minimum investment of $500. We talk about designing to open climate impact to a broader investment audience and what inspired this digital marketing professional to found a deep green fintech product.
You can find Bloom Impact at https://www.bloom-impact.com/ . To subscribe to FS Sustainability, visit www.fssustainability.com.au
Deirdre Cooper, head of sustainable equity within the multi-asset team at global fund manager Ninety One, joins us to talk about how to invest in the transition to a low-carbon economy, why biodiversity isn’t the new climate change, and how Ninety One measures impact and additionality in its activities.
Cooper co-manages Ninety One’s Global Environment Strategy, which invests in companies enabling the transition to a low-carbon economy to capture the structural growth driven by decarbonization.
John Pabon, corporate sustainability consultant, former UN advisor and analyst, and author, joins us to speak about what Australian businesses of all sizes can do to ensure they are not contributing to the rising prevalence of greenwashing, how to spot it, as well as what actions they can take to do their part on sustainability.
In this episode brought to you by MFS Investment Management, we discuss decarbonisation, and how a net-zero strategy can be used to communicate not only investment strategies, but also a narrative belief to key groups including clients, super fund members, investee companies, governments and regulators.
We speak with MFS President Carol Geremia and UniSuper governance and sustainability manager Sybil Dixon about why and how net zero targets are used to guide investment decisions and the way investors talk about climate risks and opportunities.
For more information on MFS Investment management, visit http://www.mfs.com and to subscribe to FS Sustainability, visit www.fssustainability.com.au.
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Contact Us: podcast@financialstandard.com.au
Website: https://www.financialstandard.com.au
The weekly Financial Standard podcast covers the latest developments in finance, investment trends, and economics that are shaping the future of Australia’s wealth management landscape by talking to leading professional voices in Australia and from around the world.
Brought to you by Financial Standard. Take the lead.
In this episode brought to you by MFS Investment Management we discuss what integration of environmental, social and governance-related means for fixed income portfolios.
We will also explore the strengths and challenges of finding transparent, comparable and meaningful ESG data relevant to fixed income securities and the role of sustainable bonds.
We speak with MFS fixed income research Analyst Mahesh Jayakumar and ISS head of ESG for Australia and New Zealand Julia Leske.
For more information on MFS Investment Management, visit https:www.mfs.com/ . To subscribe to FS Sustainability, visit www.fsssustainability.com.au
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We discuss what integration of ESG data and ratings means for fixed income portfolios and the role of sustainable bonds.
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Contact Us: podcast@financialstandard.com.au
Website: https://www.financialstandard.com.au
The weekly Financial Standard podcast covers the latest developments in finance, investment trends, and economics that are shaping the future of Australia’s wealth management landscape by talking to leading professional voices in Australia and from around the world.
Brought to you by Financial Standard. Take the lead.
In this episode brought to you by MFS Investment Management, we discuss what integration of environmental, social and governance-related means for stock selection in investment portfolios, how fund managers can demonstrate that they’re authentically using ESG information to manage risk and enhance return.
We speak with MFS head of global ESG strategy Vishal Hindocha and Zenith Investment Partners head of responsible investment and real assets Dugald Higgins.
For more information on MFS Investment Management, visit https://www.mfs.com/. To subscribe to FS Sustainability, visit www.fssustainability.com.au.
In this episode, we speak with James Thompson, senior vice president, division manager – Asia-Pacific at insurer FM Global.
James talks about the engineering challenges facing businesses as they adapt to climate change, the role the insurer can play in pricing risk, and how FM Global approaches problem-solving for facilities.
Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia (BCSDA) CEO Andrew Petersen joins us to discuss his big take-aways from COP27 at Sharm El-Sheikh and what he anticipates at COP15 in Montreal - the Biodiversity COP. Petersen is an attendee of both COPs in his role as head of BCSDA, which is a national peak body "representing forward-thinking companies and organisations that are working towards the transition to a sustainable Australia." Petersen provides a daily update on all the action in Montreal via Zoom.
To register, click: https://www.bcsda.org.au/event-details/gday-montreal-bcsdas-daily-cop15-online-report-2022-12-07-09-00-1
In this episode, BNP Paribas Asset Management global head of sustainability Jane Ambachtsheer talks about investing to decarbonise the real economy versus investing in low carbon strategies, how to translate net zero commitments into action and the global fund manager’s role in meeting its responsibilities on climate change.
Patricia Torres, head of sustainable finance solutions, Bloomberg talks about the urgent challenge on managing climate risk over the next eight years, and what would constitute a successful outcome at COP27.
n this week’s episode, brought to you by Realindex Investments, we discuss how a single issue like gender diversity can be used as an alpha signal as well as a qualitative measure of company risk and opportunity. We speak with Realindex Investments senior quantitative portfolio manager Dr Joanna Nash on how the systematic equities manager integrates ESG into their quantitative process and how the issue of gender diversity in company management can indicate potential investment opportunity.
Then we interview Australian Council of Superannuation Investors CEO Louise Davidson on how engagement and stewardship on the topic of gender diversity can assist investors in uncovering additional information and communicating areas of concern to companies.
For more information on Realindex Investments, visit https://www.firstsentierinvestors.com.au/au/en/institutional/our-funds/realindex-investments.html
Emilie O’Neill is co-head of ESG at fund manager Perennial Better Futures. In this episode, we talk about what drives her as an analyst and how she looks at decarbonization, diversity and other key ESG issues and how they impact on the Better Futures Trust. Perennial Better Futures is a boutique investment business owned by Perennial Partners. It includes the Perennial Better Future Trust and the associated active ETF, the eInvest Better Future Fund (IMPQ) and also manages ESG initiatives across the Perennial group.
In this episode brought to you by First Sentier Investors, we’ll be discussing how environmental, social and governance issues play in credit strategies. We speak with First Sentier Investors senior portfolio manager, global credit Craig Morabito and Active Super head of responsible investment Moya Yip about how and why ESG materiality matters in credit portfolios and how active investors can use their available tools to engage with issuers. For more information on First Sentier Investors, visit https://www.firstsentierinvestors.com.au/ (https://www.firstsentierinvestors.com.au/) and to subscribe to FS Sustainability, visit https://www.fssustainability.com.au./ (www.fssustainability.com.au.)
In this episode, we speak with Dr Patrice Newell, First Nations author, environmentalist and co-founder of Kwala, a responsible investing app that offers investors access to Australian and international companies with high environmental, social, health or technological attributes. Newell explains the ethical ethos behind Kwala and how her life experiences led to her wanting to develop an ethical investment app that improves access to wealth for Australian.
Kristy Graham is the executive officer of the Australian Sustainable Finance Initiative, which was established in 2021 as the permanent body to oversee the implementation of the delivery of the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute roadmap. The ASFI roadmap consists of 37 recommendations structured around four pillars - embedding sustainability into leadership; integrating sustainability into practice; enabling resilience for all Australians; and building sustainable finance markets. ASFI is currently working on developing a sustainable finance taxonomy for Australia to help drive further investment and capital allocation towards greening Australia’s economy. FS Sustainability is pleased to be a media partner for the ASFI Summit on 28 October. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.asfi.org.au/summit (https://www.asfi.org.au/summit).
In this episode, we speak with AXA Investment Managers Core Investment CIO Ecaterina Bigos, who weighs in on the current state of the global green bond market. Ecaterina talks to the burgeoning $1 trillion green bond market and how green finance will play a critical role in building sustainable economies.
Earlier this year, EY published Enough: A review of corporate sustainability, in a world running out of time. The report calls for a total rethink of corporate sustainability, including posing questions to companies on breaking the cycle of incrementalism. EY Oceania chief sustainability officer Mathew Nelson joins to explain why keeping on with the status quo on sustainability is no longer fit for purpose, why Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard’s billion-dollar donation is good, but not a universal solution, and why the TV show the Good Place is a model for sustainability.
In this episode we speak with Yolanda Beattie, founder of the Future IM/Pact initiative, which is aimed at increasing the diversity of talent coming into investment management industry. Progress in recruiting more diverse people into investment management- particularly women – has been made in recent years, mainly in mid-level roles, but more work is needed. Beattie has noted that the twin trends of continued consolidation of superannuation fund and the growing internal investment teams at those funds presents an opportunity for the superannuation fund industry to collectively break down structural barriers to gender parity in the industry. Beattie talks about how her innovative program partners with major super funds and investment managers including recent signatories UniSuper, Aware Super, Pinnacle Investment Management and TDM Growth Partners are working to develop the next generation of diverse talent.
In this episode, we speak with Terence Jeyaretnam, EY’s APAC leader and partner for climate change and sustainability. Terence explains how a career that started as an environmental engineer led him to develop his expertise in working with corporate operations in how to measure and manage environmental, social and climate risks and opportunities. He also explains how his personal interests in systems level changes have led him to directorships with Global Citizen, Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand and Amnesty International. To subscribe to FS Sustainability, visit https://www.fssustainability.com.au/ (www.fssustainability.com.au)
Janus Henderson sustainability analyst Amarachi Seery explains why companies should make sure that their product design teams are as inclusive as their target customer base, and how a career start in construction gives her an edge as a sustainability finance professional. To subscribe to FS Sustainability, visit https://www.fssustainability.com.au/ (www.fssustainability.com.au)
In this episode, we speak with Viola Lutz, head of ISS ESG climate solutions. Viola discusses how ISS ESG approaches climate risk and climate solutions, why quantitative ESG ratings alone aren’t a silver bullet and why we have to use a variety of weapons to get to net zero. Full disclosure: ISS owns both ISS ESG and Rainmaker Information, publisher of this podcast. To subscribe to FS Sustainability, visit https://www.fssustainability.com.au/ (www.fssustainability.com.au)
We speak with Camille Soquet-Clerc, founder of Bloom Impact, a new investment app offering retail investors access to climate-related impact investments. Fintech Bloom Impact offers access to a diversified growth portfolio of assets that meet climate impact goals with a minimum investment of $500. We talk about designing to open climate impact to a broader investment audience and what inspired this digital marketing professional to found a deep green fintech product. You can find Bloom Impact at https://www.bloom-impact.com/ (https://www.bloom-impact.com/) . To subscribe to FS Sustainability, visit https://www.fssustainability.com.au/ (www.fssustainability.com.au)
In this episode, we speak with Clare Bartram an ESG specialist on modern slavery at ISS ESG. Clare discusses where companies have risk to modern slavery, why it matters for investors and the outlook for enhanced regulation and investor engagement. Full disclosure, ISS owns both ISS ESG and Rainmaker Information, publisher of this podcast. To subscribe to FS Sustainability, visit https://www.fssustainability.com.au/ (www.fssustainability.com.au)
Conversations about people, planet and profit-for-purpose in a complex world, brought to you by the publishers of FS Sustainability. The Greener Way is your podcast for exploring the big environmental, social and governance questions. Each week, The Greener Way will focus on deep conversations with investment and corporate experts who are deeply engaged in managing the sustainability challenges facing our planet. From climate change to biodiversity, human rights and modern slavery to corporate purpose and governance, we tackle head-on the nuances and trade-offs of our complicated world. The Greener Way is the podcast of FS Sustainability, the premier weekly trade publication that covers how investors and companies are changing real world outcomes across environmental, social and governance issues.