Across sectors and geographies, one message came through clearly: ESG challenges are systemic. Whether discussing climate risk with Dariel De Sousa, sustainable investing with Rebecca Ogg, or transition planning with Pauline Martin, guests urged us to look beyond isolated issues and examine the architecture of the systems shaping finance, infrastructure and regulation.

Another powerful thread was impact over optics. Australia’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner Chris Evans reminded us that ESG is not about glossy reporting but about real-world outcomes. Similarly, Nishikant Gupta of Conrad Energy highlighted the importance of curiosity, collaboration and practical action in turning strategy into measurable change.

Collaboration and capital allocation also emerged as decisive levers. From Oliver Kade’s call for cross-sector partnerships to scale waste management solutions, to Claire Reid’s explanation of how innovative financing models can unlock community energy infrastructure, the season explored how funding structures and collective action shape results.

Listen to all episodes in the Game Changers mini-series by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Claire explains how SNRG’s microgrid model works in practice, pooling solar generation across entire developments and storing excess power in communal batteries so that energy is shared fairly and efficiently. The result is lower bills for residents, reduced strain on the national grid and new opportunities for stalled housing and commercial projects to move forward.

They discuss how this approach aligns with the UK’s clean energy ambitions, from residential garden towns to industrial sites cutting carbon and costs without waiting years for grid reinforcements. The conversation also tackles the persistent myth that renewables are more expensive, and why long-term energy independence and resilience demand a shift in mindset.

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of talented guests by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Drawing on his work with major corporates, regulators and cross-sector groups, Chris explains why finding modern slavery in a supply chain should be seen as a system working, not failing. He highlights the shift businesses need to make, from producing reports to tackling real risk, and walks through the areas where exploitation most often hides, including labour hire, subcontracting and high-risk global supply chains.

Elena and Chris also explore how the ACCC’s recent guidance is clearing the way for companies to collaborate more confidently on remediation and due diligence.

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Having worked with corporates, government and charities, Natalie has seen what drives change from inside and outside the business world. In our podcast, she argues that governments and companies should be subject to a legal duty of care for young people and nature (similar to directors’ fiduciary duties). She also questions the logic of established economic frameworks and explains how these could be rewired to benefit people, planet and profit.

Natalie shares her pragmatic take on how corporates can regain trust in the wake of greenwashing scandals. She and Elena also discuss why supply chains are a two-way street when it comes to environmental accountability. And they shine a spotlight on overseas examples of nations taking bold steps to prioritise nature, economic progress, and social good.

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of talented guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Natsuko reflects on her work over the past three decades, which has helped strengthen relationships between Ashurst’s Japanese clients and Australian businesses in the mining, resources, real estate and energy sectors. Lea explains why businesses seeking to invest in Australia are increasingly focusing on First Nations engagement. And Trent recalls the respectful, polite – and very frank – conversations he enjoyed with clients in Japan.

Natsuko describes the “revelation” that there are so many “clear links between First Nations and Japanese culture” and explains how progressive Japanese businesses are seeking more opportunities to connect with and employ First Nations people in Australia. Lea reflects, “One thing that dawned on me in Japan was that Australia is well known for safety, security and stability. And Japan really values those things as well.” While Trent adds: “It was a joy to recognise our similarities and find synergies.”

Packed with optimism, inspiration and insight, this episode provides plenty of food for thought for business leaders in Australia and Japan alike.

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Dariel draws on her deep professional and academic expertise to reveal the urgent need for regulatory reform in the face of systemic risks caused by climate change. The discussion traverses from the fragmented regulatory frameworks that have been inadequate to effectively respond to past natural disasters (e.g. Queensland’s 2011 floods and Victoria’s 2009 Black Saturday bushfires), to more promising regulatory progress in the US and in Victoria that reflect a system-wide approach to managing climate risks. Dariel argues that we cannot afford to wait for natural disasters to occur before we reform regulatory frameworks.  Instead, regulation should embed a proactive risk governance approach so that climate risks can be pre-empted and managed in a similar way to how large corporations manage the spectrum of risks they face across their diverse operations through their enterprise risk management frameworks.

This episode is a powerful call to action for governments to codify climate resilience into law, to adapt society’s critical systems to the shocks stemming from our warming world.

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Oliver breaks down the core pillars of Seven Clean Seas’ work, from removing plastic waste from rivers and coastlines across Southeast Asia, to advancing national-level policy, to improving lives in vulnerable communities. Together, Lorraine and Oliver explore how corporate sponsorships (such as with Howden), technological tools (including AI tracking and chemical recycling), and Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks are helping to bridge the funding gap that has long undermined waste management. 

Essential to the discussion is understanding why local socioeconomic dynamics is essential for effective sustainability solutions, and how Seven Clean Seas’ “lives improved” methodology guides their community empowerment work spanning education, health, infrastructure, and income generation. 

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Pauline shares Oxford Properties’ pragmatic, data-first approach to decarbonisation, guided by OMERS’ net zero target and supported by a robust data foundation. She explains how standardised toolkits, green leasing strategies, and templatized scope of works are enabling consistent decision-making across jurisdictions, asset classes, and investment models.

The conversation also touches on stakeholder expectations, from planning authorities to tenants and investors, and how these are accelerating the adoption of net-zero pathways. Becky adds a regulatory lens, providing a timely overview of the UK government’s consultation on transition plans and the frameworks helping businesses stay ahead, such as the TPT disclosure framework and GFANZ recommendations.

For more on the UK’s proposed adoption of the ISSB sustainability reporting standards, Ashurst has published a detailed summary available here.

To explore Oxford’s approach in greater detail, listeners are encouraged to read the Oxford Properties 2025 Global Sustainability Report.

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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In conversation with Ashurst’s Elena Lambros, Sarah takes us on a whistle-stop tour of CBA’s strategy to assist businesses of all sizes. They discuss how SMEs and mid-market businesses are shifting from what Sarah describes as a “curiosity mindset” to an “action mindset”. This is being driven through a combination of:

• Savings including lower energy bills
• Enablers such as CBA’s asset finance for energy-efficient equipment, solar and EVs for businesses of all sizes, Green Loans and Sustainability-Linked Loans for larger businesses
• Expectations from investors, and procurement requirements from larger businesses that are subject to new mandatory climate-related disclosures.

While acknowledging the challenge for small businesses to devote time to ESG strategy, Sarah emphasises the proven commercial rewards of doing so. She also explains how Sustainability-Linked Loans work and she illustrates the value of the ‘S’ in ESG (e.g. social outcomes such as employee wellbeing).

Sarah and Elena highlight some industries that are embracing sustainable finance, such as hospitality, retirement living and aged care, and commercial property. And they welcome the sustainable finance taxonomy which promises to bring greater consistency and confidence in the market.

They also emphasise the commercial benefits for small businesses that don’t wait, but instead seize the initiative. As Sarah points out, SMEs that go beyond compliance and really embrace ESG now can access new markets, win more contracts and tenders, and be more attractive propositions for customers and potential employees alike.

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In the latest episode of our Game Changers mini-series, Nish takes Ashurst’s Lorraine Johnston behind the scenes to reveal how he puts his ESG strategy into action. It’s a remarkable story that spans third-party and supplier collaborations, biodiversity innovations, cutting-edge technology, meticulous measurement, and much more.

Nish also shares some words of advice for up-and-coming ESG specialists, including: “Be bold in your vision, but grounded in practical action. Ask: What's the impact of your work?” Also: “Collaboration is key…working across disciplines—whether it's within your office or within sectors—often sparks the most impactful solutions.” And finally, “Act. Even small steps matter.”

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this episode of ESG Matters, host Elena Lambros, a partner in our Risk Advisory practice, is joined by legal experts from across our global disputes and arbitration teams, including Arne Fuchs, James Clarke, and Erin Eckhoff. Together, they unpack the implications of the ICJ’s opinion and what it could mean for climate-related litigation, corporate liability, and governance standards around the world.

They explore developments across key jurisdictions including, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK and examine how legal systems are beginning to engage with the idea of a climate change duty of care. They also consider how courts may treat climate inaction, what this means for companies with high-emission operations or supply chains, and why boards and legal teams need to be watching closely.

Explore more of Ashurst’s analysis of the ICJ opinion. 

To listen and subscribe to future episodes, search for ESG Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app. For more from Ashurst’s podcast library, visit ashurst.com/podcasts.

This podcast contains general information and does not constitute legal advice. Listeners should seek professional advice before acting on the content discussed.

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As Head of Responsible Investment at Challenger, Charlotte is at the forefront of embedding sustainability into both institutional retirement products and a broad range of managed funds. She shares how materiality-based ESG integration, transparent reporting, and active engagement are key to strengthening portfolios against long-term risks like climate change, human rights abuses, and emerging AI-driven impacts.

Charlotte and Elena unpack the growing power of mandatory climate disclosures, the transformative potential of AI in ESG data modelling, and why future generations are poised to accelerate sustainable investing like never before. Charlotte also offers clear advice for anyone looking to make a difference in this fast-changing field: start now, stay curious, and never underestimate the impact of persistence.

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Rebecca has her finger on the pulse of changes in sustainable investing, and her passion shines through as she describes Fidelity International’s twin approach—mitigating environmental and social risks, as well as funding innovative solutions to benefit society and the natural world in the long term. From investing in green infrastructure to tackling risks like water scarcity and climate-related GDP loss, Rebecca and Elena get right to the heart of sustainable finance. Rebecca also pinpoints four practical actions that individuals can take to contribute to the energy transition.

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

The material discussed in this interview is not advice of any kind. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs.  You should consider these matters and seek advice before acting on the information. Interests in the funds referred to in this interview are not offered in Australia.  FIL Responsible Entity (Australia) Limited, AFSL No. 409340. ABN 33 148 059 009 (“Fidelity Australia”). Fidelity Australia is a member of the FIL Limited group of companies commonly known as Fidelity International.

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Guests such as John Mellowes (BioCarbon) and Poppy Mardall (Poppy’s Funerals) illustrate how meeting industries where they are and prioritising human-centered sustainability can drive meaningful impact.

The episode also explores large-scale ESG initiatives with Joel Tasche (CleanHub) and ShanMae Teo (Climate Impact Partners), who reflect on how collaboration within existing systems can amplify environmental and social progress. While Ash Knop (Wilderlands) and Roger McKerlie (Environmental Business Network) round out the discussion, by emphasising the increasing integration of ESG into core business strategy and financial decision-making.

For more insights on how innovative companies are revolutionsing their way to net-zero, subscribe to Ashurst ESG Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

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Taran describes Epson’s innovative approach to ESG, including its groundbreaking micro piezo printing technology which reduces energy consumption compared with traditional printing methods. Taran also explains Epson’s dry fiber technology, a revolutionary near-waterless recycling process that transforms discarded paper into reusable materials which can be reused in other industries, such as fashion.

Taran explains how sustainability advocacy helps put ESG at the top of the agenda across the business, ensuring that every department understands their role in achieving social and environmental goals. She also describes Epson’s exhaustive approach to sustainability reporting, third-party verification, and measuring ESG performance.

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Roger explains how the EBN helps businesses—from mid-size to larger SMEs—navigate the complex demands of sustainability. He shares his insights on why the environmental agenda has shifted from being a tactical issue to a strategic boardroom priority, with CFOs increasingly focused on ESG impacts and opportunities.

Roger also discusses the importance of storytelling to inspire action, emphasising that “small changes by businesses collectively move the dial” on the climate crisis. From promoting second-hand fashion to rethinking corporate purpose, Roger highlights actionable steps for business leaders at any stage of their sustainability journey.

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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During the discussion with series co-host Elena Lambros, Joel shares his passion for the ocean and details about CleanHub’s unique approach, including how they’re working in countries like India, Indonesia, and Guatemala to provide scalable waste management solutions. He also highlights the importance of holding brands accountable for plastic waste and the role legislation plays in driving meaningful change.

"Plastic pollution starts on land, and if we can stop it there, we can keep it from entering our oceans," says Joel Tasche.

For more insights on how businesses are driving environmental change, subscribe to Ashurst ESG Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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During the discussion, you'll hear Paul share details on landmark projects like the Waratah Super Battery and Akaysha's expansion into global markets, providing a glimpse into the future of sustainable energy storage.

"We've got to keep reminding the broader public that it's not all doom and gloom when it comes to climate. There's a lot of really positive stuff happening, and it's crucial that people see and hear that and understand that it's not all just bad news." - Paul Curnow

Listen to the complete Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of inspiring guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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In conversation with Ashurst’s Elena Lambros, Joan describes how Arup works with clients to engineer more sustainable environments and communities. Joan advocates a place-based approach to decarbonisation, where local infrastructure and social networks are reimagined to create climate-positive outcomes. She also emphasises the value of leveraging existing resources, such as under-used buildings, to achieve cost effective low-carbon solutions.

Along the way, Joan and Elena zoom in and out from the private sector to the public sector and from the personal to the political to reveal smarter ways to achieve climate action.

Listen back to the complete Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of inspiring guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Poppy is the inspirational founder of Poppy’s Funerals in London. Since 2012, she’s made it her mission to offer Londoners more thoughtful, sustainable options that can be tailored to individual needs. In the episode, Poppy talks candidly about the lack of regulation in the funeral sector and her vision to change the industry from within by building quality services around customers’ preferences rather than sticking with traditional, outdated norms that are often impersonal, inflexible and unnecessarily harmful for the environment.

In conversation with Ashurst’s Lorraine Johnston, Poppy explains how staff engagement propelled her business to achieve and maintain B Corp Certification. And she explains why she doesn’t describe Poppy’s Funerals as ‘green’ funeral directors: “We consider ourselves to be a modern business that is prioritising sustainability in all ways. We want our business to exist in 50 years' time, and we want the planet to be in good shape in 50 years' time. It’s much more about just being responsible and being thoughtful, rather than any ‘gimmicky’ kind of branding.”

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Throughout the discussion, Ash highlights how Wilderlands collaborates with landholders, conservation organisations, and businesses to create meaningful and scalable conservation projects. These projects not only safeguard precious habitats but also integrate First Nations perspectives, ensuring a more holistic approach to environmental stewardship.

Discussing the challenges and aspirations of scaling Wilderlands' impact, and off the back of Cop 16, Ash speaks of the importance of leadership in driving the nature-positive movement, advocating for proactive business and individual engagement to preserve the planet’s biodiversity for future generations rather than waiting for policy mandates.

For more insights on how innovative companies are revolutionising their way to net-zero, subscribe to Ashurst ESG Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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The discussion delves into the challenges of decarbonising lithium production, the importance of sustainable resource extraction, and Vulcan's ambitious plans to scale this technology across Europe and beyond.

"The energy transition is very metals intensive... I think we need to have an honest conversation about the carbon budgets of those tools of the transition." Dr Francis Wedin 

For more insights on how innovative companies are revolutionising their way to net zero, subscribe to Ashurst ESG Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In an unflinching discussion, Lorraine and ShanMae dissect media scepticism of carbon offsetting and consider the evidence that pricing carbon really can drive positive change. From the discussion, it's clear that not all carbon credits are created equally. Quality matters, says ShanMae: "With our enhanced quality assurance process, we really want to make sure that the projects that we're supporting are delivering that impact from an environmental and community standpoint."

It's an episode packed with inspiring examples of carbon-cutting projects worldwide that are making deep and lasting impacts for the better. Along the way, ShaneMae shares insights on finance, metrics, infrastructure, and the future of voluntary carbon markets.

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow this link to listen to the Climate Impact Partners podcast.

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Ashurst’s Head of First Nations Strategy, Trent Wallace, is joined by Ashurst Procurement Lead APAC Will Houston to explain how the firm has expanded its procurement with First Nations businesses in Australia and share tips for other organisations seeking to tap into more diverse suppliers.

The episode begins by exploring how the broader procurement profession has changed over the past decade. In particular, Will reflects on the growing priority of sustainability in procurement and how the COVID-19 pandemic forced many organisations to seek more local suppliers. (Or as Will puts it, purchasing that’s “not just the right price, but from the right place”.)

Will recommends organisations take a strategic approach to procurement that fosters long-term relationships with First Nations suppliers rather than short-term transactional arrangements. He also offers some examples of such an approach based on the Ashurst experience. Finally, he describes some of the trends and opportunities that are set to shape the procurement sector in the years ahead.

Listen and subscribe to all our ESG Matters @ Ashurst episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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As CEO and founder of Ohmie GO, Kyle provides e-mobility solutions to get large commercial and residential buildings ready for electric vehicles. In our podcast, he recalls a flash of inspiration on a late-night flight ("I was the madman, wide awake, scribbling away on my iPad") which sparked a test run of shared electric vehicles in 2018, followed by a period of further experimentation and exponential business growth.

"We're a pretty unique beast," Kyle says, referring to Ohmie GO's commitment to design and build everything in-house. "There are pros and cons that come with that but, largely, it's hugely to our benefit and our customers are starting to feel that. We curate, quarantine, and manage that user journey from end to end."

Kyle also talks about his approach to "seeing the world differently" and explains his belief that "car ownership is probably not sustainable in a really big, growing city." He also maps out an alternative: a suite of flexible, affordable modes of transport to suit people's unique needs and circumstances.

Listen back to the complete Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of inspiring guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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In this episode, John discusses the importance of decarbonising the steel industry, which is responsible for 7-9% of the world's CO2 emissions, and shares insights into BioCarbon's groundbreaking technology that converts biomass into charcoal and then into products that can replace coal in steel-making.

Throughout, John emphasises the importance of embracing and supporting even small steps towards sustainability, warning against letting the perfect be the enemy of the good, and encourages listeners to appreciate and build upon incremental improvements in the industry.

For more insights on how innovative companies are revolutionising their way to net zero, subscribe to Ashurst ESG Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this episode, you will hear snippets of the inspiring stories that have shaped season one. Highlights include:

• Chris Pensa's work in incorporating rewilding projects to foster environmental awareness
• Mark Bjornsgaard's innovative use of heat generated by computers at Deep Green to address environmental challenges
• The importance of sustainable investment, as discussed by Nikhil Chouguley of Sustopia, who bridges the gap between green capital and sustainable development and
• The critical role of data in ESG initiatives is highlighted by Jessica Christian-Franks and Neighbourlytics, which uses social analytics to shape sustainable communities.

Finally, the episode explores the concept of a circular economy with Cameron Mackenzie from Aspire, who demonstrates how businesses can minimise waste and promote resource reuse through innovative digital platforms.

For more insights on how innovative companies are revolutionising their way to net-zero, subscribe to Ashurst ESG Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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A self-professed "environmental capitalist", Sam tells podcast host Elena Lambros:

"I've learned the hard way that people aren't going to make change unless there's a real value proposition at the end that makes them money or saves them money. So we need to be able to show people that there is a reason to make changes for the environment for the better, which is actually a financial improvement - A better return on investment, a reduction in CapEx, a reduction in OpEx. Or an improvement in the weighted average lease of their building, which attracts better tenants and therefore delivers a higher yield."

Listen to the complete Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of inspiring guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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This episode delves into the definition and impact of psychosocial risks in the workplace and how psychosocial risks can be categorised into four groups: work design, social, work environment, and governance, each encompassing specific hazards like job demands, bullying, remote work, and organisational change management.

The discussion also highlights the unique challenges First Nations employees face, referencing recent reports like Gari Yala. These include role clarity, reward and recognition, and cultural load, underscoring the importance of incorporating a First Nations perspective in risk assessments. Trent and Tony emphasise the growing regulatory scrutiny on managing psychosocial risks and the need for proactive measures to prevent legal, reputational, and operational consequences for Australian organisations.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this eye-opening episode of our Game Changers and Transition Makers mini-series, Camille shares her remarkable journey with Ashurst's Elena Lambros. Camille explains how she had to make critical conservation decisions using limited species information and biodiversity data in her previous role as a wildlife scientist. Camille developed tech solutions to aggregate these disparate data sets to make critical decisions in a timely and efficient manner.

The light bulb moment for Xylo Systems came when Camille realised that this critical biodiversity information could be applied to corporate businesses to help them understand their impacts on ecosystems, how they can mitigate these, and how they can regenerate biodiversity.

"A lot of sustainability professionals are not only trying to grapple with carbon, but also biodiversity," reflects Camille. "While understanding biodiversity and its systems can be complex, saving it doesn't have to be."

Listen to the complete Game Changers series – featuring an array of inspiring guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Raegan and her colleagues are tackling plastic pollution head-on by manufacturing bio-based cups in California. In this podcast, she talks with Ashurst’s Elena Lambros about Better For All’s experimentation with biodegradable materials, collaboration with music festivals, and partnerships with composting services.

In telling her remarkable story of innovation, Raegan emphasises the importance of educating every partner across the whole supply chain. She also discusses how businesses could be further incentivised to reject packaging that pollutes the environment (and our bodies). And, away from her work life, Raegan explains the personal steps she is taking to reduce waste and consumption.

Listen to the complete Game Changers series – featuring an array of inspiring guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Robert's diverse experiences in business, initially as an electrician, paved the way for Brightspace's creation and need. By identifying the evolution of the post-pandemic office space, Robert's clean technology ensures energy efficiency in buildings designed for less than constant occupancy.

Discover the nuts and bolts of Brightspace's system, which includes deploying wireless edge IoT products throughout buildings. These devices monitor real-time occupancy and air quality, providing targeted HVAC services without compromising privacy. Throughout the episode, Robert highlights the support and inspiration from peers in the climate tech community, emphasising the importance of platforms that connect innovators and support from industry leaders.

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In this compelling discussion, Elena Lambros uncovers how Mark's venture capital experience and a chance to impress a major utility company led to the birth of Deep Green. Initially viewed with scepticism, the company's technology harnesses the excessive heat generated by data centres and repurposes it to heat community swimming pools, providing both environmental and financial benefits.

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Chris takes us back to 2005 and his early career at Sotheby’s, where he became the first person to catalogue artwork by Banksy (then an unknown street artist). From there, Chris explains how his personal and professional passions guided him towards where he is today, curating bespoke events for clients in the financial, legal and tech sectors that frequently inspire participants to reconsider how they can boost their ESG strategies.

In this wide-ranging discussion, Chris discusses the power of individuals and businesses to make a positive contribution to the environment and he emphasises the creative potential within everyone. He also discusses the importance of raising inquisitive children, how cold-water swimming keeps him productive, and how lockdown prompted him to create and livestream rollerblading tours of London street art.

Listen back to the complete Game Changers series – featuring an array of inspiring change makers – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Cameron discusses the concept of a circular economy and how ASPIRE’s algorithm promotes a sustainable, waste-free environment and the significant role federal policy has played in shaping the future of circular economies and what success looks like on a global scale.

To stay informed and catch-up on our Game Changers and Transition Makers mini-series, subscribe to Ashurst ESG Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

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Discover the challenges and triumphs faced by Magnus as he articulates the origin story of CEEZER, business expansion, and strategic focus areas. The conversation ventures into the essential strategies for redefining existing systems to achieve game-changing results in carbon negativity and the urgency of personal and corporate commitment to net zero goals.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Introduced by Harvard’s Michael Porter and Mark Kramer in 2011, shared value is a concept that can have an impactful role in today’s corporate world. In this episode, guest Sarah Downie delves into the concept and how companies social and environmental challenges can become powerful opportunities for growth and innovation.

The podcast also shines a light on the critical role of executive support and board engagement to advance the shared value agenda, advocating for a vision where business objectives and societal needs are not just aligned, but mutually reinforcing.

To stay informed and catch-up on our Game Changers and Transition Makers mini-series subscribe to Ashurst ESG Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Christiaan shares his journey in founding Sicona, a company dedicated to increasing access to high-performance, cost-effective battery materials. He speaks about how this technology revolutionises lithium-ion batteries and enables electric vehicles to go further by reducing upfront costs and speeding up charging times.

Discover how Sicona is driving the sustainability agenda through innovative clean tech solutions and making strides in transitioning to a sustainable energy future.

To stay informed and catch up on our Game Changers and Transition Makers mini-series, subscribe to Ashurst ESG Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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This Game Changers and Transition Makers episode delves into Neighbourlytics' transformative technology and its positive impact on town planning. Jessica shares how social analytics are creating thriving communities and the role that data can play to empower the property sector to make informed decisions in real-time. 

The discussion expands on social and environmental sustainability in the property sector, highlighting data's pivotal role in creating thriving communities.

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Ashurst PR Manager Varsha Patel leads a discussion about the past, present and future for people of South Asian Heritage in the United Kingdom.

As the episode unfolds, Sunita Harley from Collective Insight and Ashurst colleagues Rabinder Sokhi and Aisha Azim, each share the stories of how their families came to be in the UK.

Together, the women marvel at their parents’ struggles and triumphs; reflect on their own upbringings and careers; and consider the life and career prospects for the next generation coming up behind them.

Their conversation also explores the ongoing challenges of racism, the importance of education, and the need for representation and equality in the workplace. Finally, the group picks out some of their favourite South Asian role models – from famous trailblazers to close family members.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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To conclude Ashurst’s 30 For Net Zero 30 podcast series, we’ve saved one of the best for last. Our final special guest is Rupert Pearce, who is seeking to rewire the financial markets to reward organisations for positive impacts on people and planet.

Together with regular host Anna Marie Slot, Rupert reflects on how to drive behavioural change among corporates, governments, and individuals to achieve social and environmental progress. Along the way, they talk about how to harness technology, education, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and more.

Rupert also shares his learnings from working on the first Olympic Ceremony to be co-produced by a group of individuals with learning disabilities. He explains how Rewired.earth is building consensus for sustainable action in financial markets. And he emphasises the need for a shared language for ESG that gives people a voice – and businesses a reason – to change.

Listen back to the complete 30 For Net Zero 30 series – featuring an array of inspiring change makers – by 

subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

This is the thirtieth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Fulcrum BioEnergy is a clean energy company pioneering the creation of renewable drop-in sustainable aviation fuel from landfill waste.

Jeff talks about his interest in the aviation sector with a focus on sustainable fuel for the last decade, the progress of energy transition in Asia and the impact of Covid-19 on sustainability.

This is the twenty-nineth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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James is the youngest skipper currently entered in the next Vendee Globe race, and in November, 2024 will become the youngest competitor to embark from France on this 25,000 nautical mile solo nonstop round the world yacht race. Not only is James going to skippering throughout this competition but also taking water samples to collect data for scientific research to help provide a greater understanding of what's happening with our waters and help give scientists fundamentals, to decide what actions we really need to take, the combat the adverse impacts of humans.

James and Anna-Marie discuss what sustainability means to him as a sailor, the importance of learning more about the ocean for sustainability purposes and what needs to happen around ocean stewardship.

Ashurst are delighted to have partnered with Gentoo Sailing Team whose innovative vision and sustainability ambitions reflect our own. To find out more about our partnership, visit our partnership page.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this special Let's Yarn episode, Trent talks with Kerry O'Brien about his allyship origins, his new handbook with Thomas Mayo about The Voice, and the media's role in mitigating risk to First Nations societies.

The conversation also includes Kerry's personal experience in witnessing key moments of Australian history up close, from how the governments of the past have tried to provide an Indigenous Voice to Government, being in the room when Hawke announced the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, thoughts about past referendums, his reporting of land rights, Mabo, the ATSIC establishment and abolishment, to witnessing the Whitlam Dismissal. All of which have shaped and influenced Kerry's interest in Indigenous issues in Australia.

This is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In the second part of this illuminating podcast interview, Justice Dina Yehia SC reflects on her practice in the Supreme Court, which included murder and terrorism trials. In 2013, she appeared as lead counsel in the High Court case of The Queen v Bugmy. “We wanted to move the law along,” she explains. “We wanted to say [that] the High Court should endorse a position whereby judges should take into account – when sentencing an Indigenous person – the systemic disadvantage brought about by colonisation and dispossession.”

Justice Yehia also talks about the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in custody and her work to establish an Indigenous sentencing court as part of the NSW District Court. The Walama List commenced operating in the District Court on 31 January 2022. “It’s a very different approach to sentencing,” she explains, emphasising the involvement of Aboriginal people in several instrumental roles. “We conduct conversations that really are a deep dive into the underlying issues that give rise to people’s offending and, equally importantly, what do we do about it?”

Her Honour also shares some advice for young lawyers and discusses her role as Chair of Diverse Women in Law, which encourages women from diverse backgrounds to enter, remain and progress in the legal profession. “I do believe that if you love the law [then] you need to give back,” she says.

Note: The Hon. Justice Dina Yehia was appointed as a Supreme Court judge as of July 4 2022. References to Justice Yehia as "Her Honour Judge Dina Yehia SC" refers to her previous position at the District Court. We apologise for not using her new title. 

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In this episode, Justice Dina Yehia reflects on her life and times working in Australia’s criminal justice system and being an advocate for First Nations justice. In conversation with Ashurst First Nations Lead Trent Wallace, Justice Yehia explains how a rebellious, non-English-speaking girl from Egypt ended up pursuing criminal and social justice in remote Australia.

The conversation covers her early career as a junior solicitor working in remote Australia, the late night bus journeys to Broken Hill, and defending Aboriginal people in court. “I don’t have any recollection of being apprehensive or scared or afraid of what might come,” she recalls. “I always got on that bus with a sense of excitement… We had some extraordinary Aboriginal people who filled positions at the Western Aboriginal Legal Service and they expected 100% of us, and rightly so.”

As well as talking about self-doubt, camaraderie and persistence, Justice Yehia and Trent share a commitment to assisting mob and tackling gaps in justice – and both admit to having a bit of a rebellious streak! 

Note: The Hon. Justice Dina Yehia was appointed as a Supreme Court judge as of July 4 2022. References to Justice Yehia as "Her Honour Judge Dina Yehia SC" refers to her previous position at the District Court. We apologise for not using her new title. 

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One garbage truck full of plastic enters the ocean every minute and if plastic waste continues, by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

David is one of the key people in finding solutions to stop plastic from reaching the ocean. David discusses how and why he founded Plastic Bank, the relationship between plastic pollution and poverty and shares one actionable takeaway.

This is the first episode in our game changers and transition makers series. In each episode, Ashurst partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with individuals from around the globe who are reimagining business and taking action now on climate transition.

This series follows on from our 30 for Net Zero 30 series, where we spoke with thirty leaders from around the globe on actions to take now to deliver on 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels at Ashurst.com/podcasts.

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Ndiarka talks about how and why Kowry Energy was founded, the global shift she has seen in Energy Transition due to the insurge in climate related disasters and global changes.

Ndiarka also touches upon Africa being at the front end of the global impact of climate change and how she’s working towards solutions.

This is the twenty-eighth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this episode, you will hear Bridget talk with passionate about the work she's doing around the upcoming Voice.

The yarn covers the work that has gone into the Voice, the challenges Bridget has faced and the reason why she decided to follow her Dad’s advice and pursue a career in law.

“I was very fortunate to have a family that always supported me, always valued education. From a very young age, my dad said to me, if this is something you want to do, just go for it. Despite all the barriers that existed in front of me, he was very driven and focused on supporting me to get an education.”

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José talks about the role of Brazil in being part of the challenge of climate change and part of the solution. Looking forward, diversity and nature are an intrinsic part of the wealth generation and no country is better positioned to discuss and lead the discussion than Brazil.

José also discusses why we need to change the conversation perspective on diversity resources and the role Brazil will play within nature-based solutions.

This is the twenty-seventh episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Ulf talks about the market shift he has seen around non-climate aligned assets, what he thinks are the most impactful steps investors can take in the next two to three years to help really deliver on the transition to Net Zero and how to get market fired up on delivering climate change.

This is the twenty-sixth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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The statistics are stark and confronting. One in three women globally will experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, most likely inflicted by an intimate partner. And more than 140 million girls and women alive today have experienced female genital cutting.

In this episode of ESG Matters, we look at the causes and risks of violence against women and girls. We highlight the barriers to preventing this, and we look for signs that progress can be made.

Ashurst pro bono lawyers Alison Elliott and Emma Minimbi hear a frontline account from Cindy Torrens, who manages the Throughcare team at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency in the Northern Territory. And they speak with Sean Callaghan from the Orchid Project, who conducts research into female genital cutting and provides data to organisations working to eliminate this practice.

Support is available

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, you can contact these organisations for support:

• Australia: Respect
• United Kingdom: the National Domestic Abuse Helpline

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Nick covers the importance of providing fair access to energy for the population as well as market frameworks that enable that change.

Nick also shares the shift he has seen in the energy space over the past eighteen months and what he'd like to see come out of the discussions at COP27.

This is the twenty-fifth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Denise shares what she'd like to see come out of the discussions at COP27, whether the promises of COP26 have materialised and the changes she's seen over the past eighteen months.

This is the twenty-fourth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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John covers the importance of data around delivery of Net Zero targets, the role of G7 countries and why leaders from the rich world must keep their promises to the developing world even in these bumpy times.

John also shares his Net Zero anagram and what he's hoping to see be discussed at COP27. To remind yourself of what was discussed at COP26, click here to view John's visual guide.

This is the twenty-third episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Helena Yeaman, Social Impact Manager for Modern Slavery at Ashurst speaks with the three recipients of the Caroline Ashurst award, Conor Tarpey, Samantha Shannon and Adela Mackie.

The Caroline Ashurst award supports future trainees to spend their time supporting Anti-Slavery International in the UK and Anti-Slavery Australia in Sydney before joining the firm.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Michael talks through the difference between sustainable and regenerative and how to transform from one to the other. Michael also touches upon the role of our relationship with nature going forward and why we all need better integrated thinking.

This is the twenty-second episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cam talks through the model of Green Angel Syndicate, the rise in the number of portfolios looking to increase funds and fight climate change and what needs to happen next to support the transformation of the business ecosystem at large.

This is the twenty-first episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Consideration of businesses’ role in society is moving from the periphery of boards’ agendas to main stream. Increasingly, investors, customers, employees and other stakeholders expect companies to understand the total impact of their strategy and actions.

With a younger activist workforce on the move, there is a new landscape of expectations, calling for businesses to not only do more around ESG considerations but to show proactive leadership around key social issues to drive change.

Many CEOs would like to take action but don’t know where to begin. Others have found ways to respond with creativity, energy and even optimism – attacking global, national and local problems with powerful ideas and new platforms for change that unleash human potential.

In this episode Tamara Cannon, a lawyer in Ashurst's ESG practice with over 20 years commercial experience, discusses how to best embed purpose into corporate decision making with Audette Exel, Elena Lambros and Rob Hanley.

Audette is a pioneer of social entrepreneurship in Australia. Almost 25 years ago she founded Adara Advisors, a for-profit business which seeks to alleviate extreme poverty and disadvantage. Audette is also a non-executive director of Westpac.

Partner Elena Lambros leads Ashurst's climate change and sustainability practise, and partner Robert Hanley, who heads up Ashurst's legal governance advisory team.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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The convention was to act as a catalyst for William’s daughters who achieved many breakthroughs in their lifetimes when it came to social justice; particularly women's equality and the abolition of slavery.

This episode is the first in a four-part series that examines the legacy of each of William's daughter’s, starting with the Matilda Ashurst Anti-Slavery Fellow Grant.

Helena Yeaman, Social Impact Manager for Modern Slavery at Ashurst speaks with CEO Anti-Slavery International (ASI), Jasmine O'Connor about how the Matilda Ashurst Grant has benefited ASI, what kind of work ASI does today as we learn and understand more about what Matilda's legacy means.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Anna-Marie Slot, Global Sustainability/ESG Partner at Ashurst and creator and host of the series, discusses the key takeaways from episodes 11-20.

Anna-Marie touches upon the prominent themes that have been highlighted so far; the importance of following the money, be that investing, insurance or entrepreneurship, the business case of sustainability, exploring ESG across industries and the acceleration of ESG.

To listen to the podcasts mentioned and to make sure you never miss an episode, find out more on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Following on from Ashurst's Fintech Legal Labs, an intense legal accelerator programme, Anna-Marie sat down with Suranjan who speaks about why solving the weak link of information and data availability is vital for organisations to be able to inform the value chain, customers and other stakeholders that they are doing the right thing, in the right way and taking the right actions. 

This is the twentieth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this fascinating episode, Lynette speaks about sustainability in agriculture, the importance of connecting the story from farm to consumer and shares the one action that can change the dialogue on the delivery of sustainability across supply chains.

This is the nineteenth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Phil speaks about the three interconnecting stakeholder worlds of finance, policy and society and why it's critical for a business that these three stakeholders interact.

This is the eighteenth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this fascinating episode, the trio reflect on this year's theme of "gender quality today for a sustainable tomorrow" which aims to highlight the disproportionate impact of climate change on gender equality as well as recognise the contributions made by women around the globe towards building a more sustainable future.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this fascinating episode, John explains the role of transportation agencies in helping achieve a net zero future

This is the seventeenth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this interesting episode, Julian explains why insurance is critical to the way finance markets work, the importance of stakeholder collaboration and engagement to transition to a more sustainable future and also shares his thoughts on what actions need to happen next in the insurance sector.

This is the sixteenth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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The Chancery Lane Project (TCLP) is a collaborative effort of lawyers from around the world whose vision is a world where every contract enables solutions to climate change.

In this episode, Becky walks us through TCLP's new project – 'The Net Zero Toolkit'; how it works and who can use it and Elnaz discusses how the climate clauses come to fruition.

The duo also share case study examples of those using climate clauses.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this episode, Julie speaks about why the built environment is a major source of solutions to both the climate and nature crisis and her views on the outcomes of COP26.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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The group speak about climate change, migration and slavery and the role of business in both addressing climate change and slavery in their supply chains.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this insightful episode, Sallie reflects on the evolution of how companies approach ESG and the five big trends that are the drivers of change. Sallie also shares the actions that best in class companies are taking.

This is the fifteenth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability/ESG Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this episode, Yee May speaks about the importance of having a green digital footprint, how Equinix is helping customers green their digital supply chains and shares the environmental initiatives that Equinix have focused on to protect the planet and make it more sustainable.

This is the fourteenth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this episode, Chris speaks about why he's been interested in the environment and sustainability from a young age, the importance of remembering the business case for sustainability and shares the key focus areas he's been working on for the City of Orlando.

This is the thirteenth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

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In this insightful episode, Louise reflects on the evolution of Abundance Investment, the shifts she has seen in sustainability and ESG and how corporates and individuals can take action and make sustainable investment decisions.

This is the twelfth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global ESG/Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Hear from Harriet Lamb, CEO of Ashden, an organisation that supports and promotes sustainable energy enterprises from around the world and Roger McKerlie, Founder and Managing Director of The Environmental Business Network. The trio discuss the successes Harriet had with the Fairtrade Foundation and what we can learn from that for climate change.

They also touch upon why SMEs should be putting Net Zero Action plans in place, the commercial opportunities for the early adopters and why it is vital to address individuals concerns about tackling climate change.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Matthew discusses the societal changes we are going through, the economic changes that follow and the opportunities for investors.

In this fantastic episode, Matthew also reflects on the mind-shift movement that all human beings need to make and how people and companies must embrace re-designing the business ecosystem in a way that is sustainable and resilient.

This is the eleventh episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Anna-Marie Slot, Global Sustainability Partner at Ashurst and creator and host of the series, discusses the key takeaways from the first ten episodes.

Anna-Marie also touches upon the prominent themes that have been highlighted so far; awareness, behavioural and systemic change, communication, sustainable finance and the impact of individuals.

To listen to the podcasts mentioned and to make sure you never miss an episode, find out more on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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The trio discuss the key issues Board members should be focused on and the importance of evaluating business models and strategies.

They also touch upon the value of engaging the whole organisation and making it a two-way dialogue, along with how businesses can create time horizons around target settings.

"I think stakeholders and particularly investors also want to understand the milestones a company is trying to hit along the way, i.e. a transition plan, and that's because as you know most climate related targets are based on time periods which extend well beyond traditional business planning cycles and certainly beyond the tenures of most Board members and so without those interim goals it is very difficult to assess progress meaningfully." says Ellie.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts. 

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Lord Barker also discusses how cross sectoral partnerships must drive progress through whole industrial supply chains, and shares his thoughts on sustainable finance.

This is the tenth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

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Gabriel hears first-hand what life is like for trans people in Singapore (from Evan Lam, Ashurst Financial Regulatory and OTC Derivatives Partner and LGBTIQ+ champion) and in the UK (from Rachel Reese, CEO at Global Butterflies). The trio then discuss active allies, role models, and debunking society’s stereotypes.

Next, the conversation turns to how younger generations are increasingly enlightened when it comes to gender identity, how major companies are focusing on genuine corporate social justice, and what actions we can all take to support trans colleagues inside and outside of the workplace.

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Suvi speaks about the significant legislative changes that have happened, upcoming legislation  and the action she'd like businesses to take to deliver on net zero.

"The Principal Adverse Impact indicators list provided by the European legislator is available. I would suggest going through this list and really reflect the business and all operations against the list and see which ones are relevant to the business and where there could be room for improvement."

This is the nineth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this bonus podcast episode, Commissioner Andrea Mason OAM yarns with Ashurst’s First Nations Adviser, Trent Wallace. With Reconciliation Week underway in Australia, Commissioner Mason reflects on what “reconciliation” really means for Australians – be they Indigenous or otherwise. Commissioner Mason discusses what businesses, law firms, grassroots organisations and non-First Nations people can do to support reconciliation.

The conversation also covers the high prevalence of disability among First Nations people in Australia (48% of those aged 18-65 have a disability, as do 23% of children aged 0-18) and the abuse, marginalisation and exclusion highlighted by the recent disability Royal Commission.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

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James has been involved in climate change since hearing Al Gore give a speech in Sheffield on 'An Inconvenient Truth' and is Head of Climate Change at NatWest.

James discusses the huge amount of innovation over the past 18 months in the finance sector and the positive changes these are bringing. He also emphasises how policy makers, business and finance need to work together to beat climate change.

"What I've learnt working in this field for the last 15 years in that is really is a system problem," says James.  "You've got to think of it in systemic terms. Which means that, for example, policy is very closely linked to finance, and finance is what nudges and changes behaviour."

This is the eighth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this special episode, Ashurst Associate Nathan Huynh chats with Yanki Tshering from Accompany Capital, a New York based and award winning microlender for refugee and immigrant owned businesses and a pro bono client of Ashurst's.

Yanki discusses the economic discrimination against the AAPI community, the impact of the COVID pandemic and why she has a positive outlook for her clients and business owners. "In place of the businesses that closed during the pandemic, we’re seeing many new businesses, in particular, a high percentage of women owned start-ups and we're looking at ways of supporting these businesses. We are also very fortunate that there is federal relief and not just debt but grants to support these businesses, so we have a very positive outlook."   

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In this episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot chats with Denise Chen Chief Sustainability Officer at Melco Resorts & Entertainment.

Based in Hong Kong, Denise speaks about the reasons for pivoting away from a career in finance to sustainability, the ambitious sustainability goals she has set and successes to date.

Denise also touches upon the technology and solutions that have become available over the past two years and how the data provided helps businesses realise the areas to focus their energies on: "A few years ago we undertook a full waste audit across all our properties to get a sense of what it was we were dealing with. Without the data you don't know, you can probably guess there are certain areas such as plastic to focus on, but without the hard data to support, it's very difficult to know which areas to start targeting."

This is the seventh episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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While welcoming the government’s commitments to net zero targets, Lord Deben emphasises that the real test still lies ahead: “I think we’ve won the battle of understanding. I think we’ve even won the battle of people realising that we have to do something; that it’s urgent and can’t be put off. But the trouble is that the gap between policy and delivery is very considerable… The fact is that for all governments – from left, and right, and centre – the problem they always have is delivery.”

In this entertaining discussion, Lord Deben reflects on how the pandemic has forced people to look afresh at their personal values and purpose. He says citizens (irrespective of their socio-economic circumstances) should be empowered to make choices to reduce their own emissions. And he reveals the one question that everyone can ask to protect the planet.

This is the sixth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Patrick recounts his journey as a reporter and the shift he’s seen from ESG being dismissed as PR spin to it being taken more seriously in business, media and politics. He describes how shareholder voices on ESG are forcing businesses to act and editors to pay attention.

As a journalist, Patrick applies a healthy dose of scepticism when businesses make bold claims about their ESG credentials. In our podcast, he talks about seeking out specific actions that back up these claims, including the “pinch points” where institutions accept short-term downsides, in order to achieve long-term ESG targets and benefits.

Patrick also highlights the big stories he’ll be following and reporting on this year, and he explains why the ‘G’ in ESG could grab the most headlines.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

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Peers emphasises that the capability now exists to increase transparency in the circular economy. “We need to put a sort of vaccine shot in the arm of our response to data needs for climate change by bringing in satellite and sensor data, normalising it and making it available so that really good risk decisions can be made,” he says.

Peers also explains how there needs to be a virtuous circle of consumer demand influencing policy change influencing corporate action. He also discusses recent data indicating that ethical organisations deliver better returns for investors. Ten years from now, Peers suggests, sustainable finance and ESG will be embedded in every investment decision that is made.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Chan discusses how investors, corporations and regulators need to work in tandem to implement sustainable goals – and communicate their plans so that stakeholders understand what this means for them. He also emphasises that ESG must be embedded deeply within corporate and investor decision-making.

“It’s all very well having a pledge, but implementing that pledge is much more difficult,” says Chan. “We’ve seen a lot of net zero plans from corporates and countries that actually don’t come with any details at all.”

In this illuminating episode, Chan also reflects on carbon offsets, the accuracy of carbon accounting, avoiding greenwashing and rainbow washing, and how business is entering “the phase of climate integrity” where targets and results are scrutinised more than ever before.

This is the fifth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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Discover more from ESG Matters @ Ashurst by visiting ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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“There is a need to connect the financial sector and the real economy in a mutually reinforcing manner to promote sustainability,” says Eugene, who also adds: “Everyone needs to start their net zero journey today, because tomorrow is simply too late.”

The wide-ranging conversation explores grassroots climate activism, reveals how the legal system is holding governments to account, and looks at strategies for ASEAN nations to steer towards net zero targets. (Eugene also explains why it’s significant that his mother is talking about climate change!)

This is the fourth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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In this episode, Esther discusses ESG commitments from a macro and micro perspective. She shares the inside view of how nations came together to set ambitious and wide-ranging UN sustainable development goals. And she explains the steps her NYC-based family take, from composting to personal investments.

“I would ask every person to think about their own ability to act,” says Esther. “Please consider yourself and your power as an individual to direct your assets towards companies and activities that are consistent with your values”.

This is the third episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

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The conversation explores recent developments in sustainability reporting and tackles the need for transparency, taxonomy and fulsome disclosure through the value chain. Jonathan also reflects on the step change he’s seeing on the part of asset owners, investment managers, and banks seeking to align with the Paris Agreement targets.

This is the second episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts 

To find out more about Jonathan and Arcturus, visit Arcturus.io 

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

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We'll be speaking with thought leaders and change makers from various industries and around the globe to discuss how we navigate towards a more sustainable future. 

To ensure you don’t miss a single episode, subscribe now to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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