The Greener Way

This week on The Greenway podcast, Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media at FS Sustainability, sits down with Shaokai Fan, head of asia pacific (ex china) and global head of central banks at the World Gold Council (WGC), to discuss the role of the WGC in enhancing the gold market, the significant rise in gold prices, and the importance of responsible gold mining principles.

The discuss the challenges and initiatives surrounding artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM), including the use of mercury, exploitative labor practices, and efforts to improve traceability, processing plants, and responsible sourcing.

01:11 Understanding...

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar talks with Mirtha Kastrapeli, global head at ISS STOXX Research Institute, on how institutional investors are starting to look at 'nature' with a fresh lens. Beyond its impact on investment outcomes, many super funds can start unpacking nature-related risks and opportunities.

00:30 Welcome to The Greener Way

00:45 Introducing Mirtha Kastrapeli from ISS STOXX Research Institute

02:02 The importance of nature in investment

03:32 Understanding nature-related risks

05:09 Data and measurement of nature-related risks

09:15 Case study: circular economy in the chemica...

In this episode, Australian Ethical deputy CIO and head of multi-asset, John Woods, discuss how their allocation into defensive assets, particularly government bonds, are changing.

00:00 Introduction to government bonds in ethical portfolios

00:44 Meet John Woods from Australian Ethical

02:01 Ethical considerations in government bond investments

03:17 Challenges with US Treasuries and defensive assets

05:40 Diversifying defensive assets

08:40 Investment themes and global opportunities

10:56 Final thoughts on government bonds

In this week’s episode of The Greener Way, Michelle Baltazar, Executive Director of Media at FS Sustainability, chats with Julia Lesky, Managing Director and Senior Consultant at ISS Sustainability in Australia, about the latest report from ISS's Climate and Nature Innovation Lab that evaluates corporate emission targets. 

They discuss the importance of setting ambitious climate goals, the challenges of comparing different types of targets, and how investors can use this information to achieve sustainability objectives. 

Beyond Companies’ Emissions Target Setting: Tracking Decarbonization Performance

Criticisms of private credit are typically focused on its opaque nature; as a recent ASIC report pointed out, transparency is scarce.

As an ESG-led manager, Woodbridge Capital believes there’s nothing more important than transparency – and that investors working with private credit managers that don’t prioritise it put themselves at risk.

Woodbridge Capital chief executive Andrew Torrington joins The Greener Way to discuss the evolving private credit landscape, what ESG implementation looks like within it, and explains what might make a project unfundable.

Join host Michelle Baltazar on The Greener Way as she discusses the vital topic of children's rights with Ross Teverson, regional team lead at Federated Hermes.

Explore how companies must integrate safety by design in AI development, the risks of indiscriminate AI content, the rising need for regulatory consistency across global markets, and recent legislative developments aimed at safeguarding children's rights in a tech-driven world.

01:40 Understanding the 'S' in ESG

02:00 Federated Hermes' role and client priorities

03:35 AI and digital rights: Protecting children online

06:01 Investor response to child safety

06...

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Jai Mirchandani, founder and CIO of Elm Responsible Investments.

Jai provides an in-depth look at sustainable investing, discussing the importance of long-term business ownership, the impact of current climate policies, and what sets his fund apart from ESG-led fund managers.

He also shares his views on fintech and renewables, and explains the role of private markets in driving innovation for a sustainable future.

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Frankie Muskovic, the newly appointed Executive Director of Policy at the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC).

Frankie shares her unique journey from an engineering background to the forefront of climate policy. She shares key priorities that the IGCC brought to a recent governmental round table discussion, emphasising the need for ambitious climate targets for 2050, the economic benefits of decarbonisation, and effective policy implementation for sustainable investment.

Frankie also discusses Australia's role in global climate action and the importance of partnerships in driving...

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar chats with Bjarne Graven Larsen, founder and CEO of Qblue Balanced, on the hard numbers behind climate transition.

Graven Larsen explains how defining and measuring climate transition involves measuring a company's societal value creation, emissions reduction, and green innovation capabilities.

He highlights the challenges faced by investors in supporting transition companies and the importance of adopting a balanced approach.

Is it still the wild, wild west on product labelling for sustainable investments? In this podcast, host Michelle Baltazar chats with Dug Higgins, Head of Responsible Investment & Real Assets for the broader Zenith Group, on how financial advisers can benefit from a more rigorous debate on how investment managers address ESG and sustainability. He also explains why not all greenwashing claims are created equal, why disclosure alone isn't enough and why sustainability reporting must pass the pub test.

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Charlotte O'Meara, head of responsible investment at Challenger.

They delve into the issue of modern slavery and how an investor network representing $12 trillion FUM hopes to fight it. 

The episode highlights the efforts and frameworks developed by Challenger to assess and address modern slavery risks in their investments, particularly in the supply chains of their portfolio companies, as well as the broader industry collaboration, including work with the Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking Asia Pacific (IAST-APAC) .

O'Meara argues for a victim-centered a...

In this episode of 'The Greener Way,' host Michelle Baltazar chats with Rachel Halpern, head of sustainability at JANA Investment Advisors, about the pivotal role asset consultants play in the evolving landscape of institutional investment.

They discuss the integration of ESG themes, debunk the misconception around sustainable investing hurting returns, and explore key investment trends.

Rachel also shares insights on how regulatory requirements and improved data could shape future investment profiles.

01:39 JANA's approach to sustainable investing

02:26 Key investment themes and trends

05:23 Impact of climate and biodiversity risks

0...

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the inaugural investment stewardship report by TCorp with the company's head of investment stewardship, Alexis Cheang.

Alexis shares insights on how TCorp has integrated ESG factors into their investment strategies, detailing their efforts in active ownership and the challenges faced in compiling carbon emissions data.

The discussion covers TCorp's approach to managing a substantial $118 billion portfolio, highlighting key achievements in sustainable investing and the importance of continuous improvement.

00:58 Introducing Alexis Cheang and TCorp's report

01:30 Feedback and goals of the report<...

In this episode of The Greener Way podcast, Financial Standard's Eliza Bavin talks with Carl Prins, Co-founder and CEO of PathZero, about the challenges superannuation funds face in managing climate-related financial risks when it comes to private equity.

They discuss the need for precise emissions data, regulatory standards, and the unique approach PathZero takes to enhance data accuracy through collaboration among fund managers, asset owners, and operating entities.

Learn how PathZero's secure platform helps in substantiating disclosures, managing regulatory risks, and addressing greenwashing in private markets.

01:08 Introducing Path Zero

02:46 How Path Ze...

In this episode of 'The Greener Way,' host Michelle Baltazar discusses the critical role of company directors in climate transition planning with Christian Gergis, head of policy at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

The discussion covers the evolution of climate issues in boardrooms, the importance of robust transition plans, combating greenwashing, and the significance of directors' best interest duties.

The episode highlights the need for comprehensive internal support and collaboration across business areas, especially involving the CFO, to effectively implement transition plans.

Link: https://www.aicd.com.au/tools-and-resources/climate-change...

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the governance risks posed by AI with Elfreda Jonker from Alphinity Investment Management.

They explore the impact of AI on cybersecurity and data privacy, as highlighted in Alphinity's latest sustainability report. The conversation covers the importance of a Responsible AI framework, how companies including Netflix and Wesfarmers address these risks, and the need for better investor disclosures by fund managers on how they tackle AI risks.

01:38 Overview of Alphinity's Investment Management

02:54 Highlights from the Sustainability Report

04:20 What did Netflix do <...

Join host Michelle Baltazar as she speaks with Dr. Erin Kuo-Sutherland, chief sustainability officer at Yarra Capital Management. 

In this episode, they discuss the implications of surpassing the 1.5°C global warming threshold, the impact on various sectors, and the new climate reality.

They discuss Yarra’s strategic approach to ESG integration, physical risk assessments, and the promising opportunities in climate resilience and adaptation.

02:10 Yarra's approach to sustainability

02:44 The new climate reality

05:44 Sector-specific risks and responses

13:13 Opportunities in climate adaptation

19:06 Concluding thoughts and personal reflections

Re...

In this episode of 'The Greener Way,' host Michelle Baltazar discusses the new accounting standards for Scope 3 emissions with Alison George, Chief Impact and Ethics Officer at Australian Ethical Investments.

They discuss why it's crucial for investment banks and insurers to be included in these disclosures, the risks involved in granting them exemptions, and the impact on transparency and investor confidence.

Submission link: https://www.ifrs.org/projects/work-plan/amendments-to-disclosure-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-s2/ed-cl-amendments-greenhouse-gas-s2/

Join host Michelle Baltazar as she chats with Pablo Berrutti, senior portfolio specialist at Stewart Investors, about emerging market investment opportunities and their main growth drivers. Berrutti also explains why Samsung, Wallmex and Bank of the Philippine Islands are featured in their portfolios and why mid-cap US companies offer good value for investors. 

00:57 Guest introduction: Pablo Berrutti

01:26 Stewart Investors: Under the bonnet

03:50 Investment strategies and criteria

06:47 What's driving global emerging markets

09:18 Stocks to watch 

16:55 US companies riding on sustainability trends

21:12 DEI-washing: Why it's goo...

While still at a very nascent stage in Australia, direct indexing holds great potential – particularly for ESG and responsible investors.

Investing in line with your values is a very idiosyncratic desire as what’s important to one investor can differ greatly for another. Being able to build a low-cost, custom portfolio that removes all the ESG exposures an investor doesn’t want while still tracking a selected benchmark could prove a game-changer in more ways than one.

Briefcase founder and chief executive Josh Persky joins The Greener Way to discuss exactly what direct indexing involves and wh...

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the transition to nature-positive investment portfolios with Lucian Peppelenbos, climate and biodiversity strategist at Robeco.

Lucian shares his insights on the importance of incorporating environmental impacts into investment strategies, using the Task Force for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) guidance, and the launch of Robeco's biodiversity traffic light system.

Together they discuss how investors can measure and monitor nature risks and opportunities to support the transition towards a nature-positive economy, while adhering to sustainable investment practices.

01:13 Understanding Robeco's sustainability approach

03:40 The...

The challenges facing sustainable investors are always evolving, and approaches to responsible investment must evolve as well.

Over the years, much of the industry has adopted a siloed approach to E, S and G issues, but a new report from First Sentier Investors explores how an integrative approach to responsible investment can produce more lucrative opportunities for investors.

First Sentier Investors’ global head of responsible investment Kate Turner joins The Greener Way to discuss how accounting for the many inter-reactions and flow-on effects of addressing specific sustainability issues can lead to improved outcomes.

In this episode of 'The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar interviews Paul Clements-Hunt, founder and CEO of the Blended Capital Group, about the evolution and future of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing.

They explore the origin of ESG, emphasising its role in changing the culture of asset owners, particularly in Australia. He discusses the transition from ethical investments to responsible and sustainable investments, stressing the need for authenticity in addressing systemic risks like climate change and social inequality.

Clements-Hunt also highlights emerging opportunities in ESG investing, including the development of tradable carbon securities and...

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar chats with Will Farrell, co-lead of climate change at Federated Hermes Stewardship and Engagement Body (EOS), about the complexities of reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like aviation, shipping, and primary chemicals.

They explore the obstacles related to systemic dependencies, policy enablers, and market-led changes such as electric vehicles. They also discuss the importance of policy clarity, value chain coordination, and governance in achieving successful energy transitions.

1:03 Introducing the US$2.1 trillion sustainability heavyweight

1:36 Energy transition for hard-to-abate sectors

2:57 How economies of scale...

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Raf Wood, co-managing director of Silva Capital, on the evolution of Australia's carbon market and Silva's latest update on their carbon credit projects.

They explore the impact of the 2022 safeguard mechanism, the company's commitment to sustainability inspired by Wood's personal promise to his daughter, and their milestone achievement of planting 160,000 mixed-species native trees.

Wood also highlights the importance of managing biodiversity risks and engaging with local and indigenous communities to achieve investment-grade returns.

00:35 Welcome to the greener way podcast

00:50...

Australia’s job market is relatively robust, but just like different industries tell different stories, so too do different segments of the sustainability sector.

While recruitment for ESG roles has generally slowed across financial services from the highs we’ve seen of late, there are still opportunities out there for the right skill sets.

In this episode of The Greener Way, Kaizen Recruitment’s Simon Gvalda talks to Financial Standard managing editor Jamie Williamson about the current state of the job market for ESG professionals and offers tips around negotiating salaries and benefits.

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Nicki Hutley, a climate councillor and chief economist, about a comprehensive climate risk report by the Climate Council.

The discussion centres on the alarming rise in insurance premiums due to climate risks, emphasising the need for prompt and effective climate action.

They discuss the current and future scenarios of climate risks affecting property insurance, the role of sustainability in corporate decision-making, and the importance of financial and community engagement in addressing these challenges.

Link to report: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au...

Australia’s big five banks – ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, Macquarie Group, NAB and Westpac – have all committed to limiting or cutting financing to fossil fuel projects that they feel are not aligned to achieving a net zero future.

This requires a lot of work on several fronts, and for investors it’s about understanding how realistic the success of such initiatives is – but the data just isn’t up to scratch. While our banks are performing well in terms of reporting on Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, there’s far less transparency around Scope 3 emissions, or their financed emissions.

U Ethical...

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Brian Redican, Chief Economist at TCorp, about the economic implications of transitioning to renewable energy. They discuss evolving priorities in financial analysis, the volatility of energy prices, and the geopolitical risks that influence investment decisions. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in sustainable investments, the importance of long-term energy strategies, and key considerations for superannuation fund members.

00:00 Introduction to Economic Perspectives

00:26 Welcome to The Greener Way

00:41 Today's Topic: Transition to Renewable Energy

01:20 Guest Introduction: Brian Redican

In this episode of The Greener Way, Michelle Baltazar speaks with Dave Rae, a responsible investment advisor from Unless Financial.

They discuss common myths about responsible investing, affirming it doesn't sacrifice returns and requires global diversification to be successful.

The discussion also highlights the growing role of tech in sustainable investments and the importance of addressing climate change for portfolio risk and opportunity.

00:00 Introduction to Sustainability Themes

00:36 Welcome and Guest Introduction

01:21 Dave Ray's Background and Responsible Investing

01:56 Financial Advice for Climate-Conscious Investors

02:25 Engaging Client...

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar, Director of Media at FS Sustainability, speaks with Estelle Parker, Co-Chief Executive of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA).

They discuss the surge in public awareness and demand for responsible investments in Australia, the success of RIAA's Sustainable Classifications Initiative, and the AI toolkit for human rights.

Estelle also provides updates on the upcoming RIAA annual conference in Sydney on May 28-29, where crucial topics like global investment trends, policy impacts, and sustainability in finance will be covered.

01:56 Sustainable Classifications Initiative

04:09 AI...

Join host Michelle Baltazar as she interviews Rob Langrick, CFA Institute's Chief Product Advocate, on the evolving landscape of sustainable finance and investing. Learn about the CFA program's integrated approach to sustainability education, the impact of recent U.S. regulatory rollbacks, and the innovative advancements making decarbonisation more appealing and feasible. Discover how countries and industries worldwide are adapting to balance climate action with economic realities.

00:00 Introduction to the New Era of Decarbonization

00:14 Welcome and Acknowledgements

00:30 Recap of Last Year's Episode

00:51 Updates on CFA Institute's Sustainable Finance Program

02:04 Global Chang...

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar, Director of Media at FS Sustainability, discusses the newly implemented climate-related financial disclosure standards in Australia with Nicholas Guest, co-lead of HLB Mann Judd's Sustainability Steering Committee. They explore the phased approach of the new regime, its impact on small to large companies, the role of technology in easing compliance, and the broader commercial opportunities and challenges. 

The discussion also touches on global political influences, particularly the reversal of climate policies in the U.S. Tune in to understand why these disclosures are critical and how your o...

Harnessing Synthetic Biology for Sustainable Mining and Pollution Mitigation.

In this episode of The Greener Way, guest host Michelle Baltazar interviews Nicole Richards, CEO of  Allonnia, about the company's use of synthetic biology to address sustainability issues. The discussion covers Allonia’s work in accelerating nature's process of breaking down contaminants like PFAS, and their initiatives in the mining sector to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The episode highlights  Allonnia's partnerships in Australia, significant investors including BHP, Vale, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the company's aim to commercialise these technologies.

Today we are going to talk about founder-led companies, which can provide high returns for investors – but also be high risk.

From Uber's aggressive expansion tactics under Travis Kalanick, Theranos's fraudulent blood testing under Elizabeth Holmes, and WeWork's unsustainable growth under Adam Neumann, founder-led companies can be more at risk of corporate management shortfalls and pose a need for more rigorous governance standards.

Lawrence Lam joins host Rose Mary Petrass on the podcast today.

He is the managing director and founder of Lumenary Investment Management and the author of The Founder Effect – a book...

Recent research has revealed that sustainability professionals are fighting anxiety, loneliness, imposter syndrome.

43% of green professionals are the sole staff member responsible for sustainability within their organisation, according to a UK study out of the University of St Andrews and the University of Strathclyde.

Here to discuss is Heather Lynch, a coach working with sustainability professionals, who was a lead researcher on the study.

The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass.

If this podcast has raised concerns for you, support is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

Oil spills, leaks and contaminants can wreak havoc on marine life, and abandoned and decaying platforms and pipelines can cause large-scale damage through chemical and heavy-metal pollutants.

With LNG markets declining and ageing offshore oil and gas infrastructure representing an environmental safety risk, titleholders are now having to decommission offshore infrastructure.

This process represents an estimated $60 billion liability for investors over the next 30–50 years.

In December 2024, the Australian government released the 'Offshore Resources Decommissioning Roadmap', helping titleholders fulfil their regulatory obligations under laws like the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.

...

When you think of high-net-worth investors, you probably think of fast cars, designer bags and all-inclusive vacations. The last place your mind likely turns to is their interest in sustainable investing.

But according to Amanda MacDonald, high-net-worth investors are increasingly looking to make an impact in their portfolios.

But the global sustainable investing landscape is changing, experiencing pushback and becoming increasingly politicised.

So how does this impact the responsible investment goals of high-net-worth investors?

LGT Crestone’s Head of Sustainable Investing Amanda MacDonald joins us on the podcast today. 

The...

Today, Rachel Alembakis joins us on the show to discuss her role as stewardship manager at U Ethical.

Alembakis pivoted from a career in journalism – including as the prior editor of FS Sustainability – and says that communication skills are one of the most important aspects of stewardship and engagement with companies to ensure they are following U Ethical’s responsible investment principles.

With its first funds established in 1985, U Ethical is one of Australia's largest ethical investment funds.

Alembakis joins Rose Mary Petrass, the host of The Greener Way and senior journalist at FS Sus...

With energy efficiency highlighted as a global priority at COP29, asset managers are faced with a big task: to align their strategies to meet new international standards.

Joining us today is David Scaysbrook, co-founder and managing partner of Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners.

With over 28 years in energy and renewables infrastructure, Scaysbrook leads Quinbrook's strategy in advancing green decarbonisation and renewable energy projects globally.

Scaysbrook discusses how Australia is rising to the challenge of grid stability and renewable integration.

He also talks challenges and opportunities in data centres – particularly with the rise of AI...

Sustainable investing is experiencing a rise in anti-ESG sentiment – both abroad and at home.

US President Donald Trump’s move back to the White House this week heralds the next stage of anti-ESG, anti-climate, and anti-DEI sentiments overseas.

Media reports here in Australia predict that we could soon see the same on home soil depending on the outcome of the federal election to be held to be held on or before 17 May 2025.

This comes as Meta recently announced it will swap fact-checking for user-generated community labelling.

Here to discuss is Morningstar Sust...

First Nations businesses in Australia face many barriers to accessing financing, including historically exclusionary policies, institutional barriers, and lack of capital.

Jake Berthelot is Associate Director of Business Advisory at First Australians Capital – an organisation uniting private, public and philanthropic investment in Indigenous businesses.

Jake, a Potaruwutj Padthaway man, was drawn to a career in strategy and finance and works to empower First Nations entrepreneurs to succeed in a new economy.

n August, it was revealed that PFAS known as ‘forever chemicals’ have been found in water filtration plants and even in platypus livers across NSW, which Australian authorities said were at a ‘safe’ level of exposure for the population – a level which is considered unsafe by US standards.

Here to discuss is Georgia Hall, the London-based ESG and investment director, global listed infrastructure, with boutique investment manager Maple-Brown Abbot, which recently put out a paper outlining the impact of PFAS on water infrastructure investments and what investors can do about it.

With 2024 now officially over, for those that want to get a higher salary and career progression in 2025, this episode is for you. 

Today we’re going to talk about jobs trends, most highly paid roles, how can professionals can level up their salaries in 2025. We will also delve into that big scary word that has been everywhere the past two years – layoffs, and why being laid off might not be such a bad thing. 

To discuss we have Richard Evans, CEO of Talent Nation. 

The sustainability and ESG recruitment firm recently updated its salary gu...

With the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, companies are facing growing pressure to ensure their AI practices are ethical, transparent, and aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

But what does responsible AI look like in practice, and how should investors approach this emerging frontier to manage risks and seize opportunities?

Joining us today to unpack these questions is Jessica Cairns, head of ESG and sustainability at Alphinity Investment Management.

The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability.

Alongside Australia’s national science age...

Gold shines brighter than ever with a record-breaking 37 price highs this year solidifying it as a safe haven in uncertain times.

Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) produces 20% of the world’s gold but employs 80% of gold miners – an estimated 10-15 million people, often in low-income countries.

However, 30-35% of ASGM miners are children, and the sector is riddled with black market criminality – financing terrorism, war, and organised crime.

Today we take a closer look at human rights and ESG in the value chain, and the important work being done to pinpoint the problem...

Today we take a closer look at weapons and defence-related holdings. 

We ask the question, what does responsible investing mean in the context of conflict?

To answer this question Estelle Parker, co-CEO at Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) joins guest host, Financial Standard senior journalist Karren Vergara on the podcast today.

In her reporting, Karren Vergara has found many of Australia's super funds have no qualms about investing in contraversial weapons manufacturers like BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Elbit.

This episode uncovers investment risks, how materiality thresholds impact decision-making, and the ca...

COP29, the 2024 UN Conference of the Parties on Climate Change, ran from November 11-22 in Azerbaijan.

The main decision was how to pay for poorer nations' climate financing - decarbonisation, adaptation, and resilience to climate impacts – which are hitting them hardest despite contributing the least.

The major win of the event was an eleventh-hour agreement on carbon markets, while some other negotiations failed the reach their goals, or reached an impasse.

Richie Merzian was on the ground in Baku during COP29. Richie, the CEO of Clean Energy Investor Group, joins host Rose Mary Pe...

Donald Trump’s election victory has far-reaching implications for the clean energy sector and climate finance as a whole.

Today, we jump in the time machine and take a look at the next four years under Trump, with our guest Lachlan Carey.

Lachlan is a Washington-based expert on clean energy investment and a non-resident fellow at the United States Studies Centre.

Opinions expressed are solely Lachlan Carey’s own and do not express the views or opinions of his employer.

The next wave of sustainability investment professionals is poised to benefit from a new  movement. The 24/7 clean energy approach could surpass 100% renewable energy status as the way to manage our escalating global energy use. Google and Microsoft have already adopted it but how does it work? Climate advocate Ian Lieblich breaks it down in this episode with guest podcast host Michelle Baltazar.

It’s fair to stay that AI is officially here to stay – it’s everywhere, in our workplaces and even in our homes.

However, the datacentres used in AI churns through energy and leaving behind a hefty carbon footprint, especially when we consider scope 3 emissions.

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Prabakar Shrinivasan, Director and Co-Lead of Artificial Intelligence at Synechron, the global consulting firm, to help us navigate the environmental impact of AI.

With a strong presence in the financial space, including some of Australia’s largest banks, Synechron brings insights on how compan...

Many in the investment community believe that implementing net zero policies comes with high risk and is incompatible with active investing, but is this really true?

To discuss this, Guido Baltussen joins us on the podcast today.

Guido is Northern Trust Asset Management’s International Head of Quantitative Strategies.

He recently put out a paper on ‘carbon misconceptions’ and the impact of net zero commitments on equity portfolios.

This episode covers how investors can apply conventional portfolio construction techniques to achieve net zero targets, and how to achieve alignment with multiple sustain...

After 20 years of progress, we are now seeing rising inequality and poverty reaching levels not seen in a century, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In response, there’s been an uptick in demand for companies to report on social impact through the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) – and along with it, an increase in misleading marketing through ‘social-washing’.

Of course, poverty is not the only critical UN sustainable development goal – there are actually 17 of them, of which many are interconnected.

To discuss, Read Taylor Price is the founder of Investo...

With mandatory climate reporting coming into force in Australia, the corporate regulator ASIC is stepping up enforcement, targeting misleading and deceptive practices with serious consequences for non-compliance.

Today's episode is your guide to mastering climate reporting and avoiding greenwashing.

To explain we have special guest Kate O'Rourke, Commissioner at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

The host of The Greener Way is Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability. 

As the green revolution sweeps the globe, professionals are searching for quality sustainable finance education to help them stay on top of the game in an ever-evolving ESG landscape.

This week we hear from Rob Langrick, chief product advocate of CFA Institute, a global professional organisation that provides investment education – including on sustainable finance.

Alongside the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, the non-profit offers the Certificate in ESG Investing, the Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate, and other professional development opportunities.

Whether you want to enter the industry or boost your career, make bett...

This week, host Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability, is joined by two expert guests from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) – Mark Rigotti, Managing Director and CEO, and Anna Gudkov, Policy Advisor.

The AICD is a member-based organisation helping improve corporate governance by providing courses, programs, and other professional development opportunities.

They recently published an updated guide for directors on the mandatory climate reporting laws in Australia.

In this episode, we delve into the evolving responsibilities of company directors in managing ESG risk, the growing influence of shareholder activism on...

This week we have Duncan Paterson, Director of Investor Practice at the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) on the show to discuss Australia’s mandatory climate reporting regime. 

It’s undoubtedly a massive opportunity to open the door wider to green investment and reach net zero by 2050. However, investors face the unique challenge of understanding portfolio emissions, as well as growing concerns around exposure to greenwashing – and ‘greenhushing’ – risk.  

How can we ensure that climate reporting goes beyond a mere compliance exercise and provides investors and stakeholders with genuinely useful and actionable information? 

To unpack this...

With ESG and sustainability roles in high demand, many professionals are eyeing a career change into this impactful sector.

In this episode, host Rose Mary Petrass speaks with Belinda White, who successfully transitioned from a communications background into the world of responsible investing and ESG.

She now works company-side at Telix Pharmaceuticals as Director of Investor Relations and ESG.

Belinda shares valuable advice on leveraging transferable skills, effective networking, common misconceptions, and facilitating better stakeholder relationships between investors and companies.

Whether you're considering a career change or simply want to understand...

Australia recently gave employees the right to ignore their boss outside of ordinary work hours.

The law is meant to protect the health and wellbeing of workers and reduce stress and overwork, allowing for better work-life balance in a time when the world is more hyper-connected than ever before.

But what role does corporate culture and employee satisfaction play in financial performance, and will financiers actually consider the new law when making investment decisions?

Today, we are joined by Emma Pringle, Head of ESG and Portfolio Manager at Maple-Brown Abbott, a boutique firm...

Responsible investors are pushing back against so-called ‘Tea and Scones Stewardship’ and demanding meaningful company engagement.

Done right, stewardship can steer companies toward net zero; done wrong, it’s as unsatisfying as a lukewarm brew and a stale scone.

Today, we’re joined by Rachel Halpern, head of sustainability at JANA Investment Advisers, which advises on over $1.3 trillion in funds. She’ll discuss responsible stewardship strategies for achieving real impact.

Rachel is the head of sustainability at JANA Investment Advisers, an advisory firm with over $1.3tn funds under advice.

The host of The Gree...

When investors want to avoid specific activities in their portfolio – like tobacco, gambling, weapons, or adult entertainment – they turn to ESG screening.

But what happens behind the scenes when fund managers make these crucial decisions? Are all ESG funds created equal? And how can an investor be sure their money isn’t inadvertently supporting sectors they wish to avoid?

In this episode, we’re joined by Julia Leske, managing director and senior consultant in ESG strategy at ISS ESG.

Julia sheds light on how ESG professionals navigate the fine lines in screening and controve...

This episode outlines the climate and commercial case for sustainable buildings.

With buildings and building materials in hot demand, especially as the nation grapples with meeting its housing targets, momentum is growing on the sustainability side.

To discuss, host Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability welcomes Davina Rooney

Davina is CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) – a group helping steer Australia’s built environment sector towards highly efficient, low carbon, healthier places that are future-focused and resilient.

The GBCA’s Climate Positive Roadmap advocates for all new bu...

There are currently more than 400 nuclear power reactors in 32 countries, generating about a tenth of the world's electricity.

The Coalition’s plan to build seven nuclear power plants to replace Australia's ageing coal-fired power stations and to abandon the government's 2030 net zero target has been receiving plenty of attention.

Is this idea viable?

To discuss we have Jai Mirchandani, founder and portfolio manager at ELM Responsible Investments.

Jai sits down with host Rose Mary Petrass, senior journalist at FS Sustainability, to discuss the timeline, costs, and safety of nuclear power, as we...

No one should be left behind in the transition to a net zero economy – and behind the scenes, both private and public sectors are working hard to understand where funding needs to flow.

But putting aside nice-to-haves, will achieving a just transition have an impact on investor returns and reduce risk whether financial, reputational or systemic?

Amanda Cahill is the CEO of the Next Economy, which acts as a sort of intermediary between regional communities, government, investors and industry to accelerate the transition to a climate-safe, socially just and regenerative economy.

Amanda joins ho...

The US Inflation Reduction Act will crowd in more than $3 trillion US dollars of investment over the next decade. The Future Made in Australia Act has been billed as Australia’s response to the US IRA – but are taxpayer dollars better spent elsewhere?

Today, we discuss climate finance and the role of government in de-risking climate investing. And we ask the ultimate question: can the market solve climate change?

To answer this, we are joined by Blair Palese, director of philanthropy at Ethinvest, Australia’s oldest ethical investment firm.

Blair is also the founde...

This episode is all about the power of advocacy and moving business towards a low carbon economy.

Influential public figure, philanthropist Jon Dee is the founder of a number of initiatives including Planet Ark, DoSomething, and National Recycling Week. He is also the chair of the Forest Stewardship Council of Australia and New Zealand.

Host Rose Mary Petrass, Senior Journalist at FS Sustainability, sits down with Jon to find out how to motivate business to take action on climate.

Today's guest is Erica Hall, director of strategy and distribution at U Ethical Investors.

Erica has experience across ESG, advisor solutions and more. She is also the author of 'Top Stocks Special Edition - Ethical, Sustainable, Responsible: A Sharebuyer's Guide to ESG for Leading Australian Companies'.

Senior Journalist Rose Mary Petrass sits down with Erica to discuss incorporating sustainability into the advice process, what determines a 'good' ESG stock, and the best - and worst - performing sectors.

Most importantly, find out what the top ESG stocks in Australia are - and whether...

“The biggest challenge in our lifetime is the global market failure we call climate change” – Jeremy Cooper.

Jeremy has a radical idea to shake up Australia’s superannuation system for climate change progress.

With a wide-ranging career spanning over four decades, Jeremy Cooper is a regular commentator on superannuation and retirement income.

He was chair of retirement income at Challenger, led the ‘Cooper Review’ into the super system, and earlier served as deputy chair of the corporate watchdog ASIC.

Superannuation, with its long-term investment view, necessarily requires a transition to a sustainable...

This NAIDOC Week, we welcome two guests to the show to discuss legislation, risk, best practice, storytelling as a tool for change, and the concept of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).

Australia has a crucial responsibility to protect and respect First Nations cultural heritage; there are serious consequences if things go wrong.

The recently launched Dhawura Ngilan Business and Investor Guides are the only First Nations-led resources on proactive best practice.

This week, Senior Journalist Rose Mary Petrass welcomes two guests to the show: Rachel Perkins and Anirudha (Anu) Nagar.

Ra...

Natalie Kyriacou joins senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass to discuss how Australia is tracking on ESG compared to our global peers.

The pair discuss Australia’s Nature Repair Market scheme and the Coalition’s proposal to ditch Australia’s 43% emissions reduction target if it wins the next election and invest in nuclear energy.

Natalie’s work as an environmentalist, founder, presenter, and board director has led to involvement driving ESG conversations in the corporate sphere.

Her work highlights the importance of nature and biodiversity in the climate conversation. The My Green World fo...

Enhancing sustainability and incorporating environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) matters into investment decision-making and ownership practices can be a vast and overwhelming task.

To get the job done right, it is a path that no responsible investor or asset manager should tread alone.

The United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI or PRI) is an international network of more than 5000 financial institutions with over US$121 trillion in assets under management, working together to advocate for ESG integration into investment activities to promote sustainability.

David Atkin, chief executive, has a long list...

ESG regulation is evolving fast. Whether it’s mandatory sustainability-related reporting, modern slavery regulations, or circular economy laws – what exactly do practitioners need to know?

In this episode, Andrew Peterson joins FS Sustainability senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of ESG regulation.

The CEO of the Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia (BCSDA), Andrew brings an abundance of expertise on mandatory sustainability reporting, business leadership in sustainable development, circular economy practices, and more.

Tune in for a comprehensive update on national and global laws and standards, and...

When it comes to investing, information really is everything.

Finding the right ESG investment product that delivers returns alongside positive impact, while side-stepping potential greenwash or unethical business practices can be a rocky road – whether you’re an institutional investor, a wholesale investor, or a financial advisor. 

Here to shine a light on the right path is Aman Ramrakha. With almost two decades of experience leading research across banking, ratings, and governance solutions, Aman is the new executive director of research at Rainmaker Information.

In this episode, senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petra...

When it comes to ESG, there are so many acronyms. From TCFD to ISSB, GRI and GSSB. But today, we are talking about reporting against the TNFD – that is, the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures.

In this episode, senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass sits down with Tony Goldner, executive director of the TNFD, to talk about business risks, opportunities, dependencies, and impacts on nature, and how these might impact on the portfolio.

With nature-positive the new buzzword at the top end of town, nature-related data is no longer a CSR issue. It is a...

Around one in six (18%) people in Australia live with a disability – around 4.4 million people – and roughly 90% of those have ‘invisible’ or ‘hidden’ disabilities.

Australians living with a disability have so much to offer organisations. From longer employee retention and fewer workers’ compensation claims to better leadership styles, disability inclusion has emerged as the missing puzzle piece in DEI and ESG investing.

Yet, people with disabilities are employed at a rate 30% lower than the general population. So why are so many organisations so slow in engaging disability in their operations and culture?

On this episode of The...

Last week the Australian Federal Budget 2024-25 was handed down, coinciding with Sydney’s inaugural Climate Action Week.

In this episode of The Greener Way, we hear from Tim Buckley, founder and director of Climate Energy Finance, a public interest pro bono think tank that produces research and analysis on accelerating the global energy transition.

With more than three decades of financial market experience, Tim is a highly influential commentator on decarbonisation and sustainable finance.

Does the 2024-25 Budget pave a greener way for Australia’s clean energy future? What does a realistic road...

In this episode of The Greener Way, we hear from Simon Gvalda, manager of the ESG and Responsible Investment Recruitment team at Kaizen Recruitment, which recently released its much-awaited salary guide for ESG roles in 2024.

Join senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass as we sit down with Simon to get career tips and advice on job hunting and promotions.

We'll also ask the question on everyone’s lips: how much are ESG professionals earning?

Let’s talk recruitment trends, the key skills that candidates must develop, the impact of the pandemic and work...

In the midst of massive change for the industry, both companies and financiers are grappling with what to do next.

To help practitioners navigate changing tides, the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia (RIAA) held a conference in Sydney last week, where more than 800 attendees had the opportunity to learn from – and network with – the best and brightest, and several new roadmaps and initiatives were unveiled.

We interrupt our scheduled programming for a bonus episode to debrief on the conference and break down the key takeaways – including fund flows, data, AI, greenwashing, nature, and DEI – for those wh...

This episode of The Greener Way, we hear from Sarah Clawson, Global Head of Investor Relations at New Forests – an international investment manager of nature-based real assets and natural capital strategies.

Join senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass and explore forestry investment, as well as best practice approach to generating returns while prioritising ESG principles.

We discuss sustainable landscape management, carbon credits integrity, and First Nations engagement policy and philosophy.

Sarah just completed a trip to New Forest’s newly opened office in Africa; she discusses the firm’s global approach and regiona...

When it comes to advancing outcomes for First Nations Peoples, economic empowerment, accessibility, and financial literacy are at the fore.

In this episode of The Greener Way, senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass is joined by Phil Usher, a proud Wiradjuri man, born and raised on Gomeroi country. He serves as CEO of Australia’s only national Indigenous financial wellbeing provider, the First Nations Foundation.

Phil is on a mission to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities emerge from the effects of historical exclusion and oppression, empowering Community to deconstruct and unpack their re...

In this episode of The Greener Way, we welcome to the show Erin Remblance – founder of (re)bBiz and Project Tipping Point.

Erin runs programs teaching professionals how implementing the theories of de-growth and post-growth economics into their business strategies can address the ecological and climate crises.

FS Sustainability senior journalist and host, Rose Mary Petrass, chats with Erin all about regenerative and sustainable systems, the concept of social tipping points, and the importance of partnering with First Nations organisations. 

Today, senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass sits down with Sharon Davis, Executive Director of Investments at Future Super, a superfund that invests for a fossil fuel free future with no coal, oil and gas holdings, and an ethos rooted in ethical investment with a focus on clean energy and social impact projects.

The pair chat impact investing, stewardship (proxy voting and engagements), and how to approach divesting from fossil fuels while at the same time ensuring the fiduciary duty of long-term returns for members.

In the wake of the Qantas and ongoing Boeing scandals, investors – and the public – are asking questions on corporate governance, risk management, and ethical conduct.

Today we chat with Megan Motto, CEO of the Governance Institute of Australia - a professional association for company secretaries, governance advisers and risk managers.

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing is embroiled in a quality control scandal that included doors blowing off mid-flight and allegations of defects at a key supplier; while Qantas deals with the fallout of its CEOs Alan Joyces quitting in September following intense scrutiny from the national consumer watc...

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Rose Mary Petrass welcomes sustainability expert John Pabon to discuss the importance of international collaboration in combating greenwashing. They discuss cultural attitudes, consumer awareness, and regulatory frameworks around greenwashing, and dissect Australia's new climate reporting laws and its impact on corporate transparency. John's book The Great Greenwashing: How brands, governments, and influencers are lying to you, has just launched in the UK, North America, and Singapore.

On this episode of the Greener Way, we’re talking sustainability and intersectionality with Kylie Porter, Group Head of Sustainability, SunRice Group.

Kylie has worked across a wide variety of organisations, but always at the intersection of the E the S and the G in sustainability.

Joining us for this conversation on The Greener Way is Brighter Super head of Aussie equities and ESG Fiona Mann to talk about the fund’s approach to ESG and what high performance means in a variety of settings and professions.

On today's episode, we are talking to the multi-hyphenate sustainability and responsible investment leader Fiona Reynolds about the intersection of the E and the S and why it matters for business.

Our guest today has been a leading voice in the economic case for managing climate change since before net zero was a thing. In addition to authoring two landmark papers on climate change and Australia’s future in 2008 and 2011, Ross Garnaut was the principal economic adviser to Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke from 1983 to 1985, and Australian Ambassador to China from 1985 to 1988.

Now he and former ACCC chair Rod Sims have launched the Superpower Institute, which is designed to provide analysis to help Australia take advantage of the economic opportunities of the post-carbon world.

Ross Garnaut exp...

What’s on the sustainability agenda for Australia’s publicly listed companies? Every Year, Perennial Better Futures takes the temperature of a wide range of companies to answer just that question, and on this episode, we’re talking with Emilie O’Neill, co-head of ESG and equities analyst of the Perennial Better Future Trust on the results of their 2024 survey and how those results shape their conversations with companies.

In this episode brought to you by Igneo Infrastructure Partners, part of First Sentier Investors, we’re talking poles, wires and utilities – the infrastructure sector. Infrastructure is one of those asset classes that is heavily exposed to the risks of climate change, but which is also key to decarbonizing our global economy. Joining us to talk about what that means for an investment strategy is Niall Mills, Igneo’s managing partner and head of global infrastructure investments.

First Sentier Investors communicate and conduct business through different legal entities in different locations. This material is communicated in:

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We’re well into the beginning of 2024, so it’s a good time to look back at what happened in sustainability in 2023 and what the big events and trends will be this year. Joining us for this conversation is Julia Leske, senior consultant ESG strategy at ISS ESG. ISS STOXX is the owner of both ISS ESG and ISS Media, publisher of this podcast. 

On this episode, we’re going to do a deeper dive into how we measure sustainable finance, and how we value the dollar impact of financing emissions-intensive activities. This is a key discussion point particularly as we look at Australia’s sustainable finance strategy and net zero targets. Here to help us understand it all is Nishtha Aggarwal, financed emissions analyst at think tank Climate Energy Finance.

In this conversation, we’re talking about making gold a little more green. If noted commodities experts and rock group Smashmouth taught us anything, it’s hey now, all that glitters is gold. Now the World Gold Council is working to make gold more sustainable and traceable.

Link: https://www.gold.org/industry-standards/responsible-gold-mining

On this episode brought to you by First Sentier Investors, we’re talking responsible investment from the top down and the bottom up, and how an institutional investor builds its responsible investment strategy through an organisation. Joining us for this conversation is FSI global head of responsible investment Kate Turner, who is pretty much everywhere when it comes to the big discussions on responsible investment!

First Sentier Investors communicate and conduct business through different legal entities in different locations. This material is communicated in:

 •       Australia and New Zealand by First Sentier Investors (Australia) IM Ltd, authorised a...

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation is Australia’s green bank. Over the last 10 years, the CEFC has deployed more than ten billion dollars to invest in decarbonising Australia with an annualised cumulative return of 4.24%. But almost more importantly, because of their co-investment model,  each dollar of CEFC capital attracts just over five dollars of additional private capital to projects. 

CEFC Executive director Richard Lovell joins us for this conversation to talk about the past decade and the future of green investment in Australia.

Empirical evidence is clear: having a workforce that is diverse across a broad range of gender, cultural background and cognitive background results in better decision making. Here to talk about this topic is Raymone Jackson, head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at T. Rowe Price

As we’re now in peak summer season, we here at the Greener Way are reviewing our swimwear wardrobe with an eye as always on the intersection of fashion and ethics. Joining us is Charys Caldarella, founder of ethical swimwear line Styelle Swim to talk about how to build a sustainable fashion brand from the ground up.

Sure, you’ve got the know-how on all shades of green – but have you heard of blue finance?

In our latest episode Lucy Holmes, Senior Director of Blue Finance at WWF US Oceans Markets & Finance, joins FS Sustainability senior journalist Rose Mary Petrass.

Lucy works with banks and investors to identify the risks of a business-as-usual approach and to incorporate ocean-related ESG metrics into financial decision making. 

It’s that time of year when we pause to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Is one of your New Year's resolutions to help save the world and align your investments with your values? In this podcast we hear from Louise Edkins, one half of the co-founders of Ethical Investment Advisers, a boutique ethical investment firm she co-founded in 2004 alongside Terry Pinnell. With more than 3 decades in responsible investment experience, Louise helps her clients merge their financial goals with their aspirations to make a better world. FS Sustainability Senior Journalist Rose Mary Petrass chats with Lou...

We’re joined by Joshua Gilbert, a Worimi man who lives and works on country. Josh is a Senior Researcher at the UTS Jumbunna Institute of Indigenous Education and Research and is completing his PhD at Charles Sturt University, focusing on the post-colonial involvement of Indigenous peoples in Western agricultural systems.

We’re here to talk about Josh’s research and why learning from Indigenous people’s 60,000-plus year knowledge base is key to building thriving agriculture and natural capital markets in Australia.

https://www.joshuagilbert.co/