ESG Matters @ Ashurst Podcast

In this episode of Game Changers, we track the journey of a desktop experiment that became a global business operating in Europe, Japan, North America and now Australia. Game Changers host Elena Lambros talks with Steve Greig about how OCO Technology captures carbon dioxide and locks it permanently into a lightweight aggregate made from industrial ash (residue that would otherwise go to landfill).

Together, Steve and Elena discuss OCO’s expansion into Australia through a joint venture, and three substantial hurdles the business has to clear: regulation that varies from country to country and state to state, a construction industry accustomed to quarried (not synthetic) materials, and the capital intensity of building new plants.

Steve makes the case for rethinking “additionality” (the test investors apply to show that carbon removal depends on credit revenue) and explains why a fixed window for carbon credits leaves financiers asking what happens afterwards. Elena and Steve also emphasise the value of renewables and education in the race to net zero; they reflect on Morocco’s rapid shift to solar; and they consider how companies should cut internal emissions first and choose high-integrity permanent carbon removals.

To listen to this episode search for “ESG Matters by Ashurst Perkins Coie” 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 law or practice, or to cover every aspect of topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On paper, renewable energy zones (REZs) are an effective way to unlock energy generation at scale and move Australia closer to net zero. In reality, it’s more complicated.

In this episode, Ashurst Perkins Coie’s Elena Lambros and Dan Brown are joined by colleague Luke Houghton to explore the opportunities and challenges REZs present. Having helped shape the commercial and financial model behind NSW’s first REZ, Central-West Orana, Luke brings first-hand insight to the conversation. He explains that long-term investors are seeking certainty – on access pricing, construction costs, tax regimes and site suitability.

Luke also reflects on lessons from the Central-West Orana process and explores how the regulated concession model could work beyond energy and beyond Australia.

Check out past and future episodes of Nearing Net Zero on the Ashurst Perkins Coie website. And subscribe to ESG Matters by Ashurst Perkins Coie wherever you get your podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in law or practice, or to cover every aspect of the topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ashurst Perkins Coie’s Elena Lambros and Dan Brown are joined by colleague Buck Endemann, global co-head of energy and infrastructure. Together, they peer “behind the meter” at a gap in US clean energy rules: the rules apply to utilities, but don’t stretch to data centers that generate their own power.

Buck explains how the data center boom is driving a corresponding surge in gas-fired power across the US, where few laws require data centers to use clean energy. Australia’s approach varies by state. Some states specify what share of each generation technology new data centers must use for green power, while others leave developers free to solve the speed-to-power problem themselves.

The episode also takes a clear-eyed look at how carbon capture has lost momentum in the US, and at the continuing role of gas. With federal and state regulation intersecting in similar ways in both countries, the US experience offers Australia a timely guide.

Check out past and future episodes of Nearing Net Zero on the Ashurst Perkins Coie website. And subscribe to ESG Matters by Ashurst Perkins Coie wherever you get your podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in law or practice, or to cover every aspect of the topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the ‘E’ in ESG commands plenty of attention, the ‘S’ can sometimes be overlooked. In this episode, we consider why environmental progress is only possible when social progress is made too.

Regular Game Changers host Elena Lambros, Risk Advisory Partner, is joined by colleagues from around the globe including sustainability and climate law specialist Becky Clissmann, senior social impacts manager Helena Yeaman, and environmental, climate and energy law specialist Gaëlle Cognet, to explore the human dimensions of net zero.

Together, they draw upon the legacy of founder William Ashurst and his four daughters, who were all advocates for social justice. Their conversation takes in Ashurst Perkins Coie's Modern Slavery Action Plan and the firm’s pro bono work supporting survivors around the world, as well as Ashurst Perkins Coie's procurement practices and its approach to modern slavery risk in the supply chain.

There’s also discussion of:

• Why climate change acts as a multiplier of exploitation, displacement and human rights risk
• Adaptation challenges facing vulnerable regions, from small island states to mainland Europe
• How to embed just transition principles throughout a credible transition plan (rather than leaving them sidelined a single paragraph)
• How financing tools can help deliver a fairer transition in Africa.

Further reading:

• Transition Planning
• COP 30: A further step towards a just transition in Africa; and
• Adapting to climate change: innovative tools in development and climate finance

To listen to this episode search for “ESG Matters by Ashurst Perkins Coie” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mining and net zero might seem incongruous, but actually the world’s energy transition depends upon what we dig out of the ground. Every battery, solar farm, transmission network and electric vehicle requires critical minerals – and Australia has an abundance of these raw materials.

In this episode, Ashurst Perkins Coie’s Elena Lambros and Dan Brown are joined by colleague Ratha Nabanidham, a partner who advises clients in the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors. Together, they unpack what “mining our way to net zero” really means – and how Australia can secure, produce and process critical minerals at sufficient speed and scale.

Ratha offers an insider’s view on the sheer volume of raw materials required for the energy transition and tackles the tension between public support for clean energy and local resistance to new mines. The trio also explore the economic opportunity in processing – not just extracting – critical minerals, and the geopolitical dynamics at play. It’s a timely discussion as Australia works alongside partners including the US and Japan to secure supply chains.

The episode brings home the fact that getting minerals out of the ground is just the start; the real challenge is building the infrastructure and supply chains to turn the raw materials into the products the energy transition needs.

Check out past and future episodes of Nearing Net Zero on the Ashurst Perkins Coie website. And subscribe to ESG Matters by Ashurst Perkins Coie wherever you get your podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in law or practice, or to cover every aspect of the topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's climate-related financial disclosures are now mandatory, and the first wave of reports is already drawing scrutiny. In this episode of ESG Matters, Ashurst Perkins Coie's Elena Lambros and Dan Brown explore what the shift from voluntary to regulated reporting really changes. They examine why some companies are walking back previously bold climate commitments now that a common, ASIC-enforced standard makes every claim comparable.

The conversation covers ASIC's enforcement toolkit (from educational guidance to formal directives), the temporary modified liability shield for forward-looking statements, and why Australia's status as a greenwashing litigation hotspot means enhanced disclosure is no safe harbour from activist challenge.

Elena closes with practical boardroom advice: embed climate risk in governance and risk-management frameworks, ensure consistency across all corporate communications, and make commitments you can credibly deliver – because capital is increasingly flowing to companies whose disclosures prove they can execute.  

Check out past and future episodes of Nearing Net Zero on the Ashurst Perkins Coie website. And subscribe to ESG Matters by Ashurst Perkins Coie wherever you get your podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in law or practice, or to cover every aspect of the topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if better carbon data could help unlock the investment needed to accelerate the energy transition?

In this episode of Game Changers, Ashurst Perkins Coie partner Elena Lambros is joined by Amy Brachio, CEO of Carbon Measures, to explore why measuring the carbon footprint of products consistently and transparently could transform the way businesses, investors and policymakers make decisions.

They discuss why today's approaches to carbon accounting are falling short, how trusted product-level emissions data can create stronger markets for low carbon products, and what needs to happen to encourage investment at scale. The role of regulation and the importance of global standards, is also discussed and collaboration across industry and government encouraged in order to accelerate the transition.

To listen, search for "ESG Matters" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred podcast platform, or follow the links in the show notes.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in law or practice, or to cover every aspect of the topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across many parts of the world, data center investment is being blocked due to community opposition. In this podcast, Ashurst Perkins Coie’s Elena Lambros and Dan Brown reflect on the lessons for data center developers and financiers in Australia. Together, Dan and Elena reflect on the eye watering sums of data center investment dollars that have been stalled or withdrawn in the US and UK recently. They explain how governments are responding to community concerns around energy and water consumption. And most importantly, they consider potential solutions that could benefit people and planet, as well as profit.

In the context of Australia, Dan and Elena explain how old fossil-fuel powered station sites could be repurposed to house data centers – offering developers pre-existing water, transmission and fiber infrastructure on sites already permitted under stringent environmental standards. They also highlight the benefits of clear, transparent community engagement for all data center developments. And they explain why a single, coherent fact base for ESG performance would benefit the data center industry, as well as the communities they serve. Check out past and future episodes of Nearing Net Zero on the Ashurst Perkins Coie website. And subscribe to ESG Matters by Ashurst Perkins Coie wherever you get your podcasts.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in law or practice, or to cover every aspect of the topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investment in the low carbon economy is growing, but so too are the challenges of allocating capital effectively. In this episode, we explore how investor priorities are evolving, what drives investment decisions, and the economic principles shaping the transition to a lower-carbon future.

Ashurst Perkins Coie partner Lorraine Johnston is joined by Sahar Shamsi, Partner and co-head of the Energy and Climate Economics teams at Oxera, to discuss the intersection of economics, finance and climate. Sahar shares how investors are assessing climate-related risks and opportunities, the importance of policy and regulation in unlocking investment, and the practical barriers that continue to slow the pace of decarbonisation.

The conversation also considers the role of sustainability reporting, the challenge of balancing risk and return, and why collaboration between policymakers, investors and industry will be critical to financing the energy transition.

To listen, search for "Ashurst Perkins Coie Legal Outlook" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred podcast platform. You can also explore the full range of Ashurst Perkins Coie podcasts at ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/podcasts/

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in law or practice, or to cover every aspect of the topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special wrap-up episode, Ben McAlary joins Season 3 hosts Elena Lambros and Lorraine Johnston to reflect on the recurring themes that shaped nine thought-provoking conversations across the last 10 episodes of Game Changes.

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.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.