Green Fix

The technological revolution transforming Australian businesses carries a hidden environmental cost that few sustainability practitioners fully understand. In this revealing conversation with digital sustainability expert Tim Prosser, we uncover the substantial climate impact of our digital lives and explore how organisations can address this overlooked aspect of their sustainability strategy.

Did you know that 40% of an individual's carbon budget aligned with a 1.5-degree target is consumed by digital services? Or that by 2030, data centres could require 8% of Australia's power grid – equivalent to the entire steel industry? These startling figures highlight why sustainability practitioners must engage deeply with their technology counterparts as mandatory climate reporting approaches.

Tim draws fascinating parallels between the evolution of IT and sustainability functions within organisations. "About 10-15 years ago, there was a real flip where organisations went from having an overall strategy supported by an IT function to being an IT company in a specific sector," he explains. "I see an opportunity for sustainability to go through that transition."

We explore how the AI revolution is complicating sustainability efforts, with major tech companies already reporting missed climate targets due to energy-intensive AI deployments. Yet Tim also reveals the tremendous opportunity: research shows 84% of technology professionals prefer sustainability outcomes over cost-cutting measures, representing an army of potential champions waiting to be engaged.

For sustainability practitioners preparing for mandatory reporting, Tim provides practical guidance on establishing accurate technology emissions baselines, addressing e-waste challenges, and initiating productive collaborations with IT departments. He outlines common pitfalls in emissions calculations and explains how to move beyond spend-based approaches toward more meaningful measurements.

This episode offers essential knowledge for any sustainability professional looking to develop a comprehensive climate strategy that addresses the full environmental impact of their organisation's operations. Listen now to ensure your sustainability roadmap isn't missing this critical piece of the puzzle.

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Dan Leverington
Loreto Gutierrez

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What happens when you trade corporate success for climate advocacy? For Liz Courtney, award-winning filmmaker responsible for 55 climate documentaries, it began with a crucial "sliding door moment" – choosing courage over fear to join an Antarctic expedition despite her doubts. That decision launched an extraordinary career documenting climate systems across the globe, from dog sledding across Greenland's melting ice sheets to researching atmospheric microbes in Antarctica.

Liz shares her profound insights on effective climate communication, developed through collaborations with leading scientists worldwide. She's identified that successful science communication requires simplification, relatable analogies, connecting research to local impacts, and showing how data can drive better planning. Her experience reveals how sustainability professionals can bridge the gap between complex environmental science and everyday understanding, making climate issues accessible and actionable for broader audiences.

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Loreto Gutierrez

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Ever wondered how to get your Sustainability initiatives on the Chief Risk Officer's radar? Ruby Yadav, former Chief Risk Officer turned entrepreneur, reveals powerful strategies for building bridges between the Sustainability and Risk functions in this illuminating Green Fix episode.

Whether you're a sustainability practitioner seeking to influence your organisation's risk framework or a risk professional looking to better integrate climate considerations, this episode provides practical wisdom for breaking down silos and creating powerful partnerships. Listen now to discover how shared language and mutual respect can amplify your impact in addressing our most pressing environmental challenges.

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Loreto Gutierrez

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Dr. David Cooke's journey from transcendental meditation teacher to corporate leader offers a masterclass in values-based business leadership that delivers both purpose and profit. He shares how his "save the world gene" found expression in the corporate environment, culminating in his groundbreaking work as the first non-Japanese Managing Director of Konica Minolta Australia and New Zealand.

A simple but powerful declaration: "I want us all to work together to build a company that cares" became the foundation for remarkable business growth during a decade when the printing industry faced digital disruption and market contraction.

We tackle the hard questions around modern slavery in supply chains, navigating cross-cultural leadership challenges, and maintaining ethical standards during geopolitical turbulence

Whether you're a sustainability professional seeking greater influence, a leader navigating uncertain times, or simply someone who believes business can be a force for good, Cook's experiences offer both inspiration and practical guidance for creating value through values.

Topics:
Kind Business, Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability, Ethical Leadership, Modern Slavery, ESG, Business Ethics, Leadership, Profit and Purpose, Employee Engagement

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Loreto Gutierrez

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When it comes to advancing sustainability, we often focus on educating people or creating elaborate strategies—but what if the secret lies in simply making sustainable choices the easiest ones to make?

Andreas Ludwig, a behavioural scientist with a fascinating journey from the former East Germany through positions at McKinsey, Accenture Digital, and most recently as Principal Behavioural Scientist with CBA Sydney, reveals how understanding actual human behaviour can transform sustainability initiatives.

Growing up in a country that disappeared almost overnight gave Ludwig a unique perspective on systems change and human adaptation. This experience fuelled his skepticism toward traditional economic models that assume rational behaviour, leading him to discover the experimental work of behavioural scientists who demonstrated the predictable irrationality of human decision-making.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable for sustainability practitioners is Ludwig's practical insights into implementation. While corporations spend millions on sustainability strategies, they often neglect the critical "last mile"—where human behaviour determines success or failure. Take household electrification: banks create green financing products assuming money is the main barrier, when many customers actually struggle most with knowing which installer to trust or what technology to choose.

The power of behavioural science lies in designing "choice architecture" that makes sustainable options effortless. Consider how default settings dramatically impact outcomes—from organ donation rates to energy plans—without restricting freedom. Ludwig also explains why audience segmentation matters, with research showing only 10% of Australians are environmentally motivated, while 60% want to understand "what's in it for me."

For professionals without behavioural science teams, Ludwig offers accessible starting points: adopt the behavioural science "lens" through books like "Atomic Habits," implement simple A/B testing, and recognise that small interventions shifting behaviour even 10-20% represent significant wins. For personal habit formation, focus on making first steps extremely easy and creating "habit stacks" that combine enjoyable activities with beneficial ones.

Ready to apply behavioural science to your sustainability initiatives? Listen now to discover how understanding human decision-making can help you design interventions that actually work.

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Loreto Gutierrez

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Luke Chalmers, Principal for ESG Performance and Reporting at Orica, shares his journey from a surfer concerned about water pollution to a sustainability leader navigating global reporting requirements for a multinational mining services company.

Navigating the increasingly complex global reporting landscape requires both technical expertise and strategic thinking. Luke shares how Orica approaches compliance with Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards, California's climate regulations, and Europe's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive simultaneously. 

Luke's approach exemplifies how sustainability can move beyond compliance to create genuine business value while delivering meaningful environmental outcomes.

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Your Hosts:
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Loreto Gutierrez

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This week we are in conversation with Mark Rowland, discussing his journey from consulting to climate action, the importance of understanding one's purpose and happiness in relation to sustainability. We explore Buckminster Fuller's vision of Spaceship Earth and the Gaia theory, highlighting the interconnectedness of life on Earth.
 
Mark also addresses the challenges of corporate sustainability, the need for collaboration across industries, and the significance of systems thinking in driving effective climate action.

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Your Hosts:
Dan Leverington
Loreto Gutierrez

Liked this episode?
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In this episode of The Green Fix, we are joined by Alison Bird, former program manager at Climate Salad. We explore Alison's journey from education to climate tech, the importance of storytelling in engaging stakeholders, and the challenges and opportunities within the climate tech industry. 

We cover the role of education in fostering a connection to nature, the significance of community in sustainability efforts, and the evolving landscape of climate tech in Australia. Alison shares insights on the successes of Climate Salad, the importance of collaboration between corporates and startups, and the impact of mandatory climate disclosures on the industry. 

About Alison Bird:
Alison was the Program Manager at Climate Salad, a community of Australian climate tech entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, mentors, corporates, and government, helping climate tech companies grow by finding talent, building products, getting customers, and meeting investors.

After a decade as a primary school teacher, teaching hundreds of children across NSW and even in Tanzania, she has transitioned her career to climate, committed to empowering others through education, and specialising in developing creative and engaging ways for people to understand seemingly complex topics, from superannuation and first-time investing to learning to read.

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Your Hosts:
Dan Leverington
Loreto Gutierrez

Liked this episode?
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In this episode of the Green Fix, we are joined by Rade Musulin, Principal at Finity. We dive into the impact of the new Trump administration in the U.S. global climate policy and investment, the role of actuaries in climate risk management, and the implications of the newly mandated Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS).

We explore the economic consequences of policy changes, and the challenges faced in managing climate disasters, recently demonstrated by the L.A. fires. We also unpack the importance of climate scenario analysis and the need for a skilled workforce in the field of climate risk. 

Join us to hear Rade's reflections on the necessity of pragmatic approaches to climate action and collaboration across sectors.

About Rade Musulin:
Rade is a Principal at Finity based in Sydney. He is an US trained Actuary and has 45 years’ experience in General Insurance specialising particularly in property pricing, natural perils, reinsurance, agriculture, catastrophe risk modelling, public policy development, and climate risk.

His main areas of interest include how changing population demographics affect catastrophe exposure, climate change adaptation, applications of catastrophe models for disaster planning in developing countries, building code development, and community resilience. Rade has maintained close ties with academic institutions, including being a lecturer for undergraduate classes in actuarial science, risk management, and political science.

Rade has served as both a senior executive in the insurance industry and leader in the actuarial profession, including serving as CEO of a US General Insurance Company, Vice President – Casualty of the American Academy of Actuaries and Chair of the International Actuarial Association’s Resource and Environment Virtual Forum.

Topics covered:
Climate reporting, Australia, actuaries, climate risk, sustainability, US policy, economic impact, disaster management, scenario analysis, talent pool.

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Loreto Gutierrez

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In this episode of The Green Fix podcast, we are joined by Beth Dowe, Executive Director of the Climate Leaders Coalition. We discuss the impact of the newly implemented Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS) on businesses, the importance of collaboration in sustainability efforts, and the interconnection between climate and nature. Beth shares her journey into sustainability, the evolution of the industry, and key learnings from her experiences. The conversation emphasises the need for resilience, teamwork, and the integration of sustainability into core business strategies.

About Beth Dowe:
Beth is the Executive Director of the Climate Leaders Coalition. The coalition has 50 CEO members from across the landscape of Australian big business. Member CEOs sign up to commitments, including Paris alignment, and to accelerate Australia's transition through practical action and collaboration. Led by the CEOs and driven by their Heads of Sustainability, the coalition collaborate on projects to accelerate their shared transitions, setting a new standard for cross-industry collaboration.

Beth was previously with McKinsey & Company for 10 years, where she was a leader in the sustainability consulting practice, as well as leading the M&A work for the global sustainability practice. She has a legal background, beginning her career as a litigator with Blake Dawson and Ashurst. She is a mum to 2 amazing children who 'keep it real' daily!

Topics covered:
Sustainability, climate change, Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards, Climate Leaders Coalition, ESG, decarbonisation, nature-based solutions, corporate responsibility, environmental governance, business transformation.

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Your Hosts:
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Loreto Gutierrez

Liked this episode?
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