The Greener Way

In this episode of the Greener Way, we explore the intersection of AI and sustainability with host Michelle Baltazar and guest Scott Lane, founding chief executive of Speeki.

They delve into how Gen AI can improve whistleblowing programs, drive ESG initiatives and sustainability strategies for better corporate governance and compliance.

02:00 The role of technology in sustainability

03:59 Whistleblowing systems and AI

05:41 The evolution of Nicole: AI in action

07:44 Trust and effectiveness of AI systems

10:50 Future of AI in sustainability

13:27 Governance and monitoring of AI

16:28 Final thoughts

In this episode of 'The Greener Way,' host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Jane Gibbs, national ESG advisory lead at Unwelt, to delve into the proposed environmental planning and assessment amendment reforms in New South Wales.

The discussion covers the implications of the reforms for the sustainability and investment sectors, highlighting the establishment of a housing delivery authority and a development coordination authority.

The conversation also explores the inclusion of climate resilience in the legislative changes and their expected impact on project development and approval processes.

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01:03 Introducing Jane Gibbs and her expertise

02:15 Understanding the environmental planning and assessment amendment

03:35 Significance of climate resilience in planning

04:32 Impact of the Housing Delivery Authority and Development Coordination Authority

05:05 Legislative process and expected timeline

07:21 Streamlining approvals for sustainability

11:31 Climate change and natural disasters: Implications for investors

14:48 Final thoughts and future outlook

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Link: https://www.umwelt.com.au/news/nsw-planning-system-reforms-what-you-need-to-know/

Over the past 10 years, the investment case for batteries and battery storage has evolved phenomenally as their efficacy in supporting the energy transition became more apparent.

But Australia remains behind many other developed countries, even five years behind the UK, and Gresham House chief executive Tony Dalwood says educating super funds and other institutions could be the answer.

Dalwood joins The Greener Way to discuss opportunities in batteries and battery storage, as well as sharing his insights on forestry and biodiversity – including why Australia should consider a biodiversity fund within the Future Fund.

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

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

01:11 Understanding the World Gold Council

02:05 Gold price trends and market insights

02:41 Responsible gold mining principles

04:04 Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM)

00:00 Challenges and initiatives in ASGM

06:15 Super funds and investment opportunities

07:14 Innovations in gold traceability

08:36 Central banks and responsible gold buying

10:05 Addressing labour exploitation and modern slavery

12:28 Gender diversity in mining

13:31 Future of ASGM and gold market

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

00:30 Welcome to The Greener Way

00:45 Introducing Mirtha Kastrapeli from ISS STOXX Research Institute

02:02 The importance of nature in investment

03:32 Understanding nature-related risks

05:09 Data and measurement of nature-related risks

09:15 Case study: circular economy in the chemicals industry

12:38 Modern slavery and industry disclosures

14:22 Final thoughts

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 Leske, 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

06:47 Examples and case studies

17:05 Global regulatory landscape

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.