How do you embed sustainability into your core business strategy to drive ROI, not just compliance? Lee Stewart, a former Head of Sustainability for billion-dollar companies like Fujitsu and Fonterra, reveals how to transform ESG from a cost center into your most powerful competitive advantage, based on 20 years of global experience.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
· The 38-Day Payback: A real-world case study of a warehouse lighting upgrade that saved a company over $50,000 a year.
· Scope 3 Emissions Decoded: Why your largest customers will soon demand your carbon data—and how to prepare now to win those contracts.
· The Virtual CSO Model: Why hiring a full-time sustainability officer is often a mistake and the more effective, lower-risk alternative.
· The "Would You Be Missed?" Test: The powerful question from his book that forces a radical rethink of your company's purpose.
· Greenwashing Traps: How to market your sustainability wins without triggering multi-million dollar fines from regulators.
· Global Inequity in Action: Shocking lessons from advising the Kingdom of Tonga on climate adaptation and the circular economy.
For leaders and engineers who see sustainability not as a compliance hurdle, but as the ultimate innovation and growth opportunity.
Connect With Lee Stewart:
Website: https://www.leestewart.com.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leestewart
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Business
01:39 Understanding Sustainability Strategy
03:24 Common Misconceptions About Sustainability
04:32 Monetizing Sustainability for ROI
07:15 Insights from Writing a Sustainability Book
08:41 Common Pitfalls in ESG Strategies
10:15 Exploring Scope 3 Emissions
13:51 Impact of Climate Reality Training
15:53 Actionable Takeaways for Executives
17:28 Technology as a Lever for Sustainability
18:53 The Role of a Virtual Chief Sustainability Officer
21:03 First Steps for Small Businesses
22:31 Navigating Greenwashing Risks
24:56 Global Inequity in Climate Change
27:54 Innovation in Sustainability
29:10 Conclusion and Resources
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