Shows
The Net Zero Business PodcastCan Sustainability Make Us Happy? with Richard LupoImpending doom, eco-anxiety, sackcloth and ashes – Sustainability is often portrayed in very negative terms, but are Sustainable organisations happier organisations? Who better to ask than Richard Lupo, a Sustainability Consultant and the author of the book "Happiness by Numbers"? Here's what we discuss:Happiness by numbers – measuring well beingSustainability and Maslow's hierarchy of needsThe effect of happiness hormonesSustainability, levels of employee engagement and co performanceMaking Sustainability funHappiness and the built environmentThis episode is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd, Bringing Sustainability to Life Hosted on Acast. See acas...
2025-10-0334 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastDon't try to convert people to Sustainability; use Green JujitsuThis is the fifth of 10 special episodes to mark the publication of my guide '10 Rules for Corporate Sustainability' where I sum up the lessons I have learnt delivering Sustainability over the last 25+ years. In this episode, I talk through what is probably the most important of the ten rules, Rule 5: Don't try to convert people; find buttons to pressMost attempts at Sustainability engagement fall into the 'preaching to the choir' category; most attempts fail to make a real difference. About 15 years ago I started developing an alternative approach, Green Jujitsu, which is about finding...
2025-09-2605 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastCan offsetting drive your Net Zero programme? with Matteo DeiddaOffsetting is often described as a distraction from decarbonisation, or, worse, a scam or greenwash. At best, organisations often say "we will concentrate on carbon reductions first and only offset what we can't get rid of." But what if we've got it all wrong? Can 100% offsetting drive your Net Zero programme by acting as an internal carbon tax? Matteo Deidda of Tide, the all-in-one finance platform with a customer base of 1.5 million small and medium size businesses (SMEs) explains all. Here's what we discuss:Tide's three Net Zero pledgesThe benefits of investing in 100% carbon removals...
2025-09-1937 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastHow green is your website? with James ChudleyIf the internet was a country, it would be one of the top 5 polluters. What's that got to do with you? Well, if you have a website, then part of that is part of your carbon footprint. In this wide ranging conversation with Digital Sustainability expert James Chudley, we cover:Building your Sustainability career on non-Sustainability skillsTrends in the digital and their impact on global emissionsThe power of design for good and illWhy 'page weight' mattersUser experience: 'good for the user' usually means 'good for the planet' James' website, full of...
2025-09-1239 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastJeremy Leggett: Solar and Rewilding PioneerWhen Jeremy Leggett decided to abandon the fossil fuel industry in favour of fighting climate change, he didn't take half measures. Cutting his teeth in Greenpeace, he founded the Solar Century business, the associated charity SolarAid, sat on a huge range of advisory panels and most recently founded Highlands Rewilding to bring nature based solutions into the mix. No wonder he was awarded the prestigious 2025 Blue Planet award.Here's what we discuss:Setting up a solar company when solar was expensiveBringing light to the desperately poor via SolarAidNavigating the post-truth worldPeak oil...
2025-09-0540 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastWords of Wisdom: Sustainability ChangemakersThrough August the podcast will feature themed compilation episodes featuring hot takes from our wonderful guests over the last year. This week the theme is leading change for Sustainability featuring the combined wisdom of a stunning cast of characters:Profs Knut Hanaess and Julia Binder of IMD on 'head, heart and hands' and future-back thinkingSolitaire Townsend of Futerra on the march of the SolutionistsAbby Chicken of Openreach on 'make friends first, change second'Richard Smith of PS Planet on the impact of Blue Planet II and other TV programmesLucy Siegle on fixing the failures of international...
2025-08-2932 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastWords of Wisdom: The Clean Energy RevolutionThrough August the podcast will feature themed compilation episodes featuring hot takes from our wonderful guests over the last year. This week the theme is clean energy – production, distribution and consumption – featuring the combined wisdom of a stunning cast of characters:Richard Black of Ember on the Future of EnergyMichael Liebreich on why the hydrogen economy has never taken off (disagreeing with Richard!)Adam Bell of Stonehaven on the prospects for a nuclear energy renaissance in the UKPaul Glendinning of Northern Powergrid on whether the grid is ready for Net ZeroEmma Fletcher of Octopus on 'zer...
2025-08-2240 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastWords of Wisdom: Sustainability and Small BusinessThrough August the podcast will feature themed compilation episodes featuring hot takes from our wonderful guests over the last year. This week the theme is small/medium sized businesses (SMEs), featuring the combined wisdom of:Jo Holmes and David Knight on the challenges faced by small businesses and the upsides and downsides of Sustainability frameworks for smaller companiesJasper Steinhausen on why he aimed his recent Sustainabilitybook at small businesses and the sweetspot of opportunities for those companiesDon Golden on engaging typically Donald Trump supporting US small business owners through their mutual faithEmma Burlow on her...
2025-08-1531 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastWords of Wisdom: ESG InvestingThrough August the podcast will feature themed compilation episodes featuring hot takes from our wonderful guests over the last year. This week the theme is ESG Investing, featuring:Georgia Hall on the definition of ESG and separating the signal from the noiseMarga Hoek on the Trillion Dollar opportunity presented by the Sustainable Development GoalsJohn Friedman on why ESG investing increases in times of uncertaintyClaudine Blaney of Aviva on how they bring Net Zero to their investment portfolioClick on the links for the full interviews.This episode is...
2025-08-0822 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastIn Sustainability, culture and strategy are two sides of the same coinThis is the fourth of 10 special episodes to mark the publication of my guide 10 Rules for Corporate Sustainability where I sum up the lessons I have learnt delivering Sustainability over the last 25+ years. In this episode, I talk through what is probably the most important of the ten rules, Rule 4: Culture and strategy are two sides of the same coin.What many Sustainability professionals fail to understand is that actually delivering Sustainability is about change (not ISO standards etc), and change is about psychology. In this episode I explain how I fuse strategy development and engagement...
2025-08-0105 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastSome Like It (Very) Hot: Prof Jan Rosenow on Decarbonising 'Hard to Abate' IndustriesIf we broadly know how to decarbonise surface transport and domestic heating, what about the 'hard to abate' sectors such as steel making and chemicals? Today I'm joined by the (freshly be-chaired) Professor Jan Rosenow of Oxford University to talk through the decarbonisation of these sectors and, in particular, their scope for electrification. Here's what we discuss:The scope for electrification of low, medium and high temperature processesNovel technologies including high temperature heat pumps and electro-thermal storageEnergy efficiency and the rebound effect (aka Jevons Paradox)How electrification can be 4-5x more efficient than gas...
2025-07-2543 min
Straight Talking SustainabilityMoving Past Green Guilt - Rethinking Engagement, with Green Jujitsu Creator Gareth KaneIn this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma sits down with Gareth Kane, sustainability author and creator of the “Green Jujitsu” engagement model, for a wide-ranging conversation that challenges long-held assumptions about how we drive environmental action inside organizations.From the pitfalls of PowerPoint preaching to the psychology behind real behaviour change, Gareth shares decades of insight into what actually works when trying to get colleagues, clients, and even sceptics on board. Rather than pushing harder, Green Jujitsu is about aligning with what motivates your audience, even if it means stepping far outside your own comm...
2025-07-2142 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastDecarbonising the Net with Abby Chicken, OpenreachLate last year, UK digital network provider Openreach placed the largest order for EVs in history, making a huge leap forward not only in meeting its Net Zero ambitions, but normalising clean transport for others too. This week on the pod, Openreach's Head of Sustainability Abby Chicken joins me to talk through EVs and a whole range of other issues, including:• How Sustainability is largely a matter of change management• The energy footprint of data vs dematerialising the economy• Switching to EVs across a large and distributed workforce• Overcoming myths and misi...
2025-07-1850 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastEngaging the the public on e-waste using the mighty Hypnocat with Scott ButlerIf your senses have ever been assaulted by a psychedelic pink cat rapping about recycling your electronics, then Scott Butler, Executive Director at Material Focus, must take some of the blame. This week on the Net Zero Business Podcast, we talk about the world of electronic waste, including:The importance of recycling waste electrical and electronic equipments (WEEE)The challenges of fast tech, disposable vapes and electronic tatThe two key aspects of public engagement: facilities and motivationThe story behind HypnocatHow negative experiences outweigh positive experienceCritical minerals and the circular economy.The...
2025-07-1148 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastThere's no point in doing the wrong thing wellThis is the third of 10 special episodes to mark the publication of my guide 10 Rules for Corporate Sustainability where I sum up the lessons I have learnt delivering Sustainability over the last 25+ years. In this episode, I talk through Rule 3: There's no point in doing the wrong thing well. What I mean by this is certain products and services will have no place in a low carbon economy (eg internal combustion engines, gas boilers etc), no matter what you do on cutting your organisational carbon footprint. If this applies to you, you will need to pivot to a low...
2025-07-0405 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastCarbon literacy, circular business models and the power of listening with Emma BurlowThis week on the pod, I catch up with Sustainability Consultant, Fractional CSO and fellow podcaster, Emma Burlow of Lighthouse Sustainability Ltd. Here's what we cover in our discussion:The circular economy as a value generatorDisrupting markets with circular business modelsThe psychology of the word 'waste'What is Carbon Literacy and why does it matterGenerational attitudes to climate changePushing back on misinformationFrom awareness to actionThe power of listeningThe Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - Bringing Sustainability to Life Hosted on Acast. See...
2025-06-2751 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastA nuclear energy renaissance for the UK? with Adam Bell, StonehavenThis week I'm joined by nuclear whizz Adam Bell of Stonehaven to discuss last week's UK Spending Review which invested a lot of money and political capital to rejuvenate the UK's fast dwindling fleet of nuclear power stations. We discuss the following:• Why did the building of nuclear reactors (almost) grief to a halt in 1989?• The risks of China and Russia dominating the nuclear industry• Why the construction Hinkley C is running over budget and behind schedule• Small modular reactor technology and use cases• The role of nuclear in meeting...
2025-06-2033 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastDecarbonising Eastenders, Manchester University and Stonehenge with Richard Smith, PS PlanetThis week on the pod, I'm joined by Richard Smith of PS Planet, who I first met at the launch of 'Albert', the carbon calculator/assessment system he initially developed for the BBC and then for all broadcasters via BAFTA. In a freewheeling conversation, we discuss:Helping the broadcasting sector decarbonise through the 'Albert' carbon platformSustainability in TV programming, from Eastenders to Blue Planet IIZero carbon versus net zero, and the area under the curveMatching your language to the audience (green jujitsu!)Sustainability challenges in Universities and visitor attractionsThe importance of joy, imagination and creativity...
2025-06-1347 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastOn Sustainability, stretch yourself, but not too farThis is the second of 10 special episodes to mark the publication of my guide 10 Rules for Corporate Sustainability where I sum up the lessons I have learnt delivering Sustainability over the last 25+ years. In this episode, I talk through Rule 2: Stretch yourself, but not too far – the need for ambitious yet pragmatic targets with an emphasis on the timing of targets.Click here to download 10 Rules for Corporate Sustainability Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-06-0606 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastSustainability Accreditation for Small Business with Jo Holmes and David KnightIn this week's episode, I talk to David Knight of Investors in the Environment (iiE) and Jo Holmes of Genee who co-ordinates iiE in the North East and North West of England. Here's what we cover:• How Investors in the Environment works• Sustainability challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses• Taking the jargon out of the Sustainability conversation• Scope 3 carbon emissions: data burdens, the limitations of 'spend data' and the need for standardisation• How small business should aproach 'Social Value' in UK public procurementThe Net Zero B...
2025-05-3041 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastThe Challenges of a Just Transition with Dr Simona CapisaniIn any transition, there are inevitably winners and losers, but can we make a fossil fuel-free future fair, or as fair as possible while still delivering change at the necessary pace? To dig deep into this conundrum, I'm joined by Dr Simona Capisani, Assistant Professor of Environmental Philosophy at Durham University. Here's what we discuss:Defining a just transitionGiven the global poor will bear the brunt of climate change, is any transition a 'just transition'?Can just transition issues be used as a cover for 'predatory delay' by bad actors?Selling fairness in an age...
2025-05-2351 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastThe Future of Energy (it's electrifying!) with Richard Black, EmberThis week I'm joined by the legendary Richard Black, former BBC environment editor, founder of the ECIU and now Director of Strategy and Policy at Ember. We cover a huge amount of ground, including• The rise and fall (and rise again) of the climate contrarians• Media narratives vs public opinion• The state of play in global power generation• Five technologies to save the planet• Coal mine methane, hydrogen and carbon capture and storageYou can find Richard's book, The Future of Energy, here.This epi...
2025-05-1654 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastRule 1 of Corporate Sustainability: Understand YOUR Business CaseThis is the first of 10 special episodes to mark the publication of my guide 10 Rules for Corporate Sustainability where I sum up the lessons I have learnt delivering Sustainability over the last 25+ years. In this episode, I talk through Rule 1: Understand the business case as it applies to your business (the emphasis on the last bit cannot be under emphasised).Click here to download 10 Rules for Corporate Sustainability Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-05-0906 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastNeuroscience, Sustainability and all that jazz with Gerald J. LeonardThis week on the Net Zero Business Podcast, I talk to business coach, author and professional jazz bassist Gerald J Leonard. We talk about:• Business lessons from the world of music• Pivoting to Sustainability through customer demand• How neuroscience guides our decision making and how it can help deliver Sustainability• Selling Sustainability in turbulent political timesMake sure you listen to the end for a snippet of Gerard's single, Vertigo. You can hear all his music, including the recent Beatles on Bass EP, on Spotify here: https://open.spo...
2025-05-0235 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastThree Deadly Net Zero FallaciesThis week, I go on a bit of a rant about three fallacies that afflict Net Zero and the low carbon transition. These are:The Not Me Guv FallacyThe 1% FallacyThe Relatively Good FallacyDo you recognise any of them?The Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - Bringing Sustainability to Life - we can turbocharge your Net Zero programme! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-04-2508 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastCan renewables reduce home energy bills to zero? Octopus Energy's Emma Fletcher explains howEmma Fletcher is one of those quite extraordinary people whose ability to get things done is unparalleled. She led a community project to develop a 100 home zero carbon heat network in her village in her spare time. This in turn attracted the attention of Octopus Energy founder Greg Jackson who offered her the role of Low Carbon Homes Director, and when they say 'low carbon', they're not talking about tinkering around the edges!Here's what we discuss:How Octopus is effectively a data companyHow the Kraken platform allows Octopus to disrupt the energy marketThe home...
2025-04-1745 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastIs ESG really dead? Sorting the signal from the noise with Georgia HallIf you listen to the press and pundits, you'd think ESG investing is dead as a doorknob. But what's the reality? In this week's episode, I catch up with Georgia Hall, ESG & Investment Director, Listed Infrastructure at Maple-Brown Abbott, to help us separate the signal from all that noise. Here are some of the things we cover:What is ESG investing and is it really in decline?How stranded high carbon assets are a genuine risk to investorsWhy the US is highly unlikely to see a 'coal rush' no matter what President Trump thinks.Key...
2025-04-1137 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastThe Pod does God: Faith, Sustainability and Small Business with Don GoldenDon is almost certainly the first ordained minister I've had on the Net Zero Business Podcast, he's also a Sustainability consultant whose core audience is small business owners in Mid West USA – ie likely Donald Trump voters. For me, as an atheist, this was a fascinating and sometimes deeply philosophical discussion of personal values, business and our relationship with nature. Don's humanity, wisdom and insights should be an inspiration to us all.The Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - bringing Sustainability to Life Hosted on Acast. See ac...
2025-04-0445 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastIt ain't easy being green...This week on the pod, I discuss a simple precondition of sustainable behaviour in the public and/or employees – you have to make it easy for people to do what you want them to do. That might sound obvious, but in practice being green is often made rather difficult. I give three examples from my life and career that make the point, plus ways to discourage us green behaviour – and how to identify those barriers.The Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - bringing Sustainability to Life Hosted on A...
2025-03-2809 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastMarga Hoek on Capital, Technology & Inspiration: the 3 keys to unlock SustainabilityThis week on the pod, I'm joined by Marga Hoek, entrepreneur, investor, and author of The Trillion Dollar Shift and Tech for Good. The former book sets out the trillion dollar investment opportunity presented by the Sustainable Development Goals while the latter looks at the Sustainability opportunities set out by innovations such as AI, blockchain and robotics. We discuss these two topics along with Marga's collaboration with Imagine5 on storytelling to inspire change for good, creating a triumvirate of planks to build the bridge to Sustainability. "We are playing a new game with old rules" is just one quote...
2025-03-2146 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastVet Zero: Sustainability at the Royal Veterinary College with Rachel WardIn this fascinating chat with Rachel Ward, Sustainability Manager at the Royal Veterinary College, London, I think we cover more issues than any other episode - not surprising given the wide variety of activity at the College: teaching buildings, 400 student rooms, a veterinary hospital and a farm with 200 head of cattle. Here's a taste of what we cover:Facilitating reuse between generations of students and charitiesLow carbon anaesthesiaSmart bins to boost recycling ratesSustainable agriculture: biodiversity, soil carbon and climate adaptationUsing quirky stories to capture people's imaginationsBecoming hedgehog friendlyDecarbonising listed buildings and using novel building technologies
2025-03-1433 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastSustainability in the C-suite with Jennifer GearyThis week I'm joined by Jennifer Geary, award winning author of a set of books on how to be a C-level executive, including co-authoring How to be a Chief Sustainability Officer. Here's what we cover:Leadership in difficult political timesConnecting Sustainability to the company purposeShould the CSO be a standalone role or integrated into other C-rolesOwnership of Sustainability, including Green Jujitsu (my smart engagement technique)AI and reducing the data burden in reportingIf you want a deep dive into 'How to be a CSO', check out my episode with Jennifer's...
2025-03-0733 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastThe biggest barrier to Sustainability is just 6 inches wide...In this episode of the podcast, I talk about the need to start casting off mental baggage that is holding back the transition to a low carbon economy. I give some policy examples, but I also take a few pot shots at those in the Sustainability sector who resist innovation in our methods. We need to keep doing things better!The Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - Bringing Sustainability to Life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-02-2807 minThe Net Zero Business Podcast"Is the electricity grid ready for Net Zero?" with Paul Glendinning, Northern PowergridWith electrification emerging as the prime route to the decarbonisation of transport, space heating and many industrial processes, the gazillion dollar question is, can the electricity grid deliver sufficient zero carbon electricity to make this happen? To get some answers, this week on the Net Zero Business Podcast, I caught up with Paul Glendinning, Energy Systems Director of Northern Powergrid (NPG) – we discuss the following:The remarkable decarbonisation of the UK electricity grid to datePaul's prediction that NPG will hit Net Zero by 2028"What if the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow?"How ma...
2025-02-2140 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastThe Art of Sustainability Communications with Helen NealThis week on the Net Zero Business Podcast, I'm joined by Helen Neal of HN Communications. We cover a huge number of topics including:Ethics in the PR IndustryThe importance of leadership commitmentBrandmapping to create a compelling Sustainability storyBuilding trust through sharing the positives and difficultiesFocussing on what you have done rather than what you plan to doGreen claims and the nuances of greenwashProgress > perfectionThe pros and cons of the BCorp schemeThe Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - Brining Sustainability to Life
2025-02-1440 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastUnpicking the Politics of Net Zero with Michael LiebreichThis week on the Net Zero Business Podcast, I talk politics with Michael Liebreich, one of the foremost commentators and advisors on the clean energy transition, a former Olympic skier and co-host of Cleaning Up, my second favourite podcast.Here's a selection of what we cover:How the UK Labour Government has fared on its commitment to green growth (we recorded before the Heathrow announcement)The imperative of driving down consumer electricity billsWhy Michael told the Conservative party to commit to Net Zero or dieTrump's petrostate vision, vs China's electrostateWhether hydrogen and CCS are distractionsDirty...
2025-02-071h 00The Net Zero Business PodcastDemand: the one word that will save the planetThis week I muse on the magic that demand brings to the economy: plummeting prices, rising quality and security of supply. Therefore it follows that to accelerate the creation of a sustainable economy, we must be focussing on ways of stimulating demand for renewable energy, electric vehicles and secondary materials to name but three. I talk about how individuals, organisations and policy makers can do their bit. The Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - Brining Sustainability to Life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...
2025-01-3106 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastBusiness Leadership & Sustainability: Head, Heart & Hands with Profs Julia Binder & Knut HaanaesThis week on the Net Zero Business Podcast, I'm joined by the two editors/lead authors on a new book 'Leading the Sustainable Business Transformation', Prof Julia Binder and Prof Knut Haanaes from IMD. We discuss the importance of 'head, heart and hands', dig into the importance and power of "future-back thinking" (aka backcasting) and explore the two Profs' favourite case studies.We also cover a wide range of Sustainability topics including the risks of the low carbon transformation (using the auto industry as a case in point), product-service systems, the circular economy and the importance...
2025-01-2438 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastWhy Sustainability Will Survive Trump, welcoming the backlash and the Batman paradox - John FriedmanThis week on the Net Zero Business Podcast, I'm joined by leading US Sustainability thinker, author and fractional CSO John Friedman. We cover a huge range of issues including the impending Trump administration, why we are getting a backlash and John's Batman analogy. We also cover why your employees should be your primary audience, what a fractional CSO is, and talk about John's book, Managing Sustainability: First Steps to First Class.This podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd – Bringing Sustainability to Life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...
2025-01-1740 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastAdapt or die: why decarbonisation is no longer enough with Rupert ReadClimate adaptation is the Cinderella of climate action, but increasing extreme weather events make it all too clear that we not only have to mitigate climate change (through carbon reductions) but prepare for the impacts already baked into the system. Rupert Read, author of Transformative Adaptation and former Extinction Rebellion Spokesperson, joins me to talk about the need to go beyond "shallow, defensive" adaptation and 'green bling' to build true resilience into our global value chains, and how adaptation can be a pathway to decarbonisation rather than an either or. Rupert is a fascinating analyst of the climate debate...
2025-01-1051 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastSustainability in 2025: Predicting the UnpredictableHappy New Year!It is traditional at this time of year to dust off the old crystal ball and look forward to the next 12 months, so here's my take on global emissions, the increasing need for adaptation, UK politics, US politics and COP30.Join us on 15 Jan 2025 for our 12½ Kick Ass Sustainability Ideas for 2025 webinar and get your year off to a flying start. You'll not only get the best of Sustainability thinking, but you will produce an action plan to implement the ideas that resonate best for you. Hosted on A...
2025-01-0311 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastTwixmas musings: blade flicker, learning from Trump, the cost of not zero, Blockbuster vs Netflix, touching grassHope you had a good Christmas. I was going to take a break from the pod, but a number of thoughts kept bouncing around my head, so I thought I would share. What happened to 'blade flicker', what Donald Trump can teach us about engagement, why the cost of not zero is critical, business choice between Blockbuster and Netflix, and young people telling each other 'go touch grass'.This will be the very last pod before the Net Zero Business Academy 2025 early bird offer closes - click here to secure your place.Podcast...
2024-12-2708 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastThe Vital Role of Soils in the Climate Battle with Prof Karen JohnsonThere is huge interest in nature-based solutions for climate change, and the success of these mainly comes down to carbon retention in soil. In this episode of the Net Zero Business Podcast, I talk to award-winning Professor of Environmental Engineering Karen Johnson (who also happens to be my partner of 30+ years and, yes, this is the kind of thing we discuss over breakfast) about how soil holds (or loses) carbon, the scope for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the soil, and why it is much more complicated than people think.since we uploaded the...
2024-12-2028 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastThe new Net Zero Carbon Building Standard with Will Arnold, IStructEWe won't get to Net Zero without Net Zero buildings. So it's not before time that a Net Zero Carbon Building Standard has been drafted by a cross-section of all the major construction sector groups in the UK. In this episode, I'm talked through the new standard by Will Arnold of the Institution of Structural Engineers who served on the standard's Technical Steering Group. The pilot Net Zero Carbon Building Standard can be downloaded here.Click here for details on Net Zero Business Academy 2025.Podcast branding by our friends at...
2024-12-1331 minThe Net Zero Business Podcast2024: The Year in Sustainability with Lucy Siegle and James MurrayAs we come to the end of a tumultuous 2024, I'm joined by a crack team of pundits – 'OG' Sustainability Superstar Lucy Siegle and the ever-wise Executive Editor of BusinessGreen.com, James Murray – to pick over the key events including elections and COPs, nominate our climate heroes and villains, and we make some predictions for 2025. And, of course, we talk about what we think of Jaguar's big pink car.For the Net Zero Business Academy early bird offer click here.Podcast branding by our friends at Avery & Brown. Hosted on Acast. See acas...
2024-12-0656 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastFive Big Sustainability Lessons from the first year of the Net Zero Business PodcastBlimey. It has been a year since I first launched the Net Zero Business Podcast. In this special birthday episode, I explain exactly why I started the podcast, before drawing out five big things I have learnt over the last year and 50+ episodes. It is a subjective list, regular listeners may have other learning points or respond to some of mine with a 'duh'. If you have feedback or an issue you would like me to cover let me know here.I reference quite a few interviews, so instead of a huge list here, it's easier...
2024-11-2910 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastDesigning Regenerative Buildings with David CheshireThis week's episode features a fascinating exploration of regenerative buildings with David Cheshire, UK Sustainability Director of infrastructure consultants AECOM and author of Regenerative by Design: Creating living buildings and cities published by RIBA. We dig into what a 'net positive' building would look and feel like, how they work in practice and how the market is responding to new possibilities. Make sure you listen to the end!This episode is brought to you by Net Zero Business Academy, our unique programme of online training webinars. The very early bird offer of a 50% discount expires on 30...
2024-11-2245 min
Football Between The LinesDropping Kane, Multi-club Models In Football & Lampard To CoventryOn today’s Football Between The Lines, Dan & Flav discuss England’s Nations League triumph over the Republic of Ireland, delve into the Harry Kane selection debate and question the wisdom of Coventry approaching Frank Lampard as Mark Robins’ replacement. There’s also a bit of chat on Lyon’s potential financial implosion and a question over who they both see as their ideal footballing father-in-law following the revelation that Taylor Harwood-Bellis is set to marry Roy Keane’s daughter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2024-11-1857 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastSolitaire Townsend on the March of the SolutionistsThoroughly enjoyed this chat with Solitaire Townsend, Founder and Chief Solutionist of Futerra, and author of the fab new(ish) book, The Solutionists. We discuss what a Solutionist is, positivity vs doom, greenwash, creativity and engaging leaders in Sustainability. Don't miss this one!More the Net Zero Business Academy 2025 early bird offer here.Podcast branding courtesy of our friends at Avery & Brown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-11-1539 minThe Net Zero Business Podcast"Act Local": Place-based Sustainability with Florian WupperfeldEver since the 1992 Earth Summit, we have been urged to "Think Global, Act Local". All too often this slogan has manifested itself in small scale projects, but what about creating sustainable cities? In this episode I talk place-based Sustainability with Florian Wupperfeld, world-leading placemaking/social sustainability expert and CEO of LCD Ventures, a UK-based data-driven urban innovation company offering placemaking services and socially sustainable solutions.This podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd. For full details of Net Zero Business Academy 2025 and our generous very early bird discount click here.Podcast...
2024-11-0838 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastAre your Sustainability messages falling on deaf ears?Management Peter Drucker said "culture eats strategy for breakfast" and nowhere is this more true than in Sustainability. You can have the best strategy in the world, but if people aren't bought into Sustainability then nothing will change. Here I explain why so many people fail to engage with Sustainability and why standard engagement techniques often fail. I call my approach Green Jujitsu and I explain how the idea developed over many years of experience. For more on Green Jujitsu, check out our on demand course on Udemy: Green Jujitsu: Smart Employee Engagement for Sustainability
2024-11-0110 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastHealthy People, Healthy Planet with Dr Matt Sawyer and Dr Mike TomsonIn this episode, I'm joined by two hugely experienced doctors and Sustainability champions Matt Sawyer and Mike Tomson who have edited a new book, Environmentally Sustainable Primary Care. Our discussion takes in the huge and complex overlap between healthcare and planetary care, how to engage busy people and the challenges/opportunities for small businesses to embrace Sustainability.The Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - Bringing Sustainability to LifePodcast branding courtesy of our friends at Avery & Brown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
2024-10-2541 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastCan AI eliminate the Sustainability Reporting burden? with Louis FrankWith booming numbers of reporting regimes – CSRD, EU Taxonomy, Double Materiality, SFDR etc – Sustainability teams increasingly find themselves slogging in the data mines rather than delivering the Net Zero wins they actually want to report on. Given the sudden blossoming of AI, can this new technology alleviate the reporting burden and, if so, at what cost? In this episode of the Net Zero Business Podcast, I dig into the details with Louis Frank, CEO and founder of Fingreen.ai. Podcast branding courtesy of Avery & BrownThe Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you b...
2024-10-1823 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastPutting the world to rights with Brendan MayFrankly, I'm struggling to sum this episode up! Brendan May of Robertsbridge has been one of the leading voices on Sustainability for decades and in this conversation we cover the current UK political context, the difficulties with transition, the threat of culture war populism, the unintended consequences of not doing things (eg offsetting, nuclear, palm oil), the success and failure of NGO campaigns and deep sea mining of transition metals. The Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - Bringing Sustainability to LifePodcast branding courtesy of Avery...
2024-10-1143 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastThe Litmus Test of SustainabilityIn this episode, I lay out what I call the Litmus Test of Sustainability. No spoilers, you will have to listen to hear what it is!If you want help to pass the test, please check out my Executive Coaching programme.Branding courtesy of Avery & Brown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-10-0405 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastThe Guardian's Fiona Harvey on Labour's first three months in (clean) power, international climate politics and COP29Keir Starmer's Labour Party won a crushing victory in July's UK General Election on the back of a 'green growth' economic strategy, but how is this measuring up in practice? Fresh from the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, Fiona Harvey, the Guardian's multi-award-winning Environment Editor, joins me to run the rule over the new Government's policies both national and international, which leads us neatly on to preview the coming COP29 climate change summit in Azerbaijan. Fiona has been attending COPs since 2004, so is the perfect person to cover everything from the complexities of climate finance to who's best dressed.
2024-09-2738 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastCan Regenerative Farming Save the Planet? with Doug Wanstall, Beyond ZeroWith agriculture being responsible for 11% of the UK's carbon emissions, declining biodiversity and polluted water course, is there a Sustainable alternative to modern industrial agriculture? Doug Wanstall of Beyond Zero joins me to explain how regenerative agriculture works, how he is funding projects via voluntary carbon credits and what the forthcoming UK carbon code is intended to do.This episode is brought to your by Terra Infirma Ltd - Brining Sustainability to LifePodcast branding courtesy of Avery & Brown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-09-2024 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastIs the future uninsurable? with Claudine Blamey, CSO, AvivaIs the future uninsurable? In this episode, Claudine Blamey, Chief Sustainability Officer of insurance giant Aviva, explains that the warning signs are there to be seen with some insurers starting to pull out of areas hit by extreme weather. We also delve into Aviva's breakthrough temperate rainforest restoration project as a form of offsetting, the importance of leadership, the power of volunteering, and the risks and opportunities of the climate transition.As always, the Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma - Bringing Sustainability to Life.Podcast branding by...
2024-09-1337 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastSustainability and Small Business with Jasper SteinhausenAnd after our August compilation episodes of the Net Zero Business Podcast, we are back with a bang in the form of Jasper Steinhausen, author of Making Sustainability Profitable, aimed at Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in the manufacturing sector. I felt a real meeting of minds as we compare and contrast Jasper's sustainability sweetspot with mine and delve into mindsets, unleashing creativity and the circular economy. Almost everything Jasper says is not only very wise but eminently quotable and I thoroughly enjoyed re-listening during the production process.If you want to take up Jasper's special...
2024-09-0647 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastWords of Wisdom: The Mental Challenge of Delivering SustainabilityDelivering Sustainability is far from easy and takes its mental toll on practitioners. In the final Words of Wisdom compilation episode of this summer, we look at the mental aspects of delivering Sustainability with these fantastic contributions:Eco-anxiety and me – Anna-Lisa Mills, Smart CarbonHow declaring a climate emergency saved me from jail – James Dixon, Newcastle Hospitals TrustPessimism, optimism and faith – Amir Sokolowski, CDPMeditation, innovation and Sustainability – Mark Shayler, ApeThe full interviews can be heard by clicking the links.The Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra...
2024-08-3028 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastWords of Wisdom: Offsetting/Voluntary Carbon MarketsDuring August, we are publishing a series of compilation episodes featuring the best bits of our interviews on a particular theme. This time we are looking at that most controversial of topics, offsetting aka voluntary carbon credits. Does it work? Is it a distraction? Is it greenwash? Before you make up your mind, check out these contributions:The state of play in offsetting – Nic Alexander of Thallo (full interview here)The hidden risk of relying on offsets – Mel Blackmore of Blackmore's (full interview here)Alternatives to offsetting #1: insetting – Alex Herridge of Skanska/Anglian Water (full interv...
2024-08-2319 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastWords of Wisdom: Sustainable Supply ChainsDuring August, we are publishing a series of compilation episodes featuring the best bits of our interviews on a particular theme. This time I've collated four clips about the different aspects of the supply chain which I think are very insightful:The state of play in Supply Chain Sustainability – Shaun McCarthy OBE, Supply Chain Sustainability School (full interview here)Collaborating with competitors to improve Supply Chain capacity – Alex Roberts, Vistry Group (full interview here)Turning a disgraced supply chain around through radical change – Aida Greenbury (full interview here)How the supply chain is choking the EV ind...
2024-08-1620 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastWords of Wisdom: Sustainable Design and InnovationDuring August, we are publishing a series of compilation episodes featuring the best bits of our interviews on a particular theme. As the old cliché goes, we won't fix climate change and other environmental problems with the same thinking that created them, so this episode is all about design and innovation. The clips I have picked are:The importance of design from Alex Herridge of Skanska/Anglia Water (full interview here)Eco-design and cost from Rich Deaville of Balfour Beatty (full interview here)Biomimicry: The Factory as a Forest by Lisa Conway of Interface (full i...
2024-08-0918 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastWords of Wisdom: Engagement for SustainabilityDuring August, we are publishing a series of compilation episodes featuring the best bits of our interviews on a particular topic. First up is the crucial area of engagement, featuring the following contributions:Engaging the public on the BBC - Lucy SiegleB2B green marketing - Russ Avery of Avery & BrownInternal engagement using Green Jujitsu - Elisa Gasperini of AhsellGamification: making Sustainability fun - Dr Paula OwenClick on the links to get the full interview in each case.The Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you...
2024-08-0232 minThe Net Zero Business Podcast3 Reasons Why Your Net Zero Strategy is FailingIn this episode of the Net Zero Business Podcast, I run through the 3 most common failures that lead to a Net Zero Strategy failing. For each, I explain how I avoid these elephant traps when I'm developing Net Zero Strategies with my clients.The Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd – check out our Net Zero Accelerator if you need help with your strategy.Podcast logo courtesy of Avery & Brown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-07-2606 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastBuilding trust in green marketing with Russ Avery, Avery and BrownIn this episode of the Net Zero Business Podcast, I talk to Russ Avery of the Avery & Brown marketing agency about his Sustainability career, his views on green marketing and other interests, notably AI. Here's the highlights:• Purpose driven business• How clichéd images betray an inability to tell a story.• Avoiding greenwash, greenhushing and the danger of big numbers• Becoming a BCorp as a small business• AI for goodAs always, the podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - Bringing Sustainability to Life...
2024-07-1939 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastShining a light on offsetting with Nic Alexander, ThalloThis week I speak to Nic Alexander of Thallo about Sustainability's most controversial topic, offsetting. We talk about the strengths and weaknesses of the current market for voluntary carbon credits (to use offsetting's Sunday name) and what is being done to address the weakness. Along the way we bust some of the lazy myths of offsetting and talk about why more businesses are embracing it.The Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - Brining Sustainability to Life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-07-1231 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastHow to be a Chief Sustainability Officer with Anna KrotovaIn this week's edition of the Net Zero Business Podcast, I talk to Anna Krotova, co-author of a great new book entitled How to be a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). As I say, this is one of the best books I've read on Sustainability and Leadership (second only to my own Green Executive 😉). Watch and learn all about the hot new role in Sustainability.The Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - Bringing Sustainability to Life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-07-0532 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastHow to sell Sustainability to just about anybodyThis week's podcast is a long version of a response I gave to a client in a workshop recently. I lay out how I open every workshop I do with a new audience to bring them on board and my subjective assessment is that it works 99%+ of the time! Like all my change management for Sustainability, I employ approaches that take into consideration human psychology - one of my maxims is that the biggest barrier to Sustainability is just six inches wide, the space between our ears.If you want to embrace this approach but feel...
2024-06-2807 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastAida Greenbury on turning an environmental pariah into a Sustainability pioneerIn 2012, Greenpeace launched a boycott of Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), endorsed by a huge number of brands from Gucci to Staples. In this edition of the Net Zero Business Podcast, the then Sustainability Manager of APP, Aida Greenbury, tells the story of how she led the company through a Damascene conversion to deforestation-free status. We also discuss Aida's 30 years' experience in sustainable agriculture and forestry and the lessons she has learnt along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-06-2136 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastLucy Siegle on communicating Sustainability in the media, the sewage scandal and ultra fast fashionThis week I talk to the wonderful Lucy Siegle (BBC TV, Guardian, Observer and many more) on communicating Sustainability through mainstream media and her particular interests in sewage and Sustainable fashion. Laced with gossip and hard hitting realities, we discuss:Why recycling is such a critical engagement point with the publicStanding up to intimidation from vested interest groupsThe influence of Blue Planet II on the public's perception of plasticWhy sewage has cut through in the current UK general electionEffective protesting and picking the right targetSustainability in the fashion industry and the threat of "Sheinification"Individual versus corporate responsibility...
2024-06-141h 06The Net Zero Business PodcastMark Shayler of Ape on making change happen, sustainability consulting and meditation for innovationWhen I first started the Net Zero Business Podcast,, I knew I wanted to get Mark on as he always inspires me with his unique insights. Fresh from a cold water swimming session, he doesn't disappoint – here's what we cover:Getting Sustainability stuff done in a large organisationDriving change as an external agentThe threat of misinformation and conspiracy theoriesFriendly fire in the green movementMark's book: You can't make money from a dead planet: the Sustainable method of driving profitsThe use of meditation in innovation and strategyMark's philosophy for Sustainability ConsultingThat li...
2024-06-0740 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastThe Three Most Underrated Concepts in SustainabilityThis week on the podcast, I set out three powerful concepts that should be used more in Sustainability if we really want to make change happen. If you want support on any or all of these three, please go to Terra Infirma | Contact Us and drop me a message! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2024-05-3109 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastThe TRUTH about EVs with Prof Colin HerronIn this episode of the Net Zero Business Podcast, I talk to Prof Colin Herron of Newcastle University about the transition to electric vehicles and many of the myths surrounding them. Its a highly entertaining chat with an expert who doesn't pull their punches:Why battery production is the key factor to EV uptakeThe need for charging infrastructureThe economics of Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technologyWhy the hydrogen economy will never happenThe impact of Rishi Sunak's change to the EV vehicle mandateBusting popular EV mythsAs always, the Net Zero Business...
2024-05-2433 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastIntroducing the new ISO14068 Net Zero and Carbon Neutrality Standard with Mel BlackmoreIn this episode of the Net Zero Business Podcast, I talk to ISO standard expert and podcaster Mel Blackmore of Blackmore's UK and Carbonology. In our discussion, we cover:How to choose from the myriad of environmental standardsThe most important question to ask before startingIntegrating ISO standards seamlessly into the organisationThe ISO14068 net zero/carbon neutrality standard, its origins and how it worksDifferences between ISO14068 and its predecessor PAS2060How the standard addresses offsettingThe financial risk of relying on offsetsThis podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd...
2024-05-1736 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastHow to be an Eco-entrepreneur with Tobias Webb, Innovation ForumTobias describes himself modestly as "a guy who tries to do some useful stuff", but in this interview he shows how much of an understatement that is. We talk about:• Setting up the Innovation Forum to support business in Sustainability• The perils of calling your business 'ethical'• Sustainable textiles and agriculture – are farmers right to be angry? • Conspiracy Theorists and Sustainability• Producing insect protein in an industrial ecology-style symbiotic cluster• Making the wine industry sustainable• Learning by failingThis episode of the Net Zero Bus...
2024-05-1049 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastHow do I get people to forget quick wins and focus on the stuff that matters?Another Q&A episode of the pod this week. I was asked how to get people away from incremental/quick wins thinking and focus on big bold changes to hit Net Zero. Here's what I cover in my answer:Why ISO14001 can't deliver on Net ZeroWhy 80:20 thinking is required in both engagement and strategyThe power of backcastingBut why and to whom quick wins do matterHow to pursue both strategic and incremental change simultaneouslyIf you have a Q you want me to A, go to the Terra Infirma Contact Us page...
2024-05-0306 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastKit England on Climate AdaptationIn this episode of the Net Zero Business Podcast, I talk to Kit England of Paul Watkiss Associates about a vital topic – Climate Adaptation. Here's what we cover:What is climate adaptationIs adaptation 'giving up'?The current state of play on climate adaptationCosts of runaway climate change vs adaptation vs mitigationThe optimum granularity for actionRisks and opportunities to businessISO14090 series of climate adaptation standardsAs always, the podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - bringing Sustainability to Life Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...
2024-04-2630 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastLisa Conway, Interface, reflecting on Mission Zero and exploring Climate Take BackIn this week's podcast episode, I speak to Lisa Conway, VP Global Market Sustainability and 'Carbon Lover' about their iconic Mission Zero Sustainability Programme which finished in 2020 and its successor, Climate Take Back. I had the pleasure of working with Interface about 8 years ago, and I've never come across a business so committed to Sustainability or so prepared to change everything to get there – with some glee. I'm not exaggerating, they do things that most organisations would never conceive of, never mind consider. Can you tell I'm a fan?Here's what we discuss:• Lisa...
2024-04-1935 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastAdam Woodhall of the General Counsel Sustainability Forum on the law, engagement and the perils of comedyIn this week's episode of the Net Zero Business Podcast, I have an entertaining and wide changing chat with Adam Woodhall of the General Counsel Sustainability Forum, although we spend a lot more time on engagement and influence than legal issues. Here's what we cover:Why General Counsels matter to Net ZeroHow greenwash is becoming a legal issueWhy the Montreal Protocol worked (and why that reason depressed Adam)Why engagement should be focussed on people with agencyThe importance of action above all else (action generates action)The perils of using comedy for Sustainability engagement
2024-04-1237 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastHow do I stop our PR department greenwashing?This month's episode is another Q&A episode where I discuss greenwash, including:The subjectivity intrinsic to greenwashWhy it is all about contextWhy some people just can't help itThe moral obligation to stand up to greenwashThe need for educationTurning your problem into actionThese Q&A episodes are very popular, but I do need a steady stream of Qs so I can pick out those with widest appeal. So get on to the contact page on the Terra Infirma website and submit your dilemmas! Hosted on Acast. See acast...
2024-04-0504 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastAmir Sokolowski, Global Director Climate Change, CDP on disclosures, just transition to Net Zero and grounds for optimismA very thoughtful, philosophical conversation with Amir Sokolowski, Global Director Climate Change, CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Programme). Amir and I discuss:Amir's background in campaigning for human rights around the worldCarbon leakage and policies such as CBAMThe need for a just transition when decarbonising global supply chainsData quality and the importance of contextIs 'reporting burden' a myth or reality?Grounds for optimism and techno-optimism vs changing valuesAs always, these interviews are brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd. Please feel free to like, share and subscribe – a few clicks ca...
2024-03-2837 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastHeather Buchanan, Bankers for Net Zero on fiduciary duty, retrofitting buildings and agricultureOn this week's episode, I talk to Heather Buchanan, founder and CEO of Bankers for Net Zero which does... well an awful lot more than I thought. A big part of a bank's carbon footprint lies in the mortgage properties on its books so we talk a lot about retrofitting. We also cover COP26 - COP 28, fiduciary duty, how to engage bankers in Sustainability (risk vs opportunity), agriculture, and why there is enough money to do Net Zero.As always the Net Zero Business Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - bringing Sustainability...
2024-03-2232 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastShaun McCarthy OBE on Supply Chain Sustainability, ISO20400 and the London OlympicsOn this week's episode, I speak to Shaun McCarthy of Action Sustainability, the Supply Chain Sustainability School and the Chair of the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 Olympics. Here's what we cover:Shaun's entry into social and environmental Sustainability in procurement at the British Airports AuthorityReflections on Sustainability at the London 2012 Olympics – what worked and what didn'tHow close the BBC's '2012' satire was to reality – you might be surprised!The ISO20400 standardA range of supply chain Sustainability issues across a number of sectorsThe importance of leadershipHow to promote Sustainability in your organisation
2024-03-1542 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastNet Zero by 2030, 2040 or 2050 - which to choose?This is the second Q&A episode of the podcast and the question comes from 'Jane' who is involved in a debate at work over Net Zero targets. Here's what I cover in my response:What Net Zero really meansThe problems with going for too near a dateThe problems with going too farThe influence of assets, leadership and culture on the target dateWhen to use SBTs to underpin Net ZeroThe dangers of incrementalising stretch targetsI will be weaving more Q&A episodes in alongside the interview episodes, but I need...
2024-03-0807 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastDr Paula Owen, Sustainability Gamification Pioneer and Chief Fun OfficerI throughly enjoyed this interview with Sustainability gamification pioneer and Chief Fun Officer of Eco-Action Games, Dr Paula Owen. We discuss the following:• How guilt-tripping people doesn't work• What is 'gamification' and why does it work?• Selling gamification as a concept• The first rule of gamification is...• Tensions between fun and gravity in Sustainability• Becoming a B Corp as an SME• The importance of resilience in green business ownershipThis Podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma Ltd - Bringing Sustainability...
2024-03-0132 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastDr Olli Jones of Cundall on Net Zero Architecture/Construction, Alternatives to Offsetting and Climate ResilienceThis week on the Net Zero Business Podcast, I talk to Dr Olli Jones, Head of Sustainability NE at Cundall and co-host of the Future X podcast. We cover a wide range of Sustainability issues including:• Do architects get Sustainability?• The threat of 'stranded' high carbon assets is with us now• Cundall's "Achieving net zero carbon on all our projects by 2030" pledge• Alternatives to offsetting including Cundall's 'social decarbonisation• Designing in resilience• Holistic thinking – how everything is connected• The joys of fly-fishing and water pollution
2024-02-2341 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastJames Dixon on becoming the first health organisation in the world to declare a climate emergencyIn 2019, the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust became the first health organisation in the world to declare a climate emergency. In this interview James Dixon, Associate Director - Sustainability at the Trust, tells Gareth Kane the very personal story behind this landmark move. James reveals how he was suffering climate-related depression and was contemplating civil disobedience - and a potential jail sentence - but was persuaded by his wife to channel his efforts into more practical change in his sphere of influence.We discuss a wide range of issues including:• Establishing an internal Sustainability br...
2024-02-1634 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastHelp! My boss is a climate change denier! What should I do?This is the first Q&A session of the podcast and the question comes from Alice Doyle who faced overt climate change denial in her last job. Here's what I cover in my response:How prevalent is climate change denial?Why you should never argue climate science with a climate change denierHow to use Green Jujitsu to reframe your arguments so the other person understands themGetting allies on board to helpWhy intransigent climate change denial should be a red flag for your career prospects in an organisationI intend to start...
2024-02-0907 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastAlex Herridge of Skanska on Sustainability in the Water Industry, the Power of Design and Carbon InsettingIn this episode, I speak to Alex Herridge of Skanska who works to deliver Anglia Water's net zero ambitions via the @One Alliance. We cover a huge range of issues including:How Anglian Water is directly feeling climate change impactsThe power of design or as Alex puts it "the magic happens in design"Making carbon data available and understandableThe benefits of being a Chartered EnvironmentalistThe advantages of insetting over offsettingHow water companies' customers uniquely provide them with fuelThis podcast is brought to you by Terra Infirma, Bringing Sustainability to Life
2024-02-0218 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastAnna-Lisa Mills, Smart Carbon on Carbon Footprinting, Eco-entrepreneurialism and Eco-anxietyIn this episode, I talk to my friend and colleague Anna-Lisa Mills, Managing Director of the SmartCarbon carbon footprinting platform. When I need a footprint done, Anna-Lisa is the first person I call, so she is the obvious choice to dig into this essential part of the Net Zero agenda.In this wide ranging chat, we cover:How writing an essay on climate change at school changed Anna-Lisa's lifeThe genesis and development of Smart Carbon platform to meet client needsDefinitions of carbon footprints etcHow the TRACC acronym keeps a carbon footprint on...
2024-01-2640 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastRichard Deaville of Balfour Beatty on Sustainability in Construction, Net Zero/SBTs, the right mindset and buzzword bingoIn this episode, I speak to Richard Deaville of Balfour Beatty on Sustainability in Construction. Here's a flavour of what we cover:Sustainability drivers - the push from investors and pull from clients and the need to attract the best talentBlending Net Zero targets and Science-based TargetsThe importance of the right mindsetUsing Green Jujitsu to start Sustainability conversations in a cost-conscious sectorHS2 example of where Sustainability excellence need not cost moreThe need for green hydrogen for heavy plantThe 80:20 rule to focus mind on what mattersBuzzword bingo and why need to be precise in what we...
2024-01-1925 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastLooking back at 2023 and forward to 2024 with James Murray of BusinessGreen.comAs it's January, I decided it was time for a Janus-like look back at the year just past and forward to the year ahead for business and sustainability. I'm joined by the ever insightful and shrewd James Murray, Editor of Business Green as we compare notes.Between us we discuss:The outcome of COP28Our Sustainability heroes and villains of 2023The contrasting fortunes of UK EV battery gigafactoriesWhether a crackdown on greenwashing will lead to 'greenhushing'The political manoeuvring in the UK and the potential impact of the US electionThe likely impact of...
2024-01-1247 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastKaren Creffield, Frome Medical Practice on Sustainability in Primary CareIn this episode, I speak to Karen Creffield of Frome Medical Practice who is recognised as a front runner on embedding Sustainability into Primary Care. We discuss the following:How a scrumpled up piece of paper changed everythingThe synergy between personal health and planetary healthThe climate impacts of inhalersDeprescribing medicines and the rise of social prescribingThe growing influence of Sustainability on recruitment and staff moraleThe power of mindsetsIf you want more on Net Zero Business, check out our course, Everything you need to know about Net Zero Hosted...
2024-01-0518 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastGareth Kane on his Road to Damascus moment, Green Jujitsu, the 80:20 Rule in Sustainability and some career adviceSomething slightly different this week – I recently stumbled on this old interview I did with Anthony Day for his now sadly defunct Sustainable Futures podcast. The only thing that had dated was the UK's renewable power generation (then 18% renewables, in 2022 40%), but the rest is just as applicable today as it was then.Here's what we cover:How I got started in sustainability properly - my Road to Damascus momentHow others can get startedThe business case for sustainabilitySustainability leadershipHow to do employee engagement properly using my Green Jujitsu approachIntegrating sustainability properlyHow the 80:20 rule ca...
2023-12-2221 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastAlex Roberts of Vistry on Net Zero/SBTs, Sustainability in construction, upskilling the supply chain and the Future Homes StandardThis week's interview features Alex Roberts, Head of Sustainability of the Vistry Group (owner of Bovis Homes). Alex talks about how snowboarding triggered his interest in climate change, implementing Sustainability in the construction industry, combining Net Zero with Science-based Targets, upskilling the supply chain through collaboration and forthcoming legislation such as the Future Homes Standard.Check out our new on demand course: Everything You Need to Know About Net Zero. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-12-1529 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastElisa Gasperini of Ahlsell on Net Zero, SBTs, Circular Economy and AuthenticityIn this episode, I speak to Elisa Gasperini, Head of Sustainability at Ahlsell Norway. Ahlsell is a huge Nordic retailer and supplier of clothing, equipment and material to the building trades across Scandanavia. Elisa's passion for her job will blow you away.We discuss:Net Zero and Science-based TargetsThe integration of Sustainability into business strategyHow to 'move the dial'Pressure from suppliers to accelerate SustainabilityWorking with cross-cutting teams using Green JujitsuSustainable logistics in a cold climateDeveloping circular business modelsThe importance of authenticity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-12-0826 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastJonathan Oxley of the CBI on Net Zero, Beyond Petroleum, CBAM, recent Government policy changes...Fantastic interview with Jonathan Oxley, a Senior Manager in the CBI's Net Zero Team. We cover the start of Jonathan's journey in the Beyond Petroleum days of BP and discuss a very wide range of business issues relating to Net Zero including CBAM, the Hydrogen Economy, Bioenergy, ESG investing and recent UK Government policy changes..For more on Net Zero, check out our on demand course, Everything You Need to Know About Net Zero:https://www.udemy.com/course/everything-you-need-to-know-about-net-zero/?referralCode=9C23FAA9577D1249E347 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
2023-11-3026 minThe Net Zero Business PodcastIntroducing the Net Zero Business PodcastJust a quick intro to our new podcast, The Net Zero Business Podcast, which pretty much does what it says on the tin. Make sure you subscribe as we've lined up some really great stuff for you and we want everybody to hear it!For more, check out our new course Everything You Need to Know About Net Zero Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-11-2101 min
The Sustainable Futures ReportIntroducing Gareth KaneA few words on EXPO North West, on the North West Sustainable Business Quarterly and then I introduce Gareth Kane, author and sustainability expert. He tells us why he started in sustainability and goes on to explain Green Jujitsu and the importance of the 80/20 rule. Find out more at terrainfirma.co.uk
2015-03-2023 min