Shows
The Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 35 - David Hill CBEIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast, we speak to Professor David Hill, CBE. David has significant experience in consultancy, nature conservation and company business strategy. He runs an ecological consultancy company, and is founder and Chair of the Environment Bank Ltd. He was previously Chief Scientific Adviser to RPS Group plc. David has been actively involved in promoting environmental markets to provide new and innovative ways of mitigating for impacts on ecosytem services arising from development, industry and corporate businesses. We talk about the importance of biodiversity in the fight against climate change, the global economic risks...2024-01-221h 05The Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 34 - Angelica Afanador & Tjeerd KrumpelmanIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast we interview Angelica Afanador – a Director at Guidehouse – and Tjeerd Krumpelman – Global head of Business Advisory, Reporting & Engagement at ABN AMRO. Angelica and Tjeerd have critical leadership roles within the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) as Executive Director of the PCAF Secretariat and member of the PCAF Board, respectively.
We explore the development of the PCAF global standards for financial institutions to measure the greenhouse gas impact of the investment and lending activities of their portfolios. This involves a deep dive into what it means to measure financed emissi...2023-09-1843 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 33 - Jessica AttardIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast we interview Jessica Attard, Programme Director for Health and Social Programmes at ShareAction. Jessica is an experienced, entrepreneurial and socially conscious leader with a strong track record of developing cross-sector partnerships that improve population health and wellbeing.
We explore ShareAction’s approach to system stewardship with an emphasis on the health aspects. We discuss their framework for health, what we mean by health and how organisations and investors should approach their obligations to generate a healthier society. As well as bolstering the concept of fiduciary duty to include such cons...2023-09-0446 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 32 - Maya de SouzaIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast we speak to Maya de Souza. Maya leads the Business in the Community’s (BITC) Circular Economy Taskforce considering the connection between better management of resources, safeguarding natural environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the vital role that business can play in achieving change.
Prior to this, Maya led Defra’s (the UK Government Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs) Circular Economy Policy and International Engagement Team. Her responsibilities included developing policy and a programme on waste prevention, taking forward the development of policy measures to support designing out...2023-07-0340 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 31 - Daniele VisioniIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast, we interview Daniele Visioni. Daniele is a Post-Doctoral Associate at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY). He has a PhD in Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry at Università degli Studi di L'Aquila (Italy) in 2018. We talk about the different use cases of climate modelling, their accuracy, interpretation and how they can evolve. In particular, we focus on the reliance placed on them in certain quarters of the financial community and emphasis a degree of caution that should be exercised in doing so. Our young ambassador Emily Baigent joins us on this episode, having studied clim...2023-05-2945 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 30 - Young AmbassadorsIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast, Josephine Bush is joined by the Sustainability & You Young Ambassadors. They all discuss the highs and lows within Sustainable Finance during 2022, the outcomes of COP27 and COP15 and how the agreements at these COPs impact their work and careers. They also discuss how and why focus on nature financing increased in 2022, what global action the Young Ambassadors hope will be taken in 2023 and how to remain positive when things feel tough for sustainability.
The Young Ambassadors joining this podcast are;
Katie Davies. Katie recently joined p...2023-01-0956 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 29 - Mindy Hernandez
In this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast, we interview Mindy Hernandez, discussing the intersection of behavioural science and sustainability. Mindy leads the World Resources Institutes’s Living Lab for Equitable Climate Action (https://www.wri.org/initiatives/living-lab-equitable-climate-action). She is an applied behavioural researcher focusing on pro-social behaviours like energy conservation, voting, and medication adherence. Previously, Mindy advised governments, companies, donors, and NGO’s around the world on applying behavioural science to measurably improve programs and policies, including working as a liaison to the White House’s Social and Behavioural Science Team for the U.S. Agency for International Develo...2022-11-2848 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 28 - Morton RongaardIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast we interview Morton Rongaard, CEO and co-founder of Reality +. He is recognised as a pioneer in the fields of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies and Augmented Reality. Morten is a regular speaker around the world on those topics and board member of the Nordic Blockchain Association and holds several advisor positions. We explore the world of blockchain as it relates to sustainability. The convergence of these two worlds creates many challenges and opportunities, but in realising its potential, we look at how blockchain may be leveraged to advance sustainable objectives, through traceability, disclosures, provenance of...2022-10-3157 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 27 - Faith WardIn this episode of Sustainability & You we interview Faith Ward, Chief Responsible Investment Officer at Brunel Pension Partnership Limited, who have £35bn of capital under management. Faith has had a rich and influential career in the world of sustainability and ESG. She is dedicated to integrating and reporting on ESG risks in finance and investment. In her various high profile roles including co-chair of the Transition Pathway Initiative, and Chair of the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change amongst others. We talk about what it means to be a responsible investment officer, creating the right balance between return and imp...2022-09-0543 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 26 - Marija RompaniIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast we interview Marija Rompani, Director of Sustainability & Ethics at John Lewis Partnership. Marija is passionate about the role of business in creating a sustainable future and help achieve the UN SDGs. Marija has extensive experience in the sustainable agenda across finance, FMCG and retail businesses with a successful track record of gaining C-Suite buy in, and developing and executing initiatives to drive positive change while growing strategic internal and external partnerships. We talk about the John Lewis approach to sustainability and the fundamental tenets of their strategy. We talk about the...2022-07-1145 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 25 - Chris JacksonIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast, Stephanie Glover and I speak with Christopher Jackson, CEO of Protium Green Solutions Ltd, a UK green hydrogen energy services company. Chris originally began working on hydrogen through the World Bank, where his research helped secure the Bank’s first internal funding for Hydrogen & Fuel research in over a decade. Subsequently Chris became an advisor to colleagues within the World Bank and IFC on hydrogen and fuel cell projects. Chris founded Protium in 2019. They build, own, operate and finance green hydrogen and renewable energy infrastructure assets, and from those provide hydrogen as...2022-06-1252 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 24 - Ben GoldsmithIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast we interview Ben Goldsmith. Ben is CEO of Menhaden Capital Management LLP which manages London listed investment trust Menhaden Capital plc, which invests in business opportunities arising from the efficient use of energy and resources. Ben has a variety of other roles both as a trustee and non executive director. We focus on Ben’s passion for and commitment to the environment, defining his ‘purpose’ as creating impactful change. We discuss the state of play in the UK on biodiversity and the multitude of opportunity there are to regenerate the land, rewild, and refore...2022-05-1645 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 23 - Edward Vaughan DixonIn this episode of Sustainability & You Phillip Schauer and I speak to Edward Vaughan Dixon, Head of ESG for Aviva Investors £52bn Real Assets platform, encompassing Real Estate, Infrastructure and Private Debt. He works closely with the senior leadership team and global responsible investment team to lead ESG strategy and integration through investment, development, and asset management.
Edward shares his view on what ESG means for Real Assets, the Aviva approach to ESG, strategy development and integration. We talk about the role of asset owners and managers in the race to zero, and navigating the plethora of frameworks t...2022-05-0246 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 22 - Georgia StewartIn this episode of Sustainability & You we have an interview with a difference. Three of our Young Ambassadors interview a young entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of Tumelo, Georgia Stewart. You will know that we are passionate about giving voice to the next generation of leaders so what better way to do that than hand over the reigns to our Young Ambassadors. The ever impressive Georgia Stewart founded Tumelo in January 2018 to help every investor have positive impact. Tumelo’s solution gives retail investors and pension members visibility over their underlying fund holdings and a shareholder voice on issues they care abo...2022-04-1150 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 21 - Emma Howard Boyd CBE
This episode of Sustainability & You was recorded before the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Emma and I were very keen to extend our thoughts to all those suffering as a result of the conflict. The episode was also recorded before Storm Eunice and Franklin.
In this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast, we interview Emma Howard Boyd CBE. Emma has been the Chair of the Environment Agency since 2016. She’s also an Ex officio board member of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and an Advisor to the Board of Trade. Emma, with a bac...2022-03-0754 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 20 - Eric UsherIn this Sustainability & You podcast, Stephanie Glover and I interview Eric Usher, Head of the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative. The UNEP FI is a global partnership bringing together the UN with a global group of banks, insurers and investors working to develop the sustainable finance and responsible investment agendas. Eric oversees governance, strategy and the day to day management of UNEP FI’s work programme and global network development. Eric talks to us about the role of the finance sector in the race to zero, the many alliances the UN has initiated, the challenges and opportunities in deploying ca...2022-02-1442 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 19 - Dr. Francis WedinIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast we speak to Dr. Francis Wedin, Managing Director of Vulcan Energy Resources Limited, an Australian listed entity. Vulcan is a generator electricity from a geothermal source of brine located in the Upper Rhine Valley region of Germany. The brine is then taken to extract high grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate for the battery EV market. The extraction process for the lithium is in the feasibility stage of development. This method of lithium extraction will be a first of its kind zero carbon extraction process, providing a critical raw ingredient for the fast growing EV...2022-01-2438 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 18 - Anna-Marie SlotIn this episode of Sustainability & You, we talk with Anna-Marie Slot. Anna-Marie is a senior partner at the pre-eminent law firm Ashursts. She is head of ESG and sustainability and a partner in their finance practice. She has two decades of experience acting for investment banks and companies in a wide range of corporate finance and securities transactions, including high yield debt offerings, green bonds, liability management and more. We talk about the rising incidence of climate litigation and how this might inform the role of law, financial and corporate decision making, assessments of risk and the approach to liab...2021-11-2942 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 17 - Professor Robin AttfieldIn this episode of Sustainability & You we talk with Professor Robin Attfield, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Cardiff University and also of the Sustainable Places Institute. Robin has taught environmental philosophy for a number of years and written extensively on it. We talk about the foundation stones of philosophical thinking in the field of the environment, including does nature have intrinsic value. We touch on how this might link to ethical thinking, inform policy decision making and ultimately, drive corporate and financial decision making too. With the latest IPCC report referencing the “moral” imperative to invest to drive the decarbon...2021-11-1536 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 16 - Professor Martin SiegertIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast, we speak again to Professor Martin Siegert. Martin was our very first guest on the podcast, and his interview still proves be popular. All testament to his eloquence in relaying the climate science to us so clearly. A glaciologist and leader of the Grantham Institute - Climate Change and Environment, Martin shares his views on the latest IPCC sixth assessment report, what the science tells and can’t yet predict. We discuss what and how we attribute climate change to mankind. We discuss the need for closer connectivity with the finance co...2021-10-2543 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 15 - Steve TidballIn this episode of Sustainability & You we interview Steve Tidball, CEO and co-founder of Vollebak. Vollebak is a sustainable outdoor endurance clothing brand. They breathe new life into what it truly means to be sustainable, incorporating circular economy principles into their product design. And when we say sustainable, they really do mean it with products like the 100 year jacket. Drawing on inspiration from where technology intersects sustainability, Vollebak are designing products for the future, for people who understand and appreciate their design ethos. Steve talks about the routes of the business and his vision for the future, upturning traditional...2021-10-1141 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 14 - Wouter Van TolIn this episode of Sustainability & You we interview Wouter Van Tol, who is Head of Government, Community Affairs and Sustainability at DS Smith, FTSE 100. Wouter has had various role in sustainability with well known brands including Nestle and Samsung. We talk about DS Smiths approach to the circular economy, of which they are positive and impactful proponents. Additionally, Wouter offers his views on the role of non-state actors in the race to zero, the role of innovation and approaches to, and responsibility for, scope 3 emissions. He expresses his wish for convergence around reporting frameworks and target setting, leading to...2021-09-2732 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 13 - Alex MilwardIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast we interview Alex Milward, Director of Carbon Capture Usage and Storage at BEIS. After a very successful career as a senior partner at EY, Alex has taken a leadership role in the development and implementation of the CCUS business model.
Alex talks to us about the fundamental tenets of establishing an economic model that works within a world that is decarbonising at an increasingly accelerated rate, and that consequently, needs to look at a broad spectrum of technologies in the delivery of a lower carbon future. Alex articulately explains the balance of...2021-09-1340 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 12 - Rhian-Mari ThomasIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast we interview Dr. Rhian-Mari Thomas, CEO of the Green Finance Institute. Rhian-Mari spent 20 years in banking and was awarded an OBE for services to green banking. We talk about the role of finance in the race to zero, but specifically more innovative financial models and products. There is a call to think more creatively about how we devise financial solutions that meet the needs nations that require capital inflows to fund green projects. It becomes clear that the catalytic effect of the GFI in creating environments of collaboration and innovation is...2021-08-3137 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 11 - Martin LeuwThis episode of Sustainability & You explores the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in the green sector. Whilst we have much discussion around capital flows into green technologies, the energy transition and mitigation and adaption strategies, there is less focus on the much needed funding for innovation. The skills required to lead on higher risk/return strategies that also are a “force for good” are also highlighted. We explore with Martin Leuw his history of investing and leading businesses from small beginnings to impressive exits and returns. Martin leads the Growth4Good investment strategy, which is a business accelerator focused on partner...2021-08-1936 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 10 - Adam MatthewsIn this episode of the Sustainability & You podcast we are joined by the eminent Adam Matthews, Chief Responsible Investment Officer for the Church of England Pensions Board. We discuss what it means to be a “responsible” investment officer, what drives decision making, active shareholder responsibilities and engagement, and Adam’s recent work with the Transition Pathway Initiative.
Adam has a very distinguished career and is currently Chair of the Transition Pathway Initiative (TPI), an Asset Owner led initiative supported by funds with over USD $23 trillion in assets under management. The TPI is a partnership between the London School of Econ...2021-08-0936 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 9 - Tony JuniperIn this episode for the Sustainability & You podcast we interview Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England. Tony has a rich background as a campaigner, writer, advisor and environmentalist. He is a recognised authority on parrot conservation. We discuss the plight of biodiversity and fragility of our natural landscape, and what can be done to accelerate solutions to preserve our critical ecosystems. This includes embedding the concept of net biodiversity gain into decision making, stakeholder engagement, the value of natural capital and the role of finance in attracting capital to the right places.
Natural England is the government advisor for the natur...2021-08-0237 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 8 - Jojo MehtaIn today’s podcast I am joined by Jojo Mehta, Co-Founder of Stop Ecocide International, the organisation that has led the charge on the establishment of Ecocide as a crime at the International Criminal Court, designed to prevent the devastation of nature and protect life on Earth. Recently, the definition of “ecocide” was agreed by an international panel of eminent lawyers including within its ambit “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and widespread or long term damage to the environment being caused by those acts.” We discuss the impact of the potent...2021-07-1247 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 7 - Karl Berlin & Carla HoppeIn this Sustainability & You podcast I am joined by Karl Berlin, Head of Tax at Orsted and Carla Hoppe, founder of ReThink Tax. We explore the role of the tax system in supporting the race to zero. It is viewed through the lens of an active policy instrument to drive behavioural change, penalising polluting activities as well as incentivising the right ones, whether that be through R&D tax credits, or other tax mechanisms that enhance the investment landscape for green investment. Karl shares Orsted’s practical experience in transitioning to the market leading green business it is today an...2021-06-2836 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 6 - Sean KidneyOur guest in this weeks Sustainability & You podcast is Sean Kidney. Sean is the CEO of the Climate Bonds Initiative, an international NGO working to mobilise global capital for climate action. Its aim is to reduce friction and improve risk differentiation for green investments. In this episode therefore we look at the rise of the green bond market (and variants), the investment parameters and development of eligibility criteria as well as how to effectively progress usage towards stated aims. Sean shares his insights, drivers and views on where he sees this market going, bringing his indomitable spirit to the f...2021-06-1438 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 5 - Nigel ToppingIn this podcast, we are joined by Nigel Topping, the UK governments high level champion for climate change, COP26. Nigel takes the time to share with us his views on what it takes to be an effective green leader, the competencies and attributes required in the exercise of that role as well as his views on how we encourage the next generation of leaders. Nigel shares his influences, including those people that helped mould his style of leadership. We also talk about some of the outstanding examples of leadership that he has witnessed in the run up to taking on h...2021-05-3128 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 4 - James CloseJames Close is Head of Climate Change at NatWest Bank. NatWest is an anchor sponsor for COP26. James talks us through what it means to be a purpose led bank and the various pillars that support the execution of that purpose. He shares his views on the role of banks in the race to net zero - how they lead and influence allocations of capital, and lead on transparency and disclosure.
Sustainability & You is a not for profit platform designed to bring together experts, influencers and decision makers in the field of sustainability and climate change. Our m...2021-05-1728 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 3 - Juliet DavenportIn this episode we talk to the amazing Juliet Davenport, OBE, CEO of Good Energy Group Plc. Juliet talks about her road to CEO and beyond; the experiences, influences and leadership mindset that developed over the course of many years. Juliet shares her views on what we need to do in the race to zero including accelerating solutions, collaboration, and the skills for the future.
Sustainability & You is a not for profit platform designed to bring together experts, influencers and decision makers in the field of sustainability and climate change. Our mission is to bring together leading v...2021-05-0439 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 2 - the Rt Hon, the Lord Mayor, City of London, William RussellOur guest this week is the Rt Hon, the Lord Mayor, City of London, William Russell. William Russell is the 692nd Lord Mayor of the City of London, acting as a global ambassador for the city leading business delegations overseas to key international markets on behalf of the UK’s financial and professional services industry. He has spearheaded the City of London’s Climate Action Strategy. Covering the period 2020-2027, it sets out some clear, bold and definable actions to move the city to net zero by 2040. In this episode, we look at the broader role of the City in the...2021-04-1929 minThe Sustainability & You PodcastSustainability & You Episode 1 - Professor Martin SiegertOur very first podcast guest is Professor Martin Siegert of Imperial College London, and co-chair of the Grantham Institute of Research - Climate Change and environment. He is a glaciologist having studied geological geophysics at Reading University, and with a PhD in the numerical modelling of large ice sheets from Cambridge University. His current work involves the study of large ice sheets in the past, present and future, using combinations of numerical modelling, satellite observations and glacier geophysical measurements. He is an author, prize winner and artic explorer.
We decided to begin our podcast series with an exploration of the sc...2021-04-0137 min