The Greener Way
The Greener Way is a podcast from FS Sustainability that explores environmental, social and governance issues. Each week it features deep conversations with investment and corporate experts managing sustainability challenges. Topics include climate change, biodiversity, human rights, modern slavery, corporate purpose, and governance. The show examines the nuances and trade-offs involved in changing real-world outcomes across ESG issues. It is produced by FS Sustainability, a weekly trade publication covering how investors and companies are addressing these challenges.
Episodes
Powering the Transition
🏗️ Where is energy transition money really going?❓Question:As billions of dollars flow into the energy transition, where are investors putting their money, and which infrastructure assets could benefit most from the shift to a lower-carbon and more resilient economy?✅ Answer:According to Nick Langley, head of real assets at ClearBridge Investments, the energy transition remains firmly on track, bu
Championing First Nations Women
👩🏽🦱 How First Nations women are building economic power for future generations❓Question:How can investing in First Nations women help close Australia's prosperity gap and create stronger communities, businesses and future leaders?✅ Answer:According to Rick Macourt, founder and managing director of First Nations Economics, First Nations women are often the backbone of their families, communities a
Urgent calls for deforestation-free lending
🌳 Should banks stop financing deforestation in Australia?❓ Question:What role do Australian banks play in deforestation, and how can financial institutions better manage nature-related risks within their lending portfolios?✅ Answer:According to Max Hamra, corporate accountability analyst at the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), Australia's major banks are linked to significant deforestatio
690 start-ups: climate tech in action
🌏 Is climate tech the next big investment opportunity in Asia-Pacific?❓ Question:Why are investors increasingly looking at climate technology, and what should Australian investors consider when assessing climate tech opportunities across Asia-Pacific?✅ Answer:According to Ayush Kapila, co-founder and operating partner of Vitality Capital Partners, climate technology is becoming a major investment
Healthcare's war on waste
⚕️ Can hospitals cut emissions by 44%? The surprising case for reusing "single-use" medical devices❓ Question:How can remanufacturing single-use medical devices help reduce healthcare waste, improve supply chain resilience and lower emissions without compromising patient safety?✅ Answer:According to Daniel Vukelich, president of the Association of Medical Device Reprocessors (AMDR), healthcare's r
🌿 The climate capital Australia can't afford to lose
🌿 Australia's climate capital challenge: Why investors want to spend billions but can't find enough opportunities❓ Question:Why are Australia's largest investors struggling to deploy more climate capital locally, and what needs to change to attract the investment required for the country's net-zero transition?✅ Answer:According to Rebecca Mikula-Wright, chief executive of the Investor Group on Cli
Ethinvest on impact and shareholder activism
🔥 Ethinvest: A call to make impact investing accessible for everyday Australians❓ Question: Impact investing has matured significantly over the past decade, but many of the most attractive opportunities remain out of reach for everyday investors. What is changing in the impact investing landscape, and how can investors use both their capital and their shareholder influence to create positive envir
🌡️ Super El Niño: Winners and losers
☀️ Super El Niño, AI and water scarcity: The investment trends that could reshape the ASX❓ Question:How could a potential Super El Niño, rising temperatures and the rapid expansion of AI data centres create new investment opportunities and risks for investors over the coming decade?✅ Answer:According to Claudia Kwan, managing partner and portfolio manager at North Star, investors are entering an u
Next wave in ocean investing
🌿 Why investors may be overlooking one of the biggest risks in their portfolios❓ Question: If the ocean underpins climate stability, food security, global trade and biodiversity, why has it remained largely absent from investment frameworks, and how can investors better account for ocean-related risks and opportunities in their portfolios?✅ Answer: According to Sudip Hazra, director of the First S
Financial inclusion at a crossroad
🌱 Financial inclusion in the age of AI: Why access matters more than ever❓ Question:As artificial intelligence transforms financial services, how can the industry use technology to improve financial inclusion, and why should sustainability professionals view access to finance as a core sustainability issue?✅ Answer:According to Stuart White, executive director of business development at Impax Asse
When energy security is the new currency
🔥 Climate Investors Have a New Obsession: Energy Security❓ Question:As geopolitical tensions rise, physical climate risks intensify and energy systems undergo rapid transformation, how are institutional investors approaching climate investing in 2026, and where do they see the biggest opportunities and challenges ahead?✅ Answer:According to Lucian Peppelenbos, climate and biodiversity strategist a
Leading the battery storage race
🌿 Why are batteries becoming one of Australia's most attractive renewable energy investments?❓ Question:As governments introduce more supportive energy storage policies and Australia's electricity system continues to transition away from coal, what role do batteries play in renewable energy investing, and why are institutional investors paying closer attention to the sector?✅ Answer:According to S
Why ESG matters for this $22bn fund manager
🌿 How are ESG fund managers using sustainability to make better investment decisions?❓ Question: As ESG investing faces increasing scrutiny and evolving reporting requirements, how do professional fund managers integrate sustainability considerations into investment decisions without sacrificing returns?✅ Answer: According to Mans Carlsson, head of ESG and co-portfolio manager at Australian fund m
Australia's big bet on green steel
🌿 How can Australia catch up to the frontrunners in the green steel race?❓ Question: As global demand shifts towards low-carbon industries and clean supply chains, does Australia have a realistic opportunity to move beyond exporting raw materials and become a leader in green steel manufacturing?✅ Answer: According to Tim Buckley, founder and director of Climate Energy Finance, Australia has a once
Greenwashing 2.0: The next big risk
🌿 Is greenwashing evolving into a new risk era driven by climate reporting and emissions targets?❓ Question: As climate disclosure becomes mandatory and regulators crack down on misleading environmental claims, is greenwashing becoming less about marketing spin and more about governance, reporting and accountability?✅ Answer: According to Dr Mark Siebentritt, executive director at Edge Impact, gre
The 1% solution
🌿 Can committing just 1% of revenue help businesses drive meaningful environmental impact?❓ Question: Can a relatively small commitment of 1% of annual revenue create measurable environmental outcomes, strengthen business performance and help companies embed sustainability into their long-term strategy?✅ Answer: According to Kate Williams, chief executive officer of 1% for the Planet, the answer i
Investor pathway to decarbonise
🌿 Can carbon recycling turn industrial emissions into profitable products?❓ Question:Can captured carbon dioxide be transformed into valuable commercial products, and could this help heavy industries such as cement, steel and mining accelerate their path to net zero while creating new business opportunities?✅ Answer:According to Sophia Hamblin Wang, co-founder and chief operating officer of MCi Ca
Red flags in AI governance
🤖 Can good AI governance help companies become long-term winners?❓ Question:How are Australian company boards approaching artificial intelligence, and can strong AI governance help companies create long-term value while managing emerging risks?✅ Answer:Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming an investment issue rather than simply a technology issue. According to Sue Lyn Stubbs, associate direc
Roadmap to defence investing
Can responsible investors justify defence exposure?Question:Can investors responsibly invest in defence companies while managing ESG risks, and where should they draw the line?Answer:Defence investing has become increasingly relevant as global conflict and government spending rise, but it remains complex for ESG-focused investors. According to Jess Cairns, head of responsible investment at Alphini
Catching human rights risks early
Portfolio poison: How ignoring modern slavery risks your returnsQuestion:Why does modern slavery persist despite Australia’s Modern Slavery Act, and what practical steps can investors and fund managers take to drive real change beyond compliance?Answer:Modern slavery remains a global issue, with an estimated 50 million people affected. Australia’s Modern Slavery Act has increased awareness but has
Green Bonds: From niche to mainstream
Is Your Portfolio Missing Out? The Green Bond Boom ExplainedQuestion:How have green bonds evolved, what risks and opportunities do they present for investors, and what are the biggest misconceptions about this asset class?Answer:Green bonds have grown into a US $2 trillion global market, with Europe leading but APAC and emerging markets catching up. According to Johann Ple, senior portfolio manage
Turning geospatial data into investor insight
A conversation with Josh Gilbert, head of geospatial strategy, ISS STOXX Sustainability, on how geospatial intelligence is reshaping climate and nature risk analysis for investors.Data overload or data goldmine? Investors race to decode nature’s signalsQuestion:How can geospatial tools help investors move from climate risk mapping to nature risk management, and what does this mean for investment d
The appeal of the HALO trade
HALO trade: Why hard assets are the new gold for sustainable investorsQuestion:What is the HALO trade, and why are asset-heavy companies suddenly attracting investor attention in the age of AI and decarbonisation?Short answer:The HALO trade (Hard Assets, Low Obsolescence) is reshaping investment strategies. According to Dierdre Cooper, companies tied to physical infrastructure (like grids, pipelin
AI and the human capital paradox
AI, Workplace Culture and Labor Rights: Why human capital risk is financially material This week on The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Emily DeMasi, regional team lead - North America EOS at Federated Hermes, about why human capital risks, such as workplace culture, harassment and violence, labour rights, and supply chain conditions, are financially material for investors through
The next clean energy hotspot
Why Australia Is a Clean Energy Investment Hotspot: Solar, Wind, Batteries & Energy Security | Joost BergsmaOn The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Joost Bergsma, global head of energy at Nuveen Infrastructure, about clean energy investing, energy security, and why Australia is attractive for large-scale renewables.Bergsma reflects on his the last two decades in the sector and d
The real cost of tariffs
Who Really pays tariffs? Stanford economist breaks down the hidden consumer costIn this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Stanford University economist Luke Heeney about the often-overlooked social impacts of industrial policy, focusing on the 2025 US tariffs and their effects on the automotive sector.Heeney explains why accounting for tariffs on intermediate inputs is
The supply chain bottleneck
Critical Minerals Supercycle? How AI, Clean Energy & Geopolitics Are Reshaping Supply ChainsIn this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar chats with Vinnay Cchoda, responsible investment manager at BetaShares, about the predicted shortage of some critical minerals in the next couple of decades and how that could force a resetting of investment expectations and strategies.Cchoda sa
A deep-green investing mindset
Deep Green vs Medium Green Investing: Returns, Volatility & ESG Trade-Offs | The Greener WayIn this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with financial adviser Alex Jameison of Jamieson Private Wealth about how investors reassess sustainability preferences amid fuel shortages, energy insecurity, and geopolitical shocks.Jamieson explains starting with a client’s values and
Banking on green loans
Green loans & cheaper home batteries: How the CEFC Is Powering Australia’s Household Energy TransitionThis week on The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar chats with Grace Tam, head of consumer finance at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), on how the Australian government, through the CEFC, is driving record levels of green loan applications.According to the CEFC, the number of loans
Becoming a B Corp: What it takes and why it matters
What does it actually mean to become a B Corp, and is it worth the effort? In this episode, UNLESS Financial chief sustainability officer and financial adviser Marissa Theodorou talks us through the journey she and the UNLESS team went through recently to become B Corp certified.Breaking down the business case, timeline, key pillars, and common pitfalls of the process, Theodorou explains why the c
Climate investing enters a new age
On a recent visit to Sydney, MSCI's global head of sustainability and climate index Sebastien Lieblich sat down with The Greener Way to shed light on how institutional investors, particularly superannuation funds, are changing their approach to climate investing.Gone are the days of simply excluding or divesting companies, he says. Asset owners are looking more closely at the role benchmarks and i
Transparency in quant investing
Quant + ESG Without the Black Box: Transparent Sustainable Investing with AXA IM’s Ram Rasaratnam | The Greener WayIn this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Ram Rasaratnam, CIO of Equity Quant&nbs
Under the pump: security vs sustainability
Energy security vs net zero: What Australia’s new “fuel czar” means for investorsThis week on The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with economist Nicki Hutley about energy security after the federal government appointed Anthea Harris as a new “fuel czar” to oversee Australia’s fuel supply amid Middle East conflict and rising oil and LNG prices.Hutley explains how fuel supply risks flow t
Climate disclosure reports: what's the verdict?
Australia’s mandatory climate reporting (2026): What investors need to know | Dr Mary Stewart (ERM)This week on The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Dr Mary Stewart of ERM about Australia’s new mandatory climate disclosure regime introduced in 2024 and what the first wave of calendar‑year reports, due next month, means for investors, boards, and markets.Dr. Stewart frames climate as
Fixing the gender pay gap
Gender pay gaps in financial services: What WGEA’s new targets mean for employers & investorsIn this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar talks with Mary Wooldridge, CEO of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), about why gender equality in financial services matters and how new national reforms will affect employers, investors and super funds.Wooldridge explains that WGEA
RIAA Conference: Protecting First Nations heritage
Indigenous Cultural Heritage Protection: Investor Risk, Responsibility & First Nations-Led Governance | The Greener WayThis week on The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Kado Muir, chair of the National Native Title Council ahead of the RIAA Conference in May where Muir is one of the panelists on a session titled, “Indigenous Cultural Heritage Protection: Investor Risk and Respon
ESG in 2026: Evolution or revolution?
Despite global sustainable funds recording more than US$80 billion in net outflows in 2025, Australia and New Zealand are bucking the trend and continue to attract new capital.In this episode, Australian Ethical deputy chief investment officer John Woods unpacks how ESG investing is evolving in 2026, explaining why there's still plenty of opportunities out there for sustainable investors, the impo
ESG: Clearing the jargon overload
This week on TGW, host Michelle Baltazar welcomes ESG and responsible investing leader Dr Ian Woods to discuss 'ESG Unlocked', a new book he has co-authored with Josh Dowse, which was written to address the disconnect between how companies and investors understand and apply ESG.Woods explains that the book’s aim is to demystify ESG by reducing jargon, joining the dots between corporate and investm
Data centres under threat from extreme weather
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar from FS Sustainability, discusses the increasing climate-driven risks to data centers with Julia Leske, managing director at ISS Sustainability.They explore the challenges posed by extreme heat and water stress on data centres globally. Julia shares insights from ISS's report, Actionable Insights: Top Sustainability Themes in 2026, reveali
The steel paradox
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the critical and complicated role of steel in the transition to a decarbonised future with Fidelity International's Sue-Lyn Stubbs.They discuss the steel paradox and its essential role in economic growth, green technology development versus its high emissions footprint, the financial and regulatory implications, and the effect of
Nature, we have a problem
Can we really trust the tools measuring biodiversity risk?This week on TGW, Michelle Baltazar, Executive Director of Media at FS Sustainability, sits down with Dr. Jennifer Willetts of Franklin Templeton to unpack one of the biggest questions facing investors today: how do you actually measure biodiversity risk—and are current tools up to the task?Dr. Willetts breaks down the challenges, the lates
Fund inflows into sustainable ETFs
Are investors adding sustainable ETFs to their portfolio?This week on The Greener Way podcast, host Michelle Baltazar chats in the studio with Chris Brycki, founder and CEO of Stockpot, about the returns of sustainable ETFs and market trends that are driving fund inflows.They delve into the growth and divergence in the ESG market, how sustainable ETFs compare with traditional ETFs, and how investo
Busting the myths about renewables
This week on 'The Greener Way', host Michelle Baltazar interviews Mike Harut, partner and responsible investment manager at $7bn fund manager Munro Partners.Together they discuss the biggest misconceptions about the performance of renewable companies in the US, the green stocks that defied the odds in 2025 and why TINA (short for 'There Is No Alternative') underpin the future of renewables.Mike al
Revolving door in ESG: How to keep top talent
Is now a good time to look for a new role in sustainability?In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the recruitment challenges and opportunities in the sustainability sector with Richard Evans, founder and chief executive of Talent Nation.They explore critical issues including low staff retention rates, the necessity of executive support, and the impact of economic pre
Making decarbonisation easy for SMEs
Great partnerships can make all the difference.In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar talks with Yossi Kraemer, co-head of capital partnerships and director of funds management at Salter Brothers.In the year where the future of sustainable investing was hotly debated following greenwashing claims and reversal of climate policies in the US, Salter Brothers defied general sentime
RIAA: The year in review
2025 has been a milestone year for responsible investing. This week on The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the year that was with Estelle Parker, co-chief executive of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA).They discuss the organisation's key achievements and the trends that reshaped the sustainable sector in the year that saw US president Donald Trump reverse
The winners and losers of 2025
This week on The Greener Way Podcast, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the top sustainability trends of 2025 with Adam Verwey, co-founder of ethical investment platform Six.In this episode, they dive into the surge of shareholder resolutions in Australia, key wins and setbacks on nature risk, greenwashing and the state of funding for sustainability startups.01:23 Shareholder resolutions and their
Managing physical risks with geospatial AI
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar interviews Candace Coppere, head of Climate and Innovation Lab, Sustainability Business at ISS STOXX (parent company of FS Sustainability) about the latest in measuring and monitoring physical risks for real asset investors.Coppere explains how fund managers and super funds can leverage geospatial AI to turn coarse global climate data into
COP30: What really happened
COP30 Insights: Global Climate Challenges and AchievementsIn this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar talks with Dr. Evan Center, senior manager for environment and climate change from the UN Global Compact Network Australia, about the key takeaways from the 30th annual UN Conference of the Parties (COP30) held in Brazil.They discuss the conference milestones and disappointments, in
Taking on TNFD: Navigating a new way of reporting
Earlier in the year, First Sentier Group’s global head of responsible investment Kate Turner joined Jamie Williamson on The Greener Way to talk through the findings of the group’s inaugural Climate and Nature Report.In this episode, we welcome her back to the podcast to reflect on First Sentier Group’s experience in adopting the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) reporting st
How AI is changing the game on whistleblowing
In this episode of the Greener Way, we explore the intersection of AI and sustainability with host Michelle Baltazar and guest Scott Lane, founding chief executive of Speeki.They delve into how Gen AI can improve whistleblowing programs, drive ESG initiatives and sustainability strategies for better corporate governance and compliance.02:00 The role of technology in sustainability03:59 W
Navigating NSW's Planning Framework: What Investors Need to Know
In this episode of 'The Greener Way,' host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Jane Gibbs, national ESG advisory lead at Unwelt, to delve into the proposed environmental planning and assessment amendment reforms in New South Wales. The discussion covers the implications of the reforms for the sustainability and investment sectors, highlighting the establishment of a housing delivery authority and a deve
Recharging investment portfolios with batteries and biodiversity
Over the past 10 years, the investment case for batteries and battery storage has evolved phenomenally as their efficacy in supporting the energy transition became more apparent.But Australia remains behind many other developed countries, even five years behind the UK, and Gresham House chief executive Tony Dalwood says educating super funds and other institutions could be the answer.Dalwood joins
The greener way to gold: Artisan miners on the rise
This week on The Greener Way podcast, Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media at FS Sustainability, sits down with Shaokai Fan, head of asia pacific (ex china) and global head of central banks at the World Gold Council (WGC), to discuss the role of the WGC in enhancing the gold market, the significant rise in gold prices, and the importance of responsible gold mining principles. The discuss
Understanding nature-related risks: A conversation with Mirtha Kastrapeli on ESG investing
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar talks with Mirtha Kastrapeli, global head at ISS STOXX Research Institute, on how institutional investors are starting to look at 'nature' with a fresh lens. Beyond its impact on investment outcomes, many super funds can start unpacking nature-related risks and opportunities. 00:30 Welcome to The Greener Way00:45 Introducing
A new play in defensive assets
In this episode, Australian Ethical deputy CIO and head of multi-asset, John Woods, discuss how their allocation into defensive assets, particularly government bonds, are changing.00:00 Introduction to government bonds in ethical portfolios00:44 Meet John Woods from Australian Ethical02:01 Ethical considerations in government bond investments03:17 Challenges with US Treasuries and defensive assets
Do emission targets matter? 2026 Report Insights
In this week’s episode of The Greener Way, Michelle Baltazar, Executive Director of Media at FS Sustainability, chats with Julia Leske, Managing Director and Senior Consultant at ISS Sustainability in Australia, about the latest report from ISS's Climate and Nature Innovation Lab that evaluates corporate emission targets. They discuss the importance of setting ambitious climate goals, the cha
Transparency and ESG in private credit
Criticisms of private credit are typically focused on its opaque nature; as a recent ASIC report pointed out, transparency is scarce.As an ESG-led manager, Woodbridge Capital believes there’s nothing more important than transparency – and that investors working with private credit managers that don’t prioritise it put themselves at risk.Woodbridge Capital chief executive Andrew Torrington joins Th
Safeguarding children's rights in the age of AI: Insights from Federated Hermes
Join host Michelle Baltazar on The Greener Way as she discusses the vital topic of children's rights with Ross Teverson, regional team lead at Federated Hermes.Explore how companies must integrate safety by design in AI development, the risks of indiscriminate AI content, the rising need for regulatory consistency across global markets, and recent legislative developments aimed at safeguarding chi
Invest like a business owner: Insights from Jai Mirchandani
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Jai Mirchandani, founder and CIO of Elm Responsible Investments.Jai provides an in-depth look at sustainable investing, discussing the importance of long-term business ownership, the impact of current climate policies, and what sets his fund apart from ESG-led fund managers.He also shares his views on fintech and renewables, an
From engineering to climate policy: Frankie Muskovic's journey
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Frankie Muskovic, the newly appointed Executive Director of Policy at the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC). Frankie shares her unique journey from an engineering background to the forefront of climate policy. She shares key priorities that the IGCC brought to a recent governmental round table discussion, emphasising the
Climate transition by numbers: Insights from Bjarne Graven Larsen
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar chats with Bjarne Graven Larsen, founder and CEO of Qblue Balanced, on the hard numbers behind climate transition.Graven Larsen explains how defining and measuring climate transition involves measuring a company's societal value creation, emissions reduction, and green innovation capabilities.He highlights the challenges faced by investors
Clearing up the confusion on product labelling
Is it still the wild, wild west on product labelling for sustainable investments? In this podcast, host Michelle Baltazar chats with Dug Higgins, Head of Responsible Investment & Real Assets for the broader Zenith Group, on how financial advisers can benefit from a more rigorous debate on how investment managers address ESG and sustainability. He also explains why not all greenwashing claims a
The 'S' in ESG: Challenger's Charlotte O'Meara on fighting modern slavery
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Charlotte O'Meara, head of responsible investment at Challenger.They delve into the issue of modern slavery and how an investor network representing $12 trillion FUM hopes to fight it. The episode highlights the efforts and frameworks developed by Challenger to assess and address modern slavery risks in their investments,
Rethinking stewardship: JANA's Rachel Halpern on balancing returns with responsibility
In this episode of 'The Greener Way,' host Michelle Baltazar chats with Rachel Halpern, head of sustainability at JANA Investment Advisors, about the pivotal role asset consultants play in the evolving landscape of institutional investment.They discuss the integration of ESG themes, debunk the misconception around sustainable investing hurting returns, and explore key investment trends.Rachel also
Understanding TCorp's Approach to Climate Change and Active Ownership
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the inaugural investment stewardship report by TCorp with the company's head of investment stewardship, Alexis Cheang.Alexis shares insights on how TCorp has integrated ESG factors into their investment strategies, detailing their efforts in active ownership and the challenges faced in compiling carbon emissions data. The discuss
Enhancing emission transparency: PathZero's innovative approach to private equity
In this episode of The Greener Way podcast, Financial Standard's Eliza Bavin talks with Carl Prins, Co-founder and CEO of PathZero, about the challenges superannuation funds face in managing climate-related financial risks when it comes to private equity.They discuss the need for precise emissions data, regulatory standards, and the unique approach PathZero takes to enhance data accuracy through c
Navigating climate transition: Directors' duties and greenwashing
In this episode of 'The Greener Way,' host Michelle Baltazar discusses the critical role of company directors in climate transition planning with Christian Gergis, head of policy at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).The discussion covers the evolution of climate issues in boardrooms, the importance of robust transition plans, combating greenwashing, and the significance of direc
The AI governance risk keeping executives up at night: A conversation with Elfreda Jonker
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the governance risks posed by AI with Elfreda Jonker from Alphinity Investment Management.They explore the impact of AI on cybersecurity and data privacy, as highlighted in Alphinity's latest sustainability report. The conversation covers the importance of a Responsible AI framework, how companies including Netflix and Wesfarmers
Investing in a warmer world
Join host Michelle Baltazar as she speaks with Dr. Erin Kuo-Sutherland, chief sustainability officer at Yarra Capital Management. In this episode, they discuss the implications of surpassing the 1.5°C global warming threshold, the impact on various sectors, and the new climate reality.They discuss Yarra’s strategic approach to ESG integration, physical risk assessments, and the promising oppo
Mandatory Climate Disclosure: Closing Loopholes for Investment Banks and Insurers
In this episode of 'The Greener Way,' host Michelle Baltazar discusses the new accounting standards for Scope 3 emissions with Alison George, Chief Impact and Ethics Officer at Australian Ethical Investments. They discuss why it's crucial for investment banks and insurers to be included in these disclosures, the risks involved in granting them exemptions, and the impact on transparency and investo
Exploring Emerging Markets & Sustainable Investments with Pablo Berrutti
Join host Michelle Baltazar as she chats with Pablo Berrutti, senior portfolio specialist at Stewart Investors, about emerging market investment opportunities and their main growth drivers. Berrutti also explains why Samsung, Wallmex and Bank of the Philippine Islands are featured in their portfolios and why mid-cap US companies offer good value for investors. 00:57 Guest introduction:
How direct indexing could supercharge ESG
While still at a very nascent stage in Australia, direct indexing holds great potential – particularly for ESG and responsible investors.Investing in line with your values is a very idiosyncratic desire as what’s important to one investor can differ greatly for another. Being able to build a low-cost, custom portfolio that removes all the ESG exposures an investor doesn’t want while still tracking
Measuring nature assets in portfolios
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar discusses the transition to nature-positive investment portfolios with Lucian Peppelenbos, climate and biodiversity strategist at Robeco.Lucian shares his insights on the importance of incorporating environmental impacts into investment strategies, using the Task Force for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) guidance, and the launc
From silos to synergy
The challenges facing sustainable investors are always evolving, and approaches to responsible investment must evolve as well.Over the years, much of the industry has adopted a siloed approach to E, S and G issues, but a new report from First Sentier Investors explores how an integrative approach to responsible investment can produce more lucrative opportunities for investors.First Sentier Investo
Carbon securities the next game-changer
In this episode of 'The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar interviews Paul Clements-Hunt, founder and CEO of the Blended Capital Group, about the evolution and future of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing. They explore the origin of ESG, emphasising its role in changing the culture of asset owners, particularly in Australia. He discusses the transition from ethical investments
Navigating the energy transition: Challenges and opportunities
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar chats with Will Farrell, co-lead of climate change at Federated Hermes Stewardship and Engagement Body (EOS), about the complexities of reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors like aviation, shipping, and primary chemicals.They explore the obstacles related to systemic dependencies, policy enablers, and market-led changes such as elect
From coal to carbon: Planting seeds of the future
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Raf Wood, co-managing director of Silva Capital, on the evolution of Australia's carbon market and Silva's latest update on their carbon credit projects.They explore the impact of the 2022 safeguard mechanism, the company's commitment to sustainability inspired by Wood's personal promise to his daughter, and their milestone ach
Recruitment and salary outlook 2025
Australia’s job market is relatively robust, but just like different industries tell different stories, so too do different segments of the sustainability sector.While recruitment for ESG roles has generally slowed across financial services from the highs we’ve seen of late, there are still opportunities out there for the right skill sets.In this episode of The Greener Way, Kaizen Recruitment’s Si
Climate risk and insurance: A growing concern with Nicki Hutley
In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Nicki Hutley, a climate councillor and chief economist, about a comprehensive climate risk report by the Climate Council.The discussion centres on the alarming rise in insurance premiums due to climate risks, emphasising the need for prompt and effective climate action.They discuss the current and future scenarios of climate ri
