The Greener Way

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 key ESG policies. Estelle talks about how nature risks edged out climate risks as the key ESG issue this year and the investment scorecard of sustainable funds. 00:55 Key industry highlights 01:09 Global policy and regulatory developments02:31 Australia's policy shifts and achievements03:59 Addressing greenwashing concerns04:21 Nature risks and investment opportunities05:53 RIAA's engagement and committees06:10 US political impact on ESG07:44 Resilience of responsible investment markets08:52 RIAA's 2025 milestones11:34 Looking ahead to 2026 This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 impact04:01 Global vs. Australian shareholder sentiment06:00 The rise of nature risk07:41 Coles vs. Woolworths: which one is winning the sustainability stakes10:24 Greenwashing: the penalty on Prime Super 12:48 The role of startups14:20 Looking ahead to 2026This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 localised and more granular information. For example, AI and machine learning tools today can help convert wildfire projections from 100km grids to 300-meter estimates Read the full report here: https://insights.issgovernance.com/posts/measuring-and-monitoring-physical-risk-for-real-asset-inve…). *ISS STOXX is the parent company of FS SustainabilityThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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, including the lack of progress on fossil fuel reduction.Center provides insights into the role of businesses in sustainability, the significance of climate-related financial disclosures, and the impactful representation of indigenous voices at the conference.02:38 Insights from COP3004:27 On-the-ground perspective 08:43 Key takeaways for sustainability professionals11:32 Looking ahead to COP3113:57 Final thoughts and conclusionThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 standards.She shares key learnings from the process, the challenges faced and the areas First Sentier is still looking to improve upon.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 Whistleblowing systems and AI05:41 The evolution of Nicole: AI in action07:44 Trust and effectiveness of AI systems10:50 Future of AI in sustainability13:27 Governance and monitoring of AI16:28 Final thoughtsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

In this episode of 'The Greener Way,' host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Jane Gibbs, national ESG advisory lead at Unwelt, to delve into the proposed environmental planning and assessment amendment reforms in New South Wales. The discussion covers the implications of the reforms for the sustainability and investment sectors, highlighting the establishment of a housing delivery authority and a development coordination authority. The conversation also explores the inclusion of climate resilience in the legislative changes and their expected impact on project development and approval processes. -01:03 Introducing Jane Gibbs and her expertise02:15 Understanding the environmental planning and assessment amendment03:35 Significance of climate resilience in planning04:32 Impact of the Housing Delivery Authority and Development Coordination Authority05:05 Legislative process and expected timeline07:21 Streamlining approvals for sustainability11:31 Climate change and natural disasters: Implications for investors14:48 Final thoughts and future outlook-Link: https://www.umwelt.com.au/news/nsw-planning-system-reforms-what-you-need-to-know/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Over the past 10 years, the investment case for batteries and battery storage has evolved phenomenally as their efficacy in supporting the energy transition became more apparent.But Australia remains behind many other developed countries, even five years behind the UK, and Gresham House chief executive Tony Dalwood says educating super funds and other institutions could be the answer.Dalwood joins The Greener Way to discuss opportunities in batteries and battery storage, as well as sharing his insights on forestry and biodiversity – including why Australia should consider a biodiversity fund within the Future Fund.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

This week on The Greener Way podcast, Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media at FS Sustainability, sits down with Shaokai Fan, head of asia pacific (ex china) and global head of central banks at the World Gold Council (WGC), to discuss the role of the WGC in enhancing the gold market, the significant rise in gold prices, and the importance of responsible gold mining principles. The discuss the challenges and initiatives surrounding artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASGM), including the use of mercury, exploitative labor practices, and efforts to improve traceability, processing plants, and responsible sourcing. 01:11 Understanding the World Gold Council02:05 Gold price trends and market insights02:41 Responsible gold mining principles04:04 Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM)00:00 Challenges and initiatives in ASGM06:15 Super funds and investment opportunities07:14 Innovations in gold traceability08:36 Central banks and responsible gold buying10:05 Addressing labour exploitation and modern slavery12:28 Gender diversity in mining13:31 Future of ASGM and gold marketThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 Mirtha Kastrapeli from ISS STOXX Research Institute02:02 The importance of nature in investment03:32 Understanding nature-related risks05:09 Data and measurement of nature-related risks09:15 Case study: circular economy in the chemicals industry12:38 Modern slavery and industry disclosures14:22 Final thoughtsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 assets05:40 Diversifying defensive assets08:40 Investment themes and global opportunities10:56 Final thoughts on government bondsThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

In this week’s episode of The Greener Way, Michelle Baltazar, Executive Director of Media at FS Sustainability, chats with Julia Leske, Managing Director and Senior Consultant at ISS Sustainability in Australia, about the latest report from ISS's Climate and Nature Innovation Lab that evaluates corporate emission targets. They discuss the importance of setting ambitious climate goals, the challenges of comparing different types of targets, and how investors can use this information to achieve sustainability objectives. Beyond Companies’ Emissions Target Setting: Tracking Decarbonization PerformanceThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Criticisms of private credit are typically focused on its opaque nature; as a recent ASIC report pointed out, transparency is scarce.As an ESG-led manager, Woodbridge Capital believes there’s nothing more important than transparency – and that investors working with private credit managers that don’t prioritise it put themselves at risk.Woodbridge Capital chief executive Andrew Torrington joins The Greener Way to discuss the evolving private credit landscape, what ESG implementation looks like within it, and explains what might make a project unfundable.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Join host Michelle Baltazar on The Greener Way as she discusses the vital topic of children's rights with Ross Teverson, regional team lead at Federated Hermes.Explore how companies must integrate safety by design in AI development, the risks of indiscriminate AI content, the rising need for regulatory consistency across global markets, and recent legislative developments aimed at safeguarding children's rights in a tech-driven world.01:40 Understanding the 'S' in ESG02:00 Federated Hermes' role and client priorities03:35 AI and digital rights: Protecting children online06:01 Investor response to child safety06:47 Examples and case studies17:05 Global regulatory landscapeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

In this episode of The Greener Way, host Michelle Baltazar speaks with Jai Mirchandani, founder and CIO of Elm Responsible Investments.Jai provides an in-depth look at sustainable investing, discussing the importance of long-term business ownership, the impact of current climate policies, and what sets his fund apart from ESG-led fund managers.He also shares his views on fintech and renewables, and explains the role of private markets in driving innovation for a sustainable future. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 need for ambitious climate targets for 2050, the economic benefits of decarbonisation, and effective policy implementation for sustainable investment. Frankie also discusses Australia's role in global climate action and the importance of partnerships in driving impactful reform.IGCC 2025 conference link: https://igcc.org.au/event/igcc-summit-2025-climate-investment-insights-for-the-asia-pacific/Frankie's podcast: https://www.letmesumup.net/and LinkedIn contact infoThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 in supporting transition companies and the importance of adopting a balanced approach.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 are created equal, why disclosure alone isn't enough and why sustainability reporting must pass the pub test.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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, particularly in the supply chains of their portfolio companies, as well as the broader industry collaboration, including work with the Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking Asia Pacific (IAST-APAC) .O'Meara argues for a victim-centered approach to remediation, a national compensation scheme, and renewed efforts to bolster anti-slavery laws.01:01 Understanding modern slavery in Australia02:15 Challenger's approach to tackling modern slavery04:51 Collaborative efforts and working groups08:31 Challenges and risks in modern slavery12:54 Future directions and legislative changesLink: Human rights toolkitThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

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 shares insights on how regulatory requirements and improved data could shape future investment profiles.01:39 JANA's approach to sustainable investing02:26 Key investment themes and trends05:23 Impact of climate and biodiversity risks08:35 Role of asset consultants 09:56 Upcoming investment conference11:26 Case study: OricaThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy