Sustainable connections Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:55:35 +0100 https://www.erm.com/podcast/ en-us © 2026 The ERM International Group Limited, All rights reserved yes 12b6c035-78a8-5bad-b027-5e5cc8f95092 ERM episodic false In ERM's podcast, host Mark Lee, Global Director of Thought Leadership, speaks to some of the most innovative and boundary-pushing minds in the field, examining the connections necessary to make sustainable business a reality - across sectors and systems, and up and down organizations. Topics cover the breadth of the sustainability agenda, including net zero, nature positive, biodiversity, equity, resources and frameworks, and more.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) sustainable business, net zero, climate strategy, climate action, sustainability leaders, sustainability leadership, climate change, business resilience, esg, ERM https://storage.buzzsprout.com/idm7pi8tzjvmluqft10ckl43j4jf?.jpg Sustainable connections https://www.erm.com/podcast/ Mark Lee Episode 42: Beyond the bees and the birds – The business case for nature Episode 42: Beyond the bees and the birds – The business case for nature In this episode of the Sustainable Connections podcast, Sebastian Leape, CEO at Natcap, Nadine McCormick, Senior Manager at WBCSD (the World Business Council for Sustainable Development), and Daniele Strippoli, EMEA Nature Lead at ERM, join Mark Lee to explore the emerging challenges in the nature market, the opportunities for companies to accelerate solutions, and what embedding nature into decision‑making could look like by 2030. Drawing on examples from supply chains, finance, and operations, the conversation examines how organizations can move from understanding nature‑related risk to taking practical action that strengthens long‑term business resilience.

Related content:

]]> In this episode of the Sustainable Connections podcast, Sebastian Leape, CEO at Natcap, Nadine McCormick, Senior Manager at WBCSD (the World Business Council for Sustainable Development), and Daniele Strippoli, EMEA Nature Lead at ERM, join Mark Lee to explore the emerging challenges in the nature market, the opportunities for companies to accelerate solutions, and what embedding nature into decision‑making could look like by 2030. Drawing on examples from supply chains, finance, and operations, the conversation examines how organizations can move from understanding nature‑related risk to taking practical action that strengthens long‑term business resilience.

Related content:

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-19293837 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:00:00 +0100 3024 full false Episode 41: Inflection Point - The Iran War and the Energy Transition Episode 41: Inflection Point - The Iran War and the Energy Transition In this episode, ERM Partners Andrew Probert, Amy McDonald, and Todd Hall join host Mark Lee to explore how the current Iran War and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are reshaping the global energy landscape. They examine what this means for energy security, interest rates, and capital project decisions, and how it could either slow or accelerate the low-carbon transition. The conversation highlights how policy choices, financing conditions, and supply chain vulnerabilities can turn conflict into either a setback or a catalyst for greener, more resilient systems. 

Their conversation covers: 

  • Initial reactions to the Strait of Hormuz closure  
  • Geopolitics, energy markets, and emerging pressure points 
  • Regional policy realities: U.S., Europe, and APAC
  • How lenders and corporate leaders are responding 

Related content:

]]> In this episode, ERM Partners Andrew Probert, Amy McDonald, and Todd Hall join host Mark Lee to explore how the current Iran War and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are reshaping the global energy landscape. They examine what this means for energy security, interest rates, and capital project decisions, and how it could either slow or accelerate the low-carbon transition. The conversation highlights how policy choices, financing conditions, and supply chain vulnerabilities can turn conflict into either a setback or a catalyst for greener, more resilient systems. 

Their conversation covers: 

  • Initial reactions to the Strait of Hormuz closure  
  • Geopolitics, energy markets, and emerging pressure points 
  • Regional policy realities: U.S., Europe, and APAC
  • How lenders and corporate leaders are responding 

Related content:

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-18905436 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2642 full false Episode 40: Beyond the Podium - What major sporting events teach us about the value of nature Episode 40: Beyond the Podium - What major sporting events teach us about the value of nature In this episode, Daniele Strippoli, ERM’s EMEA Nature and Water Lead, joins Mark Lee to discuss the role of nature in the recent Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games. Together, they discuss what major sporting events can reveal about valuing natural capital, understanding ecosystem dependencies, and shaping decisions that support both communities and the environments they depend on.

 Their conversation covers:

·       How nature can shape major sporting events 

·       Balancing infrastructure, communities, and the environment

·       Natural capital accounting and future of climate-resilient games

]]> In this episode, Daniele Strippoli, ERM’s EMEA Nature and Water Lead, joins Mark Lee to discuss the role of nature in the recent Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games. Together, they discuss what major sporting events can reveal about valuing natural capital, understanding ecosystem dependencies, and shaping decisions that support both communities and the environments they depend on.

 Their conversation covers:

·       How nature can shape major sporting events 

·       Balancing infrastructure, communities, and the environment

·       Natural capital accounting and future of climate-resilient games

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-18819372 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000 1466 full false Episode 39: GreenBiz 2026 – Less noise, more execution Episode 39: GreenBiz 2026 – Less noise, more execution In this episode, Annie Longsworth, Doug Park, and Ollie Forster join host Mark Lee to reflect on key insights from GreenBiz 2026 in Phoenix. Together, they explore what the conference signaled about the state of corporate sustainability, from treating sustainability as a commercial growth lever and the rise of AI agents and technology ecosystems, to the tightening definition of “high‑quality” carbon credits and the hidden risks buyers still overlook. 

Their conversation covers: 

  • What happened at GreenBiz 2026? 
  • Key insights from our GreenBiz panels 
  • Looking ahead to how sustainability strategies are evolving

Related content: 

1.   Quantifying Sustainability: Turning ESG into Business Value | ERM

2.   What Makes a High-Quality Carbon Credit? | ERM

3.   Unlocking the Business Value of Sustainability | ERM

4.   GreenBiz 2026 | ERM

]]> In this episode, Annie Longsworth, Doug Park, and Ollie Forster join host Mark Lee to reflect on key insights from GreenBiz 2026 in Phoenix. Together, they explore what the conference signaled about the state of corporate sustainability, from treating sustainability as a commercial growth lever and the rise of AI agents and technology ecosystems, to the tightening definition of “high‑quality” carbon credits and the hidden risks buyers still overlook. 

Their conversation covers: 

  • What happened at GreenBiz 2026? 
  • Key insights from our GreenBiz panels 
  • Looking ahead to how sustainability strategies are evolving

Related content: 

1.   Quantifying Sustainability: Turning ESG into Business Value | ERM

2.   What Makes a High-Quality Carbon Credit? | ERM

3.   Unlocking the Business Value of Sustainability | ERM

4.   GreenBiz 2026 | ERM

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-18760360 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000 2596 full false Episode 38: Rupture point - Sustainability trends shaping 2026 Episode 38: Rupture point - Sustainability trends shaping 2026 In this episode of the Sustainable Connections podcast, host Mark Lee brings together an all‑ERM panel to unpack our 2026 Annual Trends Report. The conversation explores how companies are navigating a year defined by volatility, ruptures in the geopolitical and sustainability landscapes, and rising expectations for value creation. Our experts dive into shifts across decarbonization, energy, reporting, digital transformation, and the growing importance of stakeholder engagement and adaptation. Listen to find out what’s shaping corporate sustainability in 2026 and what leaders should be watching in the months ahead. 

Learn more about: 

  • Why does sustainability matter now? 
  • How are companies shifting from intent to execution 
  • What to watch out for in 2026 

Related links:  

]]> In this episode of the Sustainable Connections podcast, host Mark Lee brings together an all‑ERM panel to unpack our 2026 Annual Trends Report. The conversation explores how companies are navigating a year defined by volatility, ruptures in the geopolitical and sustainability landscapes, and rising expectations for value creation. Our experts dive into shifts across decarbonization, energy, reporting, digital transformation, and the growing importance of stakeholder engagement and adaptation. Listen to find out what’s shaping corporate sustainability in 2026 and what leaders should be watching in the months ahead. 

Learn more about: 

  • Why does sustainability matter now? 
  • How are companies shifting from intent to execution 
  • What to watch out for in 2026 

Related links:  

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-18623567 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 2359 full false Episode 37: Unlocking the business value of sustainability with Salesforce Agentforce Net Zero Episode 37: Unlocking the business value of sustainability with Salesforce Agentforce Net Zero In this episode, Mark Lee speaks to Prashanthi Sudhakar, Head of Product for Agentforce Net Zero at Salesforce and Meera Krishnan, Managing Consultant for Net Zero Cloud Solutions at ERM. Together, they explore how digital innovations, particularly Salesforce’s Agentforce Net Zero platform, is transforming sustainability management, enabling organizations to drive meaningful change and unlock business value. The conversation highlights the growing role of AI and data driven solutions in helping companies meet both regulatory requirements and broader sustainability goals.  

Listen to learn more about: 

  • Value creation in action 
  • Turning data into business advantage 
  • AI and the future of sustainability decision making 

Related links: 

]]> In this episode, Mark Lee speaks to Prashanthi Sudhakar, Head of Product for Agentforce Net Zero at Salesforce and Meera Krishnan, Managing Consultant for Net Zero Cloud Solutions at ERM. Together, they explore how digital innovations, particularly Salesforce’s Agentforce Net Zero platform, is transforming sustainability management, enabling organizations to drive meaningful change and unlock business value. The conversation highlights the growing role of AI and data driven solutions in helping companies meet both regulatory requirements and broader sustainability goals.  

Listen to learn more about: 

  • Value creation in action 
  • Turning data into business advantage 
  • AI and the future of sustainability decision making 

Related links: 

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-18303970 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000 2536 full false Episode 36: Building on Belém: Insights from COP30 Episode 36: Building on Belém: Insights from COP30 In this episode of the Sustainable Connections podcast, host Mark Lee speaks to ERM colleagues Ricardo Zibas, Linden Edgell, and Alexandra Guaqueta as they share their reflections from COP30 in Belém, Brazil. This episode was recorded on Tuesday 18 November, towards the end of COP, and explores the summit’s unique focus on implementation, just transition, and the integration of climate, nature, and people. 

Listen to learn more about:

  • What sets COP30 apart from previous COPs
  • The role of the private sector and implications for companies
  • How momentum from Belém can drive action ahead of COP31 

Related links

]]> In this episode of the Sustainable Connections podcast, host Mark Lee speaks to ERM colleagues Ricardo Zibas, Linden Edgell, and Alexandra Guaqueta as they share their reflections from COP30 in Belém, Brazil. This episode was recorded on Tuesday 18 November, towards the end of COP, and explores the summit’s unique focus on implementation, just transition, and the integration of climate, nature, and people. 

Listen to learn more about:

  • What sets COP30 apart from previous COPs
  • The role of the private sector and implications for companies
  • How momentum from Belém can drive action ahead of COP31 

Related links

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-18229940 Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0000 2771 full false Episode 35: The rise of responsible gold: How Bellevue Gold is redefining mining Episode 35: The rise of responsible gold: How Bellevue Gold is redefining mining In this episode, Mark Lee is joined by Darren Stralow, CEO of Bellevue Gold, and Dr Mary Stewart, ERM’s Lead Partner for Corporate Sustainability and Climate Change in Australia. Together, they explore Bellevue Gold’s journey to becoming the world’s first net zero gold mine and discuss the evolving role of sustainability in the mining sector. From regulatory shifts and investor expectations to decarbonization strategies, their discussion delves into how Bellevue Gold is navigating industry challenges while pursuing innovative approaches to sustainability and responsible mining.

Their conversation covers:

  • Sustainability as a strategic advantage 
  • Decarbonizing gold: avoid, eliminate, reduce, offset
  • The future of sustainability in mining

Related links:

]]> In this episode, Mark Lee is joined by Darren Stralow, CEO of Bellevue Gold, and Dr Mary Stewart, ERM’s Lead Partner for Corporate Sustainability and Climate Change in Australia. Together, they explore Bellevue Gold’s journey to becoming the world’s first net zero gold mine and discuss the evolving role of sustainability in the mining sector. From regulatory shifts and investor expectations to decarbonization strategies, their discussion delves into how Bellevue Gold is navigating industry challenges while pursuing innovative approaches to sustainability and responsible mining.

Their conversation covers:

  • Sustainability as a strategic advantage 
  • Decarbonizing gold: avoid, eliminate, reduce, offset
  • The future of sustainability in mining

Related links:

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-18105457 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000 2629 full false Episode 34: Climate Week NYC 2025: Realism, Determination, and Optimism Episode 34: Climate Week NYC 2025: Realism, Determination, and Optimism In our first video Sustainable Connections podcast, host Mark Lee speaks with ERM colleagues Linden Edgell, Sabine Hoefnagel, and Liam Walsh about their experience at and impressions of Climate Week New York 2025. 

Listen and watch to hear their views including:

  • The overall mood as compared to prior years and to London Climate Action Week a few months ago.
  • A summary of key topics and themes, from the roles of investors and customers in providing capital and shaping demand for low-carbon products and services, to how companies are working to address the social impacts of decarbonization and adaptation and the ways carbon markets are evolving.
  • The differences in regional and sectoral approaches to climate solutions and what businesses need to do to adapt their strategies to successfully navigate varied policy and societal terrain.
  • New ways technology and innovation are spurring development of more sustainable products and services capable of winning greater market share.
  • How sustainability leaders need to evolve their leadership style to support the market transformation that building a net-zero carbon future requires.
  • Expectations for how issues swirling at Climate Week may shape COP30 in Belém, Brazil this November. 

Watch the full episode on Youtube 

Find out more about ERM at Climate Week NYC

]]> In our first video Sustainable Connections podcast, host Mark Lee speaks with ERM colleagues Linden Edgell, Sabine Hoefnagel, and Liam Walsh about their experience at and impressions of Climate Week New York 2025. 

Listen and watch to hear their views including:

  • The overall mood as compared to prior years and to London Climate Action Week a few months ago.
  • A summary of key topics and themes, from the roles of investors and customers in providing capital and shaping demand for low-carbon products and services, to how companies are working to address the social impacts of decarbonization and adaptation and the ways carbon markets are evolving.
  • The differences in regional and sectoral approaches to climate solutions and what businesses need to do to adapt their strategies to successfully navigate varied policy and societal terrain.
  • New ways technology and innovation are spurring development of more sustainable products and services capable of winning greater market share.
  • How sustainability leaders need to evolve their leadership style to support the market transformation that building a net-zero carbon future requires.
  • Expectations for how issues swirling at Climate Week may shape COP30 in Belém, Brazil this November. 

Watch the full episode on Youtube 

Find out more about ERM at Climate Week NYC

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-17930607 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0100 1918 full false Episode 33: We are all miners: Rethinking mining investment featuring Appian Capital Episode 33: We are all miners: Rethinking mining investment featuring Appian Capital In this episode, Mark Lee speaks to Silvio Lima, Head of Corporate Affairs, ESG and Community Engagement at Appian Capital Advisory and Conor Grieve, Principal Consultant at ERM, to discuss how mine development can be made more sustainable. They explore how approaches like technical arbitrage, ESG integration, and social integration are reshaping the mining investment landscape.

Their conversation covers:

·       How technical arbitrage can unlock value

·       Using ESG as a strategic lever in mining investment

·       The importance of building community trust through social integration

·       Lessons from Mineração Vale Verde

Related links:

Sustainability that pays: Defining a credible business case for investing in sustainability in mining and metals

]]> In this episode, Mark Lee speaks to Silvio Lima, Head of Corporate Affairs, ESG and Community Engagement at Appian Capital Advisory and Conor Grieve, Principal Consultant at ERM, to discuss how mine development can be made more sustainable. They explore how approaches like technical arbitrage, ESG integration, and social integration are reshaping the mining investment landscape.

Their conversation covers:

·       How technical arbitrage can unlock value

·       Using ESG as a strategic lever in mining investment

·       The importance of building community trust through social integration

·       Lessons from Mineração Vale Verde

Related links:

Sustainability that pays: Defining a credible business case for investing in sustainability in mining and metals

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-17562351 Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0100 2808 full false Episode 32: Converting ambition into action: Lessons from London Climate Action Week 2025 Episode 32: Converting ambition into action: Lessons from London Climate Action Week 2025 In this episode, Mark Lee is joined by ERM colleagues Mathias Lelievre, Linden Edgell and Andrew Probert to unpack their key takeaways from London Climate Action Week (LCAW) 2025. Together, they reflect on evolving business approaches to sustainability quantification and implementation, and explore how climate strategy is adapting during current global geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Their conversation covers:

  • Climate strategy in a shifting business environment
  • Shifting from broad goals to measurable actions
  • People-centred transition and global-local balance


Related links:

Volatility to value creation: Five key takeaways from London Climate Action Week 2025 

Navigating change: Delivering sustainability value in a volatile world

]]> In this episode, Mark Lee is joined by ERM colleagues Mathias Lelievre, Linden Edgell and Andrew Probert to unpack their key takeaways from London Climate Action Week (LCAW) 2025. Together, they reflect on evolving business approaches to sustainability quantification and implementation, and explore how climate strategy is adapting during current global geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Their conversation covers:

  • Climate strategy in a shifting business environment
  • Shifting from broad goals to measurable actions
  • People-centred transition and global-local balance


Related links:

Volatility to value creation: Five key takeaways from London Climate Action Week 2025 

Navigating change: Delivering sustainability value in a volatile world

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-17438879 Thu, 03 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0100 2259 full false Episode 31: Achieving zero freshwater use featuring Cemex Episode 31: Achieving zero freshwater use featuring Cemex In this episode, Mark Lee is joined by Vicente Saiso Alva, Global Vice President of Sustainability at Cemex, and Greg Koch, Technical Consulting Director at ERM, to discuss Cemex’s recent achievement of zero freshwater use and how companies can better manage water risk in their operations.

Their conversation covers:

·       Cemex’s zero freshwater use achievement

·       Responding to increasing water scarcity

·       Collaborating with stakeholders to manage water

·       Investment and innovation in water

Related Links:

Cemex 2024 Integrated Report

]]> In this episode, Mark Lee is joined by Vicente Saiso Alva, Global Vice President of Sustainability at Cemex, and Greg Koch, Technical Consulting Director at ERM, to discuss Cemex’s recent achievement of zero freshwater use and how companies can better manage water risk in their operations.

Their conversation covers:

·       Cemex’s zero freshwater use achievement

·       Responding to increasing water scarcity

·       Collaborating with stakeholders to manage water

·       Investment and innovation in water

Related Links:

Cemex 2024 Integrated Report

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-17280593 Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0100 2529 full false Episode 30: Navigating the EU Omnibus Episode 30: Navigating the EU Omnibus In this episode, Mark Lee speaks to Johann Weicht, Jennifer Klie and Aiste Brackley about the latest updates to the EU Omnibus regulation. The Omnibus proposals aim to streamline the CSRD, CSDDD, EU Taxonomy and CBAM are expected to bring significant changes to the regulated sustainability disclosure and due diligence landscape. The episode delves into what these changes mean for businesses and how companies can best navigate compliance.  

Their conversation covers: 

  • What is the EU Omnibus and why is it so important?
  • What are the main changes to each policy?
  • Key recommendations for companies
  • The impact of the EU Omnibus and next steps 

Please note that this conversation was recorded on Friday 4th April 2025. 

Related content: 

 

]]> In this episode, Mark Lee speaks to Johann Weicht, Jennifer Klie and Aiste Brackley about the latest updates to the EU Omnibus regulation. The Omnibus proposals aim to streamline the CSRD, CSDDD, EU Taxonomy and CBAM are expected to bring significant changes to the regulated sustainability disclosure and due diligence landscape. The episode delves into what these changes mean for businesses and how companies can best navigate compliance.  

Their conversation covers: 

  • What is the EU Omnibus and why is it so important?
  • What are the main changes to each policy?
  • Key recommendations for companies
  • The impact of the EU Omnibus and next steps 

Please note that this conversation was recorded on Friday 4th April 2025. 

Related content: 

 

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-16944238 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0100 2368 full false Episode 29: Transforming towards sustainable chemicals featuring WBCSD and Syensqo Episode 29: Transforming towards sustainable chemicals featuring WBCSD and Syensqo In this episode, Mark Lee is joined by Anne-Laure Brison, Senior Manager of Circular Products and Materials at World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD); Titta Rosvall-Puplett, Chief Sustainability Officer at Syensqo; and Cristina Pellegrino, ERM Global Industry Leader of Chemicals, to discuss “Towards Planet Positive Chemicals, A Chemical Transformation Roadmap” report created by WBCSD, ERM and nine leading chemical companies. 

Their conversation covers:

·       Current challenges confronting the chemical industry

·       Portfolio transformation and how it can be achieved  

·       What does nature positivity mean for the chemical industry

·       The importance of value chain collaboration  

Related content:

Towards Planet Positive Chemicals: WBCSD ‘s Chemical Transformation Roadmap

]]> In this episode, Mark Lee is joined by Anne-Laure Brison, Senior Manager of Circular Products and Materials at World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD); Titta Rosvall-Puplett, Chief Sustainability Officer at Syensqo; and Cristina Pellegrino, ERM Global Industry Leader of Chemicals, to discuss “Towards Planet Positive Chemicals, A Chemical Transformation Roadmap” report created by WBCSD, ERM and nine leading chemical companies. 

Their conversation covers:

·       Current challenges confronting the chemical industry

·       Portfolio transformation and how it can be achieved  

·       What does nature positivity mean for the chemical industry

·       The importance of value chain collaboration  

Related content:

Towards Planet Positive Chemicals: WBCSD ‘s Chemical Transformation Roadmap

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-16903579 Wed, 02 Apr 2025 14:00:00 +0100 2756 full false Episode 28: Sustainability trends in 2025 Episode 28: Sustainability trends in 2025 Mark Lee talks with the authors of ERM’s Annual Trends Report - Aiste Brackley, Andrew Angle, Rebecca Green and Ricardo Zibas – about the key business sustainability trends to expect across the globe in 2025, from climate change to AI, and how companies can respond. 

Their conversation covers:  

  • Changes to the sustainability landscape in 2025 
  • Progress towards the Paris Agreement climate goals 
  • Managing supply chain challenges 
  • AI and technology trends driving the sustainability agenda 
  • How to drive sustainability through collaboration 

Related Links:

2025 Annual Trends Report: The Path Forward for Sustainable Business
2025 Annual Trends Webinar

]]> Mark Lee talks with the authors of ERM’s Annual Trends Report - Aiste Brackley, Andrew Angle, Rebecca Green and Ricardo Zibas – about the key business sustainability trends to expect across the globe in 2025, from climate change to AI, and how companies can respond. 

Their conversation covers:  

  • Changes to the sustainability landscape in 2025 
  • Progress towards the Paris Agreement climate goals 
  • Managing supply chain challenges 
  • AI and technology trends driving the sustainability agenda 
  • How to drive sustainability through collaboration 

Related Links:

2025 Annual Trends Report: The Path Forward for Sustainable Business
2025 Annual Trends Webinar

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-16538204 Fri, 31 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000 2597 full false Episode 27: Accelerating wind energy in Asia Pacific featuring GWEC Episode 27: Accelerating wind energy in Asia Pacific featuring GWEC The Asia Pacific (APAC) region holds immense potential for wind energy. From 2024 to 2030, APAC is expected to account for 61% of global new wind capacity. As the industry looks to ramp up the pace of new capacity installations, the APAC region has an important role in delivering the wind energy needed for the global net zero transition.  

Mark Lee talks to Feng Zhao, Chief Research Officer at the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), and Breanne Gellatly, Renewables Partner at ERM, about what needs to be done to accelerate wind energy in Asia Pacific. They also discuss their new report on building the Asia Pacific wind energy supply chain for a 1.5°C world. 

Their conversation covers: 

  • Current challenges of accelerating wind energy development in APAC 
  • Tackling wind supply chain and installation bottlenecks in APAC 
  • Opportunities for APAC countries to scale up wind supply chains 
  • How different stakeholders can collaborate to reach APAC wind targets  

Related link 

Building the Asia Pacific wind energy supply chain for a 1.5°C world - Global Wind Energy Council 

]]> The Asia Pacific (APAC) region holds immense potential for wind energy. From 2024 to 2030, APAC is expected to account for 61% of global new wind capacity. As the industry looks to ramp up the pace of new capacity installations, the APAC region has an important role in delivering the wind energy needed for the global net zero transition.  

Mark Lee talks to Feng Zhao, Chief Research Officer at the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), and Breanne Gellatly, Renewables Partner at ERM, about what needs to be done to accelerate wind energy in Asia Pacific. They also discuss their new report on building the Asia Pacific wind energy supply chain for a 1.5°C world. 

Their conversation covers: 

  • Current challenges of accelerating wind energy development in APAC 
  • Tackling wind supply chain and installation bottlenecks in APAC 
  • Opportunities for APAC countries to scale up wind supply chains 
  • How different stakeholders can collaborate to reach APAC wind targets  

Related link 

Building the Asia Pacific wind energy supply chain for a 1.5°C world - Global Wind Energy Council 

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-16308175 Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000 1992 Renewable energy, Asia, wind energy, GWEC full false Episode 26: Reflections from COP29 Episode 26: Reflections from COP29 Mark Lee talks with ERM leaders ‌Sabine Hoefnagel, ‌Linden Edgell and ‌James Stacey about their reflections from the COP29 climate talks in Baku and what the event means for businesses in terms of moving forward with climate strategy and implementation.

Their conversation covers:  

  • What was anticipated going into Baku 
  • Progress in hard-to-abate sectors and carbon markets  
  • The role of private finance and transition plans  
  • Nature and adaptation plans  
  • Progress on renewables  
  • Looking ahead towards COP30 in Brazil 
]]> Mark Lee talks with ERM leaders ‌Sabine Hoefnagel, ‌Linden Edgell and ‌James Stacey about their reflections from the COP29 climate talks in Baku and what the event means for businesses in terms of moving forward with climate strategy and implementation.

Their conversation covers:  

  • What was anticipated going into Baku 
  • Progress in hard-to-abate sectors and carbon markets  
  • The role of private finance and transition plans  
  • Nature and adaptation plans  
  • Progress on renewables  
  • Looking ahead towards COP30 in Brazil 
]]> ERM Buzzsprout-16153189 Fri, 22 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2318 Nature, climate, renewables, COP29, business, sustainability, just transition full false Episode 25: The future of water resilience in the US featuring J.P. Morgan Episode 25: The future of water resilience in the US featuring J.P. Morgan Mark Lee talks to Vamsi Alla, Managing Director in J.P. Morgan's Corporate Advisory and Sustainable Solutions team, and Pradipta Parhi, an Executive Director in J.P. Morgan’s Climate Technology, Innovation and Strategic Investment team, about their new report with ERM exploring the critical challenges and opportunities surrounding water resilience in the US.

Their conversation covers:

·       Water insights from COP16 

·       Company water resilience issues in the US

·       Managing water risks and opportunities

·       Water at COP29

Related links:

The Future of Water Resilience in the U.S.

]]> Mark Lee talks to Vamsi Alla, Managing Director in J.P. Morgan's Corporate Advisory and Sustainable Solutions team, and Pradipta Parhi, an Executive Director in J.P. Morgan’s Climate Technology, Innovation and Strategic Investment team, about their new report with ERM exploring the critical challenges and opportunities surrounding water resilience in the US.

Their conversation covers:

·       Water insights from COP16 

·       Company water resilience issues in the US

·       Managing water risks and opportunities

·       Water at COP29

Related links:

The Future of Water Resilience in the U.S.

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-16132786 Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000 2551 water, nature full false Episode 24: Developing hydrogen ecosystems featuring HYCAP and MorGen Energy Episode 24: Developing hydrogen ecosystems featuring HYCAP and MorGen Energy Mark Lee talks to Ben Madden, Chief Technology Officer at Hydrogen investment fund HYCAP, and Patrick Huber, Head of Project Finance at green hydrogen developer MorGen Energy, about the challenges and opportunities in hydrogen ecosystem development, including hydrogen generation, transport infrastructure and accessing new markets for hydrogen.

Their conversation covers:

  • Financing hydrogen ecosystems
  • How to identify viable hydrogen projects
  • Current European policy incentives for hydrogen
  • Engaging with communities on hydrogen infrastructure development
  • How to accelerate hydrogen ecosystems


]]> Mark Lee talks to Ben Madden, Chief Technology Officer at Hydrogen investment fund HYCAP, and Patrick Huber, Head of Project Finance at green hydrogen developer MorGen Energy, about the challenges and opportunities in hydrogen ecosystem development, including hydrogen generation, transport infrastructure and accessing new markets for hydrogen.

Their conversation covers:

  • Financing hydrogen ecosystems
  • How to identify viable hydrogen projects
  • Current European policy incentives for hydrogen
  • Engaging with communities on hydrogen infrastructure development
  • How to accelerate hydrogen ecosystems


]]> ERM Buzzsprout-16111220 Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2480 full false Episode 23: Navigating nature tech solutions for business featuring the NatureTech Alliance Episode 23: Navigating nature tech solutions for business featuring the NatureTech Alliance Mark Lee talks to members of the NatureTech Alliance, including Salesforce, NatureMetrics and Planet, about their new report exploring how nature tech solutions can help companies to navigate a path towards nature positive. They also discuss the outcomes of the United Nations COP16 biodiversity conference.

Their conversation covers:

  • COP16 outcomes and implications for business
  • How to combine global and local nature data for business decision making
  • Strategies to overcome data fragmentation
  • Navigating the shift towards outcome-based metrics
  • Using nature tech to improve corporate disclosure

Related links:

The Nature Tech Revolution: The tools to move from ‘do no harm’ to ‘nature-positive'


]]> Mark Lee talks to members of the NatureTech Alliance, including Salesforce, NatureMetrics and Planet, about their new report exploring how nature tech solutions can help companies to navigate a path towards nature positive. They also discuss the outcomes of the United Nations COP16 biodiversity conference.

Their conversation covers:

  • COP16 outcomes and implications for business
  • How to combine global and local nature data for business decision making
  • Strategies to overcome data fragmentation
  • Navigating the shift towards outcome-based metrics
  • Using nature tech to improve corporate disclosure

Related links:

The Nature Tech Revolution: The tools to move from ‘do no harm’ to ‘nature-positive'


]]> ERM Buzzsprout-16070175 Fri, 08 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000 3144 nature full false Episode 22: How to sell sustainability to business leaders featuring John Elkington Episode 22: How to sell sustainability to business leaders featuring John Elkington Mark Lee talks to John Elkington, founder of Volans, about his latest book ‘Tickling Sharks: How We Sold Business on Sustainability’. They look back at how corporate sustainability has evolved over the past 50 years, anticipate how it will progress in the future and debate the most effective ways to engage business leaders on sustainability.

Their conversation covers:

-          How sustainability became a C-Suite issue

-          The future of corporate sustainability strategy and disclosure

-          How to engage senior leaders on sustainability

Related links

10 Tips on Tickling Sharks: #1 - by John Elkington (substack.com)

]]> Mark Lee talks to John Elkington, founder of Volans, about his latest book ‘Tickling Sharks: How We Sold Business on Sustainability’. They look back at how corporate sustainability has evolved over the past 50 years, anticipate how it will progress in the future and debate the most effective ways to engage business leaders on sustainability.

Their conversation covers:

-          How sustainability became a C-Suite issue

-          The future of corporate sustainability strategy and disclosure

-          How to engage senior leaders on sustainability

Related links

10 Tips on Tickling Sharks: #1 - by John Elkington (substack.com)

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-15947592 Fri, 18 Oct 2024 09:00:00 +0100 1955 full false Episode 21: What Climate Week NYC meant for business Episode 21: What Climate Week NYC meant for business Mark Lee talks to ERM leaders and experts across climate markets, social performance and nature, about how Climate Week NYC 2024 shaped the global business sustainability agenda. They also discuss implications and expectations for the upcoming United Nations COP16 biodiversity and COP29 climate change conferences later this year. 

Their conversation covers: 

  • How to build trust in the voluntary carbon markets 
  • The role of social performance in the low carbon transition 
  • Integrating nature data into business strategy  
  • How to measure and tackle inequality 
  • What companies can expect at COP16 and COP29  
]]> Mark Lee talks to ERM leaders and experts across climate markets, social performance and nature, about how Climate Week NYC 2024 shaped the global business sustainability agenda. They also discuss implications and expectations for the upcoming United Nations COP16 biodiversity and COP29 climate change conferences later this year. 

Their conversation covers: 

  • How to build trust in the voluntary carbon markets 
  • The role of social performance in the low carbon transition 
  • Integrating nature data into business strategy  
  • How to measure and tackle inequality 
  • What companies can expect at COP16 and COP29  
]]> ERM Buzzsprout-15862372 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0100 2112 Nature, climate, New York, sustainability, business, policy, COP16, COP29, carbon markets, social performance full false Episode 20: How mining can accelerate the energy transition featuring Rio Tinto Episode 20: How mining can accelerate the energy transition featuring Rio Tinto Mark Lee talks to Dominic Barton, Chair at Rio Tinto, and Louise Pearce, Global Industry Lead for Mining and Metals at ERM, about the role of mining in the low-carbon energy transition.  

Their conversation covers:

-      Rio Tinto’s environmental and social strategy

-      Decarbonizing mining and metals

-      How to increase metals and critical minerals supply

-      Derisking mining to attract investment

]]> Mark Lee talks to Dominic Barton, Chair at Rio Tinto, and Louise Pearce, Global Industry Lead for Mining and Metals at ERM, about the role of mining in the low-carbon energy transition.  

Their conversation covers:

-      Rio Tinto’s environmental and social strategy

-      Decarbonizing mining and metals

-      How to increase metals and critical minerals supply

-      Derisking mining to attract investment

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-15785510 Fri, 20 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0100 2065 mining, energy transition, nature, renewable energy, critical minerals, steel, sustainability, business, environment full false Episode 19: Scaling climate investment featuring General Atlantic Episode 19: Scaling climate investment featuring General Atlantic In our nineteenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Eli Aheto, Managing Director on the BeyondNetZero team at General Atlantic, and Manuela Fumarola, Consulting Director at ERM, about how private equity funds can take advantage of new opportunities to scale climate investment. 

Their conversation covers:

  • Scaling investment in climate tech that offers cost savings to customers
  • Opportunities for climate investment in the agricultural sector
  • Measuring the impact of climate private equity investment
  • Climate private equity exit strategies 
]]> In our nineteenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Eli Aheto, Managing Director on the BeyondNetZero team at General Atlantic, and Manuela Fumarola, Consulting Director at ERM, about how private equity funds can take advantage of new opportunities to scale climate investment. 

Their conversation covers:

  • Scaling investment in climate tech that offers cost savings to customers
  • Opportunities for climate investment in the agricultural sector
  • Measuring the impact of climate private equity investment
  • Climate private equity exit strategies 
]]> ERM Buzzsprout-15230082 Tue, 11 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +0100 2676 full false Episode 18: US renewable energy procurement featuring CEBA Episode 18: US renewable energy procurement featuring CEBA In our eighteenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Kevin Hagen, Interim CEO at the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), and Nikki Payne, North America Renewable Energy Lead at ERM, about the current pace and trajectory of renewable energy procurement and development in the US. 

Their conversation covers: 

  • Company strategies for procuring renewable energy 
  • How to manage the rising cost of clean energy procurement
  • Challenges and solutions for updating the US grid
  • Scaling US offshore wind development
  • Stakeholder management best practice in energy and grid development
]]> In our eighteenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Kevin Hagen, Interim CEO at the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), and Nikki Payne, North America Renewable Energy Lead at ERM, about the current pace and trajectory of renewable energy procurement and development in the US. 

Their conversation covers: 

  • Company strategies for procuring renewable energy 
  • How to manage the rising cost of clean energy procurement
  • Challenges and solutions for updating the US grid
  • Scaling US offshore wind development
  • Stakeholder management best practice in energy and grid development
]]> ERM Buzzsprout-15002053 Fri, 03 May 2024 10:00:00 +0100 2722 18 full false Episode 17: SEC climate disclosure featuring Steptoe Episode 17: SEC climate disclosure featuring Steptoe In our seventeenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Coy Garrison, Partner at international law firm, Steptoe, and Beth Wyke, Partner, Corporate Assurance at ERM CVS, about how companies can prepare for the new U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) climate disclosure rules. 

Their conversation covers:

  • Reporting boundaries and scope of the SEC climate rules
  • Interoperability of the SEC rules and other disclosure regulations worldwide
  • How to approach climate and wider sustainability assurance
  • Potential impacts of legal challenges to the SEC rules
]]> In our seventeenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Coy Garrison, Partner at international law firm, Steptoe, and Beth Wyke, Partner, Corporate Assurance at ERM CVS, about how companies can prepare for the new U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) climate disclosure rules. 

Their conversation covers:

  • Reporting boundaries and scope of the SEC climate rules
  • Interoperability of the SEC rules and other disclosure regulations worldwide
  • How to approach climate and wider sustainability assurance
  • Potential impacts of legal challenges to the SEC rules
]]> ERM Buzzsprout-14812113 Tue, 02 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0100 2341 17 full false Episode 16: Closing the nature data gap featuring Planet Episode 16: Closing the nature data gap featuring Planet In our sixteenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Amy Rosenthal, Senior Global Director for Conservation Initiatives at leading satellite imagery provider, Planet, and Michael Mangiante, Global Climate Risk Lead at ERM, about how nature mapping and data analytics can enable companies and governments to operationalize their nature strategies. 

Their conversation covers:

  • How to use satellite data to enable nature stewardship and disclosure
  • Identifying and taking action against nature crimes
  • Monitoring and verification of nature restoration projects
]]> In our sixteenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Amy Rosenthal, Senior Global Director for Conservation Initiatives at leading satellite imagery provider, Planet, and Michael Mangiante, Global Climate Risk Lead at ERM, about how nature mapping and data analytics can enable companies and governments to operationalize their nature strategies. 

Their conversation covers:

  • How to use satellite data to enable nature stewardship and disclosure
  • Identifying and taking action against nature crimes
  • Monitoring and verification of nature restoration projects
]]> ERM Buzzsprout-14728861 Wed, 20 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000 2183 nature, data, business, sustainable business, natural climate solutions, collaboration, climate change, sustainability, sustainable development, climate action, ESG full false Episode 15: How to scale the hydrogen economy featuring the Clean Hydrogen Partnership Episode 15: How to scale the hydrogen economy featuring the Clean Hydrogen Partnership In our fifteenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Mirela Atanasiu, Executive Director and Head of Unit Operations at the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, a public-private partnership supporting research and innovation in hydrogen technologies in Europe, and David Hart, Global Hydrogen Lead at ERM, about how to accelerate the hydrogen economy. 

Their conversation covers:

  • Research and development to improve hydrogen technology
  • Private-public partnerships to decarbonize heavy industry
  • Production and use cases for hydrogen across the globe
]]> In our fifteenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Mirela Atanasiu, Executive Director and Head of Unit Operations at the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, a public-private partnership supporting research and innovation in hydrogen technologies in Europe, and David Hart, Global Hydrogen Lead at ERM, about how to accelerate the hydrogen economy. 

Their conversation covers:

  • Research and development to improve hydrogen technology
  • Private-public partnerships to decarbonize heavy industry
  • Production and use cases for hydrogen across the globe
]]> ERM Buzzsprout-14585135 Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000 2136 full false Episode 14: Understanding nature disclosure featuring TNFD Episode 14: Understanding nature disclosure featuring TNFD In our fourteenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Emily McKenzie, Technical Director at the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), and Matt Haddon, Global Leader, Biodiversity, Water & Nature at ERM, about the latest developments in nature disclosure and how companies are responding. 

Their conversation covers:

  • How C-suite execs are using TNFD to understand nature risks and opportunities
  • Improving data gathering and analysis to support nature management and disclosure
  • Expectations for the upcoming COP16 Biodiversity Conference in Colombia 

Related links:
Sustainable Connections Podcast: Building nature into business strategy (erm.com)

]]> In our fourteenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Emily McKenzie, Technical Director at the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), and Matt Haddon, Global Leader, Biodiversity, Water & Nature at ERM, about the latest developments in nature disclosure and how companies are responding. 

Their conversation covers:

  • How C-suite execs are using TNFD to understand nature risks and opportunities
  • Improving data gathering and analysis to support nature management and disclosure
  • Expectations for the upcoming COP16 Biodiversity Conference in Colombia 

Related links:
Sustainable Connections Podcast: Building nature into business strategy (erm.com)

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-14397765 Mon, 29 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000 2251 nature, business, sustainable business, collaboration, climate change, sustainability, sustainable development, climate action, ESG full false Episode 13: Aligning sustainability and financial reporting featuring IFRS Foundation Episode 13: Aligning sustainability and financial reporting featuring IFRS Foundation In our thirteenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Mardi McBrien, Chief of Strategic Affairs & Capacity Building, IFRS Foundation, and Rob LaCount, North America Climate Change Advisory Lead, ERM, about aligning sustainability-related disclosure standards and integrating financial and sustainability accounting within companies.

Their conversation covers:

•            Evolving sustainability-related disclosure regulations

•            Upskilling finance and sustainability professionals to implement International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards

•            How to harness sustainability reporting to improve business performance

Related links: 

ISSB's first act (sustainability.com)

IFRS - ISSB: Frequently Asked Questions

]]> In our thirteenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Mardi McBrien, Chief of Strategic Affairs & Capacity Building, IFRS Foundation, and Rob LaCount, North America Climate Change Advisory Lead, ERM, about aligning sustainability-related disclosure standards and integrating financial and sustainability accounting within companies.

Their conversation covers:

•            Evolving sustainability-related disclosure regulations

•            Upskilling finance and sustainability professionals to implement International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards

•            How to harness sustainability reporting to improve business performance

Related links: 

ISSB's first act (sustainability.com)

IFRS - ISSB: Frequently Asked Questions

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-14126559 Mon, 11 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000 1777 full false Episode 12: Tripling renewable energy by 2030 featuring the Global Renewables Alliance Episode 12: Tripling renewable energy by 2030 featuring the Global Renewables Alliance In our twelfth episode, Mark Lee talks to Bruce Douglas, CEO, Global Renewables Alliance, and Dylan Mitchell, Global Commercial Director of Renewables at ERM, about how to triple global renewable energy capacity to at least 11,000 GW by 2030 to meet global climate targets. 

Their conversation covers:

  • Accelerating grid transformation to connect renewable energy
  • Permitting innovation to scale renewables faster
  • Cross-sector learning and collaboration across the renewables value chain

Related links:

3xRenewables – Global Renewables Alliance

]]> In our twelfth episode, Mark Lee talks to Bruce Douglas, CEO, Global Renewables Alliance, and Dylan Mitchell, Global Commercial Director of Renewables at ERM, about how to triple global renewable energy capacity to at least 11,000 GW by 2030 to meet global climate targets. 

Their conversation covers:

  • Accelerating grid transformation to connect renewable energy
  • Permitting innovation to scale renewables faster
  • Cross-sector learning and collaboration across the renewables value chain

Related links:

3xRenewables – Global Renewables Alliance

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-14010645 Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0000 2224 full false Episode 11: Sustainable seafood featuring Thai Union Episode 11: Sustainable seafood featuring Thai Union In our eleventh episode, Mark Lee talks to Adam Brennan, Group Director of Sustainability at global seafood processor and manufacturer Thai Union, and Yulia Dobrolyubova, Corporate Sustainability and Climate Change Lead, Asia at ERM, about how to tackle global seafood sustainability and achieve sustainable fisheries. 

Their conversation covers:

  • Defining environmental and social criteria for sustainable fisheries
  • Methods to improve supply chain traceability and data quality
  • How to implement climate and nature targets in the seafood sector
]]> In our eleventh episode, Mark Lee talks to Adam Brennan, Group Director of Sustainability at global seafood processor and manufacturer Thai Union, and Yulia Dobrolyubova, Corporate Sustainability and Climate Change Lead, Asia at ERM, about how to tackle global seafood sustainability and achieve sustainable fisheries. 

Their conversation covers:

  • Defining environmental and social criteria for sustainable fisheries
  • Methods to improve supply chain traceability and data quality
  • How to implement climate and nature targets in the seafood sector
]]> ERM Buzzsprout-13872993 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:00:00 +0000 2679 nature, seafood, sustainable business, fisheries, collaboration, climate change, sustainability, sustainable development, climate action, just transition, ESG full false Episode 10: Engaging with investors on ESG issues featuring Vale Episode 10: Engaging with investors on ESG issues featuring Vale In our tenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Mariana Rocha, Senior Investor Relations Manager at mining firm Vale, and Jonathan Molyneux, Head of ESG Strategy, Mining & Metals at ERM, to discuss how to engage with and respond to investors on ESG issues.

Their conversation covers:

  • Responding to investors' ESG concerns
  • Raising capital to expand critical minerals production
  • Moving from ESG risk management to an ESG-driven growth strategy
]]> In our tenth episode, Mark Lee talks to Mariana Rocha, Senior Investor Relations Manager at mining firm Vale, and Jonathan Molyneux, Head of ESG Strategy, Mining & Metals at ERM, to discuss how to engage with and respond to investors on ESG issues.

Their conversation covers:

  • Responding to investors' ESG concerns
  • Raising capital to expand critical minerals production
  • Moving from ESG risk management to an ESG-driven growth strategy
]]> ERM Buzzsprout-13626702 Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0100 2311 full false Episode 9: The business case for ESG featuring KKR Episode 9: The business case for ESG featuring KKR In our ninth episode, Mark Lee is joined by Ken Mehlman, Global Head of Public Affairs at global investment firm KKR and Co-head of KKR Global Impact fund, and Sabine Hoefnagel, Global Leader of Sustainability & Risk at ERM, to discuss the evolving business case for ESG.

Their conversation covers:

  • The financial impacts of ESG for companies and investors
  • How to interpret and respond to the ESG backlash
  • Investor expectations of C-suite leadership on ESG
]]> In our ninth episode, Mark Lee is joined by Ken Mehlman, Global Head of Public Affairs at global investment firm KKR and Co-head of KKR Global Impact fund, and Sabine Hoefnagel, Global Leader of Sustainability & Risk at ERM, to discuss the evolving business case for ESG.

Their conversation covers:

  • The financial impacts of ESG for companies and investors
  • How to interpret and respond to the ESG backlash
  • Investor expectations of C-suite leadership on ESG
]]> ERM Buzzsprout-13456514 Wed, 23 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0100 2435 full false Episode 8: Accelerating private market impact investment featuring Ardian Episode 8: Accelerating private market impact investment featuring Ardian In our eighth episode, Mark Lee is joined by Candice Brenet, Head of Sustainability, and Antoine Bateman, Sustainability Senior Manager, at Ardian and Michael Eisenberg, Partner, ESG Services, at ERM to discuss private market impact investment strategies and evolving trends, with a focus on scaling energy transition and decarbonization investments. Their conversation covers:

  • How to measure and manage impact in private market investments
  • Engaging investors and companies to accelerate and scale impact 
  • Integrating impact and decarbonization strategies across investment portfolios.

Related link:

Private Market Impact Investing: A Turning Point | World Economic Forum (weforum.org) - authored by Michael Eisenberg 
Navigating ESG data scarcity challenges in Private Markets (sustainability.com)

]]> In our eighth episode, Mark Lee is joined by Candice Brenet, Head of Sustainability, and Antoine Bateman, Sustainability Senior Manager, at Ardian and Michael Eisenberg, Partner, ESG Services, at ERM to discuss private market impact investment strategies and evolving trends, with a focus on scaling energy transition and decarbonization investments. Their conversation covers:

  • How to measure and manage impact in private market investments
  • Engaging investors and companies to accelerate and scale impact 
  • Integrating impact and decarbonization strategies across investment portfolios.

Related link:

Private Market Impact Investing: A Turning Point | World Economic Forum (weforum.org) - authored by Michael Eisenberg 
Navigating ESG data scarcity challenges in Private Markets (sustainability.com)

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-13276880 Mon, 24 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0100 2551 full false Episode 7: Building nature into business strategy featuring Salesforce Episode 7: Building nature into business strategy featuring Salesforce In our seventh episode, Mark Lee talks to Julie Moorad, Senior Manager, Global Climate Action at Salesforce, and Caitlin Brown, Senior Consultant at ERM, about how businesses can better assess and respond to their nature-related risks and opportunities. Their conversation covers:

  • Creating a nature positive business strategy
  • Integrating nature into corporate climate action
  • How to apply the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework to understand business risk and opportunity

Related links:
Salesforce Nature Positive Strategy
Prepare to LEAP: Updates to the TNFD framework and planning for the future - SustainAbility Institute by ERM briefing 

]]> In our seventh episode, Mark Lee talks to Julie Moorad, Senior Manager, Global Climate Action at Salesforce, and Caitlin Brown, Senior Consultant at ERM, about how businesses can better assess and respond to their nature-related risks and opportunities. Their conversation covers:

  • Creating a nature positive business strategy
  • Integrating nature into corporate climate action
  • How to apply the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework to understand business risk and opportunity

Related links:
Salesforce Nature Positive Strategy
Prepare to LEAP: Updates to the TNFD framework and planning for the future - SustainAbility Institute by ERM briefing 

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-13073160 Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:00:00 +0100 2449 nature, business, sustainable business, collaboration, climate change, sustainability, climate action, ESG data full false Episode 6: Understanding ESG ratings featuring CDP and CDPQ Episode 6: Understanding ESG ratings featuring CDP and CDPQ In our sixth episode, Mark Lee talks to Nikki Bartlett, Chief Impact Officer at CDP, and Bertrand Millot, Head of Sustainability at global investment group Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), about the ERM Sustainability Institute's latest survey of how investors and companies rate ESG raters and their services. Their conversation covers:

  • How investors use ESG ratings in decision making
  • Company strategies to improve ESG ratings performance
  • The future evolution of ESG ratings

Related links:

Rate the Raters 2023: ESG Ratings at a Crossroads

]]> In our sixth episode, Mark Lee talks to Nikki Bartlett, Chief Impact Officer at CDP, and Bertrand Millot, Head of Sustainability at global investment group Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), about the ERM Sustainability Institute's latest survey of how investors and companies rate ESG raters and their services. Their conversation covers:

  • How investors use ESG ratings in decision making
  • Company strategies to improve ESG ratings performance
  • The future evolution of ESG ratings

Related links:

Rate the Raters 2023: ESG Ratings at a Crossroads

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-12719808 Tue, 25 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0100 2534 full false Episode 5: Engaging with indigenous communities featuring Affinity North and Stratos Episode 5: Engaging with indigenous communities featuring Affinity North and Stratos In our fifth episode, Mark Lee talks to Jordan Peterson, Principal and Chief Disruptor of Affinity North, an indigenous-owned consultancy, about how companies can better engage with local indigenous communities when developing clean energy and other projects. Their conversation covers:

  • Company strategies to improve engagement with indigenous communities
  • How to include indigenous peoples in the just transition
  • Building indigenous community engagement into project planning

Mark also speaks with Michael Van Aanhout, Partner at Stratos, an ERM Group company, about how the renewable energy and extractive industries can rebuild trust with local communities.

]]> In our fifth episode, Mark Lee talks to Jordan Peterson, Principal and Chief Disruptor of Affinity North, an indigenous-owned consultancy, about how companies can better engage with local indigenous communities when developing clean energy and other projects. Their conversation covers:

  • Company strategies to improve engagement with indigenous communities
  • How to include indigenous peoples in the just transition
  • Building indigenous community engagement into project planning

Mark also speaks with Michael Van Aanhout, Partner at Stratos, an ERM Group company, about how the renewable energy and extractive industries can rebuild trust with local communities.

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-12585924 Tue, 04 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0100 2468 nature, business, sustainable business, collaboration, climate change, sustainability, sustainable development, climate action, just transition, ESG, indigenous peoples full false Episode 4: Managing the U.S. energy transition featuring American Electric Power Episode 4: Managing the U.S. energy transition featuring American Electric Power In our fourth episode, Mark Lee talks to Sandy Nessing, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at American Electric Power, about managing the shift to low carbon energy in the US whilst meeting competing stakeholder demands. Their conversation covers:

  • Ensuring a just transition in communities where AEP decommissions coal plants.
  • Preparing for increasing ESG disclosure requirements.
  • Engaging with investors on corporate climate strategy.

Mark also speaks with Margie Flynn, Senior Partner at ERM, about how companies can manage rapidly increasing stakeholder expectations around sustainability. 

]]> In our fourth episode, Mark Lee talks to Sandy Nessing, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at American Electric Power, about managing the shift to low carbon energy in the US whilst meeting competing stakeholder demands. Their conversation covers:

  • Ensuring a just transition in communities where AEP decommissions coal plants.
  • Preparing for increasing ESG disclosure requirements.
  • Engaging with investors on corporate climate strategy.

Mark also speaks with Margie Flynn, Senior Partner at ERM, about how companies can manage rapidly increasing stakeholder expectations around sustainability. 

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-12291442 Mon, 20 Feb 2023 19:00:00 +0000 2697 full false Episode 3: Aligning finance portfolios with the Paris Agreement featuring J.P. Morgan Episode 3: Aligning finance portfolios with the Paris Agreement featuring J.P. Morgan In our third episode, Mark Lee talks to Rama Variankaval, Global Head of the Center for Carbon Transition at J.P. Morgan, about how J.P. Morgan will deliver on its commitment to align its financing with global climate goals. Their conversation covers:

  • J.P. Morgan’s work with ERM to create its Carbon Compass, a tool designed to help align its portfolio with the ambition of the Paris Agreement. 
  • Strategies for engaging with clients on decarbonization.
  • The impact of US policy on financing the low carbon transition.

Mark also speaks with Rob La Count, North America Climate Change Advisory Lead at ERM, about ESG data and priorities for low carbon finance in 2023.

Related links:

JPMorgan Chase's Carbon Compass

]]> In our third episode, Mark Lee talks to Rama Variankaval, Global Head of the Center for Carbon Transition at J.P. Morgan, about how J.P. Morgan will deliver on its commitment to align its financing with global climate goals. Their conversation covers:

  • J.P. Morgan’s work with ERM to create its Carbon Compass, a tool designed to help align its portfolio with the ambition of the Paris Agreement. 
  • Strategies for engaging with clients on decarbonization.
  • The impact of US policy on financing the low carbon transition.

Mark also speaks with Rob La Count, North America Climate Change Advisory Lead at ERM, about ESG data and priorities for low carbon finance in 2023.

Related links:

JPMorgan Chase's Carbon Compass

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-12175873 Fri, 03 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000 2817 full false Episode 2: Finding the ways that work over five decades of environmental action and progress featuring the Environmental Defense Fund Episode 2: Finding the ways that work over five decades of environmental action and progress featuring the Environmental Defense Fund In Episode Two of the Sustainable Connections podcast, Mark Lee talks with Elizabeth Sturcken, Managing Director of Corporate Partnerships at the Environmental Defense Fund and leader of the EDF+Business team, which develops and implements joint projects with leading companies to create environmental change. Join this episode to learn about:

  • EDF's long history and unique approach to collaborating with business to solve sustainability challenges.
  • Recent research by EDF and ERM on what keeps companies from advancing their net zero ambitions more quickly.
  • The types of stakeholder engagement that Elizabeth believes companies need to embrace to thrive in a rapidly decarbonizing world.

Mark also speaks with Matt Haddon, ERM's Global Service Lead for Nature, Biodiversity and Water, about his experience working with EDF as well as with ERM clients on net zero obstacles and catalysts.

Related links:

EDF+Business

Net Zero: Obstacles and Catalysts for Business Climate Action

]]> In Episode Two of the Sustainable Connections podcast, Mark Lee talks with Elizabeth Sturcken, Managing Director of Corporate Partnerships at the Environmental Defense Fund and leader of the EDF+Business team, which develops and implements joint projects with leading companies to create environmental change. Join this episode to learn about:

  • EDF's long history and unique approach to collaborating with business to solve sustainability challenges.
  • Recent research by EDF and ERM on what keeps companies from advancing their net zero ambitions more quickly.
  • The types of stakeholder engagement that Elizabeth believes companies need to embrace to thrive in a rapidly decarbonizing world.

Mark also speaks with Matt Haddon, ERM's Global Service Lead for Nature, Biodiversity and Water, about his experience working with EDF as well as with ERM clients on net zero obstacles and catalysts.

Related links:

EDF+Business

Net Zero: Obstacles and Catalysts for Business Climate Action

]]> ERM Buzzsprout-12068727 Wed, 18 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000 2451 full false Episode 1: Natural Climate Solutions and the importance of collaboration featuring Bayer Crop Science and WBCSD Episode 1: Natural Climate Solutions and the importance of collaboration featuring Bayer Crop Science and WBCSD In our inaugural podcast episode, Mark Lee sits down with Giulia Carbone, Director of the Natural Climate Solutions Alliance at WBCSD, and Jessica Christianson, Head of sustainability at Bayer Crop Science. Their conversation covers:

  • Natural Climate Solutions and the C-Suite guide recently launched with The Sustainability Institute by ERM;
  • the connection between nature, biodiversity and climate agendas; 
    What quality natural climate solutions look like and the challenges in the vetting process; and
  • How collaboration is key to the necessary action on climate change and reversing the loss of biodiversity.

Mark also speaks with Aiste Brackley, Associate Director of the SustainAbility Institute by ERM, on the the key takeaways from the C-Suite guide and the partnerships that help make the Institute's work possible.

]]> In our inaugural podcast episode, Mark Lee sits down with Giulia Carbone, Director of the Natural Climate Solutions Alliance at WBCSD, and Jessica Christianson, Head of sustainability at Bayer Crop Science. Their conversation covers:

  • Natural Climate Solutions and the C-Suite guide recently launched with The Sustainability Institute by ERM;
  • the connection between nature, biodiversity and climate agendas; 
    What quality natural climate solutions look like and the challenges in the vetting process; and
  • How collaboration is key to the necessary action on climate change and reversing the loss of biodiversity.

Mark also speaks with Aiste Brackley, Associate Director of the SustainAbility Institute by ERM, on the the key takeaways from the C-Suite guide and the partnerships that help make the Institute's work possible.

]]> https://www.erm.com/podcast/sustainable-connections-episode-one-natural-climate-solutions-collaboration/ ERM Buzzsprout-11709720 Wed, 16 Nov 2022 21:00:00 +0000 2569 nature, business, sustainable business, natural climate solutions, collaboration, climate change, sustainability, sustainable development, climate action, just transition, ESG 1 1 full false