ESG Decoded Podcast

May is Small Business Month, a time to celebrate the 33 million small businesses in the U.S. that collectively employ over 61 million people. In honor of this month, host Amanda Hsieh welcomes Anna O'Brien, ClimeCo's Small Business Program Manager.

This episode highlights the sustainability challenges and opportunities small businesses face. Amanda and Anna discuss the  motivations for  small businesses to implement sustainable practices and provide actionable advice for small business owners who want to make a positive impact.

Additionally, the episode highlights ClimeCo's EcoCommitted Partner Program, which provides cost-effective sustainability strategies for small to midsize businesses, helping them minimize their environmental footprint and showcase their leadership in sustainability.

Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!

Episode Resource Links: 

Learn About ClimeCo's EcoCommitted Partner Program: https://shop.climeco.com/offset/ecocommitted-partner-program/ 

In this episode, host Kaitlyn Allen welcomes Bill Flederbach, ClimeCo’s President and CEO. Their conversation focuses on Decarb Connect North America, a premier conference on industrial decarbonization held in Houston, Texas, March 26-28, 2024. During the event, Bill facilitated and spoke on a panel about how decarbonization grants are allocated. 

Coincidentally, on March 25, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the grant of 6.1 billion to the Industrial Demonstrations Program under the Inflation Reduction Act to support the advancement of transformational technologies necessary to decarbonize the U.S. industrial sector. 

Listen as Kaitlyn and Bill discuss key takeaways from Decarb Connect. Bill also shares his perspectives on the challenges related to this type of grant funding throughout the stages of business growth. In tandem, he provides corresponding solutions as companies continue to look for ways to scale up in this space to deliver innovations.

Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!

Episode Resource Links:

Decarb Connect North America Website: https://decarbconnectnorthamerica.com/ 

ClimeCo’s 5 Key Takeaways from Decarb Connect 2024: https://www.climeco.com/insights-library/5-key-takeaways-from-decarb-connect-2024/ 
U.S. Department of Energy Grant Announcement: https://www.energy.gov/oced/industrial-demonstrations-program-0

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About ESG Decoded

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. Join Kaitlyn Allen, Amanda Hsieh, and Erika Schiller for thoughtful, nuanced conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts that explore the complexities about the risks and opportunities connected to (E)nvironmental, (S)ocial and (G)overnance. We like to say that “ESG is everything that’s not on your balance sheet.” This leaves room for misunderstanding and oversimplification – two things that we’ll bust on this podcast.

ESG Decoded | Resource Links

Site: https://www.climeco.com/podcast-series/

Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://go.climeco.com/ApplePodcasts⁠⁠ 

Spotify: ⁠⁠https://go.climeco.com/Spotify⁠⁠ 

YouTube Music: ⁠⁠https://go.climeco.com/YouTube-Music⁠⁠ 

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/esg-decoded/⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/esgdecoded/⁠⁠

X: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ESGDecoded⁠⁠

FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ESGDecoded⁠⁠

About ClimeCo

ClimeCo is a global sustainability company with projects and partners all over the world. Our mission is to advance the low-carbon future and restore nature with market-based solutions. We offer comprehensive services spanning environmental asset innovation, ESG and climate strategy consulting, regulatory and policy advisory, environmental credits, API solutions, and climate action certification programs.

Our growing team of respected scientists and industry experts collaborate with companies of all sizes, governmental groups, NGOs, and capital markets players on ESG, decarbonization, and policy issues—allowing us to develop high-quality, purpose-built end-to-end sustainability solutions with measurable impact. We are steadfastly committed to educating and empowering our clients, no matter where they are in their sustainability journey, to be confident in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

ClimeCo | Resource Links

Site: ⁠⁠https://climeco.com/⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/climeco/⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/climeco/⁠⁠

X: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ClimeCo⁠⁠

FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Climeco/⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@climeco-llc⁠⁠

NACW Website:  https://www.nacwconference.com/ 

Paris Agreement Article 6: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/article-64-mechanism

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About ESG Decoded

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. Join Kaitlyn Allen, Amanda Hsieh, and Erika Schiller for thoughtful, nuanced conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts that explore the complexities about the risks and opportunities connected to (E)nvironmental, (S)ocial and (G)overnance. We like to say that “ESG is everything that’s not on your balance sheet.” This leaves room for misunderstanding and oversimplification – two things that we’ll bust on this podcast.

ESG Decoded | Resource Links

Site: https://www.climeco.com/podcast-series/

Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://go.climeco.com/ApplePodcasts⁠ 

Spotify: ⁠https://go.climeco.com/Spotify⁠ 

YouTube Music: ⁠https://go.climeco.com/YouTube-Music⁠ 

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/esg-decoded/⁠

IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/esgdecoded/⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/ESGDecoded⁠

FB: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/ESGDecoded⁠

About ClimeCo

ClimeCo is a global sustainability company with projects and partners all over the world. Our mission is to advance the low-carbon future and restore nature with market-based solutions. We offer comprehensive services spanning environmental asset innovation, ESG and climate strategy consulting, regulatory and policy advisory, environmental credits, API solutions, and climate action certification programs.

Our growing team of respected scientists and industry experts collaborate with companies of all sizes, governmental groups, NGOs, and capital markets players on ESG, decarbonization, and policy issues—allowing us to develop high-quality, purpose-built end-to-end sustainability solutions with measurable impact. We are steadfastly committed to educating and empowering our clients, no matter where they are in their sustainability journey, to be confident in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

ClimeCo | Resource Links

Site: ⁠https://climeco.com/⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/climeco/⁠

IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/climeco/⁠

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/ClimeCo⁠

FB: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/Climeco/⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@climeco-llc⁠

Interested in environmental asset innovation and carbon credits? Contact us for more information: https://www.climeco.com/contact-us/

Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platforms and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!

Episode Resource Links

CAR Methodology: https://www.climateactionreserve.org/how/protocols/industrial/low-carbon-cement/dev/

Eco Material’s Website https://ecomaterial.com/

Environmental Asset Innovation: https://www.climeco.com/environmental-asset-innovation/

Environmental Credits: https://www.climeco.com/environmental-credit-solutions/. 

Kayla Carey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-carey/ 

Grant Quasha LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gquasha/ 

-

About ESG Decoded

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. Join Kaitlyn Allen, Amanda Hsieh, and Erika Schiller for thoughtful, nuanced conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts that explore the complexities about the risks and opportunities connected to (E)nvironmental, (S)ocial and (G)overnance. We like to say that “ESG is everything that’s not on your balance sheet.” This leaves room for misunderstanding and oversimplification – two things that we’ll bust on this podcast.

ESG Decoded | Resource Links

Website: https://www.climeco.com/podcast-series/

Apple Podcasts: https://go.climeco.com/ApplePodcasts 

Spotify: https://go.climeco.com/Spotify 

YouTube Music: https://go.climeco.com/YouTube-Music 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esg-decoded/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esgdecoded/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ESGDecoded

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ESGDecoded

About ClimeCo

ClimeCo is a global sustainability company with projects and partners all over the world. Our mission is to advance the low-carbon future and restore nature with market-based solutions. We offer comprehensive services spanning environmental asset innovation, ESG and climate strategy consulting, regulatory and policy advisory, environmental credits, API solutions, and climate action certification programs.

Our growing team of respected scientists and industry experts collaborate with companies of all sizes, governmental groups, NGOs, and capital markets players on ESG, decarbonization, and policy issues—allowing us to develop high-quality, purpose-built end-to-end sustainability solutions with measurable impact. We are steadfastly committed to educating and empowering our clients, no matter where they are in their sustainability journey, to be confident in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

ClimeCo | Resource Links

Website: https://climeco.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/climeco/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/climeco/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClimeCo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Climeco/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@climeco-llc

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Anna Stablum, ClimeCo’s Business Development Director based in Singapore, and Peter Zaman, a partner at HFW in Singapore. Anna is establishing a presence for ClimeCo in Southeast Asia and was previously instrumental in developing one of the world's first exchanges for carbon–a spot trading platform for high-quality carbon credits. Peter is also based in Singapore and has over 20 years of experience as a transactional lawyer in the UK, EU, and Asia. Peter's law practice spans commodities, derivatives, structured products, and climate finance. He has been active in climate finance and environmental products markets since 2004. 

Article 6 (A6) of the Paris Agreement allows countries to voluntarily cooperate to achieve emissions targets set out in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The trio centers their conversation on Peter’s recent paper, COP28: The Failure To Reach an Article 6 Decision and the Inconvenient Truth. Peter shares his perspectives through the lens of the Asia markets and probes the potential impact to the Paris Agreement as the European Union (EU) appears to be exporting its own policies. They also touch on CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting & Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) and how it would be affected by a nonfunctioning A6. Anna rounds out the discussion by highlighting some of ClimeCo’s Southeast Asia efforts that are focused on creating high-integrity carbon projects, including an Indonesian Mangrove Reforestation project. 

Unlock the world of corporate sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms and our social channels (linked below). Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

[HFW Paper] COP28: The Failure to Reach an Article 6 Decision and the Inconvenient Truth: ttps://www.hfw.com/COP28-The-failure-to-reach-an-Article-6-decision-and-the-Inconvenient-truth 

[Paper that Peter quotes] Burke, J and Schenuit, F. (2023) Governing permanence of Carbon Dioxide Removal: a typology of policy measures. CO2RE – The Greenhouse Gas Removal Hub: CO2RE_Report_CDR_Permanence-FINAL-v7.pdf

Peter’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-zaman-99b502/ 

Anna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-stablum-a5a31a/ 

In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Carrie Vollmer-Sanders, Sustainability Director for the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action. Carrie is a leader in the Decade of Agriculture efforts, advancing U.S. agriculture’s triple bottom line of social, environmental, and economic objectives in the Ag Investment Accelerator and Honor the Harvest. She received the White House Champion of Change Award in 2014 for developing the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program at The Nature Conservancy. Additionally, she serves on the Edon Farmers Co-op Board, previously on the US EPA Science Advisory Board, and has worked for the Michigan Farm Bureau.

Listen as Amanda and Carrie discuss the advancements in sustainable and regenerative agriculture to lower the industry’s carbon footprint. Carrie describes the increased collaboration happening across supply chains and explores the challenges the industry faces as it looks to transform its sustainability efforts.

A critical factor in this industry is capturing the story of resiliency quantifiable to the consumer. Carrie also reminds us of the unique and powerful role that Mother Nature plays in the agriculture sector and the continued need to focus on preparing for climate disasters.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Carrie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrievollmersanders/ 

Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/ 

US Farmers & Ranchers in Action: https://usfarmersandranchers.org/

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Dr. Ana Nacvalovaite, a Research Fellow at Kellogg College, Oxford University. Dr. Nacvalovaite is an accomplished researcher, expert, and advocate for ethical business and investment practices. She obtained her doctoral degree from Oxford University, focusing on the regulation, sustainability, and transparency of investments made by sovereign wealth funds. Ana strives to bridge the gap between the immense resources of sovereign wealth funds and the urgent global challenges of climate change and social sustainability. Sovereign wealth funds are state-owned investment vehicles that manage and invest surplus assets on behalf of sovereign nations seeking to diversify their revenue streams and accumulate wealth.

Listen as Kaitlyn and Ana discuss her journey from a human rights lawyer specializing in protecting children in armed conflict to an expert in sovereign wealth funds. Her pivot was fueled, in part, by the 2008 financial crisis, which presented an opportunity for greater regulation of these funds. 

Ana explains the sustainability-related financial strategies for sovereign wealth funds, which drive social benefits. Kaitlyn also reminds us of the longer time horizons for these funds (think: well past 3-5 years), while Ana also shares their current challenges and opportunities for greater positive impact in the future.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Dr. Nacvalovaite’sLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ana-nacvalovaite-a0b367b/

Kellogg College: https://www.kellogg.ox.ac.uk/ 

Case Study: https://rebrand.ly/StanfordCaseStudy 

In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Jennifer Singh, the Sustainability Catalyst for Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), where she coaches and connects early-stage companies focused on solving climate and environmental challenges. Jennifer has over 15 years of experience building and scaling innovative businesses at startups and large corporations and is an industry expert, inventor, and author.

Listen as Amanda and Jennifer discuss the power of collaboration and how ATDC, a technology incubator, plays a vital role in providing startups with the necessary resources to grow. Jennifer highlights their sustainability vertical, which includes startups in renewable energy, circular economy, and water technology.

She also explains how ATDC bridges the gap for startups by connecting them with capital & customers and shares her insights on venture capital investment trends and how to get involved.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Jennifer’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersingh2/ 

Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/ 

ATDC Sustainability Program: https://atdc.org/industry-programs/sustainability/ 

In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Saskhia Menendez, an equality and diversity ambassador, researcher, public speaker, mentor, and social change activist. Saskhia works to help diversify the music industry landscape, as well as help improve representation, access, and educate people of the issues and barriers certain underrepresented groups face. She is a multi-racial trans woman who transitioned 12 years ago and has over 10 years’ experience in the music industry. Saskhia is making brand new tracks, which are due for release early this year.

During their discussion, Amanda and Saskhia highlight the need to diversify the 'business side' of the music industry, including the boardroom and other leadership roles. Saskhia explains the terms 'authentic proportional representation' and 'intersectionality' and their relevance to the music industry. They also discuss how music artists can use their creative efforts to promote Diversity & Inclusion.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Saskhia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/misssaskhia/ 

Saskhia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mizsaskia/ 

Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/ 

In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Marc Held, CEO of Fishtail and a serial entrepreneur focusing on advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) for the supply chain industry. 

Listen as Amanda and Marc discuss how to leverage supply chain data to more efficiently underwrite global trade financing and create nudges for more sustainable purchasing decisions. Marc sheds light on the global Trade Finance Gap, which is comprised of countless small businesses that cannot secure affordable funding for the delivery of their goods to international markets, ultimately impacting their long-term viability. 

Fishtail’s platform has a seamless connection to ESG by converting trade finance into an ESG investable asset class, connecting previously overlooked small companies with lenders and incentivizing the selection of less carbon intensive shipping options. This episode is a great resource for those interested in ESG financing opportunities, decarbonizing global shipping, and business owners seeking capital support.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Marc’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mheld/ 

Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/ 

Fishtail: https://fishtail.ai/ 

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Christy Cooke, Head of Capital Markets & ESG Finance Northern Europe for EcoVadis. EcoVadis is a well-known rating agency that assesses companies' ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance and maturity. Christy has over ten years of experience working in the field of sustainability, with roles in both NGOs and the private sector. Previously, he worked at CDP, working closely with investors and companies on environmental disclosure. 

Listen as Kaitlyn and Christy discuss best practices for the survey submission process. Christy shares survey use case examples and emerging trends for ESG reporting needs in the capital markets. Familiar with the perception that the EcoVadis scoring process may appear to be an enigma, he addresses the topic head-on while discussing the survey's relationship within the scope of the larger ESG regulation landscape. 

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Christy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-cooke-35454471/ 

EcoVadis: https://ecovadis.com/ 

In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Dr. Carolyn Kousky, Associate Vice President for Economics and Policy at the Environmental Defense Fund. Dr. Kousky is an expert in natural disasters, disaster insurance markets, and climate risk management policies. She has been featured in major media outlets and has a PhD in Public Policy from Harvard University. Her latest book, Understanding Disaster Insurance: New Tools for a More Resilient Future, is an excellent resource for the episode.

Disaster insurance is good, but you hope you never have to use it. In light of the unfortunate increase in climate-related disasters worldwide, a greater understanding of insurance products and the financial impact of response and recovery is needed. Listen as Amanda and Dr. Kousky talk about how the insurance industry is evolving its response to disaster risk and the trend towards increased climate-related financial disclosures.

Dr. Kousky also explains the concepts of reinsurance and non-traditional insurance products like parametric insurance and microinsurance, shedding light on how the insurance industry is working to implement different models to facilitate more widespread coverage while increasing transparency around climate risks and possible financial impacts for insurers and the insured.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Dr. Kousky’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckousky/ 

Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/ 

Dr. Kousky’s Book: https://islandpress.org/books/understanding-disaster-insurance 

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen speaks with Angela Baker, Director of Business Development for Envita Solutions, formerly known as Heritage Interactive Services. Angela's primary focus is bringing consistency, best practices, and innovative solutions to the sustainability marketplace. She aims to help her clients achieve their sustainability goals and contribute to building pathways for carbon neutral programs and landfill-free solutions.

Listen as Kaitlyn and Angela discuss Envita’s service offerings and recent rebranding. Angela shares several current client examples, highlighting Envita's standardized approaches to waste management that facilitate transparency and metrics reporting. 

She also introduces S.W.E.A.T (Solid, Water, Energy, Air, and Toxins) objectives, which could be a new concept for some listeners, and discusses the current trends in waste management. Additionally, they explore the topic of competition within sustainability goals and how it can drive innovation and progress.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

*Disclosure: The Heritage Group is an investor in ClimeCo.

Episode Resource Links

Angela’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-price-baker-69711215/

Envita LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/envita-solutions

Envita Website: www.envitainc.com

In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Nick Maynard, Senior Vice President for Commonwealth, where he has spent almost 15 years piloting and scaling innovations to improve the lives of financially vulnerable Americans. He is an expert on savings innovation, especially prize-linked, gamification, and tax-time savings.

Listen as Yvonne and Nick discuss the various services provided by Commonwealth that focus on employee well-being and how an organization's success and financial well-being significantly rely on its staff’s level of engagement. Employee’s financial security strongly determines their ability to bring their full talents to their role. 

Nick also explains how Commonwealth collaborates with BlackRock's Emergency Savings Initiative to assist employers in promoting savings for retirement and emergencies among their low- and moderate-income employees. Commonwealth is continuing to partner with employers, solutions providers, foundations, nonprofits, and policymakers to develop solutions that meet the financial needs of workers earning low and moderate incomes and serve to close the racial and gender wealth gap. Visit https://buildcommonwealth.org/partner-with-us/ for more information.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Nick’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickwmaynard/ 

Yvonne’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ynharris/ 

Commonwealth: https://buildcommonwealth.org/partner-with-us/

In this episode, Erika Schiller talks with Stephanie McLarty, Head of Sustainability at Quantum Lifecycle Partners, Canada's largest IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) and e-waste recycling company. In her role, Stephanie is in charge of building and executing a sustainability strategy across Quantum's 10 locations and beyond to help the company's stakeholders: customers, team, and the planet. She is also a respected thought leader and the host of The Circular Future podcast. 

Reusing and repairing our electronics at work and home have a win-win impact on financial value and carbon savings. Listen as Erika and Stephanie explore her ESG journey, which began with a niche focus on reusing telecom equipment and expanded to a marketplace solution. In her area of expertise, Stephanie leverages data to demonstrate the financial & environmental impacts when products are reused versus recycled. As our devices get smarter, the circular economy of electronics continues to evolve.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Stephanie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smclarty/ 

Erika’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-schiller-2773a52/ 

Quantum Lifecycle Website: https://quantumlifecycle.com/

The Circular Future Podcast: https://quantumlifecycle.com/en_CA/podcast/ 
December Sponsor: https://www.moltevolte.com/podcast

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen welcomes Derek Six, ClimeCo's Chief Operating Officer, and Nico van Aelstyn, a Partner with Sheppard Mullin. 

Listen as Kaitlyn, Derek, and Nico unpack California's Assembly Bill (AB) 1305, which requires sellers/marketers and buyers/consumers of voluntary carbon credits to disclose certain information on their websites. The climate-related law goes into effect on January 1, 2024, to increase consumer knowledge.

During their conversation, Nico and Derek clarify potential ambiguities related to this law, including what it means to 'do business in California' and how to prepare for its enactment. The information shared is a great 'crash course' for the upcoming changes in 2024. 

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links AB1305 Legislation: https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB1305/id/2832513 Nico’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicovanaelstyn/ Derek’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-six-1524645/ December Sponsor: https://www.moltevolte.com/podcast

Disclaimer: Neither ClimeCo LLC nor Sheppard Mullin are rendering legal advice or offering legal assistance by their participation in this podcast.

In this episode, Erika Schiller talks with Dan Diehl, Chief Executive Officer of Aircuity. Dan has over 25 years of industry expertise in commercial and light industrial building markets.

Listen along as Erika and Dan discuss how indoor air quality is an ESG issue that impacts business, health, and workforce productivity. Their discussion also covers systems that better manage HVAC and indoor air, which can significantly reduce carbon footprints and energy costs.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Dan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-diehl-2a97114/ 

Erika’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-schiller-2773a52/ 

Aircuity Website: https://www.aircuity.com/ 

New York Times Article (requires subscription): https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/27/health/schools-indoor-air-covid.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Cynthia Power, Founder of Molte Volte ("many times"), a company specializing in circular apparel. With over 16 years of experience in the fashion industry, Cynthia is an expert in her field, helping  and helps brands and retailers understand and navigate the circular landscape. Her company focuses on building and scaling resale and reuse programs, with a passion for extending the life of high-quality, durable goods.

Listen as Kaitlyn and Cynthia review three of the most pressing ESG issues for the fashion industry: materials, labor and supply chain considerations, and environmental concerns. They also discuss how circularity in fashion can drive job creation and customer loyalty, positively impacting the industry and the planet.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Cynthia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-power-24963513/ 

Molte Volte’s Website: https://www.moltevolte.com/ 

Untangling Circularity Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-untangling-circularity-podcast/ 

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen welcomes Nicholas "Nico" van Aelstyn, a Partner with Sheppard Mullin, and ClimeCo’s David Prieto, Senior Director of Climate & Energy Advisory, to discuss the 2023 California Climate Accountability Act. 

The discussion highlights SB 253, the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, and SB 261, the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act, which address greenhouse gas and climate risk disclosures. While these touch on similar ground as the forthcoming SEC ruling, there are distinct differences, notably related to Scope 3 reporting requirements. 

Nico’s legal acumen complements David’s expertise in greenhouse gas accounting, providing a well-rounded perspective. Together, this trio demystifies the practical applications of these regulations, offering valuable insights for companies seeking to understand and meet the impending requirements set to be enacted in the coming years.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Blog on CA Climate Disclosure Laws: https://rebrand.ly/Climate-Disclosure-Laws-Blog 

Nico’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicovanaelstyn/ 
David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidprieto1/

In this episode, Amanda Hsieh is joined by Arquella Hargrove, Chief Culture Officer at Alchemy Consulting Group. Arquella has 30 years of experience creating productivity-inducing practices in public and private sectors through coaching, diversity, equity, inclusion, HR management, leadership development, strategic planning, and organization development and was named one of Houston's Most Influential Women. 

The focus of this episode is on the platinum rule, which encourages us to treat others the way they want to be treated. Listen as Amanda and Arquella explore the pivotal role of inclusive leaders in fostering a workplace culture of belonging and discuss the traits of inclusive leaders.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Prepare for insightful episodes that ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Arquella’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arquella-hargrove-79a92910 

Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/ 

Alchemy’s Website: https://alchemy-consulting.com/  

In this episode, Amanda Hsieh is joined by Shireen Muhiudeen, Fund Manager and Author of We Are All Stakeholders. Shireen is a senior investment professional with 33 years of experience in emerging market investments and sustainability, which led her to found Corston-Smith, a responsible asset management firm, in 2004. 

Shireen's impressive career includes serving as the CEO of AIG Investment Corporation Malaysia and being the first female Chairman of the Stock Exchange of Malaysia. Her contributions to the industry landed her on Forbes Asia's 50 Power Businesswomen and Asian Investor's 25 Most Influential Women in Asia Pacific's Asset Management Industry. 

Amanda and Shireen are powerful advocates for diversity in corporate leadership, and their conversation focuses on the importance of women's representation on corporate boards. Shireen emphasizes the positive impact of diverse boards on business performance and encourages more stringent measures for board member selection.

We are all stakeholders in ESG and our voices matter. Learn more about this topic in Episode #84, Women's Panel: Fostering Gender Equality in the Board Room: https://youtu.be/LZGVX_YYEiI?si=QC7r3lVX2tyS0Jai

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Shireen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shireen-muhiudeen/ 

Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/ 

‘We Are All Stakeholders’ book: https://a.co/d/d23yHlI 

Entrepreneur Magazine Highlights ‘We Are All Stakeholders’: https://rebrand.ly/Entrepreneur-Magazine 

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen is joined by Darshita Gillies, the Founder & CEO of Maanch, a leading technology solution provider for asset managers and investors, revolutionizing the landscape of stewardship practices and sustainable, long-term value creation. In addition to being a globally recognized ESG and impact evangelist, Darshita is a chartered accountant, former investment banker, executive coach, and specialist in fintech and blockchain. She is a recognized ESG and Diversity Trailblazer and was honored as one of the world's 100 Most Meaningful Business Leaders, among many other accolades.

Listen as Kaitlyn and Darshita dive into the genesis of Maanch and how Darshita’s formative years, including her work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, inspired her entrepreneurship journey.

Globally, ESG assets now total a staggering $2.5 trillion. Maanch offers a software solution that captures data and provides insights for responsible investment stewardship–filling a gap in the market (no, it’s not another ESG ratings provider). This conversation highlights the impact of regional nuances related to the 'Governance' aspect of ESG. Darshita also reminds us that the approach to ESG investing reporting needs to be holistic, taking into account all stakeholders. 

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Darshita’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshitagillies/ 

Maanch Website: https://maanch-invest.com/

Whitepaper Resource: Decoding Effective Stewardship.

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen and David Prieto of ClimeCo are joined by Jonah Wagner, Chief Strategist at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO).

Jonah's expertise lies in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) implementation and scaling clean energy technologies, having previously worked at McKinsey & Company and the New Zealand Treasury. He also played key roles in organizations like Delterra and Piramal Water LLC, focusing on sustainable business development and infrastructure.

David, ClimeCo’s Sr. Director for Climate & Energy Advisory, specializes in helping companies transition to decarbonized business models, with a strong emphasis on climate risk, decarbonization strategy, environmental markets, and ESG disclosure. 

Listen as Jonah and David discuss the work of the DOE LPO related to clean energy deployment and industrial decarbonization projects. They delve into the DOE LPO's unique role in taking investment risks from demonstration projects to accelerate the deployment of climate technologies financed by the private sector. With an average of 1.5 new applications per week, Jonah provides insights into the process of applying for LPO funding and clarifies the concept of conditional commitments. Additionally, they explore topics like the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program, Pathways to Commercial Liftoff, and ClimeCo's connection to the DOE.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Monthly Application Activity Report: https://www.energy.gov/lpo/monthly-application-activity-report

Title 17 Clean Energy Financing: https://www.energy.gov/lpo/title-17-clean-energy-financing

Liftoff Reports: https://liftoff.energy.gov/ 

Jonah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonah-wagner-49434215/

David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidprieto1/

Careers at LPO: https://www.energy.gov/lpo/careers-loan-programs-office

In this brief episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Steven Okun, Founder and CEO of APAC Advisors. Steven has over 25 years of experience across government, public affairs, and communication. 

Steven has lived and worked in Asia since 2003, serving as the Senior Advisor in ASEAN for EMPEA, formerly the Emerging Markets Private Equity Association, and is a member of their global ESG and impact working groups. He also created and led public affairs for KKR Asia Pacific from 2011-2017, including implementing their regional ESG policy.

Listen as Kaitlyn and Steven announce ClimeCo’s expansion in Singapore, and check out the official press release to learn more. In addition, Steven discusses three ESG focal points for the region: 1) addressing the climate crisis, 2) tackling human rights and supply chain concerns, and 3) addressing the surge in cyber security threats and ransomware attacks. These issues resonate with key stakeholders, including investors, corporate leaders, employees, and customers. Steven briefly addresses the transition to a low carbon economy, particularly the investor impact, with Singapore’s carbon tax set to increase 5x next year.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Steven’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenokun/

Kaitlyn’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-allen-sustainability/

APAC Advisors’ Website: https://www.apacadvisors.com/about 

ClimeCo’s Expansion in Singapore: https://climeco.com/climeco-expands-presence-in-singapore-with-the-hire-of-anna-stablum/ 

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen converses with Kurt Kipka, Chief Impact Officer of Apparel Impact Institute (Aii). Kurt manages the growth and longevity of global programs, including Clean by Design – a proven platform for improving the resource efficiency of textile mills in collaboration with multinational brands. 

Before joining Aii, he spent three years at the environmental non-profit Natural Resources Defense Council, focusing on developing programs and tools to measure and improve the environmental performance of leading brands and retailers. Additionally, Kurt spent ten years in retail sourcing and has served as chair and active member of several retail industry councils and steering teams. 

Join Kaitlyn and Kurt as they explore sustainability in the apparel industry and delve into the associated environmental concerns. Kurt walks us through the science-based approaches that allow Aii to zero in on environmental issues in apparel production, long-term road maps for process efficiencies, the work of the Fashion Climate Fund, and his unique path to a career in sustainability.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Kurt’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-kipka-3551b917/

Aii 2022 Impact Report: https://www.apparelimpactreport.org/

Fashion Climate Fund: https://apparelimpact.org/fashion-climate-fund/

Climate Solutions Portfolio: https://apparelimpact.org/climate-solutions-portfolio/ 

The Updated Roadmap to Net Zero: https://apparelimpact.org/taking-stock-of-progress-report/

In this episode, Erika Schiller sits down with Ken Chlapik, Global Market Manager for Johnson Matthey (JM), a global leader in sustainable technologies.

Ken is an expert in developing solutions that utilize JM's innovative low-carbon CLEANPACETM and ADVANCED REFORMINGTM technologies. Throughout his career, Ken has played a vital role in the growth of steam methane reforming (SMR) hydrogen utilization for clean fuel in the oil refining industry. During his tenure, the capacity of SMR-based hydrogen has tripled, and the hydrogen production is projected to increase dramatically in the next two decades as the world shifts towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.

Based in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, Ken holds a B.Sc. degree in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. Ken is a respected representative of JM at the Institute of Clean Air Companies – ICAC and the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) screening committee, which recognized Ken with the prestigious Peter G. Andrews Lifetime Service Award. He is a prolific author, having published several articles lately exploring the acceleration of decarbonization in existing refining and petrochemical facilities, providing invaluable insights on achieving “A Running Start to Net Zero."

Industrial facilities are responsible for 50% of the world's CO2 emissions, equivalent to 20 gigatons. Listen along as Erika and Ken dive into the topic of industrial decarbonization, breaking down the complex terms and acronyms as they go. They also discuss JM's solutions and its partnership with ClimeCo to positively impact industrial decarbonization.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Ken’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-chlapik-96ab6257/

Erika’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-schiller-2773a52/

JM’s Website: https://matthey.com/

JM’s Low-Carbon Solutions: https://rebrand.ly/LowCarbonSolutions 

JM CLEANPACE Hydrogen Solutions: https://rebrand.ly/CLEANPACE 

95% CO2 Reduction in Hydrogen Plants: https://rebrand.ly/ReductionForHydrogenPlants Running Start to Net-Zero: https://rebrand.ly/StartNetZero 

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen engages in an exciting conversation with Raffi Schieir, Founder of Bantam Materials UK Ltd. Raffi is a well-respected leader in the plastics space, having established a market-leading Prevented Ocean Plastic program that is shaping the future of ocean-bound plastics. 

Originally from Canada, Raffi moved to the UK in 2011 to establish the UK division of Bantam Materials Inc. In his remarkable journey, Raffi has chaired Europe's prominent plastic recycling conference (ICIS 2017) and has been nominated as Recycling Ambassador of the Year in the UK and Europe. 

Taking a hands-on approach to understanding the issues and opportunities around plastic pollution, Raffi partnered with leading supply experts to create a fully traceable supply chain for Prevented Ocean Plastic in 2019. Since then, this initiative has blossomed into an award-winning program that works with global brands and producers to create tangible change. Additionally, the Prevented Ocean Plastic Research Centre complements this work with evidence-based research. 

Our planet is grappling with plastic waste valued at a staggering $100 billion. Nearly a billion bottles have been diverted from the ocean, and the number is rising exponentially as opportunities and solutions expand. Tune in as Kaitlyn and Raffi unpack how this waste can be transformed into a force for positive change, both socially and economically.

Additionally, they explore the challenges of establishing collecting infrastructures in rural and coastal communities intricately tied to the '25 by 2025' initiative. This conversation is also a reminder of the connection between plastic and carbon footprints. While some companies have regressed in plastics recycling due to economic factors, others have taken bold strides forward with intentional commitments to this work. These businesses exemplify that doing good and generating profits need not be mutually exclusive.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Raffi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffi-schieir-83b4643a/ 

Prevented Ocean Plastic Website: https://www.preventedoceanplastic.com/

Prevented Ocean Plastic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/preventedoceanplastic/

Prevented Ocean Plastic Twitter: https://twitter.com/PreventOPlastic

25 by 2023 Initiative: https://www.preventedoceanplastic.com/prevented-ocean-plastic-on-a-mission-to-open-25-collection-centres-by-2025/ 

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Cate Lamb, Global Director of Water Security at CDP, the world's largest coalition of non-state actors committed to delivering a water secure future. Cate is responsible for ensuring that CDP’s Water Security program maintains its status as the gold standard for disclosure of corporate and city water-related information globally, while also driving swift changes in corporate and city behavior towards water. She is leading CDP’s work to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy by enhancing water-related transparency and associated due diligence in private finance. 

Cate's efforts have resulted in the creation of the world's first portfolio water impacts reporting framework designed for banks, asset managers, asset owners, and insurance companies. She is now spearheading the development of a Water Action Pathway for Finance alongside OECD, WFN, and UNEP FI. 

Beyond her work at CDP, Cate has served as the UNFCCC High Level Climate Champion Lead for Water for COP26, is Co-Chair of the Science-Based Targets Network, advisor to UNGC’s SDG Leadership network, knowledge partner of the TNFD, founder of the Fair Water Footprints Coalition, and one of Thomson Reuters 2023 Trailblazing Women working on Climate.

Get ready as Kaitlyn and Cate dive into the important role of non-profits in the ESG space. Cate shares the CDP's process for collecting data for reporting frameworks, which are utilized by multiple stakeholders, including financial institutions, businesses, and academics. 

Their work doesn't stop there - CDP's areas of focus have evolved from greenhouse gas emissions to its current work with plastics. Join the conversation as they review the Global Plastics Treaty which engages 200 countries in efforts to address the entire lifecycle of plastics, with a particular focus on stopping the flow of plastic waste into the ocean.

When it comes to proper plastics recycling, the impact is far-reaching and affects a variety of industries, from petroleum to fashion. For those looking to dive deeper into this important issue, the United Nations Framework for the Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an excellent resource. 

Unlock the world of corporate sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community, where we thoughtfully go in depth on complex issues. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). 

Episode Resource Links

Cate’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catelamb/

CDP Website: https://www.cdp.net/en

United Nations FCCC Website: https://unfccc.int/ 

In this episode, Yvonne Harris engages in an interesting conversation with John Shegerian, the Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of ERI, the largest electronic waste recycler in the United States. John is a serial social entrepreneur who co-founded Homeboy Industries, FinancialAid.com, Engage, and many other impactful organizations. As a leader in his field, John has played a pivotal role in paving the way for the electronic recycling, data protection, and ITAD industries as a whole. Under his stewardship, ERI has successfully expanded its operations to process over a billion pounds of electronic waste annually, with eight certified locations that cater to every ZIP Code throughout the US.

Currently, John serves as a member of the Advisory Board for the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business. Additionally, he was recognized as the Clean Tech Entrepreneur of the Year for Northern California by Ernst & Young and was honored with a spot on City & State New York's esteemed "Responsible 100" list in the previous year. He is also a respected member of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).

Listen along as Yvonne and John discuss his career journey and how he channeled his innovation and passion for protecting the planet to focus on creating sustainable solutions for e-waste. John also shares his insights on the transformative changes that have occurred over time, making e-waste the fastest-growing waste stream on the planet. 

The topic of responsible recycling is further explored as they reflect on how companies and individuals can responsibly recycle their e-waste and protect their data. This inspiring conversation may encourage individuals to consider more mindful consumption decisions. Do you really need the latest smartphone?

As a thank-you gift to ESG Decoded listeners, we are happy to offer you a FREE copy of John Shegerian's book, The Insecurity of Everything: How Hardware Data Security is Becoming the Most Important Topic in the World. 

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

John’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnshegerian/ 

Yvonne’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ynharris/ 

ERI Website: https://eridirect.com/ 

Check out John’s book, The Insecurity of Everything: https://eridirect.com/insecurity-of-everything-book/

Calling all soccer enthusiasts! In this episode, Amanda Hsieh immerses in an enlightening discussion with Jordan Enke, Senior Vice President of Stadium Operations at Austin FC in Austin, Texas. Jordan plays a pivotal role in the organization with a comprehensive scope that includes overseeing general operations, safety and security, event and guest services, parking and mobility, and sustainability initiatives. Having been a part of Austin FC since its early days in 2019, he was instrumental in various aspects, from site selection to the design and construction efforts of Q2 Stadium. 

Q2 Stadium has garnered numerous accolades, including being certified as LEED Gold by the US Green Building Council. Its achievements also span receiving the Outstanding Construction Award from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) for the Austin Chapter in 2021, being recognized as a VenuesNow All-Star, securing the ULI Austin Impact Award for Most Influential Project in 2021, and earning a StadiumDB Nomination for Stadium of the Year in the same year. The stadium further received the Austin Business Journal Commercial Real Estate Award for Project of the Year in 2021 and the '21 Best Projects Award of Merit from Engineering News-Record in the Sports/Entertainment category for the Texas-Louisiana Region. In 2022, the MLSPA voted Q2 Stadium the Best Atmosphere and Best Field.

Jordan's educational journey led him to a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from West Virginia University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2010. In addition to his academic achievements, he was also recognized as a Facility Management Professional in 2015, showcasing his dedication to excellence.

This is our first ESG Decoded episode to feature a professional sports team. However, instead of talking about players and stats, Amanda and Jordan take a fresh approach by exploring sustainability. Keeping with the theme of 'firsts,' Austin FC is the first major professional sports team in Austin, a city that has long boasted some of the most passionate college sports fans in the country. Tune in as they unravel the intricacies of building a stadium, with a spotlight on site selection being a pivotal factor for sustainability advancements. 

Considering the climate, Q2 Stadium's design cleverly harnesses natural breezes and integrates inventive stormwater management and passive cooling systems. In line with an eco-friendly approach, the stadium's intentional limited parking promotes public transportation usage. The Austin FC organization extends its influence beyond the field, serving as a unifying force in the community with targets for financial and ticket donations to deserving causes. 

This conversation will offer a new perspective and an appreciation for the blend of sustainability and sportsmanship. After listening to this episode, we hope you never look at sports stadiums the same again.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/

Jordan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-enke-04684145/ 

Austin FC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/austin-fc/ Austin FC Website: https://www.austinfc.com/

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

If you're eager to learn more and empower your organization with valuable resources, don't miss these resource links:

Neiman Marcus Group Power of One People Report - Gain insights into NMG's dedication to DEIB through their comprehensive report: https://www.neimanmarcusgroup.com/People-report-2022

Neiman Marcus Group 2022 ESG Report - Explore NMG's 2022 ESG journey, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and inclusivity: https://www.neimanmarcusgroup.com/ESG-report-2022

"Bias Interrupted: Creating Inclusion for Real and for Good" by Joan C. Williams - A must-read book that sheds light on creating a truly inclusive environment: https://biasinterrupters.org/book/

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Boundless’ Methodology: https://www.boundlessimpact.net/boundless-methodology

Additional Insights and Motivations: https://www.mcjcollective.com/my-climate-journey-podcast/michele-demers

In this episode, Amanda Hsieh is joined by Dr. Garry Cooper, the Co-founder and CEO of Rheaply. This Chicago-based tech company helps Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and universities better visualize, quantify, and utilize their physical resources.

Dr. Garry Cooper is a renowned entrepreneur and neuroscientist with a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Northwestern University and two Bachelors from Indiana University. He has a diverse background with experience at Northwestern University and Ernst & Young and has received recognition from Forbes, Chicago magazine, Crain's, and Goldman Sachs. Dr. Cooper has also published in high-impact, peer-reviewed, international journals and holds a U.S. patent.

Listen as Amanda and Garry reflect on the importance of reuse in a local circular economy as they discuss the need for consumers to be more thoughtful about their purchase and waste decisions. 

Scaling our reuse ability largely depends on supporting and aligning technology, infrastructure, and public policy. Doing so creates a paradigm shift in economies that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and addresses environmental justice. Cities worldwide are poised to play a crucial role in this effort that can be a true game-changer for an inclusive transition to a low-carbon economy.

Unlock the world of sustainability and join the ESG Decoded Podcast community! Make sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and our social channels (linked below). Get ready for insightful new episodes that will ignite your passion for positive change. Tune in, engage, and let's decode ESG together!

Episode Resource Links

Garry’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrycooperphd/ 

Amanda’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/ 

Rheaply Website: https://rheaply.com/ 

Garry’s TED Talk: https://rebrand.ly/GarryTedTalk 

In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Jonathan Colbert, Vice President of Marketing for Voltera, a turnkey charging infrastructure provider focused on electric vehicle fleets. Jonathan is an executive passionate about leveraging technology to build powerful relationships between people and brands. Previously he spent time at Rivian as the Director of the Waypoints Network and was responsible for the go-to-market strategy and planned deployment of over 10,000 charging stations supporting key initiatives. Some of the initiatives he was involved with were the Transamerica Trail Drive with MotorTrend and Yosemite National Park. Before Rivian, Jonathan was a founding member of the Mercedes-Benz USA CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared + Services, Electric) Team as North America's Charging and Infrastructure Lead. He led the ramp-up of charging infrastructure at Mercedes-Benz dealerships and Daimler facilities, along with customer-focused charging mobility and home installation services. Before Mercedes-Benz USA, Jonathan was a Director of Marketing at Techtronic Industries, N.A., integrating brand marketing efforts for RIDGID® Power Tools, HART™ Hand Tools, and Arctic Cove™. He attended Florida State University and earned an MBA in Management of Technology at Georgia Tech's Scheller College of Business. 

Listen as Jonathan demystifies Voltera's process to create and scale the implementation of charging stations to keep up with the demand that will soon be on our roads. He explains 'charging as a service' and 'fleet as a service' and contrasts those concepts with Voltera's service. This conversation reminds us of all the moving parts to achieve electrification and you will share in Jonathan's excitement as he describes Voltera's mission to serve zero-emission vehicle fleets and its quest to improve this entire industry.

Check out Voltera's Playbook 1 (the first in a series of 5) to address the value proposition of charging infrastructure. This edition focuses on the biggest challenges of real estate site acquisition and power procurement.

Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, YouTube, and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Ling-Ling Nie and Hilary Donnell of Aura, a leading provider of proactive all-in-one digital safety. Ling-Ling is Deputy General Counsel, Chief Compliance & ESG Officer, and Head of Government Affairs. Hilary is Aura's Head of Corporate Social Responsibility & Public Affairs and established the company's efforts to diversify the technology industry and help protect communities especially vulnerable to digital threats.

Listen as Kaitlyn, Ling-Ling, and Hilary discuss the unique services that Aura provides as a centralized solution for online safety and the proactive prevention of identity theft and fraud – relating online safety’s connection to ESG. Given the correlation between hybrid/work-from-home arrangements and enterprise security breaches, their offerings are even more critical today. As a startup, Aura is proof that a mission-driven company of any size can implement a growth strategy with sustainability in mind. Hilary and Ling-Ling share their work with key organizational stakeholders for alignment on ESG data collection and their commitment to carbon neutrality. As our listeners know, there is no cookie-cutter approach to careers in ESG. Ling-Ling and Hilary share their career trajectories with sound advice on how to create an ESG opportunity with your current organization as opposed to thinking you have to move to another company to pursue this impactful work.

More About Ling Ling & Hilary

Ling Ling previously served as General Counsel and Vice President for Ethics & Compliance at the Georgia Institute of Technology and as Chief Compliance Officer & Assistant General Counsel at Panasonic Corporation of North America. In 2021, she received the General Counsel award from the Atlanta Business Chronicle and Georgia's Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel. In 2019, Ling Ling was selected as a "40 Under 40" honoree by both the Atlanta Business Chronicle and the University of Georgia. She received the Women's Leadership Award from the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association (GAPABA). Ling Ling is a University of Georgia graduate who received her law degree from Washington and Lee University's School of Law –  licensed to practice in Georgia and Virginia. 

Hilary also oversees the Aura Innovation Fund, the company's ethical investment platform for early-stage startups evolving the intelligent safety ecosystem, led by underrepresented individuals in technology or building online safety solutions for especially vulnerable communities. Before Aura, Hilary served as Vice President at national consultancy FleishmanHillard, where she led corporate reputation, CSR, and environmental, social governance (ESG)-related efforts for Fortune 500 companies. Hilary earned her B.A. from American University in Public Communications, Public Policy, & Justice.

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In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Leela Ramnath, Senior VP and Head of ESG at Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity firm. Leela leads global ESG strategy, collaborates with investment teams and portfolio companies to drive and optimize implementation, and manages vital partnerships for the firm. She has 20 years of experience working across capital markets, emerging markets, and ESG. Before joining Warburg Pincus, she led innovation and sustainability at an impact-focused investment firm, and previously worked at Barclays covering emerging markets and at a global insurer focused on securitized products. She serves on ClimeCo’s Board of Managers and on the board of the nonprofit Ownership Works a former Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts in International Relations from the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University.

Listen as Kaitlyn and Leela discuss the private equity vs. the public markets perspective on ESG. As a baseline for this conversation, Leela reminds us what defines ESG. She explores the three overarching trends for ESG: regulation, climate, and ESG data plus provides insights from work done by the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) Private Equity Task Force (link below).

Like many of the previous guests on this podcast, the ESG-related path was not straight but one filled with exciting adventures that prepared Leela for the positive impacts she makes today.

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Episode Resource Links

ESG Metrics in Private Equity: https://a.storyblok.com/f/109506/x/42de72c1ca/esg-metrics-in-private-equity.pdf

Leela’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leela-ramnath-4869b5/

Warburg Pincus Website: https://warburgpincus.com/

Disclaimer for Anchor

Goals are aspirational and not guarantees or promises that all goals will be met. Certain information contained herein relating to any goals, targets, intentions or expectations (collectively, “initiatives”) is subject to change. The ESG or impact initiatives discussed herein are purely voluntary and are not binding on investment decisions and/or Warburg Pincus's management of investments. Warburg Pincus may in the future establish, certain ESG or impact initiatives, or cease participating in any working group. Warburg Pincus assumes no obligation to update the information herein.

Participation in the Sustainable Markets Initiative (“SMI”), including the SMI Private Equity Taskforce (“PESMIT”) and/or any PESMIT Working Group, is not intended to convey current or intended alignment with or endorsement or approval of the information contained in any SMI Report (“Reports”).

Except where expressly specified, any ESG or impact-related initiative or improvement trajectories published by the Private Equity Sustainable Markets Initiative Taskforce are not being marketed to investors or promoted and do not bind any investment decisions made in respect of, or the management or stewardship of, any funds managed by Warburg Pincus LLC for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 on sustainability-related disclosures in the financial services sector.

To honor this milestone, founding hosts, Kaitlyn Allen and Amanda Hsieh share some very exciting news… Erika Schiller is joining the podcast as Co-host! Erika is Senior VP, Project Development at ClimeCo. She specializes in energy transformation acceleration, understanding the challenges and opportunities in the hard-to-abate sectors that drive our economy. She is helping evolve solutions for the hard–to–abate sector, including expanding industrial gas abatement to a broader customer base. Her focus is to offer solutions in Carbon Capture Use and Storage (CCUS) and hydrogen markets. Erika’s team also develops insetting services to support customers in enabling and monetizing supply chain emissions reductions. Before ClimeCo, Erika worked in the low-carbon energy industry for 10 years, spanning energy storage to renewable fuels and carbon capture use & storage with Chevron. She launched the Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) business, forming two joint ventures in dairy RNG production. She then moved to their strategy and sustainability team, where she led the commercial strategy for a new Carbon Capture Use and Storage (CCUS) global business line and started up  Chevron’s New Energies. Erika earned her Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business, and her Bachelor of Science from Vanderbilt University. She enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, running, snowboarding, and taking her children to the park. Stay tuned for Erika’s big debut!

Join us in celebrating Episode 100, as the Hosts field questions via a live Q&A webinar (recorded June 13, 2023) and designed to engage listeners and previous guests in real-time. We look forward to all that is to come for this podcast, continued education on current ESG trends, insightful guests, and actionable takeaways for ESG professionals and businesses.

We’d also like to shoutout Yvonne Harris, who has supported the team as a co-host and producer, You can check out her latest episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jdKZ1pfwLc.

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Cheers to the next 100 episodes!

Episode Resource Links

Erika Schiller’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-schiller-2773a52/

Erika’s Bio: https://climeco.com/erika-schiller/

Kaitlyn Allen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-allen-sustainability/

Kaitlyn’s Bio: https://climeco.com/kaitlyn-allen/

Amanda Hsieh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahsieh1/

Amanda’s Bio: https://climeco.com/amanda-hsieh/

In this episode,  Yvonne Harris talks with Miriam Lopez, Founder of SeEQmore Consulting Group. Miriam is a strategic leader with over 20 years of visible achievements in business transformation, human resources, and performance management. Her passion for providing accelerated transformation, empowering individuals, and developing top-performing teams allows them to reach their highest potential. She is a lifelong learner trained in LEAN, Six Sigma, and Dare to Lead™. Born in Mexico City, Miriam holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Writing and Technical Communications from the University of Houston.

Listen as Yvonne and Miriam discuss the investments that companies are making in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).. Miriam discusses why pronoun usage is essential and how leaders and organizations can facilitate this topic. Addressing someone by their correct pronouns is not just a formality but an acknowledgment that drives a more profound sense of inclusion and belonging to the individual and "people culture." How can corporations show greater support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and beyond? Tune in to find out!
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In this episode,  Kaitlyn Allen talks with Dr. Shiva Rajgopal, the Kester and Byrnes Professor of Accounting and Auditing at Columbia Business School. He is the Departmental Editor of the Accounting Track of Management Science and an Associate Editor at the Journal of Accounting and Economics. Professor Rajgopal has also been a faculty member at Duke University, Emory University, and the University of Washington. His research interests span financial reporting, earnings quality, fraud, executive compensation, and corporate culture. Professor Rajgopal’s research is in popular press, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg, Fortune, Forbes, Financial Times, Business Week, and the Economist. He teaches fundamental analysis of financial statements for investors, managers, and entrepreneurs and a Ph.D. seminar on accounting regulation. Professor Rajgopal was awarded the 2006 and 2016 American Accounting Association (AAA) Notable Contribution to the Literature award, the 2006 and 2016 Graham and Dodd Scroll Prize given by the Financial Analysts Journal, and the 2008, 2012, and 2015 Glen McLaughlin Award for Research in Accounting Ethics.  

This episode is a refreshing change of pace as we review academic perspectives and how they add value to the ESG conversation. Listen as Dr. Rajgopal (“Shiva”) explains ways to interpret the ESG trend through the accounting lens. Shiva admits that he was once an ESG skeptic, but through research has concluded that ESG is a response to the inadequacy of traditional financial reporting to capture material risks in a globalized economy. Research drives academic conversations relevant to ESG, but they often stay within academia; Shiva encourages academics to join the conversation. He shares his opinion that accounting models and standards must keep up with times. Shiva helps us to re-examine some of our ways of thinking. Who is the mythical shareholder that we always reference? Is ‘long washing’ the ultimate ESG idea? Tune in to learn more.

Dr. Rajgopal Forbes columns:: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shivaramrajgopal/#2cf290cb2294

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While many in the United States may be familiar with Juneteenth, this holiday has become more prominent over the past few years. Fueled by social justice issues in 2020, Juneteenth's enactment as a U.S. Federal holiday occurred in 2021. In this episode, Yvonne Harris talks with Jason Edwards, the President & C.E.O. of Juneteenth U.S.A., the oldest Juneteenth nonprofit advocacy organization in the United States. 

Founded by his late Father, State Representative Al Edwards Sr., in 1985, Jason's purpose is to raise awareness of the Juneteenth Holiday, support events, the arts, and education for that purpose, and encourage state legislative bodies around the U.S. to take up the law in their state legislatures and pass it as a state holiday. In addition to his "passion work," Jason founded Providence Realty Investors and P.R.I. Asset Management, where he is responsible for the development, asset management, and capital markets for several high-net-worth and family office real estate portfolios in the Southeast. He is a founding board member of the Atlanta-based Grove Park Foundation and President of Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management Alumni Club of Atlanta. Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Morehouse College and a Master of Business Administration from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. 

Jason's vantage point on the evolution of the Juneteenth holiday is unique and personal, as his Dad is considered the "Father of Juneteenth." He was present with his family as a toddler on the steps of the Texas State Capitol when Governor Bill Clements signed the law making Juneteenth a state holiday in 1980. Listen as Yvonne and Jason discuss the meaning of the holiday and its renewed importance to many businesses and individuals. Jason also gives sound advice on how corporations can leverage Juneteenth to further their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) efforts and their need for courageous conversations about racial equity in the workplace.

To support this episode, check out the Black Equity Index - Coqual, and share it with senior leaders and diversity officers. Linked below!

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Episode Resource Links:

Jason’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkedwards/

About Juneteenth: https://www.juneteenthusa.org/

Black Equity Index: https://coqual.org/black-equity-index/

Harvard Implicit Bias Test: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/user/agg/blindspot/indexrk.htm

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. 

In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with  Denise Vaughn, Vice President of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) for Ferguson, a $28.6B value-added distributor in North America providing expertise, solutions, and products from infrastructure, plumbing and appliances to HVAC, fire, fabrication and more. As a member of Ferguson’s Executive Leadership Team member, Denise is responsible for the company’s overarching ESG strategy, ensuring integration into business strategy and operations. She works cross-functionally to identify opportunities and partnerships to help Ferguson deliver on its short- and long-term ESG goals, maximize impact, and effectively communicate with all stakeholders. Denise holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communications and strategic public relations from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is an alumnus of the 2010 Civic Leadership Institute. She has attended executive development programs at Harvard Business School, University of Virginia Darden School of Business, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, and Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. Denise is a strong advocate of community service and is currently on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the Newport News Educational Foundation. 

The African Proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” is a perfect adage to describe the community support that organizations provide each other in ESG. work. There is always an openness to share best practices and lessons; this podcast further supports that sentiment. Listen as Amanda and Denise review the leadingb practices asics for creating and implementing an ESG strategy. Whether your organization has a more mature ESG program or is just beginning, critical points in this episode will help get you started or create a pivot to power more measurable results.

Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, YouTube, and social media so that you’re notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!

Episode Resource Links

 Ferguson - Environmental, Social and Governance

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. 

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Robin Ferracone, Founder and CEO of Farient Advisors LLC, a leading independent executive compensation, performance, and corporate governance consultancy. Farient Advisors assists clients in designing and delivering executive compensation solutions that support business strategy, talent development, and value creation platforms. Robin has led the strategic development and expansion of the executive compensation, performance, and corporate governance advisory firm. With over 30 years of consulting experience, she advises clients on business and talent strategies, executive compensation, organization, value management, and performance measurement. Robin also authorizes Fair Pay Fair Play: Aligning Executive Performance and Pay (John Wiley & Sons, 2010), has authored numerous articles, is a regular contributor to Forbes.com and Directorship magazine, and is involved in various national publications. She frequently presents for prominent organizations such as the Council of Institutional Investors and the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).

While executive compensation can be loaded, this topic is a window into the boardroom and a barometer for an organization's overall approach to corporate governance. Listen as Kaitlyn and Robin explore why executive compensation matters to corporations, boards, and investors. Robin discusses the major trends in corporate governance concerning executive compensation: pay, performance, and strategic alignments. Increasingly, compensation metrics have ties to ESG and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) goals. Robin also highlights a few do's and don'ts regarding executive compensation and encourages organizations to have pilot programs before implementing lasting changes that will affect pay structures. This episode's information will help organizations discover the 'art and science' components that are key to any impactful executive compensation program.

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Episode Resource Links

"2023 Global Trends in Stakeholder Incentives: The Staying Power of ESG," the sixth annual report by Farient and its partners in the Global Governance and Executive Compensation Group (GECN): https://farient.com/2022/11/17/esg‐measures‐here‐to‐stayfarient‐

global‐research‐finds/

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. 

In this episode, Amanda Hsieh talks with Dean Slocum, Founder & President of Acorn International, Acorn delivers the expertise that global businesses need to thrive in high-risk environments amidst community opposition, environmental liabilities, and shareholder activism. Dean is a leading consultant to international extractive industries for social, environmental, and sustainable development management. He has 30 years of experience in social and environmental assessment and performance improvement programs for industries, investors, and governments worldwide. Among his international recognitions is selection by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) to be editor and committee chair of a 2009 publication on environmental, health, safety, and social management best practices for the international oil and gas industry and a 2010-2011 SPE Distinguished Lecturer on The Next Generation of Stakeholder Engagement.

Listen as Amanda and Dean share an Environmental Justice (EJ) 101 lesson with our listeners. The concept of EJ emerged 30 years ago, but it is a new topic to many. Collectively, we are learning how to implement EJ in ways that move corporations forward. Getting the efforts right can help current and future success. Dean discusses why EJ has recently become more prominent, three factors to ensure the energy transition happens, and the relationship between EJ and social license to operate. This work may feel daunting at first, so Dean offers practical tips to companies beginning their EJ efforts.  

Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, YouTube, and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in! 

Episode Resource Links

ISSUE 54: WHY THE ENERGY TRANSITION WILL FAIL WITHOUT GOOD SOCIAL SCIENCE

EJScreen: Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool | US EPA

Explore the map - Climate & Economic Justice Screening Tool (geoplatform.gov)

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Environmental Justice and Congressional Leaders, Advocates Applaud the New Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool | CEQ | The White House

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. 

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Wil Srubar, Ph.D., Founder & CTO of Minus Materials, Inc., a seed-stage start-up commercializing a carbon-negative cement derived from microalgae. Dr. Srubar holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University and BS and MS degrees from Texas A&M University and the University of Texas at Austin, respectively. Along with his role at Minus Materials, he is an Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and Principal Investigator of the Living Materials Laboratory. He has raised >$15M in funding for his research and commercialization efforts and has authored over 100 technical journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings. Dr. Srubar’s work and vision are fueled by his deep-seated passion for leveraging what nature provides, and stem from his upbringing on his family's farm. 

Listen as they discuss the new frontier of construction biotech, and what inspired Minus Materials’ microalgae technology. Concrete is the second-most used material on earth after water, so creating a carbon-negative version is a priority. Dr. Srubar challenges us to think beyond the non-renewable resources used in construction and consider the possibilities that renewable materials can offer as high-performing building products. How can we find efficient ways to integrate them into the current supply chain?

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Episode Resource Links

https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/green-tech/a40785162/microalgae-carbon-neutral-cement/

https://www.fastcompany.com/90777102/this-starup-is-using-microalgae-to-make-carbon-neutral-cement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LcAlFoepuw

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. 

In this episode,  Amanda Hsieh talks with Luke Oliver, Head of Climate Investments for KraneShares, a asset manager building innovative investment products that provide access to unique markets. In addition to curating the firm's climate, carbon, and impact strategies, Luke educates clients on asset class and client implementation strategies. He is a regular industry commentator on TV and in the press and is responsible for digestible climate research. Before joining KraneShares, Luke built and ran theUS XTrackers ETF business at DWS (formerly Deutsche Asset Management), where he pioneered currency hedging, onshore China, and ESG strategies – among the first to recognize the importance of value-aligned portfolios. This diverse experience has allowed Luke to identify the most powerful emerging trends in the investment landscape. 

"Pricing carbon emissions and decarbonizing the global economy is the greatest challenge and opportunity we will ever be presented with. I have no doubt this will be our mission for the next 20 years, and it must not fail."

Luke is passionate about educating investors on these new market ESG-related investments. He speaks in a way that is clear to investors at all levels, from novice to experienced, providing clarified definitions for terms that may not be fully understood. Listen as Amanda and Luke discuss KraneShares’ three pillars of climate investing, the impact of government-regulated programs, and the different considerations for voluntary and compliance markets. Also, addressing the recent trend towards ESG backlash, they remind us that this is not about being 'woke' but anchored in a structurally bullish investment thesis that offers asset diversification.

Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, YouTube, and social media so that you're notified of new episodes. 

Enjoy tuning in!

Episode Resource Links

• Luke's  article on investing in the carbon markets - The Biggest Short: Carbon Markets & the Energy Transition

• Luke's Blog – Climate Market Now
  

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. 

In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen welcomes back Bill Davis, founder of Stance Capital, which was established in 2016 to bring to market investment portfolios that mitigate material environmental, social, and governance risks and generate excess returns while at the same time allowing investors to align their portfolios with their belief systems. Bill has a BA from Connecticut College and has taught or been a guest lecturer at Columbia University, Harvard College & Harvard Business School, MIT & MIT Sloan, and Vanderbilt University. Bill also serves on the boards of Ceres and the Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation.

Listen as she and Bill discuss the current controversies and debates related to ESG and the need for practitioners and investors to regroup and revisit the scope and purpose of this work. Bill and Kaitlyn think of ESG as an agnostic risk screening of material issues, a different concept than values-based investing, in which investors seek to align investments with their personal values. This distinction is critical to defusing the poorly informed bluster about ESG, in which critics have incorrectly conflated the concept of ESG screening with values-based investing.

Check out  our previous episode (#54), How ESG Investment Products Are Built, also featuring Bill!

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/esg-decoded/id1553348139?i=1000555720018

Additional resource boosts include:

• Stance’s Investment Performance Summary: https://www.stancecap.com/performance

• Stance Equity ESG Large Cap Core ETF (stancefunds.com): http://stancefunds.com/

• ESG ETFs, Sustainable Investments | Stance Capital: https://www.stancecap.com/

Subscribe to the ESG Decoded Podcast on your favorite streaming platform, YouTube, and social media so that you’re notified of new episodes. Enjoy tuning in!

ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. 

In this episode,  Amanda Hsieh talks with Jennifer Stojkovic, a General Partner at Joyful Ventures, an early-stage VC fund focused on sustainable protein. She is also the founder of Vegan Women Summit (VWS), a platform of over 50,000 women professionals in the future of food. In 2022, Jennifer published her debut award-winning book, The Future of Food Is Female: Reinventing the Food System to Save the Planet. Before her career in food technology, Jennifer built her career in Silicon Valley and worked with the world’s largest tech companies, including Google, Meta, and Microsoft.

The global population continues to increase exponentially. It’s predicted that we will reach 8 billion humans this year. The United Nation’s (UN) projections suggest that the world’s population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion in 2050. Eliminating food insecurity and ensuring that everyone has consistent access to nutritious meals is sustainable development  priority that intersects with environmental issues (climate, pollution, water, land use, water), ethical concerns (animal welfare, worker safety), and economic development.

Listen as Amanda and Jennifer discuss the need for food innovation, including plant-based diets and cultivated meats to meet the demand to feed our world’s population. Jennifer also shares how this industry has a unique opportunity to have a great representation of leaders who are women and people of color, even though they face significant funding challenges. This episode shares exciting perspectives related to the future of food and the related DEI wins that can be garnered from an industry that has the potential to be led by women and minority business owners. And you do not have to be vegan to benefit! 

The 2023 Vegan Women Summit® (VWS) will be held May 18 -20, 2023, in New York City and will include topics regarding funding gaps for women and BIPOC, how to diversify venture capital, and exciting trends in the future of food. ESG Decoded listeners will receive 15% off Vegan Women Summit registration with DISCOUNT CODE: ESGDECODED.

Make sure to subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite streaming platforms and our new YouTube Channel so that you’re notified of new episodes! Don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels. Enjoy this episode!   

Episode Resource Links

The Future of Food Is Female: Reinventing the Food System to Save the Planet: https://www.amazon.com/Future-Food-Female-Reinventing-System/dp/B09WQBJQ74

Highlights from 2022 Industry Report: The State of Women in the Future of Food. https://www.veganwomensummit.com/2022-founder-report