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ESG Insights

ESG Insights

By STAR Index - We will lift the lid on the various ESG challenges businesses face.

Welcome to ESG Insights.

A thought-provoking series of podcasts brought to you by the team behind the leading ESG platform STAR Index. Join us, as we discuss some of the hot topics of the day and speak with industry leading supply chain professionals.

We will lift the lid on the various ESG challenges businesses face as they move towards a more purpose driven future, and how they can get the balance right between people, planet and profits. Our guests will share with us insights, experience, hints and tips, and hopefully be good company for your ears along the way.
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Currently playing episode

Personal Responsibility vs Corporate Responsibility

ESG InsightsDec 15, 2021

00:00
08:42
How Harrod's started their sustainability journey

How Harrod's started their sustainability journey

Linda Cudjoe, Head of Food and Technical, Harrods, and Rick Sanderson, discuss Harrod's business purpose in line with consumer expectations, modern slavery and human rights and how those topics have evolved over the recent years.

Jan 27, 202320:59
The fight for retailers

The fight for retailers

Listen to Lisa Domoney from and Rick Sanderson discuss everything from the challenges of data gathering and management, do consumers really trust eco-labelling and the challenge of the holistic view, understanding customer requirements and the direction that responsible sourcing is going in.

Nov 28, 202217:21
The true cost of human rights

The true cost of human rights

In this episode Co-Founder and Head of Partnerships at STAR index, Rick Sanderson, chats to STAR Index Partner Lisa Domoney, Director of AVD Consulting.

Lisa is a Human Rights and Responsible Business consultant with 20 years experience leading the development and implementation of strategies across multiple sectors to improve labour standards and human rights in global value chains. Formerly director of Responsible Sourcing for Walmart, Lisa is now packaging her tools and experience to help lead businesses beyond compliance.

Rick asks Lisa about her background as a consultant and what brought her into the ESG space?

They discuss the expectation on retailers, the true cost of human rights and the technology available to solve ESG issues.

Oct 24, 202210:28
Regenerative Construction 101

Regenerative Construction 101

In this episode our specialist partner Anna Williamson and Carl discuss the moral and financial implications of living more sustainably, sustainability within the construction industry and why Anna chose to partner with STAR Index.

Sep 28, 202214:00
What does regenerative ESG look like?

What does regenerative ESG look like?

In this episode our specialist partner Anna Williamson and STAR Index Carl,  discuss Hempcrete in construction, greenwashing, sustainability within the construction industry plus much more.

Sep 14, 202217:17
Aim for Net Zero - or aim for Net Good?

Aim for Net Zero - or aim for Net Good?

We kick off season 2 with an episode with STAR Index’s Co-founder Stephen Whyte who is talking to Carbon Collective’s Zach Stein about investing, the reality of how much scope 3 costs, carbon offsets and why investors are purchasing farmland.

Aug 30, 202255:57
Are ‘uncool dads’ actually sustainability superheroes?

Are ‘uncool dads’ actually sustainability superheroes?

Stephen and Rick debate the question ‘are uncool dads actually sustainability superheroes?’   

They talk about a ‘throwaway’ society, fast fashion and the benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling. 

Feb 22, 202209:08
Is the era of ‘spot buying’ & ‘transactional suppliers’ over?

Is the era of ‘spot buying’ & ‘transactional suppliers’ over?

Stephen and Rick delve into spot buying and the effects this has on carbon reduction, the positive change that Prince’s Food implemented in their supply chain and the pressures that are on buyers.   

They also discuss the benefits of transparent supply chains, and Stephen talks about McDonalds open book costing model and why this ensures a fair return for their suppliers.   

They explore why the partnership and bond between supplier and brand are key to a more sustainable future together.

Feb 16, 202223:55
Can zero hour contracts and the gig economy ever be sustainable or justified?

Can zero hour contracts and the gig economy ever be sustainable or justified?

Stephen and Rick discuss the impact of zero hour contracts on workers and the role that the Amazon corporation plays in this. They also talk about the Uber business model and the competition this has introduced into the marketplace.  


They delve into how large corporations are abusing zero hour contracts and Stephen’s personal experience with this type of agreement.

Feb 10, 202207:59
Without Visibility can you ever get Accountability?

Without Visibility can you ever get Accountability?

In this week’s episode Stephen and Rick explore why transparent supply chains are vital to business resilience, the importance of sustainable partnerships and the reality of optimising investments in ESG platforms.   

They also discuss the role of compliance, and does this really uncover and address all issues in a supply chain or is it just a tick box exercise?

Feb 02, 202212:44
Business as Usual has got us into this mess, but will it get us out of it?

Business as Usual has got us into this mess, but will it get us out of it?

In this weeks episode Stephen and Rick explore the fragility of supply chains, how businesses are tackling climate change and corporate vs. personal responsibility.   

One key area discussed is the vast amount of scope 3 emissions in supply chains, and they question why have Google, one of the wealthiest, most profitable businesses on our planet not put any strong, ambitious, measurable targets in place to remove or reduce these.  

They also discuss how businesses now must consider not only their profit - but the planet and its people too. They talk about the future of business, and how sustainability will impact this.

Jan 27, 202227:27
Does Responsible Sourcing pay for itself or is this an increased cost?

Does Responsible Sourcing pay for itself or is this an increased cost?

Stephen and Rick debate does responsible sourcing pay for itself, or is this an increased cost in this weeks episode. 

They discuss the benefits of spending locally and why we should aim to purchase from responsible sourcing suppliers. Other issues covered include the role of the consumer within ethical sourcing, and why we as consumers need to change our priorities.  

Jan 19, 202217:11
Are codes of practice a cop out post COP26?

Are codes of practice a cop out post COP26?

The short answer - yes!  Stephen talks about his experience of being on the receiving end of codes of practice and how all industries have been grappling with modern slavery in their supply chains for decades. 


Stephen and Rick discuss how business’ codes of practices have not moved the dial in ethical issues, in fact it’s got worse.  They ponder the surveillance (or lack of) behind codes of practice, and the lack of impact of auditing. 


The cocoa industry, the role of technology in sustainability and how do we change as an industry going forward is also debated.   We cannot act as though it is business as usual. Public facing policy and business’ intent and effort behind this now drives business.

Jan 11, 202209:46
The Future: More Responsible & Sustainable Supply Chains

The Future: More Responsible & Sustainable Supply Chains

To impact the future, we need to act now. Stephen and Rick state why profit is not a dirty word! They also tackle sustainable growth, the need for investment now, why each business should have sustainability as a business value and also discuss Google’s scope 3 emissions – and the reality of tackling these.

Jan 06, 202211:07
A Cockpit View of Risk

A Cockpit View of Risk

Today Rick and Stephen discuss greenwashing and how this is lethal to a brand and reputational risk. There is an analogy about how the sustainability journey can be akin to climbing a mountain, and why honesty and transparency is crucial to the process.

Dec 22, 202116:27
Personal Responsibility vs Corporate Responsibility

Personal Responsibility vs Corporate Responsibility

Do you make conscious decisions to be more sustainable? Rick and Stephen discuss how sustainability needs to start at ground level, with all of us making conscious decisions to be more sustainable in our everyday lives. 

There’s a tale of suit shopping and how the pandemic has made us stop and reflect.

Dec 15, 202108:42
A Universal Challenge

A Universal Challenge

In this episode Stephen and Rick discuss what led to the lightbulb moment of STAR Index’s creation. They also talk about the clear gap in the market for measuring and scoring supply chain risks.

Dec 08, 202111:35
Platforms, A New Approach & Partners

Platforms, A New Approach & Partners

As industries are facing the climate crisis and the challenges it poses, we need to be honest about what we’ve learnt over the past 20 years..... or what we’ve not learnt! 

In this weeks episode Stephen and Rick cover the idea that led to STAR Index's creation,  why the partner programme was launched and the benefits this will deliver not only to the partner but also the end client.

Dec 01, 202108:41
Without Visibility there is no Accountability

Without Visibility there is no Accountability

In this episode, Stephen Whyte and Rick Sanderson discuss how the 'concept' of STAR Index was born, the path they have both been on to get to a position of knowledge in the ESG space and the issues facing the modern business discussing topics such as modern slavery and the impact of palm oil on climate change and the need for transparency in supply chains.

Nov 23, 202107:33
About our channel ESG Insights.

About our channel ESG Insights.

An introduction about our new ESG Insights podcast series, understand what we will cover over the course of the coming months and understand how we can help with ESG and CSR risks.

Nov 23, 202100:42