ESG Decoded Podcast

In this episode, Erika Schiller is joined by Kayla Carey, ClimeCo's Senior Manager of Industrial Innovations, and Grant Quasha, Chief Executive Officer of Eco Material Technologies (Eco Material).  With four billion tons of cement produced each year, this sector of the global economy is a heavy emitter, contributing up to 8% of global greenhouse gasses (GHGs). Listen as Erika, Kayla, and Grant discuss the current efforts to decarbonize building materials and how carbon credits are helping to incentivize more reductions. Learn about Eco Material and Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) and their role in sustainability solutions. Kayla specializes in decarbonization for hard-to-abate sectors. With experience in sustainability management and energy policy, she helps ClimeCo's energy and industrial clients navigate environmental markets. Grant is advancing Eco Material’s business growth in new materials to displace traditional portland cement and lower the carbon footprint of our built environment.  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/ 

Explore the advancements in sustainable and regenerative agriculture with Carrie Vollmer-Sanders. Discover the challenges and collaborations in lowering the industry's carbon footprint. Learn about the importance of resilience, storytelling, and preparing for climate disasters in the agriculture sector.

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