Advertise on podcast: ESG Matters @ Ashurst Podcast

While the ‘E’ in ESG commands plenty of attention, the ‘S’ can sometimes be overlooked. In this episode, we consider why environmental progress is only possible when social progress is made too. Regular Game Changers host Elena Lambros, Risk Advisory Partner, is joined by colleagues from around the globe including sustainability and climate law specialist Becky Clissmann, senior social impacts manager Helena Yeaman, and environmental, climate and energy law specialist Gaëlle Cognet, to explore the human dimensions of net zero. Together, they draw upon the legacy of founder William Ashurst and his four daughters, who were all advocates for social justice. Their conversation takes in Ashurst Perkins Coie's Modern Slavery Action Plan and the firm’s pro bono work supporting survivors around the world, as well as Ashurst Perkins Coie's procurement practices and its approach to modern slavery risk in the supply chain. There’s also discussion of: Why climate change acts as a multiplier of exploitation, displacement and human rights risk Adaptation challenges facing vulnerable regions, from small island states to mainland Europe How to embed just transition principles throughout a credible transition plan (rather than leaving them sidelined a single paragraph) How financing tools can help deliver a fairer transition in Africa. Further reading: Transition Planning COP 30: A further step towards a just transition in Africa; and Adapting to climate change: innovative tools in development and climate finance To listen to this episode search for “ESG Matters by Ashurst Perkins Coie” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. This podcast is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mining and net zero might seem incongruous, but actually the world’s energy transition depends upon what we dig out of the ground. Every battery, solar farm, transmission network and electric vehicle requires critical minerals – and Australia has an abundance of these raw materials. In this episode, Ashurst Perkins Coie’s Elena Lambros and Dan Brown are joined by colleague Ratha Nabanidham, a partner who advises clients in the energy, mining and infrastructure sectors. Together, they unpack what “mining our way to net zero” really means – and how Australia can secure, produce and process critical minerals at sufficient speed and scale. Ratha offers an insider’s view on the sheer volume of raw materials required for the energy transition and tackles the tension between public support for clean energy and local resistance to new mines. The trio also explore the economic opportunity in processing – not just extracting – critical minerals, and the geopolitical dynamics at play. It’s a timely discussion as Australia works alongside partners including the US and Japan to secure supply chains. The episode brings home the fact that getting minerals out of the ground is just the start; the real challenge is building the infrastructure and supply chains to turn the raw materials into the products the energy transition needs. Check out past and future episodes of Nearing Net Zero on the Ashurst Perkins Coie website. And subscribe to ESG Matters by Ashurst Perkins Coie wherever you get your podcasts. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in law or practice, or to cover every aspect of the topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's climate-related financial disclosures are now mandatory, and the first wave of reports is already drawing scrutiny. In this episode of ESG Matters, Ashurst Perkins Coie's Elena Lambros and Dan Brown explore what the shift from voluntary to regulated reporting really changes. They examine why some companies are walking back previously bold climate commitments now that a common, ASIC-enforced standard makes every claim comparable. The conversation covers ASIC's enforcement toolkit (from educational guidance to formal directives), the temporary modified liability shield for forward-looking statements, and why Australia's status as a greenwashing litigation hotspot means enhanced disclosure is no safe harbour from activist challenge. Elena closes with practical boardroom advice: embed climate risk in governance and risk-management frameworks, ensure consistency across all corporate communications, and make commitments you can credibly deliver – because capital is increasingly flowing to companies whose disclosures prove they can execute.   Check out past and future episodes of Nearing Net Zero on the Ashurst Perkins Coie website. And subscribe to ESG Matters by Ashurst Perkins Coie wherever you get your podcasts. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in law or practice, or to cover every aspect of the topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if better carbon data could help unlock the investment needed to accelerate the energy transition?In this episode of Game Changers, Ashurst Perkins Coie partner Elena Lambros is joined by Amy Brachio, CEO of Carbon Measures, to explore why measuring the carbon footprint of products consistently and transparently could transform the way businesses, investors and policymakers make decisions.They discuss why today's approaches to carbon accounting are falling short, how trusted product-level emissions data can create stronger markets for low carbon products, and what needs to happen to encourage investment at scale. The role of regulation and the importance of global standards, is also discussed and collaboration across industry and government encouraged in order to accelerate the transition.To listen, search for "ESG Matters" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred podcast platform, or follow the links in the show notes.The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in law or practice, or to cover every aspect of the topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across many parts of the world, data center investment is being blocked due to community opposition. In this podcast, Ashurst Perkins Coie’s Elena Lambros and Dan Brown reflect on the lessons for data center developers and financiers in Australia. Together, Dan and Elena reflect on the eye watering sums of data center investment dollars that have been stalled or withdrawn in the US and UK recently. They explain how governments are responding to community concerns around energy and water consumption. And most importantly, they consider potential solutions that could benefit people and planet, as well as profit. In the context of Australia, Dan and Elena explain how old fossil-fuel powered station sites could be repurposed to house data centers – offering developers pre-existing water, transmission and fiber infrastructure on sites already permitted under stringent environmental standards. They also highlight the benefits of clear, transparent community engagement for all data center developments. And they explain why a single, coherent fact base for ESG performance would benefit the data center industry, as well as the communities they serve. Check out past and future episodes of Nearing Net Zero on the Ashurst Perkins Coie website. And subscribe to ESG Matters by Ashurst Perkins Coie wherever you get your podcasts. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in law or practice, or to cover every aspect of the topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investment in the low carbon economy is growing, but so too are the challenges of allocating capital effectively. In this episode, we explore how investor priorities are evolving, what drives investment decisions, and the economic principles shaping the transition to a lower-carbon future. Ashurst Perkins Coie partner Lorraine Johnston is joined by Sahar Shamsi, Partner and co-head of the Energy and Climate Economics teams at Oxera, to discuss the intersection of economics, finance and climate. Sahar shares how investors are assessing climate-related risks and opportunities, the importance of policy and regulation in unlocking investment, and the practical barriers that continue to slow the pace of decarbonisation. The conversation also considers the role of sustainability reporting, the challenge of balancing risk and return, and why collaboration between policymakers, investors and industry will be critical to financing the energy transition. To listen, search for "Ashurst Perkins Coie Legal Outlook" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred podcast platform. You can also explore the full range of Ashurst Perkins Coie podcasts at ashurstperkinscoie.com/en/podcasts/ The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in law or practice, or to cover every aspect of the topics discussed. Listeners should obtain legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special wrap-up episode, Ben McAlary joins Season 3 hosts Elena Lambros and Lorraine Johnston to reflect on the recurring themes that shaped nine thought-provoking conversations across the last 10 episodes of Game Changes.   Across sectors and geographies, one message came through clearly: ESG challenges are systemic. Whether discussing climate risk with Dariel De Sousa, sustainable investing with Rebecca Ogg, or transition planning with Pauline Martin, guests urged us to look beyond isolated issues and examine the architecture of the systems shaping finance, infrastructure and regulation.   Another powerful thread was impact over optics. Australia’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner Chris Evans reminded us that ESG is not about glossy reporting but about real-world outcomes. Similarly, Nishikant Gupta of Conrad Energy highlighted the importance of curiosity, collaboration and practical action in turning strategy into measurable change.   Collaboration and capital allocation also emerged as decisive levers. From Oliver Kade’s call for cross-sector partnerships to scale waste management solutions, to Claire Reid’s explanation of how innovative financing models can unlock community energy infrastructure, the season explored how funding structures and collective action shape results. Listen to all episodes in the Game Changers mini-series by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashurst’s Lorraine Johnston  speaks with Claire Reid, Director of Strategic Partnerships at SNRG, about how smarter grid connections and shared renewable infrastructure can reshape the UK’s energy future. Claire explains how SNRG’s microgrid model works in practice, pooling solar generation across entire developments and storing excess power in communal batteries so that energy is shared fairly and efficiently. The result is lower bills for residents, reduced strain on the national grid and new opportunities for stalled housing and commercial projects to move forward. They discuss how this approach aligns with the UK’s clean energy ambitions, from residential garden towns to industrial sites cutting carbon and costs without waiting years for grid reinforcements. The conversation also tackles the persistent myth that renewables are more expensive, and why long-term energy independence and resilience demand a shift in mindset. Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of talented guests by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashurst’s Elena Lambros sits down with Australia’s inaugural Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans, for a grounded, practical conversation about why modern slavery is no longer just a compliance topic but a core business risk that belongs in every boardroom. Drawing on his work with major corporates, regulators and cross-sector groups, Chris explains why finding modern slavery in a supply chain should be seen as a system working, not failing. He highlights the shift businesses need to make, from producing reports to tackling real risk, and walks through the areas where exploitation most often hides, including labour hire, subcontracting and high-risk global supply chains. Elena and Chris also explore how the ACCC’s recent guidance is clearing the way for companies to collaborate more confidently on remediation and due diligence. Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashurst’s Elena Lambros welcomes special guest Natalie Kyriacou OAM for a wide-ranging chat that encompasses financial innovation, supply chains, and crucially, how Australia’s legal system can be a powerful force for climate action. Having worked with corporates, government and charities, Natalie has seen what drives change from inside and outside the business world. In our podcast, she argues that governments and companies should be subject to a legal duty of care for young people and nature (similar to directors’ fiduciary duties). She also questions the logic of established economic frameworks and explains how these could be rewired to benefit people, planet and profit. Natalie shares her pragmatic take on how corporates can regain trust in the wake of greenwashing scandals. She and Elena also discuss why supply chains are a two-way street when it comes to environmental accountability. And they shine a spotlight on overseas examples of nations taking bold steps to prioritise nature, economic progress, and social good. Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of talented guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ashurst Head of First Nations Strategy Trent Wallace is joined by colleagues Natsuko Ogawa and Lea Constantine to reflect on their recent visit to Japan. As well as several productive meetings with clients in Tokyo, the trio also attended World Expo 2025 in Osaka where Trent spoke about engagement with First Nations people in Australia. Natsuko reflects on her work over the past three decades, which has helped strengthen relationships between Ashurst’s Japanese clients and Australian businesses in the mining, resources, real estate and energy sectors. Lea explains why businesses seeking to invest in Australia are increasingly focusing on First Nations engagement. And Trent recalls the respectful, polite – and very frank – conversations he enjoyed with clients in Japan. Natsuko describes the “revelation” that there are so many “clear links between First Nations and Japanese culture” and explains how progressive Japanese businesses are seeking more opportunities to connect with and employ First Nations people in Australia. Lea reflects, “One thing that dawned on me in Japan was that Australia is well known for safety, security and stability. And Japan really values those things as well.” While Trent adds: “It was a joy to recognise our similarities and find synergies.” Packed with optimism, inspiration and insight, this episode provides plenty of food for thought for business leaders in Australia and Japan alike. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashurst’s Elena Lambros welcomes special guest Dr Dariel De Sousa, a former Director of Compliance and Enforcement at the Australian Energy Regulator, who is now a leading voice in climate risk, regulation and governance. Dariel draws on her deep professional and academic expertise to reveal the urgent need for regulatory reform in the face of systemic risks caused by climate change. The discussion traverses from the fragmented regulatory frameworks that have been inadequate to effectively respond to past natural disasters (e.g. Queensland’s 2011 floods and Victoria’s 2009 Black Saturday bushfires), to more promising regulatory progress in the US and in Victoria that reflect a system-wide approach to managing climate risks. Dariel argues that we cannot afford to wait for natural disasters to occur before we reform regulatory frameworks.  Instead, regulation should embed a proactive risk governance approach so that climate risks can be pre-empted and managed in a similar way to how large corporations manage the spectrum of risks they face across their diverse operations through their enterprise risk management frameworks. This episode is a powerful call to action for governments to codify climate resilience into law, to adapt society’s critical systems to the shocks stemming from our warming world. Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oliver Kade, Chief Technology Officer and UK Country Manager at Seven Clean Seas, joins Ashurst’s Lorraine Johnston to share how the organisation is addressing plastic pollution through a powerful mix of innovation, systems change, and strategic partnerships.  Oliver breaks down the core pillars of Seven Clean Seas’ work, from removing plastic waste from rivers and coastlines across Southeast Asia, to advancing national-level policy, to improving lives in vulnerable communities. Together, Lorraine and Oliver explore how corporate sponsorships (such as with Howden), technological tools (including AI tracking and chemical recycling), and Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks are helping to bridge the funding gap that has long undermined waste management.  Essential to the discussion is understanding why local socioeconomic dynamics is essential for effective sustainability solutions, and how Seven Clean Seas’ “lives improved” methodology guides their community empowerment work spanning education, health, infrastructure, and income generation.  Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Elena Lambros, Partner in Ashurst’s Risk Advisory practice, speaks with Pauline Martin, Associate Director at Oxford Properties, and Becky Clissmann, Sustainability Counsel at Ashurst, about how Oxford Properties is embedding ESG into decision-making across its global real estate portfolio. Pauline shares Oxford Properties’ pragmatic, data-first approach to decarbonisation, guided by OMERS’ net zero target and supported by a robust data foundation. She explains how standardised toolkits, green leasing strategies, and templatized scope of works are enabling consistent decision-making across jurisdictions, asset classes, and investment models. The conversation also touches on stakeholder expectations, from planning authorities to tenants and investors, and how these are accelerating the adoption of net-zero pathways. Becky adds a regulatory lens, providing a timely overview of the UK government’s consultation on transition plans and the frameworks helping businesses stay ahead, such as the TPT disclosure framework and GFANZ recommendations.For more on the UK’s proposed adoption of the ISSB sustainability reporting standards, Ashurst has published a detailed summary available here. To explore Oxford’s approach in greater detail, listeners are encouraged to read the Oxford Properties 2025 Global Sustainability Report. Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Lalor, General Manager ESG and Sustainable Finance at Commonwealth Bank Australia (CBA) explains the bank’s multi-pronged approach to supporting businesses at every stage of their sustainability journeys. It’s a wonderful case study of how one organisation can multiply its ESG impact by influencing the organisations it supports. In conversation with Ashurst’s Elena Lambros, Sarah takes us on a whistle-stop tour of CBA’s strategy to assist businesses of all sizes. They discuss how SMEs and mid-market businesses are shifting from what Sarah describes as a “curiosity mindset” to an “action mindset”. This is being driven through a combination of: Savings including lower energy bills Enablers such as CBA’s asset finance for energy-efficient equipment, solar and EVs for businesses of all sizes, Green Loans and Sustainability-Linked Loans for larger businesses Expectations from investors, and procurement requirements from larger businesses that are subject to new mandatory climate-related disclosures. While acknowledging the challenge for small businesses to devote time to ESG strategy, Sarah emphasises the proven commercial rewards of doing so. She also explains how Sustainability-Linked Loans work and she illustrates the value of the ‘S’ in ESG (e.g. social outcomes such as employee wellbeing). Sarah and Elena highlight some industries that are embracing sustainable finance, such as hospitality, retirement living and aged care, and commercial property. And they welcome the sustainable finance taxonomy which promises to bring greater consistency and confidence in the market. They also emphasise the commercial benefits for small businesses that don’t wait, but instead seize the initiative. As Sarah points out, SMEs that go beyond compliance and really embrace ESG now can access new markets, win more contracts and tenders, and be more attractive propositions for customers and potential employees alike. Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of thought-provoking guests – by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.