ESG Matters @ Ashurst Podcast

After a successful spell working in corporate law at Ashurst, today’s guest Rebecca Ogg [https://www.fidelity.lu/search/tag/fil/global/authors/rebecca-ogg] carved out a stellar career as a sustainable investing analyst. In this episode, she joins Ashurst’s Elena Lambros [https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/elena-lambros/] to explain how sustainable finance and smart policymaking can help redirect capital towards climate-positive outcomes. Rebecca has her finger on the pulse of changes in sustainable investing, and her passion shines through as she describes Fidelity International [https://www.fidelity.lu/]’s twin approach—mitigating environmental and social risks, as well as funding innovative solutions to benefit society and the natural world in the long term. From investing in green infrastructure to tackling risks like water scarcity and climate-related GDP loss, Rebecca and Elena get right to the heart of sustainable finance. Rebecca also pinpoints four practical actions that individuals can take to contribute to the energy transition. Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers [https://www.ashurst.com/en/podcasts/game-changers-and-transition-makers/] 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. The material discussed in this interview is not advice of any kind. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs.  You should consider these matters and seek advice before acting on the information. Interests in the funds referred to in this interview are not offered in Australia.  FIL Responsible Entity (Australia) Limited, AFSL No. 409340. ABN 33 148 059 009 (“Fidelity Australia”). Fidelity Australia is a member of the FIL Limited group of companies commonly known as Fidelity International. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

After a range of insightful conversations with innovators in the ESG space, series co-hosts Elena Lambros and Lorraine Johnston are back to reflect on their key-takeaways from season two of the Game Changers and Transition Makers series. Guests such as John Mellowes (BioCarbon) and Poppy Mardall (Poppy’s Funerals) illustrate how meeting industries where they are and prioritising human-centered sustainability can drive meaningful impact. The episode also explores large-scale ESG initiatives with Joel Tasche (CleanHub) and ShanMae Teo (Climate Impact Partners), who reflect on how collaboration within existing systems can amplify environmental and social progress. While Ash Knop (Wilderlands) and Roger McKerlie (Environmental Business Network) round out the discussion, by emphasising the increasing integration of ESG into core business strategy and financial decision-making. For more insights on how innovative companies are revolutionsing their way to net-zero, subscribe to Ashurst ESG Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In this episode, Ashurst’s Lorraine Johnston [https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ashurst.com%2Fen%2Fpeople%2Florraine-johnston%2F&data=05%7C02%7CMichelle.Meng%40ashurst.com%7C6b3d478e1ceb406805b308dd6be5be84%7C0bb6abcca4cb4fe29b52d3ab6bae9014%7C0%7C0%7C638785357425530449%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=oKbQqM7wMxcKy1xeHGvjEWgwTQLtN3M02QOg3mRV%2FQg%3D&reserved=0] chats with Taranpreet Rai [https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fuk.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Ftaranpreet-rai-bb6812151&data=05%7C02%7CMichelle.Meng%40ashurst.com%7C6b3d478e1ceb406805b308dd6be5be84%7C0bb6abcca4cb4fe29b52d3ab6bae9014%7C0%7C0%7C638785357425544882%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=kz03SK7EyS%2BUhZJDz6F5Pcaucsk3JNyIOUeHXVNtrDE%3D&reserved=0] from Epson UK [https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.epson.co.uk%2Fen_GB%2Fsustainability%2Fvision-and-strategy%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOopiHjH73GbLE9JtOI9FKZYqS-gqZM2x0VqwD6n8x501BRoMffu3&data=05%7C02%7CMichelle.Meng%40ashurst.com%7C6b3d478e1ceb406805b308dd6be5be84%7C0bb6abcca4cb4fe29b52d3ab6bae9014%7C0%7C0%7C638785357425559149%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=NpsnFD28UGhrfh4iRX0%2Bapbjmybx5bPQWzXeL%2FlmPlQ%3D&reserved=0] about how to integrate sustainability into the very core of a business. Taran describes Epson’s innovative approach to ESG, including its groundbreaking micro piezo printing [https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorporate.epson%2Fen%2Ftechnology%2Fsearch-by-products%2Fprinter-inkjet%2Fmicro-piezo.html&data=05%7C02%7CMichelle.Meng%40ashurst.com%7C6b3d478e1ceb406805b308dd6be5be84%7C0bb6abcca4cb4fe29b52d3ab6bae9014%7C0%7C0%7C638785357425573417%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=tHEpjPXTubU%2BuXqeDA%2BDt91xh5WXR5Ikk22%2BL3bvPhA%3D&reserved=0] technology which reduces energy consumption compared with traditional printing methods. Taran also explains Epson’s dry fiber technology [https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcorporate.epson%2Fen%2Ftechnology%2Fsearch-by-products%2Fother%2Fdry-fiber-technology.html&data=05%7C02%7CMichelle.Meng%40ashurst.com%7C6b3d478e1ceb406805b308dd6be5be84%7C0bb6abcca4cb4fe29b52d3ab6bae9014%7C0%7C0%7C638785357425587555%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dvOAWeCzz%2FwM1Id9wg1vQmWUqu%2FidCN30bE8bu0er18%3D&reserved=0], a revolutionary near-waterless recycling process that transforms discarded paper into reusable materials which can be reused in other industries, such as fashion. Taran explains how sustainability advocacy helps put ESG at the top of the agenda across the business, ensuring that every department understands their role in achieving social and environmental goals. She also describes Epson’s exhaustive approach to sustainability reporting, third-party verification, and measuring ESG performance. Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers [https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ashurst.com%2Fen%2Fpodcasts%2Fgame-changers-and-transition-makers%2F&data=05%7C02%7CMichelle.Meng%40ashurst.com%7C6b3d478e1ceb406805b308dd6be5be84%7C0bb6abcca4cb4fe29b52d3ab6bae9014%7C0%7C0%7C638785357425601952%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=IR57pHOgBhppZydQneWkTESAqrVeBdvO6GVTU9VF%2FAo%3D&reserved=0] 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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

What does it take to bridge the gap between environmental concerns and commercial priorities? In this episode of Game Changers and Transition Makers, Lorraine Johnston [https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/lorraine-johnston/] speaks with Roger McKerlie, a seasoned sales and marketing entrepreneur and founder of EBN [https://theebn.co.uk/], a movement uniting 1,800 businesses to prepare for a lower-carbon, nature-positive future. Roger explains how the EBN helps businesses—from mid-size to larger SMEs—navigate the complex demands of sustainability. He shares his insights on why the environmental agenda has shifted from being a tactical issue to a strategic boardroom priority, with CFOs increasingly focused on ESG impacts and opportunities. Roger also discusses the importance of storytelling to inspire action, emphasising that “small changes by businesses collectively move the dial” on the climate crisis. From promoting second-hand fashion to rethinking corporate purpose, Roger highlights actionable steps for business leaders at any stage of their sustainability journey. Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers [https://www.ashurst.com/en/podcasts/game-changers-and-transition-makers/] 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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

For passionate surfer Joel Tasche, co-CEO of CleanHub, the groundbreaking work his company is doing to combat ocean plastic pollution before it even reaches the ocean just makes sense. CleanHub connects brands committed to sustainability with waste management services in underserved coastal communities, helping to prevent plastic from entering the ocean. During the discussion with series co-host Elena Lambros, Joel shares his passion for the ocean and details about CleanHub’s unique approach, including how they’re working in countries like India, Indonesia, and Guatemala to provide scalable waste management solutions. He also highlights the importance of holding brands accountable for plastic waste and the role legislation plays in driving meaningful change. "Plastic pollution starts on land, and if we can stop it there, we can keep it from entering our oceans," says Joel Tasche. For more insights on how businesses are driving environmental change, subscribe to Ashurst ESG Matters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. 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 [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.