Sustainable connections

Hosted by ERM

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

In ERM's podcast, host Mark Lee, Global Director of Thought Leadership, speaks to some of the most innovative and boundary-pushing minds in the field, examining the connections necessary to make sustainable business a reality - across sectors and systems, and up and down organizations. Topics cover the breadth of the sustainability agenda, including net zero, nature positive, biodiversity, equity, resources and frameworks, and more.

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42 recent

June 4, 202650 min

Episode 42: Beyond the bees and the birds – The business case for nature

In this episode of the Sustainable Connections podcast, Sebastian Leape, CEO at Natcap, Nadine McCormick, Senior Manager at WBCSD (the World Business Council for Sustainable Development), and Daniele Strippoli, EMEA Nature Lead at ERM, join Mark Lee to explore the emerging challenges in the nature market, the opportunities for companies to accelerate solutions, and what embedding nature into decision‑making could look like by 2030. Drawing on examples from supply chains, finance, and operations, the conversation examines how organizations can move from understanding nature‑related risk to taking practical action that strengthens long‑term business resilience.Related content:ERM and Natcap Partner to Scale Science-Based Nature and Water Solutions | ERMNatcap and ERM Partner to Deliver Science-Based Nature Intelligence for Corporate Action and ResilienceMore on how WBCSD supports business to take action on nature hereLearn and explore nature actions and metrics for business

March 25, 202644 min

Episode 41: Inflection Point - The Iran War and the Energy Transition

In this episode, ERM Partners Andrew Probert, Amy McDonald, and Todd Hall join host Mark Lee to explore how the current Iran War and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are reshaping the global energy landscape. They examine what this means for energy security, interest rates, and capital project decisions, and how it could either slow or accelerate the low-carbon transition. The conversation highlights how policy choices, financing conditions, and supply chain vulnerabilities can turn conflict into either a setback or a catalyst for greener, more resilient systems. Their conversation covers: Initial reactions to the Strait of Hormuz closure Geopolitics, energy markets, and emerging pressure points Regional policy realities: U.S., Europe, and APACHow lenders and corporate leaders are responding Related content:"The 2026 Middle East War Could Accelerate the Green Transition. But Only If We Choose It."ERM 2026 Annual Sustainability Trends Report | Key Issues Shaping Business

March 10, 202624 min

Episode 40: Beyond the Podium - What major sporting events teach us about the value of nature

In this episode, Daniele Strippoli, ERM’s EMEA Nature and Water Lead, joins Mark Lee to discuss the role of nature in the recent Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games. Together, they discuss what major sporting events can reveal about valuing natural capital, understanding ecosystem dependencies, and shaping decisions that support both communities and the environments they depend on. Their conversation covers:· How nature can shape major sporting events · Balancing infrastructure, communities, and the environment· Natural capital accounting and future of climate-resilient games

February 27, 202643 min

Episode 39: GreenBiz 2026 – Less noise, more execution

In this episode, Annie Longsworth, Doug Park, and Ollie Forster join host Mark Lee to reflect on key insights from GreenBiz 2026 in Phoenix. Together, they explore what the conference signaled about the state of corporate sustainability, from treating sustainability as a commercial growth lever and the rise of AI agents and technology ecosystems, to the tightening definition of “high‑quality” carbon credits and the hidden risks buyers still overlook. Their conversation covers: What happened at GreenBiz 2026? Key insights from our GreenBiz panels Looking ahead to how sustainability strategies are evolvingRelated content: 1. Quantifying Sustainability: Turning ESG into Business Value | ERM2. What Makes a High-Quality Carbon Credit? | ERM3. Unlocking the Business Value of Sustainability | ERM4. GreenBiz 2026 | ERM

February 4, 202639 min

Episode 38: Rupture point - Sustainability trends shaping 2026

In this episode of the Sustainable Connections podcast, host Mark Lee brings together an all‑ERM panel to unpack our 2026 Annual Trends Report. The conversation explores how companies are navigating a year defined by volatility, ruptures in the geopolitical and sustainability landscapes, and rising expectations for value creation. Our experts dive into shifts across decarbonization, energy, reporting, digital transformation, and the growing importance of stakeholder engagement and adaptation. Listen to find out what’s shaping corporate sustainability in 2026 and what leaders should be watching in the months ahead. Learn more about: Why does sustainability matter now? How are companies shifting from intent to execution What to watch out for in 2026 Related links: 2026 Annual Trends Report Trends report2026 Annual Trends Webinar - Wednesday February 11 2026 at 11:00 EST/ 16:00 GMT

December 8, 202542 min

Episode 37: Unlocking the business value of sustainability with Salesforce Agentforce Net Zero

In this episode, Mark Lee speaks to Prashanthi Sudhakar, Head of Product for Agentforce Net Zero at Salesforce and Meera Krishnan, Managing Consultant for Net Zero Cloud Solutions at ERM. Together, they explore how digital innovations, particularly Salesforce’s Agentforce Net Zero platform, is transforming sustainability management, enabling organizations to drive meaningful change and unlock business value. The conversation highlights the growing role of AI and data driven solutions in helping companies meet both regulatory requirements and broader sustainability goals. Listen to learn more about: Value creation in action Turning data into business advantage AI and the future of sustainability decision making Related links: Sustainability Value Triangle: Creating impact through Finance, IT, and SustainabilityERM strengthens alliance with Salesforce as global Net Zero Cloud Advisory & Implementation Partner

November 21, 202546 min

Episode 36: Building on Belém: Insights from COP30

In this episode of the Sustainable Connections podcast, host Mark Lee speaks to ERM colleagues Ricardo Zibas, Linden Edgell, and Alexandra Guaqueta as they share their reflections from COP30 in Belém, Brazil. This episode was recorded on Tuesday 18 November, towards the end of COP, and explores the summit’s unique focus on implementation, just transition, and the integration of climate, nature, and people. Listen to learn more about:What sets COP30 apart from previous COPsThe role of the private sector and implications for companiesHow momentum from Belém can drive action ahead of COP31 Related linksERM COP30 takeaways week oneWhat will Brazil’s implementation COP deliver?Business Leaders Guide to a Just Climate Transition

October 31, 202543 min

Episode 35: The rise of responsible gold: How Bellevue Gold is redefining mining

In this episode, Mark Lee is joined by Darren Stralow, CEO of Bellevue Gold, and Dr Mary Stewart, ERM’s Lead Partner for Corporate Sustainability and Climate Change in Australia. Together, they explore Bellevue Gold’s journey to becoming the world’s first net zero gold mine and discuss the evolving role of sustainability in the mining sector. From regulatory shifts and investor expectations to decarbonization strategies, their discussion delves into how Bellevue Gold is navigating industry challenges while pursuing innovative approaches to sustainability and responsible mining.Their conversation covers:Sustainability as a strategic advantage Decarbonizing gold: avoid, eliminate, reduce, offsetThe future of sustainability in miningRelated links:Mission Critical: Resilient mines for a modern societyEpisode 33: We are all miners: Rethinking mining investment featuring Appian CapitalSustainability that pays: Defining a credible business case for investing in sustainability in mining and metals

September 30, 202531 min

Episode 34: Climate Week NYC 2025: Realism, Determination, and Optimism

In our first video Sustainable Connections podcast, host Mark Lee speaks with ERM colleagues Linden Edgell, Sabine Hoefnagel, and Liam Walsh about their experience at and impressions of Climate Week New York 2025. Listen and watch to hear their views including:The overall mood as compared to prior years and to London Climate Action Week a few months ago.A summary of key topics and themes, from the roles of investors and customers in providing capital and shaping demand for low-carbon products and services, to how companies are working to address the social impacts of decarbonization and adaptation and the ways carbon markets are evolving.The differences in regional and sectoral approaches to climate solutions and what businesses need to do to adapt their strategies to successfully navigate varied policy and societal terrain.New ways technology and innovation are spurring development of more sustainable products and services capable of winning greater market share.How sustainability leaders need to evolve their leadership style to support the market transformation that building a net-zero carbon future requires.Expectations for how issues swirling at Climate Week may shape COP30 in Belém, Brazil this November. Watch the full episode on Youtube Find out more about ERM at Climate Week NYC

July 29, 202546 min

Episode 33: We are all miners: Rethinking mining investment featuring Appian Capital

In this episode, Mark Lee speaks to Silvio Lima, Head of Corporate Affairs, ESG and Community Engagement at Appian Capital Advisory and Conor Grieve, Principal Consultant at ERM, to discuss how mine development can be made more sustainable. They explore how approaches like technical arbitrage, ESG integration, and social integration are reshaping the mining investment landscape.Their conversation covers:· How technical arbitrage can unlock value· Using ESG as a strategic lever in mining investment· The importance of building community trust through social integration· Lessons from Mineração Vale VerdeRelated links:Sustainability that pays: Defining a credible business case for investing in sustainability in mining and metals