Environmental, social and governance (ESG)

There were several roadmaps to follow this month, with the Federal Government outlining its courses of action on sustainable finance and decarbonising the transport sector. We also report on the progress of zero-emissions haulage, a groundbreaking new electricity deal for a New Zealand aluminium smelter, how sustainable snake meat may boost food security, and more.

This edition explores the bumper investment in renewables in the Federal Budget 2024-5, how energy giants are breathing new life into ageing coal-fired assets, sustainability R&D in the red meat and livestock industry, new priorities announced at the First Nations Clean Energy Symposium, and more.

This month we report on the looming deadline for large corporations and asset managers to prepare for mandatory climate reporting in Australia, Queensland’s new legislation with ambitious targets for carbon emissions and renewable energy, plus the faster focus on nature-based that’s coming from corporates and government, and more.

In 2016, Austral Fisheries took the bold step of going carbon neutral – not an easy task in an industry that relies on giant diesel-powered vessels. CEO David Carter talks about the inspiration behind the move.

Challicum Hills wind farm in Victoria, which began operation in 2003, was Australia’s first commercially funded renewables project. It established a framework for financing in the sector which continues to have relevance today.

Westpac has announced a range of new targets in support of the transition to a net-zero economy by 2050. Chief sustainability officer Siobhan Toohill explains how the targets will reinforce the bank’s broader 2030 Sustainability Strategy.

ACEN Australia has an ambitious pipeline of renewable energy projects across multiple technologies, positioning it to be a key player in the country’s clean energy transition.

An innovative battery energy storage system in southwest New South Wales is designed not only to back up variable wind and solar power, but also replicate the role of coal power stations in providing grid stability and strength.

Luxury brand Louis Vuitton’s move to team up with a conservation charity to help protect biodiversity in Cape York in Far North Queensland is part of a growing trend towards big companies supporting “nature-positive” solutions.