Environmental, social and governance (ESG)

Welcome to your Westpac IQ monthly wrap on sustainable finance and ESG.Here’s the latest round-up of the standout ESG developments making the headlines, fromindustry highlights to policy updates. Why do they matter? What do they mean for you?

Australia’s transition journey looks a little clearer with the release of the Climate Change Authority’s Sector Pathways Review. Westpac IQ’s ESG Impact explores the report’s highlights, and examines the Federal Government’s updated National Hydrogen Strategy and the latest on corporate transition progress from the Transition Pathway Initiative’s recent report.

While much of the world watched Olympians go for gold, host city Paris kept a close eye on the event’s environmental footprint. In this edition, we look at the greening of the Olympic Games, a new report on decarbonising iron and steel production, fresh plans for Rio Tinto’s Boyne smelter near Gladstone, Boral’s exploration of low-carbon concrete, plus a hospitality giant’s support for the circular economy, and more.

A new climate tech investment fund aims to support innovative startups such as Relectrify, which has a solution to boost the efficiency and longevity of battery energy storage systems.

The success of the Australian government’s first green bond means more are likely to follow in the years ahead.

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.

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.