Sustainability Demystified

It is awards season at the Sustainable Business Network with the 23rd annual Sustainable Business Awards happening 20 Nov 2025. This episode we take a look at the finalists of the 2025 awards and what cool innovations and projects they're working on. Vying for the top two awards, winners will be announced in Auckland tonight as they celebrate the incredible work of our homegrown innovators. https://sustainable.org.nz/next/whos-next/?mc_cid=ad433e79a9&mc_eid=8ab925d706

This episode we follow up our talk with Mitch Shaw, the co-founder of Upstream, about how they have continued their reach with their sustainability reporting tool, OATAS. Hear about how they're helping the construction industry to improve environmental outcomes and achieve social good in the process. To learn more about Upstream and OATAS, check out their website: https://www.oatas.co/

This episode we talk to Mitch Shaw, the co-founder of Upstream, about how their social enterprise gives back to youth charities in Canterbury. Hear about how you as a business or individual can support these charities whilst going about your everyday activities. To learn more about Upstream, check out their website: https://www.upstream.co.nz/

This episode we discuss the upcoming Adaptation Futures Conference 2025 happening 13-16 October at Te Pae in Christchurch. There is a big line up of the latest scientific research happening in the climate space, with leaders and academics converging from all over the world. Check out the conference proceedings here to learn more, or head along in-person or online. https://adaptationfutures2025.com/

In this episode, we look at digital product passports, what are they, and how to leverage them by getting ahead of consumer expectations, export demand and tightening regulations. Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are digital records that provide detailed information about a product's lifecycle, its origin, materials, environmental impact, and disposal recommendations. Under the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), DPPs will be mandatory for many products traded in the EU.

There is a lengthy list of environmental certifications to pick from, so where do you start when it comes to choosing the right one for your business? We discuss the benefits of going down the certification route and some different things to consider. Check out the full list on Millie's blog: https://millietaylorsustainability.substack.com/p/environmental-certifications-how If you have any questions about certifications, feel free to send us an email to [email protected] 

On 24 July, the world’s highest court, the International Court of Justice, released its landmark advisory opinion clarifying the legal obligations of nations of the world in relation to climate change. Will this judgement boost the already increasingly-prolific number of global climate court cases? https://www.lawyersforclimateaction.nz/ https://www.climate-court.com/post/big-climate-litigation-cases-to-watch-in-2025/ https://www.climateinthecourts.com/ten-climate-court-wins-in-2024/

In this episode, we want to give a big shout out to Kiwi companies who are tackling the issue of waste and taking steps to a more circular business model, in particular, Waitaha Canterbury companies. There's no such thing as waste in nature. Business has a lot to learn from Mother Earth's circular model. Listen to hear more about brands such as Offcut, Medsalv, Eco Store, and The Warehouse with how they're creating new value out of 'waste'.

In this episode, we chat with Tanya Sheen, GM of Christchurch Community House, a modern co-working hub that's dedicated to helping non-profits and impact-driven organisations make a difference in the world. Currently home to about 20 social enterprises, from Assistance Dogs NZ Trust to Girl Guiding NZ, Bluelight, The Nest Collective, Volunteering Canterbury, and many more... CCH is an affordable space for like-minded organisations to collaborate, network, and share resources. Go to cch.org.nz to explore their workspaces or organise a tour with Tanya.

What can we learn from the way we united as a nation during the Covid-19 pandemic, and how can we apply that in the context of climate change? Based off the findings of this Victoria University Policy Quarterly article, we discuss what worked well during the government's response to the pandemic and why those same tactics aren't being utilised when it comes to the climate crisis. Read the full article here: https://ojs.victoria.ac.nz/pq/article/view/9640/8534

The New Zealand government has announced its support of the expansion of a voluntary credits nature market through the running of pilot projects across New Zealand. “We want to connect those caring for the land with investors who support conservation. Nature credit markets help fund trusted environmental projects that actively protect and restore ecosystems,” says Minister for the Environment Andrew Hoggard. What though are nature credits? How and why should businesses buy them?

Where can a sustainable business go for funds, grants, or loans if it wants to help pay for its sustainable transition or get a boost for growth? Turns out options have dried up a little in the last few months and initiatives like the Sustainable Food and Fibres Fund have been cancelled or replaced with something that isn’t linked to sustainability. There are still options though, for starters, check out my.nzte.govt.nz/article/how-to-fund-your-sustainable-initiative and eeca.govt.nz.

This week we're discussing the gender pay gap and the highly controversial changes to New Zealand law. The Equal Pay Amendment Bill, introduced 6 May 2025 and passed 7 May 2025, sends a strong signal on the government's priorities towards women's rights in our country, and in this episode we discuss what the Bill means for the workforce and the nuances associated with the topic of gender pay parity. Email us [email protected]

Wouldn't it be great if sustainability was easier? All the tracking, monitoring, collating, calculating... it can be overwhelming – and for many businesses, it’s where the momentum stalls before it even begins. But what if it could be MUCH easier? That’s where the right tech platform can make all the difference. In this episode, we speak to Caroline Thalund, founder of S360 – a powerful, practical platform built to make sustainability work more manageable, actionable, and impactful. Whether it's tracking carbon emissions, calculating your gender pay gap, or managing B Corp certification, S360 brings everything into one place – simplifying reporting, reducing admin, and making it easier to drive real progress. Caroline shares how the platform was born out of her own frustration managing sustainability across complex organisations – and how it now cuts up to 90% of the admin load. But the conversation goes far beyond software. We explore why business sustainability change is so difficult (and how it's surprisingly similar to trying to start a gym habit – she even shares the trick to going from zero motivation to jumping off the couch to go), the behavioural science behind driving real action (hint: there are elephants involved), and what it takes to build a culture of shared responsibility. It’s a fun, far-reaching discussion – from SDGs to psychology, tech tools to visual tricks, and even the elevation of Denmark’s tallest mountain (not what you think!). A must-listen for anyone involved in business sustainability or organisational change… have a listen! 🎧 Learn more about the S360 platform: https://s360.solutions

Are you confused about carbon and carbon credits? Don’t worry, so is everyone… apart from our special guest for this episode, Sean Weaver, who is Chief Executive and founder of Ekos, a company that helps businesses measure, reduce and offset their carbon footprint. Sean is a man who speaks fluent carbon and he founded Ekos as part of his mission to find effective solutions to the impending climate crisis. In this episode, we hear how Sean moved from biodiversity expert to climate activist when he crossed what he calls "the holy shit threshold" after doing some research into climate science. Sean explains why carbon credits are an essential part of the transition to net zero; he talk about how 'perfect is the enemy of good', and why even non-native exotics like controversial pine forests have a part to play in the energy transition. We touch on the NZ emissions trading scheme and how it could be improved and Sean tries to help us understand what actually is carbon. All this and more in this episode's deep dive into carbon and the carbon market. 

Mind the Green Gap! What is it and what can we do to close it? That's what we're discussing this week on the show.  The Green Gap, is the gap between people's intentions and their ability to take action. Often times we want to do right by the planet but there are obstacles or frictions that limit our ability to do so.  Have a listen to how the Green Gap affects you as an individual and a business.  Some things to check out from the show:   The latest on the buses on bikes update: https://www.metroinfo.co.nz/news/metro-bike-racks-back-in-operation-for-daytime-use/  The update on New Zealand wool use in government buildings: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557634/new-procurement-rules-urge-wool-use-in-government-buildings  Instagram @earthlyguy 

Landfill shouldn't be our first thought, what other options are out there? This episode, Tam and Millie discuss take-back schemes, how they work for different sectors, and how you can weigh in on the issue of repairability of household items in New Zealand. Follow the Right to Repair Amendment Bill at www.parliament.nz and check out All Heart NZ for repurposing your old office or construction supplies: allheartnz.org.nzEmail us [email protected]

How do you pull yourself out of the pit of climate doomerism? Given there's a lot of bad news doing the rounds right now, it's easy to feel yourself falling deeper and deeper into the pit of despair. In this episode, Tam and Millie find reasons to be positive about the progress the world is making on the biggest issues we're facing, and why it might not be all bad news. To give yourself something positive to take away from this episode, go check out Hannah Ritchie's book, Not The End of the World: https://www.unitybooks.co.nz/products/not-the-end-of-the-world-how-we-can-be-the-first-generation-to-build-a-sustainable-planet-1Email us [email protected]@sustainability_demystified

What the frock does Trump mean for sustainability? It's a big question and one that is troubling sustainability professionals and climate activists the world over. In this episode... Tam and Millie discuss their reactions and responses to the tsunami of negative news coming out of the US right now as climate denier and fossil fuel lover, Donald Trump, along with cronies like Elon Musk, take the reins of power and waste no time in rolling back critical climate initiatives, for example, pulling out of the Paris Agreement, pausing wind farm permits, and reversing EV incentives—all while doubling down on fossil fuels ('drill baby, drill'). Meanwhile... reports show that 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded, and for the first time ever, global temperatures exceeded 1.5ºC of heating. So, you know, nothing to worry about...Tam - who's suffering from a bit of climate distress - and Millie, who is relentlessly climate optimistic - discuss:- Whether it's best to stay or go from social media platforms owned by billionaires who are tugging their forelocks to Trump?- Aotearoa New Zealand's 'shockingly underwhelming' new climate target - a 'progression' of a measly 1 per cent on the previous target.- How renewables are now way cheaper than fossil fuels- A great book called Not The End of the World by Hannah Ritchie:https://www.unitybooks.co.nz/products/not-the-end-of-the-world-how-we-can-be-the-first-generation-to-build-a-sustainable-planet-1... and more!Email us [email protected]

The future is electric, which is why in this episode we sit down with Sarah Aubrey, one of Australia’s most respected advocates for electrification and electric vehicles.Sarah is passionate about decarbonising our homes and transport. As well, she is a prolific poster on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube under her social media account @ElectrifyThis, through which she works tirelessly to simplify the facts about clean energy and electric vehicles... while fighting off fossil fuel trolls.Email us [email protected]@sustainability_demystified#electrification #electricvehicles #ev #hybrid #pluginhybrid #energytransition #decarbonisation #sarahaubrey #cycling #transport #activetransport #electrifythis #publictransport #sustainability #sustainabilitydemystified #climateaction

WTF even are climate-related disclosures? Listen up for the low-down on what they're all about, as well as the big news out of Australia on them, and how this could impact your business here in NZ. Also, find out why we love Reefton Distilling Co. (It's not just 'cause they make gin and whiskey but if it was, that would be okay... nope, it's about them becoming a B Corp.)Links mentioned in the show: This powerful podcast by environmental investigative journos for the BBC reveals the shocking impacts of toxic waste and PCBs (aka 'forever chemicals) dumped across the world: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001hf1w And this is where you can read all the CRD's from the Kiwi companies that have to submit them: https://crd-app.companiesoffice.govt.nz/dashboard/ Got a sustainability question? Email [email protected] Follow us on instagram ⁠@sustainability_demystified⁠

Where on earth do you start on your sustainability journey if you're a typical business that hasn’t a clue but just wants to be better? In this episode, Millie and Tam tell you where to go for guidance as you . From the free tool that is the B Impact Assessment for B Corp certification (anyone can use it for free, you don't need to certify as a B Corp) to the Starter for Ten guide from the Centre for Sustainable Finance and KPMG and the Business, But Better free education hub for ethical entrepreneurs.Ultimately though, a great way to start is by just gathering your whole team together and saying, 'we want to be a business that values people and planet, where do you think we should start? How can we be better?' because engaging and including the team is key.Click here for the B Impact AssessmentClick here for the Sustainable Business Starter for Ten guideClick here for the free Business, But Better education hub for ethical entrepreneursDrop us an email to [email protected] and follow us on Instagram @sustainability_demystified

Sustainability is the latest reporting requirement for businesses, but where does it stem from? This episode Millie and Tamara discuss the powerful forces that are combining to drive the rise of sustainability in business at all levels - such as demand from consumers, finding cost savings, attracting and keeping staff, requirements from investors and financiers, global legislation... this and more reasons why your business might want to start considering sustainability in your business strategy.Sustainability Demystified - Episode 2: Why are businesses having to talk about sustainability anyway?( 0:30:40)         Episode Information Sustainability is the latest reporting requirement for businesses, but where does it stem from? This episode Millie and Tamara discuss the powerful forces that are combing to drive the rise of sustainability in business at all levels - such as demand from consumers, finding cost savings, attracting and keeping staff, requirements from investors and financiers, global legislation... this and more reasons why your business might want to start considering sustainability in your business strategy.Sustainability Demystified - Episode 2: Why are businesses having to talk about sustainability anyway?( 0:30:40)         Episode Information Sustainability is the latest reporting requirement for businesses, but where does it stem from? This episode Millie and Tamara discuss the powerful forces that are combing to drive the rise of sustainability in business at all levels - such as demand from consumers, finding cost savings, attracting and keeping staff, requirements from investors and financiers, global legislation... this and more reasons why your business might want to start considering sustainability in your business strategy.Drop a line to Millie and Tam 'cause we really want your sustainability questions. Email: [email protected] Instagram @sustainability_demystified

WTF even is sustainability?! What does it mean? Where did it come from? Why should I care... and so much more. Sustainability has become a bit of a buzz word and some people even find it triggering. But why is it a 'thing'? How did we get to this point? What's B Corp got to do with it and what the flip are the Sustainable Development Goals when they're at home?In this, the first ever episode of newborn radio show Sustainability Demystified, environmental scientist Millie Taylor and B Corp consultant Tamara Pitelen discuss the background and birth of the sustainability movement and why it's important we all start paying attention.Drop a line to Millie and Tam 'cause we really want your sustainability questions. Email: [email protected] Instagram @sustainability_demystified

Kicking things off...