Sustainable Intelligence

In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, Laura Callaghan, Head of EMEA Advisory at Novata, joins us to dive into the EU Taxonomy and what it means for businesses right now. Laura shares what the Taxonomy was designed to do, who it applies to, and why it’s hard to tackle without the right tools and expertise. Listen to hear how companies can move beyond box-checking to find real business value in doing this work well and what’s ahead for ESG and sustainability reporting. 

In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, Evan Greenfield, Managing Director and Head of ESG at BCI Private Equity, joins to discuss his latest whitepaper, ESG Value Creation in Private Equity: From Rhetoric to Returns, developed in collaboration with Stanford University’s Long-Term Investing Initiative. British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI) is one of Canada’s largest institutional investors, managing a ~C$300 billion portfolio on behalf of 32 public sector and institutional clients. Drawing on real-world case studies, Evan explains how financially material ESG initiatives can drive EBITDA improvements, reduce operational risk, and strengthen exit readiness. He also shares a practical framework for embedding sustainability across the investment lifecycle, from diligence to exit.

In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, Novata Co-Founder and Co-CEO Josh Green shares his path into sustainability and the experiences that have shaped his perspective. As he prepares to step in as interim host, Josh reflects on what it takes to build trust as a founder, how his career in sustainability began, and the critical role data plays in driving meaningful progress.

In this episode, Antler Global Partner Rosalind Bazany details how the VC firm replaced the traditional PDF with an interactive, data-rich experience for its 2026 Sustainability Report. The results were astonishing, with the new report generating more engagement in one month than the previous one did in an entire year. She also unpacks groundbreaking data, including a 37% funding advantage for companies with strong sustainability practices, challenging everything you thought you knew about ESG reporting and framework design. Explore Antler’s 2026 Sustainability report.

In this episode, Margot Brandenburg of the Ford Foundation explores how climate risk is reshaping capital allocation, workforce stability, and long-term business resilience. She reframes sustainability as more than compliance, positioning it as a core driver of future performance, from physical climate disruption to human capital and systemic risk.The conversation cuts through the noise of short-term pressures, highlighting why companies that stay focused on long-term value, use data effectively, and lead with authenticity will come out ahead. The takeaway: future-proofing your business isn’t about reacting to headlines, it’s about building resilience into every decision, for today and the decades ahead.

In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, we’re joined by Caitlin Pentifallo, Novata’s Head of Sustainability & Regulatory Strategy, to unpack the truth about ESG proxy data—what it is, when it’s useful, and where it can go wrong. Caitlin explains why emissions remain the biggest data gap, what makes a benchmark credible, and how regulators are becoming more accepting of well-designed proxies as long as methodology and assumptions are transparent.

In this episode, we explore why sustainability is shifting beyond compliance and into a core risk management discipline. Christina Anselm, Advisory Manager at Novata, breaks down how non-financial factors, from climate and cyber to geopolitics, are increasingly material financial risks for investors and banks. The conversation reframes risk as holistic, data-driven, and long-term, emphasizing the importance of starting with imperfect data, building practical insights over time, and using risk intelligence to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, we are joined by Beth Meyer, Novata’s Chief Legal Officer and Head of Risk and Compliance. Beth shares a practical, business-first approach to sustainability, one that goes beyond checkbox compliance and shifting regulations to focus on real risk reduction, stakeholder value, and measurable impact. From treating regulations as the floor (not the ceiling) to proving sustainability’s value in the boardroom, this conversation offers clear guidance for leaders looking to build resilient, credible sustainability programs that drive long-term growth.

In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, we are joined by Bob MacKnight, VP and Head of Sustainability Products at S&P Global Energy Horizons, to unpack what’s next for sustainability in the private markets. Fresh from PRI and Pre-COP, Bob shares the biggest signals he’s seeing, from the maturation of carbon markets and momentum in sustainable agriculture, to the rise of AI-powered workflows and a clear shift from ambition to delivery. Drawing on his background in geoscience, data, and analytics, Bob explains how companies and investors can move past noise, focus on material impacts, and use high-quality data to drive resilience, adaptation, and real financial outcomes. 

In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, we sit down with Wladimir Nikoluk, Novata’s Chief Product Officer and founder of Atlas Metrics, to explore how sustainability data is rapidly evolving and what it means for the future of private markets.Wladimir traces his journey from the UN to McKinsey to launching Atlas Metrics, all fueled by one guiding question: How can data truly augment human decision-making in sustainability?Together, we dig into what organizations need most right now: clear materiality, seamless data collection, trustworthy data quality, and insights that move far beyond compliance to reduce risk, unlock value, and inform smarter decisions.

In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, Neil McCall, Senior ESG Analyst at Novata, discusses the key findings from Novata’s 2025 State of Sustainability Report. Neil breaks down why emissions, data quality, and regulatory readiness remain top priorities, and why demonstrating ROI has become the central challenge for sustainability teams.We explore how organizations across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific are responding to different reporting requirements, why spreadsheets still dominate despite wider adoption of ESG tools, and what separates data-mature teams from those still catching up. Neil also highlights the growing demand for skills in climate risk and supply chain due diligence, and the practical steps companies can take to strengthen their sustainability strategy heading into 2026.

In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, Janet Wood, Group Corporate and ESG Secretary at Incubeta, joins us to discuss how the global marketing agency kept its ESG strategy moving forward, even after falling out of CSRD scope. Janet shares how she unified fragmented initiatives across 37 countries, leveraged assessments like EcoVadis to build a data-driven foundation, and embedded sustainability into business operations. We explore why discipline, collaboration, and pragmatism are key to maintaining momentum and creating long-term value, proving that ESG success goes far beyond compliance.

In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, we are joined by Ben Morley, Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Ben leads BCG’s support for the ESG Data Convergence Initiative (EDCI), a global collaboration uniting over 500 GPs and LPs to standardize ESG data across the private markets.Ben shares how the EDCI has evolved from a collective action challenge into a benchmark covering 9,000 portfolio companies and 230,000 data points. We explore emerging sustainability trends, the link between ESG performance and value creation, and how better benchmarking is driving measurable impact across private equity, credit, and infrastructure.

In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, Conor O’Laoire, Head of Partnerships at Novata, joins us to talk about what it takes to build strong, profitable partnerships in the sustainability space. Conor shares how Novata’s strategy has evolved from early ecosystem building to a sharp focus on revenue-generating distribution partnerships that scale the business globally.He reflects on how Novata selects partners, prioritizing shared vision, domain expertise, and strong relationships. He discusses the significance of landmark collaborations with Microsoft and S&P Global Sustainable1, which expand Novata’s reach and impact. The conversation offers a clear view of how thoughtful partnerships can shape a company’s sustainability journey and why distribution is central to Novata’s future.

In this episode, we sit down with Rochelle March, Founder of People Places Words Action (PPWA), to discuss how AI is reshaping the sustainability landscape. Rochelle shares how companies are using AI to boost efficiency, uncover insights, and tackle complex global challenges like climate risk, biodiversity, and supply chain impact. She also explores the balance between humans and AI, the rise of responsible AI practices, and how sustainability professionals can build their own AI capacity to drive change.

California has just set a new bar for climate transparency with SB 253 and SB 261, and thousands of companies will soon be on the hook. But what do these laws really mean for businesses and investors?In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, we are joined by Jessie Miller, Senior Manager, Advisory at Novata, to unpack the details. We explore who’s in scope, the timelines and requirements coming in 2026, the practical costs to plan for, and why climate disclosure is evolving beyond a compliance exercise into a strategic advantage. Jessie also shares Novata’s four-step approach to help companies prepare, highlighting how smart disclosure can reveal both risks and opportunities that drive long-term value.

In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, Nick Donoghue, Lead Product Manager at Novata, discusses what it takes to design sustainability software that actually works. From meeting diverse compliance needs to unlocking real business value, Nick shares insights on integrating sustainability across an organization, choosing the right tools, and making data work harder. Whether you’re a sustainability leader or simply curious about the tech driving ESG progress, this conversation delivers practical takeaways and a clear-eyed view of what matters most.

In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Flick, Novata’s Head of APAC, to explore the shifting sustainability landscape across Asia Pacific. From carbon accounting becoming the norm to LPs driving demand for better ESG data, Kyle shares insights from eight months on the ground.We unpack how regulations, value creation, and energy realities are shaping firm behavior, why APAC investors are thinking in decades, not quarters, and what sustainability trends are gaining ground across diverse markets. 

Climate risk isn’t a distant threat, it’s a material financial reality. In this episode, Matt Babic, Advisory Manager at Novata, breaks down what today’s investors need to understand about the evolving climate landscape, the data that matters, and how to assess risk and opportunity across portfolios. Whether you're navigating new regulations or rethinking your investment strategy, this conversation brings clarity to a complex, high-stakes issue. The question is: Are you equipped to see the financial impact before it hits your bottom line?

In this special edition of Sustainable Intelligence to recognize Novata’s 4th anniversary, host Ella Williamson is joined by Rachel Yoo, Founder & CEO of Hiro, and Nadia Haile, Lead Designer & Strategist at Hiro, to reflect on the journey of building Novata’s brand.From naming and visual identity to brand voice and evolution, we unpack what it really takes to create a sustainability brand that feels credible, human, and built to last. You’ll hear how Novata, a blend of “nova” (new light) and “data,” became the foundation for a brand rooted in purpose and clarity. Plus, they explore how great brands show rather than tell to lead in a crowded marketplace.Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or sustainability leader, this episode offers an inspiring look at branding with purpose and how it evolves as you grow.

Private credit is fast becoming a force in ESG reporting, but it’s not simply following in private equity’s footsteps. In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, host Ella Williamson speaks with Alex Jackson, Senior Customer Success Manager at Novata, about what’s driving the surge in sustainability momentum across credit markets.From shifting LP expectations to increasing collaboration across the capital stack, Alex unpacks the trends, tools, and tensions shaping how credit GPs are approaching ESG. Whether you're just starting your data collection journey or refining your reporting strategy, this conversation offers practical insights and a reminder that progress beats perfection.Tune in to learn why sustainability is becoming a team sport in private markets, and how credit firms can lead with clarity, collaboration, and confidence.

Dr. Julie Anderson, Director of the Master of Science in Sustainability Management at American University’s Kogod School of Business, joins this episode of Sustainable Intelligence to explore what the global rollback of sustainability regulations really means for investors. While recent policy shifts, from SEC revisions to the EU’s “stop the clock” directive, may appear to signal retreat, Julie argues they actually open the door to a more complex, opportunity-rich landscape. This episode frames today’s uncertainty as a strategic reset, not a regression. For investors and companies alike, now is the time to sharpen tools, rethink value creation, and build resilience for a future where sustainability is business as usual.

Joining us today is David Willans, Director of Sustainability at Bladonmore, to unpack the shifting dynamics of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in today’s business and political climate. As media narratives and stakeholder pressures intensify, companies are responding in divergent ways. Some are retreating, others reframing, and a few holding the line. David explores the critical disconnect between public values and DEI program perceptions, revealing how communication missteps have opened the door for politicization and resistance. He underscores the importance of data and storytelling in grounding DEI efforts within business strategy and building long-term credibility. With clarity and candor, this conversation surfaces both the structural challenges and new opportunities to move DEI from controversy toward constructive change.

Joining us today is David Wingate, Manager on Novata’s Advisory team, to explore how ESG due diligence is evolving from a fragmented, qualitative process to a streamlined, data-driven approach that connects sustainability and financial outcomes.David explains why sustainability data needs to stay consistent from diligence through to exit, how focusing on material, decision-useful metrics unlocks value, and the risks of collecting too much, or the wrong, data. He shares what investors should prioritize over the next three to five years and offers his take on the most overrated ESG metric, the red flag he never ignores, and the one word that sums up the future of ESG due diligence.

In this episode, Solitaire Townsend, Co-founder and Chief Solutionist at Futerra, reflects on how sustainability principles have remained constant over decades, even as language and strategies have evolved. She distinguishes between managerial sustainability (risk and compliance) and entrepreneurial sustainability (innovation and growth), arguing businesses must embrace both to thrive. Solitaire emphasizes the opportunity in sustainability as a competitive advantage, not just a compliance burden, citing examples like Chanel and Google. She further critiques generic sustainability strategies and urges companies to tailor their approach, tell better stories, and focus on enabling consumers to live better lives through sustainable choices. 

We've got Waliur Rahman, Metrics and Regulations Associate at Novata, to break down the new Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs, better known as the VSME. Wali explains how this EFRAG-developed standard is designed to make sustainability reporting more accessible, especially for smaller businesses, and why its flexible, modular approach could transform how SMEs engage with sustainability data.

The EU Omnibus Package is shaking up sustainability reporting, bringing changes that could significantly impact companies across Europe. Laura Callaghan, Head of EMEA Advisory at Novata, joins us to break down the key updates, including the potential 80% reduction in CSRD scope, new reporting deferrals, and what these changes mean for businesses navigating the evolving ESG landscape.She explains why sustainability reporting isn’t just an EU mandate but a growing market expectation, and how companies—whether still in scope or not—should rethink their approach to ESG data, stakeholder engagement, and long-term strategy.

Joining us today is Colin Finn, Director of Customer Engagement at Novata. In this episode Colin shares practical strategies for streamlining sustainability reporting in private markets. As sustainability teams face mounting reporting demands and regulatory changes, Colin breaks down how firms can prioritize data requests, centralize workflows, and leverage technology to make sustainability reporting more efficient and impactful.

We've got Samuel King, co-founder and CTO of AI company Briink, discussing his transition from machine learning and natural language processing to developing AI tools for ESG and sustainability. He explains how companies face overwhelming volumes of unstructured ESG data and regulatory demands, and how Briink’s technology streamlines data extraction and compliance processes. The conversation highlights the shift in sustainability from a voluntary corporate social responsibility effort to a data-driven, regulated market that necessitates innovative AI solutions. Sam also introduces the concept of ESG agents, AI-powered systems designed to revolutionize real-time ESG analysis and reporting at scale.

We've got Jessie Martin, Global Head of Advisory at Novata, joining us today. We explore the growing pushback against ESG reporting, particularly due to regulatory overload and inefficiencies. Jessie highlights how businesses are struggling with excessive ESG data demands, leading to frustration and calls for simplification, especially in Europe with the CSRD and in the US with a shifting regulatory landscape. Despite these challenges, she emphasizes that a sustainability focus should not be abandoned but rather reframed as a tool for managing business risks and opportunities, rather than just a compliance exercise. 

We've got Josh Green, Novata’s COO and Co-Founder joining us today. He shares why considering ESG factors is no longer a “nice to have” but a business imperative driven by regulatory, investor, and consumer pressures. He explores how businesses can navigate political and regulatory crosswinds by embedding sustainability into their core strategies and leveraging technology to streamline compliance and drive meaningful change. Josh introduces the concept of “of course, sustainability” as a pragmatic approach to long-term resilience and success.

We’ve got Sarb Thandi, Novata’s Chief People Officer, joining us. Sarb delves into the strategic alignment of sustainability and people practices, emphasizing how Novata’s core values—integrity, longevity, togetherness, and agility—drive a culture of resilience. Sarb highlights the challenges and successes of creating a lasting sustainability ethos that empowers individuals to drive change both within and beyond the workplace.

We've got Alex Friedman, CEO and Co-Founder of Novata, joining us for an engaging conversation about the evolving world of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and sustainability in private markets. With a career spanning influential roles such as CFO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and CEO of GAM Holdings, Alex shares his insights on driving sustainability and the future of private markets.

We've got Si Mathavan and Darren Mascarenhas from Johnston Carmichael joining us to discuss the crucial role of assurance in ESG reporting. They break down the importance of assurance for building trust, ensuring compliance, and meeting stakeholder expectations in the evolving ESG landscape.

We’ve got Allison Green, ESG Research Associate at Novata, joining us to explore the topic of biodiversity and its importance for businesses. An expert on biodiversity, ocean impact, waste management and more, Allison dives into the goals and outcomes of the recent COP16 biodiversity summit. She highlights the importance of biodiversity, recent successes and challenges with biodiversity preservation, the critical role Indigenous communities play in driving progress, and how companies can contribute to conserving the planet’s biodiversity.  

We’ve got Lorraine Spradley-Wilson, Novata’s Senior Advisor, joining us to talk about creating a world-class sustainability report. Lorraine highlights the importance of strategic stakeholder engagement and conducting a thorough ESG materiality assessment to ensure relevant themes are prioritized. She also emphasizes avoiding common pitfalls, such as overloading reports with irrelevant metrics or creating an overly positive image that lacks substance. Listen now to find out more.

We've got Kieron Maddison, Senior Product Manager at Novata, joining us to share insights on integrating the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) into broader ESG strategies. Key topics include the shift from ESG compliance to value creation, the role of data and automation in streamlining CSRD reporting, and the need for companies to conduct gap analyses to meet the new regulatory standards. Kieran stresses the importance of piloting data collection early to ensure data reliability and suggests aligning ESG efforts with financial reporting for greater stakeholder engagement and ROI.

We've got Charlie Mahoney, Head of US Sales at Novata,joining us todive into the evolving role of ESG in U.S. private markets. Charlie shares insights on how general partners (GPs) are navigating ESG—from early compliance to genuine integration. We discuss whether ESG is becoming standard practice or simply a box-ticking exercise, the regulatory pressures reshaping the landscape, and the importance of choosing the right partners in building a solid ESG strategy. Tune in to learn how ESG is evolving from a “do good” initiative to a critical component of risk management in private markets. 

Gence Emek, Head of EMEA Sales at Novata, joins this episode of Sustainable Intelligence to dive into practical sustainability and making effective ESG decisions. Gence identifies key challenges ESG practitioners face and their impact on decision-making. He further emphasizes the importance of mindset over strategy, advocating for clear communication of simple, actionable ideas to stakeholders for driving sustainable change.

We've got Emily Sennett, Head of Customer Success at Novata, joining us today. Emily leads a global team working with more than 160 investor clients and over 7,000 portfolio companies on ESG data reporting. Emily shares her insights on ESG reporting cycles, including the best times to start, strategies for effective data collection, and how to add value to portfolio companies throughout the year. Tune in to learn how to master ESG reporting and set your organization up for long-term success.

We've got Teresa Yu, ESG Metrics & Regulations Lead at Novata joining us for this episode. The episode focuses on California's new climate regulations and their implications for businesses. Teresa emphasizes the importance of starting preparations immediately to meet the upcoming regulatory deadlines and leverage potential business opportunities.

We've got Caitlin Pentifallo, Head of Metrics and Regulations at Novata, joining us to discuss the intricacies of social impact and its connection to impact investing. Caitlin shares her journey from studying the social impacts of the Olympic Games to leading Novata's extensive Metric Library, which now includes over 2,400 metrics. She delves into various methodologies and tools for measuring social impact, including theory of change, logic models, cost-benefit analysis, and social return on investment. Caitlin also highlights the challenges of impact investing, emphasizing the importance of selecting context-specific metrics to ensure meaningful and accurate evaluations. The conversation underscores the value of user-centric approaches in ESG data collection and the critical role of metrics in driving informed decision-making for sustainable impact.

We've got Laura Callaghan, Head of EMEA Services at Novata, joining us for this episode. We explore the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), a critical framework introduced by the European Commission in 2021. Laura connects SFDR to broader EU initiatives like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and EU taxonomy, emphasizing its role in driving greener investments. Plus, we discuss practical tips for firms new to SFDR, highlighting essential disclosures and methodologies to meet regulatory requirements.

In this episode of Sustainable Intelligence, we’re joined by Mark Fischel, Head of Product at Novata. Mark dives into the recent controversy surrounding the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and its new stance on carbon credits for Scope 3 reduction targets. We discuss the polarizing reactions within the industry, the internal backlash at SBTi, and the broader implications for corporate net-zero strategies. Tune in for a deep dive into this significant shift in ESG practices and what it means for the future.

We've got Beth Meyer, Legal, metrics and regulation expert, joining us for this episode. We explore the importance of collecting ESG data and how it empowers investors in navigating regulatory landscapes. We dive deep into the benefits of ESG data collection, emphasizing its role in mitigating risks and uncovering untapped opportunities across portfolios.

We've got Laura Callaghan, Head of EMEA Services at Novata, joining us for this episode. Laura breaks down the core components of the CSRD, including the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), and emphasizes the importance of starting early, educating the workforce, and conducting a double materiality assessment to identify key sustainability topics. This comprehensive approach helps businesses focus on what's material to them and ensures compliance with the directive.

We've got Beth Meyer, Legal, metrics and regulation expert at Novata, joining us for this episode. We delve into the intricacies of building sustainability initiatives within companies. Beth provides insights on when it's time to hire a sustainability lead and offers guidance on navigating ESG reporting for firms without dedicated sustainability teams.

In this episode, Steve Cain, Senior Manager of Carbon Services at Novata, breaks down financed emissions. We discuss the history of financed emissions, how they work with popular reporting frameworks and regulations, and how financed emissions differ from traditional GHG emission tracking.

Kyle Flick, Director of Services at Novata, dives into the topic of ESG metrics, debunking myths and discussing how firms can identify the metrics that materially impact the business' bottom line.

We've got Jeanne Lee, Head of APAC Sales and SaaS Industry veteran, joining us for this episode. With nearly two decades experience in the SaaS industry, Jeanne brings extensive expertise to the discussion. We delve into the evolving landscape of sustainability in the APAC region, highlighting the urgent need for decarbonization and the growing interest in sustainable investment opportunities.