In this episode, Global ESG/Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot is joined by Chris Castro, Director of Sustainability and Resilience for the City of Orlando and Senior Advisor to the Mayor.

In this episode, Chris speaks about why he's been interested in the environment and sustainability from a young age, the importance of remembering the business case for sustainability and shares the key focus areas he's been working on for the City of Orlando.

This is the thirteenth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.

Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

In this episode, Global ESG/Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot is joined by Chris Castro, Director of Sustainability and Resilience for the City of Orlando and Senior Advisor to the Mayor.
In this episode, Chris speaks about why he's been interested in the environment and sustainability from a young age, the importance of remembering the business case for sustainability and shares the key focus areas he's been working on for the City of Orlando.
This is the thirteenth episode in our 30 For Net Zero 30 series. In each episode, Ashurst Global Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot speaks with climate action champions across the globe about real steps to take now towards 2030 goals.
Find out more about our podcast channels on Ashurst.com/podcasts

Sustainability is an issue that affects us all, but how can we take steps to provoke meaningful change and make a lasting impact on environmental, social and governance issues across the globe? We explore the intersection of business value with business values for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Sustainability is an issue that affects us all, but how can we take steps to provoke meaningful change and make a lasting impact on environmental, social and governance issues across the globe? We explore the intersection of business value with business values for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Join us for our first podcast series, ESG Matters @ Ashurst as we go searching for answers and providing practical advice to help you address the challenges facing your organisation.

ESG Matters @ Ashurst Podcast

ESG Matters @ Ashurst

In this episode, Global ESG/Sustainability Partner Anna-Marie Slot is joined by Chris Castro, Director of Sustainability and Resilience for the City of Orlando and Senior Advisor to the Mayor.

Episode 13: Sustainable Cities

In this special wrap-up episode, Ben McAlary joins Season 3 hosts Elena Lambros and Lorraine Johnston to reflect on the recurring themes that shaped nine thought-provoking conversations across the last 10 episodes of Game Changes.

 

Across sectors and geographies, one message came through clearly: ESG challenges are systemic. Whether discussing climate risk with Dariel De Sousa, sustainable investing with Rebecca Ogg, or transition planning with Pauline Martin, guests urged us to look beyond isolated issues and examine the architecture of the systems shaping finance, infrastructure and regulation.

 

Another powerful thread was impact over optics. Australia’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner Chris Evans reminded us that ESG is not about glossy reporting but about real-world outcomes. Similarly, Nishikant Gupta of Conrad Energy highlighted the importance of curiosity, collaboration and practical action in turning strategy into measurable change.

 

Collaboration and capital allocation also emerged as decisive levers. From Oliver Kade’s call for cross-sector partnerships to scale waste management solutions, to Claire Reid’s explanation of how innovative financing models can unlock community energy infrastructure, the season explored how funding structures and collective action shape results.


Listen to all episodes in the Game Changers mini-series by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this special wrap-up episode, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-mcalary-6aa67536/">Ben McAlary</a> joins Season 3 hosts <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/elena-lambros/">Elena Lambros</a> and <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/lorraine-johnston/">Lorraine Johnston</a> to reflect on the recurring themes that shaped nine thought-provoking conversations across the last 10 episodes of Game Changes.
&nbsp;
Across sectors and geographies, one message came through clearly: ESG challenges are systemic. Whether discussing climate risk with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-dariel-de-sousa-b0461b9a/">Dariel De Sousa</a>, sustainable investing with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ogg-5767602b/">Rebecca Ogg</a>, or transition planning with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauline-martin-b211683b/">Pauline Martin</a>, guests urged us to look beyond isolated issues and examine the architecture of the systems shaping finance, infrastructure and regulation.
&nbsp;
Another powerful thread was impact over optics. Australia&rsquo;s Anti-Slavery Commissioner <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-evans-88072893/">Chris Evans</a> reminded us that ESG is not about glossy reporting but about real-world outcomes. Similarly, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishikant-gupta/">Nishikant Gupta</a> of Conrad Energy highlighted the importance of curiosity, collaboration and practical action in turning strategy into measurable change.
&nbsp;
Collaboration and capital allocation also emerged as decisive levers. From <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-kade/">Oliver Kade&rsquo;s</a> call for cross-sector partnerships to scale waste management solutions, to <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairejreid/">Claire Reid&rsquo;s</a> explanation of how innovative financing models can unlock community energy infrastructure, the season explored how funding structures and collective action shape results.
 Listen to all episodes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/podcasts/game-changers-and-transition-makers/">Game Changers</a>&nbsp;mini-series by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

From systemic climate risk to modern slavery, capital allocation to collaboration, we revisit the defining insights and standout moments from Season 3 of Game Changes.

Game Changers:  Season 3 Wrap-up – The Big Themes that Shaped our Conversations 

Ashurst’s Lorraine Johnston  speaks with Claire Reid, Director of Strategic Partnerships at SNRG, about how smarter grid connections and shared renewable infrastructure can reshape the UK’s energy future.

Claire explains how SNRG’s microgrid model works in practice, pooling solar generation across entire developments and storing excess power in communal batteries so that energy is shared fairly and efficiently. The result is lower bills for residents, reduced strain on the national grid and new opportunities for stalled housing and commercial projects to move forward.

They discuss how this approach aligns with the UK’s clean energy ambitions, from residential garden towns to industrial sites cutting carbon and costs without waiting years for grid reinforcements. The conversation also tackles the persistent myth that renewables are more expensive, and why long-term energy independence and resilience demand a shift in mindset.

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series – featuring an array of talented guests by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Ashurst&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/lorraine-johnston/">Lorraine Johnston </a>&nbsp;speaks with <a href="https://oursnrg.com/about-us/">Claire Reid</a>, Director of Strategic Partnerships at SNRG, about how smarter grid connections and shared renewable infrastructure can reshape the UK&rsquo;s energy future.
Claire explains how SNRG&rsquo;s microgrid model works in practice, pooling solar generation across entire developments and storing excess power in communal batteries so that energy is shared fairly and efficiently. The result is lower bills for residents, reduced strain on the national grid and new opportunities for stalled housing and commercial projects to move forward.
They discuss how this approach aligns with the UK&rsquo;s clean energy ambitions, from residential garden towns to industrial sites cutting carbon and costs without waiting years for grid reinforcements. The conversation also tackles the persistent myth that renewables are more expensive, and why long-term energy independence and resilience demand a shift in mindset.
Listen to more episodes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/podcasts/game-changers-and-transition-makers/">Game Changers</a>&nbsp;mini-series &ndash; featuring an array of talented guests by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

As the UK races to build 1.5 million new homes, grid constraints threaten to slow progress. Claire Reid of SNRG joins us to explain how community microgrids could be the solution. 

Game Changers: The Case for Community Energy and Smarter Grid Connections

Ashurst’s Elena Lambros sits down with Australia’s inaugural Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans, for a grounded, practical conversation about why modern slavery is no longer just a compliance topic but a core business risk that belongs in every boardroom.

Drawing on his work with major corporates, regulators and cross-sector groups, Chris explains why finding modern slavery in a supply chain should be seen as a system working, not failing. He highlights the shift businesses need to make, from producing reports to tackling real risk, and walks through the areas where exploitation most often hides, including labour hire, subcontracting and high-risk global supply chains.

Elena and Chris also explore how the ACCC’s recent guidance is clearing the way for companies to collaborate more confidently on remediation and due diligence.

Listen to more episodes in the Game Changers mini-series by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Ashurst&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/people/elena-lambros/">Elena Lambros</a> sits down with Australia&rsquo;s inaugural Anti-Slavery Commissioner, <a href="https://www.antislaverycommissioner.gov.au/about/who-anti-slavery-commissioner">Chris Evans</a>, for a grounded, practical conversation about why modern slavery is no longer just a compliance topic but a core business risk that belongs in every boardroom.
Drawing on his work with major corporates, regulators and cross-sector groups, Chris explains why finding modern slavery in a supply chain should be seen as a system working, not failing. He highlights the shift businesses need to make, from producing reports to tackling real risk, and walks through the areas where exploitation most often hides, including labour hire, subcontracting and high-risk global supply chains.
Elena and Chris also explore how the <a href="https://www.antislaverycommissioner.gov.au/news/updated-accc-guidance-strengthens-business-collaboration-tackle-modern-slavery">ACCC&rsquo;s recent guidance</a> is clearing the way for companies to collaborate more confidently on remediation and due diligence.
Listen to more episodes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ashurst.com/en/podcasts/game-changers-and-transition-makers/">Game Changers</a>&nbsp;mini-series by subscribing to ESG Matters @ Ashurst on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Australia’s inaugural Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans, unpacks modern slavery and how businesses can respond with impact. 

Episode 13: Sustainable Cities

ESG Matters @ Ashurst Podcast

In 1 playlist(s)

ESG Matters @ Ashurst

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips