Did you know that using AI to generate a single image can use up as much energy as charging a smartphone?

Or that some tech companies employ low-paid workers, including prisoners, to filter AI content?

Behold, the hidden perils of AI.

With innovation, always comes risk. AI is no exception.

So this week, I’m unpacking the ecological, security, and ethical risks of AI use. Plus, what many organisations and governments around the world are doing to mitigate them.

The Spotlight Series brings you weekly, bite-sized updates and expert insight on sustainability transformation, brought to you by the team behind Sustainability Tracker together with Edge Impact.

Hosted by Kiarne Treacy, one of Australia’s leading expert voices in helping make sustainability simpler for businesses and consumers.



MENTIONS:

EU Artificial Intelligence Act

ESG and Responsible AI Leadership Group



LINKS:

Browse sustainability information from all your favourite brands: SustainabilityTracker.com

Hear from sustainability experts and leading brands, plus listen to past episodes: The Sustainable Transformation Podcast

Join a growing network of passionate sustainability professionals and like-minded enthusiasts: Leaders in Sustainability Network

Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok

Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial



CREDITS:

Host: Kiarne Treacy

Research Partner: Edge Impact

Content Writing: Jesse Oey

Producer: Eddie Bye

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that using AI to generate a single image can use up as much energy as charging a smartphone?
Or that some tech companies employ low-paid workers, including prisoners, to filter AI content?
Behold, the hidden perils of AI.
With innovation, always comes risk. AI is no exception.
So this week, I’m unpacking the ecological, security, and ethical risks of AI use. Plus, what many organisations and governments around the world are doing to mitigate them.
The Spotlight Series brings you weekly, bite-sized updates and expert insight on sustainability transformation, brought to you by the team behind Sustainability Tracker together with Edge Impact.
Hosted by Kiarne Treacy, one of Australia’s leading expert voices in helping make sustainability simpler for businesses and consumers.
 
MENTIONS:
<a href="https://artificialintelligenceact.eu/high-level-summary/">EU Artificial Intelligence Act</a>
<a href="https://www.responsible.ai/bridging-the-gap-the-confluence-of-ai-and-esg-in-a-responsible-world/">ESG and Responsible AI Leadership Group</a>
 
LINKS:
Browse sustainability information from all your favourite brands: <a href="https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/">SustainabilityTracker.com</a>
Hear from sustainability experts and leading brands, plus listen to past episodes: <a href="https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/podcasts/">The Sustainable Transformation Podcast</a>
Join a growing network of passionate sustainability professionals and like-minded enthusiasts: <a href="https://www.leadersinsustainability.com/">Leaders in Sustainability Network</a>
Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainablechoice/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilitytracker/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sustainablechoicegroup">TikTok</a>
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial
 
CREDITS:
Host: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiarne-treacy/">Kiarne Treacy</a>
Research Partner: <a href="https://www.edgeimpact.global/spotlightseries">Edge Impact</a>
Content Writing: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesseoey/">Jesse Oey</a>
Producer: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-bye-75609857/">Eddie Bye</a>
Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au
Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the Sustainable Transformation Podcast, we bring you honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs of sustainability transformations in business. Join us fortnightly as we unpack the ideas that drive change, decode the jargon and meet the visionary leaders reshaping their organisations for the better. 

In the Sustainable Transformation Podcast, we bring you honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs of sustainability transformations in business. Join us fortnightly as we unpack the ideas that drive change, decode the jargon and meet the visionary leaders reshaping their organisations for the better.

In the Sustainable Transformation Podcast, we bring you honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs of sustainability transformations in business.

Sustainable Transformation

SPOTLIGHT EPISODE | The role of AI in sustainability – Part 2

Are you seeing the Certified B Corporation stamp popping up on your social channels, or on the products you’re buying? Well, that’s no surprise! As of February 2024 there are over 8,000 Certified B Corporations across 162 industries and 96 countries, with 750 of those belonging to Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand businesses. (Source).



So who is undertaking the monumental task to review, assess and coordinate these businesses into a single, streamlined standard and why?



In this episode Kiarne is joined by B Lab AANZ CEO, Andrew Davies for a master conversation on the role of business in society and how BLab is challenging the idea that businesses exist solely for the purpose of profit. 



The pair reflect on the history of business and social norms, and what it means to create an economy that is inclusive, equitable and regenerative in today’s society - and exactly how B Lab fits into it all. 



Andrew shares how B Lab AANZ and their global counterparts take a holistic approach to certification and view, where they operate through their levers of change - design, culture and structure. He highlights the challenges many businesses face when confronted by the ever-evolving ESG landscape and the mounting expectations of customers, employees and investors alike. 



We’re experiencing a monumental moment in time and businesses need to be taking tangible, verifiable action for change. By starting with the B Impact Assessment, business leaders can identify and begin to rectify the gaps. 



Plus, the two discuss the very real risks and criticisms that come along with trust marks like the B Corp Certification, what happens when they are seen as greenwashy and how the organisations setting the standards need to be constantly evolving in order to keep the very best players at the top. 



If you’ve ever considered starting the B Corp certification process or ever wondered what it’s all about, then this chat is for you! 





Key Discussion Points: 

What is B Lab: Exploring the organisation, its history and principle pillars in business and design. 

Why B Corp: The trends of who seek out the certification, the dangers of greenwashing, and importance of building trust through accountability. 



Green Claims: Determining the gaps and recognising the grey areas. The growing incentive for bigger businesses to become part of the movement. 



Evidence and Measuring Success: Capturing the breadth of impact through a holistic approach and taking a closer look at the roles of regulation and reform leading to impactful change. 



Criticism: How perception affects the process, and the challenges of transforming something intangible into positive improvement. 



Rapid Change and Communication: Redefining the norms around good business and having the important conversations. 

Advice and Business: Engaging with an open-mind and leading with conviction, humility and curiosity. 





MENTIONS:

Lorna Davis: A guide to collaborative leadership

Gender Pay Gap data

Milton Freeman - Stakeholder Theory

Simon Sinek - The Infinite Game

B Lab UK - The Purpose Dividend



LINKS:

Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com

Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast

Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok

Learn more about B Lab Australia and Aoteatora New Zealand: https://bcorporation.com.au/

Follow B Lab Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook.

Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial



CREDITS:

Host: Kiarne Treacy

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information

Are you seeing the Certified B Corporation stamp popping up on your social channels, or on the products you’re buying? Well, that’s no surprise! As of February 2024 there are over 8,000 Certified B Corporations across 162 industries and 96 countries, with 750 of those belonging to Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand businesses. (<a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/news/press/b-corps-show-this-way-forward-to-better-business/">Source</a>).
 
So who is undertaking the monumental task to review, assess and coordinate these businesses into a single, streamlined standard and why?
 
In this episode Kiarne is joined by B Lab AANZ CEO, Andrew Davies for a master conversation on the role of business in society and how BLab is challenging the idea that businesses exist solely for the purpose of profit. 
 
The pair reflect on the history of business and social norms, and what it means to create an economy that is inclusive, equitable and regenerative in today’s society - and exactly how B Lab fits into it all. 
 
Andrew shares how B Lab AANZ and their global counterparts take a holistic approach to certification and view, where they operate through their levers of change - design, culture and structure. He highlights the challenges many businesses face when confronted by the ever-evolving ESG landscape and the mounting expectations of customers, employees and investors alike. 
 
We’re experiencing a monumental moment in time and businesses need to be taking tangible, verifiable action for change. By starting with the B Impact Assessment, business leaders can identify and begin to rectify the gaps. 
 
Plus, the two discuss the very real risks and criticisms that come along with trust marks like the B Corp Certification, what happens when they are seen as greenwashy and how the organisations setting the standards need to be constantly evolving in order to keep the very best players at the top. 
 
If you’ve ever considered starting the B Corp certification process or ever wondered what it’s all about, then this chat is for you! 
 
Key Discussion Points: 
What is B Lab: Exploring the organisation, its history and principle pillars in business and design. Why B Corp: The trends of who seek out the certification, the dangers of greenwashing, and importance of building trust through accountability. 
 
Green Claims: Determining the gaps and recognising the grey areas. The growing incentive for bigger businesses to become part of the movement. 
 
Evidence and Measuring Success: Capturing the breadth of impact through a holistic approach and taking a closer look at the roles of regulation and reform leading to impactful change. 
 
Criticism: How perception affects the process, and the challenges of transforming something intangible into positive improvement. 
 
Rapid Change and Communication: Redefining the norms around good business and having the important conversations. Advice and Business: Engaging with an open-mind and leading with conviction, humility and curiosity. 
 
MENTIONS:
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zC2Bc22QfA">Lorna Davis: A guide to collaborative leadership</a>
<a href="https://www.wgea.gov.au/pay-and-gender/gender-pay-gap-data">Gender Pay Gap data</a>
<a href="https://www.darden.virginia.edu/faculty-research/directory/r-edward-freeman">Milton Freeman - Stakeholder Theory</a> 
<a href="https://simonsinek.com/books/the-infinite-game/">Simon Sinek - The Infinite Game</a>
<a href="https://bcorporation.uk/act-and-learn/knowledge-and-resources/the-purpose-dividend/">B Lab UK - The Purpose Dividend</a>
 
LINKS:
Learn more about <a href="https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/about/">SustainabilityTracker.com</a> 
Learn more about <a href="https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/podcasts/">The Sustainable Transformation Podcast</a>
Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainablechoice/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilitytracker/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sustainabilitytracker">TikTok</a>
Learn more about B Lab Australia and Aoteatora New Zealand: <a href="https://bcorporation.com.au/">https://bcorporation.com.au/</a>
Follow B Lab Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/b-lab-australia-&amp;-new-zealand-ltd/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/BCorpANZ/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://x.com/bcorpanz?lang=en">X</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BCorpANZ">Facebook</a>.
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial
 
CREDITS:
Host: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiarne-treacy/">Kiarne Treacy</a>
Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au
Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information

B Lab AANZ  |  Can Business Exist for Impact over Profit?

In Australia, the transport sector makes up 19% of emissions, with the projection to become the largest producer of emissions by 2030. (Source).

Fortunately, Team Global Express - formally known as Toll Global Express - has committed to tackling decarbonisation and improving sustainable development  for the entire business.

With an ambitious goal of becoming the most sustainable transport and logistics solutions provider across Australia and New Zealand, Team Global Express is transforming their operations for the better under Heather’s leadership.

In this episode, Kiarne sits down with Team Global Express ESG Director, Heather Bone to unpack the state of the industry, tackling tough conversations on the available infrastructure, higher costs and diversifying fuel sources all relevant to shaping a more sustainable logistics.



With decarbonisation being just the tip of the iceberg, Heather and Kiarne discuss what it means to be thrust into an ESG role where the risks seem great and the challenges never-ending. From waste management, packaging, consolidation, and recycling, education and supporting the social fabric of Australia, there are innumerable opportunities for improvement and Team Global Express is driving innovation to meet each one.



Heather shares how great leadership from the c-suite and the board has empowered the team to take ownership at every level.



Key Discussion Points: 

Branding and Identity: The history behind the multi-modal logistics provider and the journey in rebranding into who they are today.

Logistics and Decarbonisation: Understanding the metrics behind the terms and creating focused solutions and innovations.

Fuel Sources and Transformation: Looking at the realistic alternatives available and the requirements for different modes of transportation in a sustainable context.

Clarity and Policies: The role of people in transport and achieving ESG on all levels of the business and regions.

Growth and Programs: Educating the community on consumption habits and the wide-spread effects of consumer demand. The programs and infrastructure set in place to alleviate the strain and encourage greater sustainable practices.

Advice and Business: Prioritising materiality assessments and figuring out the greatest risks and opportunities in your business.





MENTIONS:

Christine Holgate - CEO of Team Global Express

BioPak

TLC for Kids

OzHarvest

APCO



LINKS:

Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com

Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast

Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok

Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial



CREDITS:

Host: Kiarne Treacy

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information 

In Australia, the transport sector makes up 19% of emissions, with the projection to become the largest producer of emissions by 2030. (<a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/transport#:~:text=In%202022%20our%20transport%20sector,source%20of%20emissions%20by%202030.">Source</a>).
Fortunately, Team Global Express - formally known as Toll Global Express - has committed to tackling decarbonisation and improving sustainable development  for the entire business.
With an ambitious goal of becoming the most sustainable transport and logistics solutions provider across Australia and New Zealand, Team Global Express is transforming their operations for the better under Heather’s leadership.
In this episode, Kiarne sits down with Team Global Express ESG Director, Heather Bone to unpack the state of the industry, tackling tough conversations on the available infrastructure, higher costs and diversifying fuel sources all relevant to shaping a more sustainable logistics.
 
With decarbonisation being just the tip of the iceberg, Heather and Kiarne discuss what it means to be thrust into an ESG role where the risks seem great and the challenges never-ending. From waste management, packaging, consolidation, and recycling, education and supporting the social fabric of Australia, there are innumerable opportunities for improvement and Team Global Express is driving innovation to meet each one.
 
Heather shares how great leadership from the c-suite and the board has empowered the team to take ownership at every level.
 
Key Discussion Points: 
Branding and Identity: The history behind the multi-modal logistics provider and the journey in rebranding into who they are today.
Logistics and Decarbonisation: Understanding the metrics behind the terms and creating focused solutions and innovations.
Fuel Sources and Transformation: Looking at the realistic alternatives available and the requirements for different modes of transportation in a sustainable context.
Clarity and Policies: The role of people in transport and achieving ESG on all levels of the business and regions.
Growth and Programs: Educating the community on consumption habits and the wide-spread effects of consumer demand. The programs and infrastructure set in place to alleviate the strain and encourage greater sustainable practices.
Advice and Business: Prioritising materiality assessments and figuring out the greatest risks and opportunities in your business.
 
 
MENTIONS:
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-holgate-538a1b1/">Christine Holgate</a> - CEO of Team Global Express
<a href="https://www.biopak.com/">BioPak</a>
<a href="https://www.tlcforkids.org.au/">TLC for Kids</a>
<a href="https://www.ozharvest.org/">OzHarvest</a>
<a href="https://apco.org.au/">APCO</a>
 
LINKS:
Learn more about <a href="https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/about/">SustainabilityTracker.com</a>
Learn more about <a href="https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/podcasts/">The Sustainable Transformation Podcast</a>
Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainablechoice/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilitytracker/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sustainabilitytracker">TikTok</a>
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial
 
CREDITS:
Host: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiarne-treacy/">Kiarne Treacy</a>
Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au
Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information

Team Global Express |  The Road to Sustainable Logistics with Heather Bone

$2.5 billion worth of brand-new excess goods end up wasted or landfilled in Australia every year, according to Deloitte Access Economics. To put this statistic into perspective, if this waste were a company, it would be the 6th largest retailer by market capital in Australia. (Source).



Luckily, Good360 Australia is one of the front liners leading the charge in connecting surplus goods of businesses to people in need Australia-wide and making the complexities of meaningful giving, simple. In 2023, Good360 prevented 6,562 tonnes of goods from going to waste, and supported 384.8 million Australians in the process.



This week, Kiarne sits down with Good360 Australia Founder and Managing Director, Alison Covington AM for an eye-opening conversation about the challenges a charitable organisation faces in today’s cost of living crisis. As well as the massive opportunities for businesses to donate instead of destroy, and contribute meaningfully and sustainably to communities in need.



Key Discussion Points: 

From Transport to Charity: Alison Covington AM’s journey in making a positive impact in the lives of millions of Australians through her organisation. A tour of Good360 Australia, and the ever-growing demand and importance of funding.

Responsibility and Logistics: Breaking down the misconceptions around ‘giving’ - offloading versus meaningful donations. The cost of burden on a community and how to think critically about extending the life of excess goods.

Growth and Inventory: The opportunity for businesses to find and use the ‘magic green button’ to sweep excess inventory into the right hands and understand the supply chain of goods. How Good360 can help.

Demand and Report: The dual benefits of partnering with charitable organisations to improve ESG claims and create collaboration within local communities. Now is the time to get organised.

Who can help and How: Post-christmas there was a 400% increase in demand from charities asking for support with the cost of living crisis affecting more Australians. The way Good360 can direct and support individuals and businesses looking to help.

Advice and Business: Moving forward together, evolving the space and finding the right fit for your business.



MENTIONS:



Good360 Impact Stories





LINKS:

Learn more about Good360 Australia 

Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com

Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast

Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok

Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial



CREDITS:

Host: Kiarne Treacy

Guest: Alison Covington AM

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

$2.5 billion worth of brand-new excess goods end up wasted or landfilled in Australia every year, according to Deloitte Access Economics. To put this statistic into perspective, if this waste were a company, it would be the 6th largest retailer by market capital in Australia. (<a href="https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/brand/good360/documents/">Source</a>).
 
Luckily, Good360 Australia is one of the front liners leading the charge in connecting surplus goods of businesses to people in need Australia-wide and making the complexities of meaningful giving, simple. In 2023, Good360 prevented 6,562 tonnes of goods from going to waste, and supported 384.8 million Australians in the process.
 
This week, Kiarne sits down with Good360 Australia Founder and Managing Director, Alison Covington AM for an eye-opening conversation about the challenges a charitable organisation faces in today’s cost of living crisis. As well as the massive opportunities for businesses to donate instead of destroy, and contribute meaningfully and sustainably to communities in need.
 
Key Discussion Points: 
From Transport to Charity: Alison Covington AM’s journey in making a positive impact in the lives of millions of Australians through her organisation. A tour of Good360 Australia, and the ever-growing demand and importance of funding.
Responsibility and Logistics: Breaking down the misconceptions around ‘giving’ - offloading versus meaningful donations. The cost of burden on a community and how to think critically about extending the life of excess goods.
Growth and Inventory: The opportunity for businesses to find and use the ‘magic green button’ to sweep excess inventory into the right hands and understand the supply chain of goods. How Good360 can help.
Demand and Report: The dual benefits of partnering with charitable organisations to improve ESG claims and create collaboration within local communities. Now is the time to get organised.
Who can help and How: Post-christmas there was a 400% increase in demand from charities asking for support with the cost of living crisis affecting more Australians. The way Good360 can direct and support individuals and businesses looking to help.
Advice and Business: Moving forward together, evolving the space and finding the right fit for your business.
 
MENTIONS:
 
<a href="https://catalog.good360.org.au/impact-story/index/search/?_gl=1*gi3koo*_gcl_au*NTQyMTE5OTkwLjE3MTgyMzk2MjE.*_ga*MTE5MjUxNDk4OS4xNzE2MjU2Mzc5*_ga_5PBK3TSQZG*MTcxODI1MDMxNi40LjEuMTcxODI1MDc2Mi42MC4wLjA">Good360 Impact Stories</a>
 
 
LINKS:
Learn more about <a href="https://good360.org.au/">Good360 Australia </a>
Learn more about <a href="https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/about/">SustainabilityTracker.com</a>
Learn more about <a href="https://www.sustainabilitytracker.com/podcasts/">The Sustainable Transformation Podcast</a>
Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainablechoice/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilitytracker/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@sustainablechoicegroup">TikTok</a>
Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial
 
CREDITS:
Host:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiarne-treacy/"> Kiarne Treacy</a>
Guest: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisoncovington/">Alison Covington AM</a>
Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au
Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SPOTLIGHT EPISODE | The role of AI in sustainability – Part 2

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