Corporate sustainability leaders in Australia are driving positive change by integrating environmental responsibility, social impact, and economic viability into their business practices, setting a benchmark for sustainable and responsible business conduct.

Corporate sustainability plays a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s future as a responsible and resilient nation. In a time where environmental degradation continues to pose significant challenges, businesses have an important role to play in driving positive change. 

The importance of corporate sustainability in Australia cannot be overstated, as it encompasses a broad spectrum of practices aimed at minimizing environmental impact. By embracing sustainability principles, Australian companies can not only mitigate risks associated with climate change but contribute to the overall well-being of society. 

Mike Cannon-Brookes: Atlassian Co-founder and Sustainability Champion

Sustainability Visionary

Mike Cannon-Brookes, the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Atlassian, leads a renowned collaboration software company that revolutionizes team productivity. He has made significant contributions to sustainability through his various initiatives and investments. 

2GW Sun Cable Initiative

One notable sustainability project spearheaded by Cannon-Brookes is the 2GW Sun Cable initiative. This ambitious venture aims to develop the world’s largest solar farm combined with battery storage in the Australian outback. The project seeks to generate renewable energy that can be transmitted via an undersea cable to supply power to Singapore. By harnessing the abundant solar resources of the region, this initiative has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute significantly to the transition to clean energy.

Policy Advocate

Cannon-Brookes has also been a strong advocate for policy changes that support sustainability. Through his advocacy efforts, he has highlighted the importance of governments and businesses working together to address climate change. He has called for the implementation of renewable energy targets, the reduction of carbon emissions, and the adoption of sustainable practices in various industries.

Sustainable Investor

Furthermore, Cannon-Brookes has made significant investments in sustainable startups and technologies. His venture capital firm, Grok Ventures, focuses on supporting companies that are dedicated to addressing environmental challenges. This includes investments in clean energy, electric vehicle technology, and sustainable agriculture. By funding and nurturing these innovative ventures, Cannon-Brookes is helping accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable solutions.

Emma Herd: Leading the Investor Community on Climate Action

Emma Herd is a climate change expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. She is recognized as a prominent figure in the realms of climate change and sustainability. She also possesses firsthand knowledge in developing and implementing commercial climate change finance and investment solutions. 

Herd’s exceptional leadership has brought about an influential presence of the investor community within the discourse surrounding climate change in Australia and New Zealand.

Climate Leader and IGCC CEO

During her tenure, Herd has played a pivotal role in the remarkable growth and development of the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC), facilitating the establishment of the Asia Investor Group on Climate Change. This collaborative effort now represents a collective of investors with a staggering combined asset under management of over $US15 trillion.

Over the past six years, IGCC has experienced a substantial expansion of its membership base, and Herd has played a pivotal role in spearheading the development of several significant initiatives. These include Climate Action 100+, The Investor Agenda, Climate League 2030, and the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative.

Kevin Gallagher: Driving Sustainability in the Energy Sector

Kevin Gallagher, as the CEO of Santos, has been instrumental in driving sustainability initiatives within the energy sector. Under his leadership, Santos, an Australian natural gas company, has actively pursued sustainable practices and undertaken projects to minimize environmental impact while meeting the world’s growing energy demands.

Net-Zero Emissions by 2040

One of the notable sustainability efforts spearheaded by Gallagher is Santos’ commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Recognizing the importance of addressing climate change, the company has set ambitious targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. To reach this goal, Santos is focusing on reducing emissions intensity, increasing energy efficiency, and investing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. 

Engaging with Stakeholders

Gallagher has also emphasized the importance of engaging with local communities and stakeholders to ensure sustainable operations. In addition, he has been a vocal proponent of natural gas as a transition fuel towards a low-carbon future. Recognizing the role of natural gas in reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels, Santos has been investing in cleaner technologies and exploring opportunities for renewable energy integration. 

Culture of Innovation

Furthermore, Gallagher has fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration within Santos. The company actively partners with research institutions, industry associations, and other stakeholders to develop and adopt best practices in sustainability. 

Recognition for Sustainability Efforts

Under Gallagher’s leadership, Santos has received recognition for its sustainability efforts. The company has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, which highlights organizations demonstrating strong environmental, social, and governance performance.

Role of Corporate Business in Sustainability

Corporate businesses play a crucial role in sustainability. By adopting environmentally responsible practices, promoting social well-being, and integrating economic viability with eco-friendly approaches, they can contribute to a more sustainable future.

At BillionBricks, we value sustainability. Through our own means, we want to contribute to the well-being of the plane by lessening our impact on the environment. We do this by building net-zero homes and communities.

If you want to learn more about BillionBricks and our net zero homes, visit https://calendly.com/d/y5t-wh7-hdd/call-with-billionbricks

Sources

1. Atlassian. (n.d.). Mike Cannon-Brookes. Retrieved from https://events.atlassian.com/worklife/speaker/518926/mike-cannon-brookes

2. LinkedIn. (2023). Emma Herd. Retrieved from https://au.linkedin.com/in/emma-herd-9667204

3. IGCC. (2021). Investor Group on Climate Change CEO Emma Herd calls time. Retrieved from https://igcc.org.au/investor-group-on-climate-change-ceo-emma-herd-calls-time/

4. Santos. (n.d.). Sustainability at Santos. Retrieved from https://www.santos.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Santos-Sustainability-Performance-Report_Full-2.pdf

5. CeraWeek. (2023). Kevin Gallagher. Retrieved from https://ceraweek.com/speakers/kevin-gallagher/

6. Enerdata. (2022). Sun Cable’s Australia to Singapore 2 GW solar power-link targets 2024 FID. Retrieved from https://www.enerdata.net/publications/daily-energy-news/sun-cables-australia-singapore-2-gw-solar-power-link-targets-2024-fid.html