News & Views

Quite different to greenwashing, 'greenhushing' is a new meme being given to the practice of not saying enough about your sustainability achievements. If everybody spoke about their incremental achievements then collectively we could tell very powerful story. Be sure to be loud and proud about what you are doing and make it part of your sustainability marketing strategy. See what GreenBiz have to say about 'greenhushing' HERE.

A recent report from EY found that there was a significant disconnect between Investor expectations and actual company performance with regard to sustainable ESG investment. 99% of investors surveyed in the report considered  ESG disclosures as part of their decision making were critical. Companies need to align their reporting with  stakeholder ESG expectations. Read the report HERE.

The Pride in Practice conference is the only national conference dedicated to advancing LGBTQ inclusion in Australian workplaces, sport organisations and the health and human services sector.

This event continues to inspire and spotlight LGBTQ inclusion, with key themes focusing on Intersectionality, LGBTQ+ women, Trans and Gender Diverse People, First Nations LGBTQ+ people, International Reach, and much more.

Various attendance packages are available, as well as recordings of presentations. Go to the Website HERE.

The World Health Organisation says that the COVID pandemic has led to a significant increase in depression and anxiety across the world. On a more positive note it is proven that we can adapt quickly two flexible working and provide a safe and gradual return to work. We must ask R-U-OK every day not just one day a year. See what four law firms have to say about mental health HERE.

An article from Lawyers Weekly suggests that reducing working hours to a four day week could have a significant impact on the environment and more broadly on society. Apart from the benefits of changing personal lifestyle habits, reduced emissions arising from commuting and energy use in offices helps the environment. Working longer and harder means we are more time poor and the quick decisions on fast food and non environmental solutions are easier then the better decisions. Read the article HERE

Landers joins four other law firms and more than 350 Australian organisations recognised by Climate Active as having achieved net-zero emissions through effectively measuring, reducing and offsetting the carbon they produce. "Becoming carbon neutral is an important achievement that demonstrates our commitment to operating a responsible and sustainable business," said Jo Renkin, Lander & Rogers' partner for pro bono, community and environment. "It sends a strong message to our people, clients and profession that we are serious about reducing our environmental impact and supporting climate action." READ MORE 

The Australian Government has lodged an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat. This is part of Australia’s obligations under the Paris Agreement. The updated NDC commits Australia to a more ambitious 2030 target of 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 an increase of 15 %. READ MORE

ASIC is clarifying ESG reporting in Australia to avoid greenwashing.  Sustainable investment is likely to exceed US$53 trillion globally by 2025. In the Asia-Pacific alone, environmental, social and governance (ESG) investments have more than doubled between 2019 and 2021. Australian Investments and Security Commission (ASIC) has now published an official information sheet on greenwashing in the ESG space, seen by some as a veiled warning to those not following the Corporation Act to the letter.  ASIC commissioner Sean Hughes made no bones about it, “ASIC is continuing to monitor the market and will be looking for misleading claims about ESG and sustainability. READ MORE

AusLSA friend Workplace giving Australia has just wrapped up its Workplace Giving Month. The June program included three informative and high quality webinars. If you missed them, you can find recordings online below - along with the full research paper from the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government.

1. What works at work: Shifting the dial on workplace giving 
2. How to join the Workplace Giving Revolution
3. Creating Better Futures Through Workplace Giving

Linking executive remuneration to material ESG outcomes can avoid greenwashing in infrastructure companies, according to fund manager Maple-Brown Abbott. Maple-Brown Abbott has engaged with companies in the Global Listed Infrastructure fund and used its proxy votes as a way to encourage alignment in short- and long-term executive remuneration with sustainability commitments and decarbonisation targets. READ MORE