In today’s business world, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are more than just a buzzword – they have become an essential part of corporate strategy. However, the real challenge for many organisations is effectively integrating ESG principles into their core business operations. In a recent podcast, sustainability expert Julia Hoy, Associate Partner and Sustainability Communications Lead at Sefiani, and Michael Gonzalez, Head of Corporate Strategy at Clarity Global, provided compelling insights into the pivotal role that communication plays in aligning ESG with corporate strategy.

Julia and Michael’s conversation underscored the importance of using communication not merely as a tool for broadcasting ESG initiatives, but as the lubricant that “oils the machine” of integration, ensuring that these initiatives become an intrinsic part of the company’s broader business objectives. By focusing on material issues, fostering transparency, and building trust with stakeholders, they argue that companies can successfully navigate the complexities of ESG integration and avoid common pitfalls like greenwashing.

 

The Power of Purpose-Driven Communication

Reflecting on her career, Julia highlighted how early experiences shaped her passion for sustainability and communication. She recalled working with Unilever during the launch of their Sustainable Living Plan, a time when sustainability was becoming embedded in the corporate landscape. For Julia, this was a pivotal moment that solidified her belief in purpose-driven communication. “I was always drawn to companies or projects where there was purpose, where there was some kind of impact or an idea of business using their power to do something good and worthwhile,” she said .

This perspective laid the foundation for Julia’s approach to sustainability communications. She stressed that to truly integrate ESG into corporate strategy, businesses must move beyond the traditional marketing mindset of “pushing things to people they don’t really need” . Instead, they must adopt a more holistic, strategic approach, ensuring that sustainability is not just a separate initiative but a core part of the company’s DNA.

“Sustainability needs to be ingrained within the strategy. You can’t have it as an add-on because then it becomes the first thing to get cut when times get tough,”

she noted .

 

From CSR to ESG: The Evolution of Corporate Strategy

Both Julia and Michael agreed that the role of communication in sustainability has evolved significantly over the years. As Julia pointed out, what was once considered corporate social responsibility (CSR) has transformed into a more robust and integrated ESG framework. “CSR has been dead since 2010,” Julia quipped, explaining how the language and focus of sustainability have shifted. In today’s context, companies are not merely doing good for the sake of it—they are embedding sustainability into their core operations to drive long-term value .

For Michael, this shift is critical. Having worked across various sectors and regions, from Europe to the Caribbean, he emphasised that communication is now more complex and multifaceted than ever before.

“You can’t do corporate communications without considering sustainability, public affairs, policy, and regulation,”

Michael explained . He believes that the businesses that succeed are those that take a holistic approach, viewing ESG as a key driver of corporate strategy, rather than a separate function. “Everything is interconnected,” he added, noting that ESG considerations touch on every aspect of a company’s operations, from stakeholder engagement to risk management .

 

The Communication Challenge: Avoiding Greenwashing

One of the central themes of the conversation was the challenge of greenwashing—when companies make exaggerated or misleading claims about their environmental or social efforts. Both Julia and Michael stressed the importance of transparency and authenticity in ESG communications. “It’s not just about what you’re doing, but how you’re communicating it,” Michael said . He pointed out that in today’s hyper-connected world, where stakeholders demand more accountability than ever, businesses can no longer afford to be vague or misleading about their sustainability efforts.

Julia echoed this sentiment, noting that effective communication is about striking the right balance between ambition and realism. “We really want to be a partner with these organisations and make sure that we are clear that we’re not going to support any level of greenwashing,” she explained . To avoid greenwashing, she advocates for honest, data-driven communication that reflects both the successes and challenges of sustainability initiatives.

“Progress, not perfection, should be the goal,”

she said, highlighting that companies need to focus on incremental, measurable improvements rather than making sweeping, unattainable claims .

 

Building Trust Through Transparency

Transparency emerged as a key theme in the conversation, with both Julia and Michael agreeing that it is essential for building trust with stakeholders. Julia recounted a project she worked on with a global trucking company, where regulatory challenges initially prevented the deployment of electric vehicles in Australia. Through strategic advocacy and clear communication, the company was able to influence policy changes across multiple states, allowing the trucks to finally hit the road. “It was about aligning the company’s sustainability goals with its broader business objectives,” Julia explained . This case study highlights how transparency and consistent communication can lead to tangible results, both in terms of regulatory change and stakeholder engagement.

Michael added that transparency is especially important in today’s media landscape, where misinformation can quickly spread. “The whole concept of honesty and transparency has been tested because you can’t get away with anything anymore,” he said . For businesses, this means that ESG communications need to be backed up by solid data and evidence, ensuring that claims are verifiable and trustworthy.

“If you have to explain your message, it’s not right,”

Michael emphasised .

 

Prioritising Material ESG Issues

One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the importance of prioritising material ESG issues—those that are most relevant to a company’s industry, stakeholders, and long-term success. Julia and Michael cautioned against trying to address every ESG issue under the sun, as this can dilute a company’s impact and make it harder to communicate clear, focused messages. “Pick the areas where you can make a real difference, both for your business and for society,” Julia advised .

For example, when working with a large FMCG company, Julia helped the brand identify specific sustainability goals that aligned with its broader business strategy. By focusing on areas where the company could have the most significant impact, such as circularity and sustainable packaging, they were able to create campaigns that resonated with both consumers and regulators. “You need to understand what good looks like without drinking the Kool-Aid,” she said, underscoring the need for realistic, achievable targets .

 

Communication as the Catalyst for Change

Ultimately, both Julia and Michael see communication as the key to driving meaningful change in the ESG space. Whether it’s engaging with regulators, building partnerships, or communicating with consumers, they believe that clear, consistent messaging is the foundation for success.

“Effective communication is what oils the machine and keeps it moving forward,”

Julia said .

Michael agreed, adding that in a world where companies are increasingly scrutinised for their ESG efforts, those that communicate their values authentically and transparently will be the ones that stand out. “The principles of good communication are the same wherever you go,” he noted, emphasising the importance of simplicity and clarity in messaging .

As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of ESG integration, the insights shared by Julia and Michael serve as a valuable reminder: communication is not just a tool for sharing information—it is the driving force that aligns corporate strategy with sustainability goals, builds trust with stakeholders, and ultimately, powers meaningful, long-term change.

In a world where sustainable investing has become increasingly prominent, the reality of impact investing often falls short of expectations. Many companies claim to have made significant strides toward environmental and social responsibility, but in truth, much of this can be attributed to a phenomenon known as “greenwashing.” Greenwashing occurs when companies exaggerate or falsely represent their sustainability efforts, leaving investors questioning the true impact of their portfolios. In a recent episode, Roman Cassini, Head of ESG at Hosking Partners, shared his invaluable insights on how to navigate these challenges and approach investing with a more long-term mindset.

Roman Cassini’s background is anything but conventional. Having started his career as an officer in the British Army, he then transitioned to a strategic role in the UK Ministry of Defence before moving into finance, where he now leads the ESG efforts at Hosking Partners. His unconventional path offers a unique perspective on the intricacies of impact investing, especially in relation to tackling greenwashing and promoting active ownership.

 

The Rise of Greenwashing in Sustainable Investing

Greenwashing has become a significant concern as more investors are seeking to make a positive difference through their investments. Companies eager to capitalise on this growing demand often overstate their sustainability credentials to attract environmentally conscious investors. However, as Roman highlighted during the conversation, this trend undermines the real goals of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing.

“Greenwashing is a major issue. Investors want to make an impact, but the real challenge is in accurately measuring that impact. Many companies make bold claims, but they often fall short of delivering meaningful results,”

Roman noted.

The crux of the problem, as Roman explained, lies in the difficulty of quantifying the real-world impact of investments. While financial professionals are adept at building models to measure profitability, calculating the long-term environmental or social impact of a company’s activities is far more complex. ESG issues, such as climate change, deforestation, and human rights violations, are not easily translated into figures or metrics that can fit neatly into financial models.

“There’s a fundamental issue with measurement in the sector,” Roman stated. “Investors want to quantify the impact, but the reality is far more complicated. We often deal with long-term goals, like net-zero targets, that don’t have immediate, measurable outcomes. Yet, the pressure to show progress leads to companies overstating their sustainability credentials.”

 

The Long-Term Approach to ESG Investing

Roman strongly advocates for a long-term approach to ESG investing, one that prioritises meaningful impact over short-term gains. At Hosking Partners, where the focus is on holding stocks for an average of five to ten years, this long-term thinking is embedded into their investment strategy. Unlike many investment firms that prioritise quick returns, Hosking Partners takes a broader, more patient view of the market, seeking to invest in companies that align with sustainable practices over the long haul.

“We need to look beyond the immediate gains and think about the broader picture. Climate change and energy transitions are long-term challenges, and our investment strategies need to reflect that,” Roman said.

This perspective is crucial when dealing with issues such as climate change, which require sustained efforts over decades. While some investors may shy away from long-term strategies due to uncertainty and volatility in the market, Roman emphasised the importance of sticking to a principled approach.

“Short-termism often drives poor decisions. When investors focus only on quarterly earnings or short-term stock price movements, they risk ignoring the bigger picture. In contrast, a long-term perspective allows us to see through the noise and identify the companies that will succeed in the future,”

he explained.

 

Active Ownership: A Tool for Positive Change

One of the most effective ways for investors to ensure that their money is driving real-world impact is through active ownership. This involves engaging with the companies they invest in, not just to earn returns but to influence their behaviour and ensure they are adhering to ethical and sustainable practices. As Roman pointed out, investors have a critical role to play in shaping the future of corporate responsibility.

“As shareholders, we have the ability to influence corporate behaviour. We can engage with management, push for greater transparency, and hold companies accountable for their ESG commitments,”

Roman said.

Hosking Partners takes this approach seriously, actively engaging with the companies in their portfolio to drive positive change. Whether it’s advocating for stronger environmental policies or ensuring companies are managing their supply chains responsibly, Roman believes that active ownership is a key part of responsible investing.

“There’s a responsibility that comes with being an investor. It’s not just about making money; it’s about ensuring that the companies we invest in are future-proof, both economically and environmentally,” he added.

 

The Challenge of Measuring Impact

A recurring theme throughout the podcast was the difficulty in measuring the true impact of ESG investments. While some aspects, such as a company’s carbon emissions, are relatively straightforward to quantify, others are far more ambiguous. Roman gave the example of scope 3 emissions, which include indirect emissions from a company’s supply chain and the end-use of its products.

“It’s relatively easy to measure a company’s direct emissions, but when you get into scope 3 emissions, it becomes much more complicated. Should a car manufacturer, for example, be held responsible for the emissions from drivers using its cars? Or should that be the responsibility of the petrol companies?” Roman asked.

This ambiguity makes it difficult for investors to assess the real impact of their investments. Roman pointed out that while the financial industry has made significant progress in measuring ESG factors, there is still much work to be done to develop more accurate and reliable metrics.

“We’ve poured huge amounts of money and time into trying to solve this quantification problem, but in my view, it hasn’t really been solved. There’s still a long way to go in terms of measuring the impact that investments have on the environment and society,” Roman explained.

 

The Importance of Not “Deselecting” Yourself

Throughout the conversation, Roman shared his personal experiences and the lessons he’s learned throughout his career. One of the key messages he emphasised was the importance of not “deselecting” yourself from opportunities, particularly in industries like finance, where non-traditional backgrounds are often underrepresented.

“I think one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to never deselect yourself from something. It’s easy to feel like you don’t fit the mould, especially in industries like finance, but I’ve found that my diverse background has actually been an asset,”

Roman said.

He encouraged listeners to embrace their unique experiences and not to be discouraged by imposter syndrome. Whether transitioning into a new field or pursuing a leadership role, Roman’s advice is to remain confident and not shy away from opportunities.

“Everyone suffers from imposter syndrome to some degree. The key is not to let it guide your decisions. There’s absolutely a role for generalists in finance and other industries. It’s about recognising the value of your diverse experiences and not taking yourself out of the game before you’ve even had a chance to play,” he concluded.

A Call for Transparency and Long-Term Thinking

Roman Cassini’s insights into impact investing and greenwashing serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of transparency, active ownership, and long-term thinking in today’s investment landscape. While the challenges of measuring real impact remain, investors can make a difference by engaging with the companies they invest in, holding them accountable, and pushing for meaningful change.

As the world faces unprecedented challenges like climate change and the energy transition, the role of ESG investing has never been more critical. By adopting a long-term perspective and refusing to be swayed by short-term gains, investors can ensure that their money is not just generating returns, but also making a positive impact on the world.

In the words of Roman, “We need to be honest about the impact we can have and ensure that we’re not overstating what’s being achieved. Real change takes time, and we have to be prepared to play the long game.”

With growing awareness of environmental impact, the music tech industry faces a crucial moment to rethink its practices and embrace sustainability as a core value, shaping a greener future for music and technology alike. Andy Land, Head of Sustainability at the Focusrite Group, is at the forefront of driving change within this sector. With a passion for both music and environmental responsibility, Andy’s journey is a compelling narrative of how one can be “unreasonably effective” in advocating for sustainability. This article delves into the key themes and insights from Andy’s recent podcast appearance, where he shared his strategies, challenges, and vision for a more sustainable music tech industry.

 

A Lifelong Commitment to the Environment

Andy Land’s commitment to sustainability is deeply rooted in his early years. From a young age, he was fascinated by the environmental challenges facing our planet. “I remember reading about fossil fuels, and that they are a finite resource, and think to myself, when are these gonna run out, right? We need to find some alternatives,” Andy recalled during the podcast. This early curiosity about environmental issues set the stage for his future career.

Andy’s passion for sustainability was paralleled by his love for music and technology. He studied Music and Sound Recording at the University of Surrey, a course that combined his interests in music, engineering, and product design. Reflecting on his choice of study, he noted, “If you want to be a good audio engineer, you have to have some musical understanding of how the music should be and how it should be produced.” This dual passion for music and environmental responsibility would later define his career trajectory at Focusrite.

 

Integrating Sustainability at Focusrite

Since joining Focusrite over a decade ago, Andy has played a crucial role in embedding sustainable practices within the company. His journey began modestly, with efforts to reduce waste in the service department, such as switching to biodegradable bubble wrap. However, as Andy’s understanding of sustainability deepened, so did his ambitions. He eventually proposed the creation of a dedicated sustainability role, which he now occupies as the Head of Sustainability.

One of Andy’s most significant achievements at Focusrite has been the development of a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) database. This innovative tool allows the company to track the carbon footprint of every product in near real-time.

“We spent the first year of my role disassembling product after product, trying to work out what goes into them, building up my own little database of materials,”

he explained. This meticulous process has enabled Focusrite to gain a granular understanding of its environmental impact, from raw materials to the final product.

Andy’s approach is both pragmatic and ambitious. He understands that meaningful change often begins with “low-hanging fruit” – simple, actionable steps that can have a significant impact. For example, Focusrite has reduced the use of single-use plastics in packaging and switched to biodegradable alternatives. “We’ve been keeping ourselves busy while I’ve been trying to quantify everything,” he said, emphasising the importance of balancing immediate actions with long-term goals.

 

Challenges and Opportunities in the Music Tech Industry

While Focusrite has made substantial progress, Andy acknowledges that the journey towards sustainability is fraught with challenges. One of the key difficulties is the lack of baseline data. “We had no baseline as such to talk of, and we sell, like I mentioned before, 400 or so products, so it’s quite a lot,” he noted. The diversity and complexity of products in the music tech industry make it challenging to standardise sustainability measures.

Furthermore, the music tech industry often operates under the radar compared to more visible sectors like live music or streaming.

“Music tech is almost, at times, that forgotten area of the music industry in terms of the potential impact it can have from a sustainability perspective,”

Andy pointed out. He stressed the need for greater transparency and collaboration across the industry to drive systemic change.

Despite these challenges, Andy remains optimistic about the future. He believes that the music tech industry is uniquely positioned to lead by example. “If we go to that factory, we get them using recycled plastic or recycled aluminium hopefully in the future, and we can get them to shift that as the default for all their other customers, maybe we can start to move the dial,” he suggested, highlighting the potential for widespread impact through supply chain innovation.

 

The Power of Collaboration and Collective Action

Andy is a strong advocate for collaboration, both within and beyond the music tech industry. He co-founded the Greening Music Tech group, a platform that brings together professionals committed to sustainability in music technology. “We just keep gathering up people here interested in this stuff,” he said, reflecting on the group’s growth from a handful of members to nearly a hundred. This community of practice serves as a crucial forum for sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources.

Andy also emphasises the importance of transparency in driving industry-wide change. He encourages companies to be open about their sustainability efforts, even when they fall short.

“We should be sharing everything that we’re doing to date, really,”

he argued. This openness not only fosters trust but also encourages other companies to follow suit, creating a ripple effect across the industry.

 

Innovating for a Greener Future

Looking to the future, Andy is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music tech sustainability. He envisions a future where products are designed for sustainability from the ground up, with an emphasis on recyclability and minimal environmental impact. “It’s not just taking one material, swapping it out for another, and shipping the product as usual,” he explained. “It’s can we start to change the design of the product so it’s either really easy to recycle at the end of life or does it use less material.”

Andy’s vision extends beyond Focusrite. He is actively involved in the Music Industries Association (MIA), where he is working on a UK-wide net zero transition plan for the music industry. This ambitious project aims to provide a roadmap for companies across the sector, from small music shops to large manufacturers.

“One of the first things hopefully I’ll do in the next few months is release an MIA-branded UK net zero transition plan for the music industry,”

he shared, demonstrating his commitment to driving change at a national level.

 

Conclusion: Leading by Example in the Music Tech Industry

Andy Land’s journey as a sustainability leader in the music tech industry is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and collaboration. Through his work at Focusrite and beyond, he has demonstrated that it is possible to balance the demands of a dynamic industry with the imperative of environmental responsibility. As he continues to push for greater sustainability in music technology, Andy’s efforts serve as an inspiring example for others in the industry to follow.

In a world where every action counts, Andy Land is proving that being “unreasonably effective” in sustainability is not just a goal, but a necessity. His work reminds us that the journey towards a greener future is a shared responsibility, and that together, we can make a significant impact.

In the latest episode of The Responsible Edge Podcast, we sat down with Alina Arnelle, the Chief Sustainability Officer at BeCause, a SaaS platform specialising in ESG disclosures, and sustainability strategies. Alina’s journey from a career in fashion design to a leader in sustainability provides a unique perspective on how data can be leveraged to push businesses beyond mere compliance, enabling them to focus on sustainable innovation. This article explores the key themes and insights from the conversation, including the importance of data in sustainability, the evolution from compliance to innovation, and the transformative power of platforms like BeCause.

 

From Fashion to Sustainability: A Journey of Transformation

Alina Arnelle’s career began in a world far removed from her current focus on sustainability – fashion. Trained in Italy and France and having worked with high-profile brands like Alexander McQueen and Peter Pilotto, Alina achieved her childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer. However, she quickly became disillusioned with the industry’s demanding and often toxic environment.

“I didn’t want to be another casualty for someone else’s dream,”

she shared, reflecting on her decision to leave fashion despite her success.

Her pivot from fashion to sustainability wasn’t just a career shift; it was a profound change driven by a desire to have a more meaningful impact. “I wanted to come back stronger and make it better,” she explained. This decision led her to study environmental science and sustainability, earning a Master’s degree in Sweden, a global leader in sustainable practices.

 

The Role of Data in Driving Sustainability

In her role at BeCause, Alina has been at the forefront of integrating sustainability into business operations. She emphasises that data is crucial in transforming how businesses approach sustainability. “Most sustainability people now are basically controllers, handling compliance and reporting,” Alina notes. “We want to change that narrative.”

Traditionally, many businesses have viewed sustainability through the narrow lens of compliance – ensuring they meet regulatory requirements without necessarily integrating sustainable practices into their core operations. However, platforms like BeCause offer a different approach. By digitalising and automating the collection, coordination, and communication of sustainability information, BeCause allows businesses to manage their data more efficiently. This efficiency frees up time and resources, enabling companies to focus on genuine sustainability initiatives rather than just ticking compliance boxes.

“Data needs to live its best life,”

Alina asserts. For data to drive meaningful change, it must be more than a static set of numbers; it needs to be dynamic and actionable. Platforms like BeCause facilitate this by providing tools that help companies not just collect data but also analyse and apply it in ways that align with their strategic goals.

 

Moving Beyond Compliance

One of the key themes Alina discussed was the need for businesses to move beyond mere compliance and embrace innovation in their sustainability efforts.

“There’s a lot of fear towards sustainability, that it’s going to steal resources from other departments or slow down product development,”

she says. This fear often leads companies to take a cautious, compliance-only approach rather than investing in innovative practices that could drive real change.

However, Alina argues that true sustainability requires businesses to look beyond short-term costs and consider the long-term benefits. She believes that by using data strategically, companies can identify areas where they can make the most significant impact. “If you don’t waste energy on hiding things, that energy can be used for so many good things,” she explains.

The focus should be on quality over quantity. Instead of attempting to address every sustainability issue at once, companies should identify a few key areas where they can make a real difference. “The more we choose, the better we look,” Alina says, referring to the misconception that addressing more sustainability issues is always better. She compares this approach to a fine dining restaurant menu – where fewer, well-executed options often lead to a better experience. Similarly, focusing on fewer but more impactful sustainability initiatives can lead to better outcomes.

 

The Power of Transparency and Honest Communication

Alina also emphasises the importance of transparency and honest communication in sustainability. She argues that businesses need to be clear about what sustainability means to them and how they are implementing it in their operations and products.

“There’s liberation in transparency,”

she states. Being open about where a company stands in its sustainability journey and where it needs improvement can help build trust with stakeholders and customers.

At BeCause, this philosophy is at the core of their approach. By providing a platform that allows businesses to manage their sustainability data transparently and effectively, they help organisations communicate their efforts more clearly and credibly to their stakeholders. This transparency is not just about reporting; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

 

Enabling Sustainable Innovation through Technology

The conversation with Alina highlighted how technology can be a powerful enabler of sustainable innovation. Platforms like BeCause are not just about compliance; they are about creating opportunities for businesses to innovate sustainably. By automating routine tasks related to data collection and reporting, these platforms free up valuable time and resources. This enables companies to focus more on strategic initiatives that drive genuine environmental and social impact.

Alina’s work at BeCause involves developing tools and methodologies that help businesses identify their most pressing sustainability challenges and opportunities. “We advise our customers to start with the main ones – climate change, biodiversity, human rights, and business ethics,” she explains. By focusing on these core areas, businesses can develop targeted strategies that align with their overall goals and capabilities.

Moreover, Alina points out that having the right tools is essential for making data-driven decisions. “Without data exchange, there’s no point in collecting it,” she notes. At BeCause, they aim to be a “sustainability hub” that not only gathers data but also helps companies understand and use it to drive change. This comprehensive approach ensures that sustainability efforts are not just about compliance but are integrated into the fabric of the organisation’s operations.

 

The Future of Corporate Sustainability

Looking ahead, Alina envisions a future where sustainability is embedded in every aspect of business operations, not just as a separate function but as a core strategy. She calls for a shift away from the fear and stubbornness that often hold companies back from fully embracing sustainability.

“If I could, I would take away the fear and stubbornness that hold companies back from fully embracing sustainability,”

she says.

Her vision is one where businesses view sustainability not as a cost but as an opportunity for innovation and growth. By leveraging data and technology, companies can transform their approach to sustainability, moving from compliance to a focus on impactful innovation.

 

Conclusion

Alina Arnelle’s insights provide a compelling argument for the role of data and technology in driving sustainable business practices. Her journey from fashion designer to sustainability leader underscores the importance of purpose-driven work and the transformative power of innovative thinking. As businesses continue to face growing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices, platforms like BeCause offer a promising path forward – one that goes beyond compliance and empowers companies to make a real difference.

For anyone interested in sustainability, corporate strategy, or innovative business solutions, this episode of The Responsible Edge Podcast is a must-listen. It offers valuable lessons on how to leverage data for sustainable innovation and provides a roadmap for businesses looking to make a meaningful impact in the world. As Alina aptly puts it,

“It’s about being better, not being perfect.”

This mindset, coupled with the right tools and strategies, can help businesses navigate the complexities of sustainability and emerge as leaders in the field.