ESG In Conversation | How Do Businesses, Governments and Investors Fit Into the Circular Economy?

Host:

• Curtis File, Editorial Manager, ESG and Sustainable Finance

Featuring:

• Juliette Goulet, Project Manager, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
• Wayne Hubbard, CEO, ReLondon
• Joris Laseur, Associate Director, Stewardship, Morningstar Sustainalytics
• Jonathan Kellar, Manager, Stewardship, Morningstar Sustainalytics

As global leaders gain a more nuanced understanding of climate change, they are looking at the circular economy as a potential solution to mitigate their impact. In a circular economy, organizations aim to prevent waste throughout the value chain instead of relying solely on recycling. This approach involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, and recycling materials and products for as long as possible. Proponents say the approach comes with huge potential upside. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, for example, projects that a circular economy could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25%, create 700,000 jobs, and save $200 billion per year by 2040. But the path to achieving those goals is far from clear, and it will require an all-hands-on-deck effort.

In this episode of ESG in Conversation, we’re exploring the question: how do businesses, governments and investors fit into the circular economy? You’ll hear from Juliette Goulet, a seasoned sustainability practitioner from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, about the challenges of implementing a circular economy. You’ll also hear from Wayne Hubbard, CEO of ReLondon, about putting the circular economy into practice in London, England. Joris Laseur and Jonathan Kellar from Morningstar Sustainaltyics’ stewardship team also join to discuss the role investors play in helping businesses reduce their waste and implement circular business practices.