Coral Bravo leads the data gathering and analysis for Climateworks’ Net Zero Momentum Tracker project, which shows how Australia’s largest companies (ASX200) have tracked against their publicly available climate commitments.
Coral, can you tell us more about how the Net Zero Momentum Tracker (NZMT) aims to increase corporate commitments to net zero?
I think the NZMT has proven to be a really useful tool.
The fact that it is publicly available allows companies to compare themselves, so they know where they stand against their peers in terms of progress towards net zero emissions.
It is important to show where the leaders are at and the commitments they’re setting, and what actually constitutes a net zero commitment.
It’s also useful for other audiences, such as other companies in different sectors, as well as consumers who are choosing which products or services are net zero aligned.
Other audiences include investors, keen to see how companies are performing. Investors will pressure companies into action on net zero because this is where the world is moving.
Tracking the net zero progress of Australia’s top listed companies (the ASX200) is particularly important, because they are either big emitters or big influencers.
I also think it’s really positive that in the NZMT we talk about next steps. In our previous report referred to best practice, and some steps that would constitute best practice.
What role does Climateworks play in tracking this progress?
Climateworks is uniquely positioned to draw on the combination of referring to the science as well as analysis that looks at sectoral methodologies that constitute best practice.
This includes understanding that more developed companies should have more ambitious targets.
And we can do this using our internal tools like the Decarbonisation Futures work which takes an Australia-specific focus to look at emissions generated within Australia and sets benchmarks for net zero.
The expertise we have within our team to cover the different sectors is also important.
We work together for a 360 degree picture as well as for accuracy.
For instance, some companies can operate in several sectors, so we can explore that.
Also there’s the relationships we have across many sectors.
From super funds to investor groups – these important stakeholders inform us about the expectations they have. And this allows us to produce the data and information that’s most useful for them.
How do you pull NZMT together when it’s so broad and challenging?
We don’t rely only on the expertise of the core team.
Rather, given the breadth of the information we need, we are able to reach out to experts within other credible organisations, to ensure the methodology aligns.
For example, with the sectoral reports, we ensured a peer review process was undertaken by organisations who are experts on their subject matter.
Internally, we also have specialised experts like a communications team and other teams, who help with areas such as developing an optimal user experience of the website, to ensure we are presenting the right kind of data, delivering the right kind of impact in a way that’s relatable.
Last year you completed a major report on ASX200 companies and their net zero commitments. What role do these companies play in the net zero transition?
The ASX200 includes companies that everyone knows.
While we know their names and we want them to be responsible with actions like eliminating emissions from their supply chains, it’s not always clear what sort of net zero pledge they’ve made.
So our work helped by clearly presenting what their pledges mean, measured against best practice and against their sector peers.
It also meant that companies that were not assessed could measure themselves against others in their sectors.
What are you working on now?
In line with the NZMT’s aim to support corporates in this transformational decade, the team has now opened to hearing ideas and feedback on this work.
We are also focused on understanding the role that international frameworks and transition plans can play in the Australian system.
You and your team have been working flat out to develop and share this knowledge. How do you ensure a work/life balance?
I am also really passionate about wellbeing.
And I really value that my work supports this priority, and is aligned to my values.
So in my day to day, I also try to move my body often.
This includes going to the gym, practising yoga.
I go to these spaces to de-stress and create moments that I look forward to.
This includes classes that are really different to my work, such as painting and pottery.
I don’t have any particular goals doing these classes – I just find them really relaxing!
I also like spending time with friends, my partner and of course, my spoodle Coco.
I’m also a certified Barre instructor – so during lockdown we had some mindful days where we ran barre classes on Zoom!
Thank you so much for your time!
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