Explore every episode of the podcast The Sustainability Agenda

Semih Oztreves of Zenobē Energy Limited joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy & Climate Finance, to explore the pivotal role of battery energy storage systems in enhancing grid resilience, the challenges and opportunities facing developers, and the future outlook for the sector. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tyler Farrell of RMI joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy & Climate Finance, to discuss how U.S. grid operators are managing large load interconnection requests, including allocating the costs for large interconnections, how this phenomenon is shaping transmission investments, and why system-wide transmission planning is needed to make the wisest investments for the long term. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Na’im Merchant of Carbon Removal Canada joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy and Climate Finance, to discuss how the carbon removal sector has evolved in the context of changing political dynamics in the U.S. and Canada, the latest national polling results revealing to what extent Canadians support carbon removal initiatives, and the sector’s outlook over the medium term. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Susan Rimmer, Head of Global Corporate Banking at CIBC Capital Markets joins Dominique Barker to provide key takeaways from the 2nd annual CIBC Sustainability Conference: The Road to COP26. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bindu Dhaliwal, VP of Environmental, Social and Governance at CIBC joins Dominique Barker to discuss Financial Institutions and Net Zero Ambitions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Catharine Sterritt, Portfolio Manager, CIBC Asset Management joins Dominique to discuss the rise of the activist investor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Christina Cho, Managing Director, Debt Capital Markets at CIBC, joins Dominique Barker to discuss SSAs and the importance of ESG in the bond market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dominique Barker in conversation with Robin Green and Ryan Fan from CIBC Capital Markets discussing voluntary carbon markets and the goals of Project Carbon, the growth of voluntary carbon markets, and why this project is needed today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dominique Barker in conversation with Adam Janikowski and Robert Todd discussing the opportunities and expectations in China to meet various sustainability targets as well as providing insight on China renewables. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dominique Barker in conversation with Aaron White discussing trends in asset management, integration of ESG in currency, and CIBC’s product innovations relating to active investment management and guarding against greenwashing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The PRI has become an increasingly important part of the responsible investing ecosystem, with collective assets under management represented by PRI signatories at well over US$100 trillion. The PRI released its three-year strategic plan 2021 – 2024 in April 2021. Dominique Barker in conversation with Fiona Reynolds, CEO of Principles for Responsible Investing, discussing the PRI’s strategic plan and blueprint for the future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dominique Barker in conversation with Chint Kulkarni discussing sustainable finance trends and the benefits of Sustainability Linked Loans for corporate partners and their strategies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dominique Barker in conversation with Roman Dubczak, David Williams, Mike Freeborn and Kelsen Vallee discussing CIBC’s strategy related to the recent change to our Global Investment Banking group. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amber Kirby and Aaron White of CIBC join Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy and Climate Finance to discuss the key takeaways from the 3rd annual CIBC Carbon Summit, and how participants are navigating the carbon management landscape, including financing mechanisms and carbon dioxide removal approaches, in response to evolving policies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dominique is joined by Bill Bamber and Meric Koksal to discuss the CIBC Wealth Solutions Group’s latest products, including the Human Capital Index, and the Market-link GICs with an ESG tilt. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dominique Barker in conversation with Linda Scala from CIBC Risk to define CIBC’s footprint and financed emissions, and discuss how it is measured. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dominique Barker in conversation with Sid Samarth discussing the types of sustainable finance products being offered, and the transition risk in Canada. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dominique Barker in conversation with the Honourable Lisa Raitt discussing the role of government in moving the sustainability agenda forward. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the inaugural episode of the Sustainability Agenda, our host Dominique Barker, Head of Sustainability Advisory speaks with Roman Dubczak, Head of Global Investment Banking at CIBC Capital Markets, to discuss CIBC’s direction on Sustainable Finance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bo Qin of BNEF joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability at CIBC Capital Markets to discuss the current state of voluntary and compliance markets, the challenges they face, and the key drivers shaping the price outlook for North American and global carbon markets in 2025 and beyond. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dan Maleski of Redshaw Advisors joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability at CIBC Capital Markets, to discuss the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The discussion explores recent developments to EU carbon pricing policy, CBAM’s evolving implications on global trade, and what companies can do to manage increasing carbon costs. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tim Thomson of Charm Industrial joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability at CIBC Capital Markets, to discuss why Canada is an attractive market for carbon removal. They explore how Charm, a U.S.-based developer, views the similarities between the Canadian and U.S. markets, the challenges and opportunities to scaling their carbon removal approach in Canada, and how Canadian government policies are attracting developers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Roman Dubczak, Deputy Chair of CIBC Capital Markets, joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss how the business landscape for sustainability is evolving, how companies are recalibrating the conversation, and the emerging opportunities for a sustainable, low-carbon future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ahmad Ghahreman of Cyclic Materials joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss the recycling of rare earth elements, such as magnets from end-of-life products like electric motors and other electronics. The discussion explores the innovative technology which supports a circular supply chain that is transforming how industries source critical materials, the geopolitical context for supply security, and how Canada can compete in critical minerals and rare earth elements. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Keegan Tully of PowerON joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss the case for electrifying fleets, such as buses for mass transit, commercial vehicles and marine transportation; the solutions helping transport operators to manage the transition to electric vehicles (EVs); and the benefits of EV fleets in reducing risk, lowering emissions and maximizing cost savings. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Ginsberg of Tokamak Energy joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss the promise of nuclear fusion - the challenges and opportunities to commercialize fusion technology, and it’s potential to transform future energy markets as a source of virtually limitless, clean, safe and secure energy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Sustainability Agenda, host Tom Heintzman speaks with Kim Lauritsen, Senior Vice President at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), about the transformative potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in meeting Ontario’s growing energy demands and advancing global decarbonization efforts. Kim highlights the benefits of SMRs, including their scalability, modular design, and ability to complement renewables, while also discussing OPG’s plans to deploy GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMRs at Darlington and expand expertise internationally. The conversation underscores the importance of leveraging Ontario’s strong nuclear supply chain, fostering Indigenous partnerships, and driving innovation to position Canada as a leader in clean energy and nuclear technology. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Daniel Sax of Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy & Climate Finance, to discuss why a Canadian space and defence company is developing micro nuclear reactors for remote and mission-critical applications, and how the case for resilient power can strengthen Canada’s energy security and sovereignty – from arctic development to lunar ambitions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

James Scongack of Bruce Power joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss the opportunities for nuclear power innovation and expertise to meet rising electricity demand, including lessons learned from a multi-billion-dollar reactor refurbishment program and from partnerships with Indigenous stakeholders that will help to expand new nuclear capacity for the future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gayatri Desai of CIBC Corporate Banking Europe joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss key takeaways from CIBC’s 2nd annual Electrification Summit, including observations on global electrification trends in the UK, Europe and the U.S. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nat Bullard of Business Climate and former Chief Content Officer at BloombergNEF, joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss the latest global trends driving the energy transition, and the progression and trajectory of electrification. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rob Alexander of AlumaPower joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss battery storage systems, including the advances in battery storage technology, the use cases for zero-emissions long duration energy sources to meet rising electricity demand, and where the industry is headed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Josh Wong of ThinkLabs AI joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss AI-driven approaches to grid management, including how this is helping to overcome traditional challenges to energy distribution, examples of long term and real time applications, and the impact of this automation on energy transition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Teresa Sarkesian of the Electricity Distributors Association joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss electricity distribution, including the ways in which the demands on the distribution grid are changing, how local hydro utilities are navigating these challenges, and where the capital for grid modernization is coming from. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apoorv Sinha of Carbon Upcycling Technologies joins Ryan Fan, Managing Director and Vice Chair, Global Markets, CIBC Capital Markets to discuss how carbon dioxide can be used as a resource to cement the foundation for a low-carbon economy and the role it can play in industrial decarbonization. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Janashvili of CIBC Capital Markets joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss the potential implications of Trump’s second term on venture capital investment for US climate tech startups, how companies are adapting access to capital, and what our clients need to know as they engage in this space. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mitchel Selby of Shopify joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss the carbon dioxide removal (CDR) buyer’s perspective in supporting first-of-a-kind (FOAK) carbon removal projects, including how buyers select projects and other important considerations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Spencer Meyer of BeZero Carbon joins Ryan Fan, Managing Director and Vice Chair, Global Markets, CIBC Capital Markets, to discuss carbon ratings, including what it takes to assess carbon projects, how it helps carbon credit buyers to mitigate risk, and where the carbon ratings industry is headed. Learn more about the research mentioned in this episode here: https://cibccm.com/en/insights/podcasts/the-role-of-carbon-credit-ratings-providing-essential-market-infrastructure/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Bernstein of Clean Prosperity joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy & Climate Finance, to discuss key provisions of the Canada-Alberta Memorandum of Understanding on industrial carbon pricing. They explore the agreement’s strengths, weaknesses, and market impacts, and whether it ‘makes the grade’ in advancing credible, long-term decarbonization for Alberta’s oil and gas sector. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zachary Kane of Oka joins Ryan Fan, Managing Director and Vice Chair, Global Markets, CIBC Capital Markets to discuss how carbon insurance can help sellers and corporate buyers allocate their carbon credit risk, the benefits of doing this, and where the carbon insurance industry is headed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ana Carolina Avzaradel Szklo of VCMI joins Ryan Fan, Managing Director and Vice Chair, Global Markets, CIBC Capital Markets to discuss the Claims Code of Practice, a rulebook helping to guide companies on how they can credibly make voluntary use of carbon credits as part of their climate commitments. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Berends of ClearBlue Markets joins Ryan Fan, Managing Director and Vice Chair, Global Markets, CIBC Capital Markets to discuss the role of carbon pricing, including a closer look at Canada’s carbon pricing policies, the potential impact of political uncertainty on its related programs, and how it is helping companies to accelerate decarbonization investments. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eric Cooperström of Manulife Investment Management joins Ryan Fan, Managing Director and Vice Chair, Global Markets, CIBC Capital Markets to discuss investment solutions with a natural capital thematic, including an investment strategy focused on forests for their carbon credit value, and how timberland assets are helping to diversify risks and generate new revenue streams. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nathan Monash and Hugo Bonilla of Lundin Mining join Tarah Masniuk, Executive Director, Sustainable Finance, Global Corporate Banking, CIBC Capital Markets, to discuss environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges in the mining industry, what Lundin Mining is doing to meet its sustainability ambitions, and how sustainable finance is helping them to move the needle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Luisa Fuentes of CIBC Capital Markets joins Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss the key takeaways from CIBC’s inaugural Electrification Summit, including observations on financing electrification in North America and beyond. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Philippe Dunsky of Dunsky Energy and Climate Advisors joins Tom Heintzman, Managing Director & Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss the progress of electrification policy in Canada, the work of the Canada Electricity Advisory Council, and its recommendations to federal government that could accelerate investment in sustainable electricity systems. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Greg Payne of Mackenzie Greenchip joins Tom Heintzman, Managing Director & Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of investing in grid suppliers and operators, and the game changers that can help to accelerate a clean grid. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John Redfern of Eavor Technologies joins Tom Heintzman, Managing Director & Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss how a geothermal technology-based energy company is creating a scalable form of clean, baseload, or dispatchable energy for heating, cooling and electrical power, and the challenges and opportunities for the geothermal industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marion Hill of DNV joins Tom Heintzman, Managing Director & Vice Chair, Energy Transition and Sustainability, to discuss the outlook for energy transition in North America, how energy demand is evolving across different sectors of the economy, and how this may be influencing the pace of corporate decarbonization. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Energy Shift hosts, James Wright and Ines Serrao, join Tom Heintzman, Vice Chair, Energy & Climate Finance, to discuss their observations and key takeaways from this year’s 3rd annual CIBC Electrification Summit which focused on North America’s electrification transformation amid unprecedented electricity demand. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.