Conversation with Tara Schmidt - United RenewablesUnited Renewables

Season 1: Episode 13 – in conversation with Tara Schmidt

Exploring Sustainable Finance with Tara Schmidt

Can the banking system shape a better world? Tara Schmidt from Lloyds and Bank of Scotland believes so. She’s dedicated her career to this cause.

Tara asserts that post-2008 turmoil and the impact of Covid-19 position finance as a catalyst for a sustainable future.

As Head of Climate and Sustainability Strategy, Sustainability & ESG Finance at Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland, Tara, an engineer by background, transitioned from the oil industry in 2004. With roles at Accenture, ERM, and Wood Mackenzie, she’s a global sustainability consultant.

During a Conversations on Climate episode, Tara speaks with Chris Caldwell of United Renewables, covering:

Her early passion for sustainability and discovery of environmental engineering.
Applying finance’s 2008 risk management lessons to address climate change.
E, S & G’s intertwined history and measurement challenges.
Influencing boardrooms through strategic ‘what-if?’ scenarios.
The role of global frameworks in driving climate progress.
Just transition’s potential to rejuvenate the UK’s industrial hubs and prevent decarbonisation setbacks in nations like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and South Africa.
A holistic view of opportunities and crises beyond COP 27.
An encouraging message to MBAs: Embrace bravery and consider taking a pay cut.

Subscribe to the Conversations on Climate Podcast Series on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/3GkppAv

For supporting information: unitedrenewables.co.uk/resources

About United Renewables: At United Renewables we have decades of in-house experience planning, building, and operating successful clean energy projects globally. Our core business is the development of well-established technologies of onshore wind, solar and anaerobic digestion, developing projects that the world needs today. In addition, we pride ourselves on our work in pioneering the next generation of green power. Working with us enables you to assist in shaping tomorrow’s technology while future-proofing your investment.

Our Management Team

Your future in safe hands

Christopher Caldwell

CEO

A leading voice in the industry, Chris has spent over a decade acting as CEO of United Renewables and its sister companies leading all aspects of the businesses including providing strategic direction, fundraising and day to day management of operations.

Chris holds a degree in business from Trinity College Dublin, an MBA from London Business School and is currently reading part time at the Yale Center for Business & the Environment. Chris is a member of the Executive Committee of the London Business School’s Alumni Council, host of the Conversations on Climate podcast, a keynote speaker and sustainability columnist.

Emma Orr

Director and Head of Legal

Emma Orr manages and administers all elements from fundraising, contractual arrangements, equipment purchasing, sales and acquisitions and is heavily involved in general day to day management of the businesses.

Julia Roberts

Director of Operations

Julia’s day to day management involves collaborating with project managers, navigating planning application processes, liaising with the ecological and technical teams, locating new sites, point of contact for stakeholders and problem solving to maintain progress and improve efficiencies.

Chris Reed

Commercial and Technical Director

With over 15 years of experience in the sector, Chris Reed has formally held numerous senior positions within the renewables sector including acting as former UK Renewables Director for Total Gas and Power, and founder and CEO of wind turbine installation, operation and maintenance business. Chris has overseen the deployment of over 4000MW of renewable assets globally including wind, solar and anaerobic digestion plants in locations varying from the United Kingdom through to New Zealand.

Chris Reed oversees the technology selection and deployment process including technical due diligence, third-party contractual agreements as well as the ongoing day-to-day commercial operations.

Podcast

Conversations on Climate

Season 1: Episode 13 – in conversation with Tara Schmidt

Be first to hear the latest

Our Management Team

Your future in safe hands

Christopher Caldwell

Emma Orr

Julia Roberts

Chris Reed

Gain a Strategic Edge