What is a Fractional CSO and how does it work?

A Fractional Chief Sustainability Officer (fCSO) provides expert ESG leadership that integrates into your team without the full-time hire. ESG Strategy's fCSO service, led by Lee Stewart (Amazon #1 bestselling author, former Head of Sustainability at Fonterra and Fujitsu), includes strategic roadmap development, embedded execution support, and internal capability building. This helps mid-tier businesses ($20M-$500M) meet sustainability requirements. Typical investment is $8-15K/month vs $250k+ for a full-time CSO.

When does mandatory climate reporting start in Australia under ASRS?

Mandatory climate-related financial disclosures under the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS) started from 1 January 2025 for Group 1 (large) entities. Group 2 entities must report from July 2026. Companies need to prepare for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions reporting, climate risk assessments, and governance frameworks.

How much does ESG consulting cost in Australia?

ESG consulting costs vary depending on the scope, complexity, and provider. A full-time Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) typically costs $250,000+ per year, while senior consultants from the Big Four charge $5,000-$8,000 per day. ESG Strategy's Fractional CSO service is priced at $8,000-$15,000 per month, with direct involvement from Lee Stewart.

What industries does ESG Strategy serve?

ESG Strategy serves mid-tier Australian businesses across logistics and transport, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, property and infrastructure, and professional services. We specialise in companies with $20M-$500M revenue who need expert ESG leadership without the overhead of a full-time sustainability executive.

Blog

Insights & Blog Posts

Explore Lee Stewart's latest thoughts on ESG strategy, sustainability leadership, and practical insights for Australian businesses navigating the ESG landscape.

With over 20 years of enterprise sustainability experience, including leadership roles as Head of Sustainability at Fonterra and Fujitsu, Lee brings a practitioner's perspective to the complex world of ESG. These articles cover the topics that matter most to mid-market Australian companies: ASRS compliance, Scope 3 emissions, supply chain sustainability, board governance, and building authentic sustainability strategies that deliver commercial results.

From podcast appearances and industry recognition to deep-dive analyses of climate risk and regulatory requirements, this blog serves as a resource for executives, board directors, and sustainability professionals seeking actionable guidance. Whether you're preparing for mandatory climate disclosure, responding to customer ESG questionnaires, or developing your first sustainability strategy, you'll find practical frameworks and real-world examples to guide your journey.

ASRS Compliance

January 20268 min read

ASRS Compliance Deadlines 2025-2027: What Mid-Market Companies Need to Know

Australia's climate reporting regime is here. Complete guide to ASRS compliance timelines, thresholds for Groups 1-3, disclosure requirements, and what mid-market companies need to do now.

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Podcast

January 20265 min read

From Concept to Action: How Sustainability Creates Real Ocean Impact

On the Speak Up for Blue podcast, we explored how businesses across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific are turning sustainability from abstract concept into tangible competitive advantage.

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Company News

December 20254 min read

ESG Strategy Recognised as One of Australia's Leading ESG Consulting Firms

ESG Strategy featured by Digital Reference as one of Australia's top ESG consulting firms. Discover how we help CEOs and boards build practical, commercially relevant sustainability strategies.

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Book Reviews

November 20255 min read

A 5-Star Review That Captures the Heart of Our Mission

Read why business leaders are calling Lee Stewart's sustainability book 'essential reading' with 250+ five-star reviews. The Triple C Framework makes ESG accessible for businesses of all sizes.

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Awards & Recognition

October 20254 min read

Lee Stewart Wins Gold at 2025 ABLE Golden Book Awards

Lee Stewart wins Gold at 2025 ABLE Golden Book Awards for 'How to Build Sustainability into Your Business Strategy.' Discover the award-winning book with 250+ five-star reviews.

Climate & Risk

September 202512 min read

Climate Risk Australia: $600B Property Value Threat by 2030

Australia faces $600 billion in climate-related property losses. Learn how to protect your home's value and build climate resilience before it's too late.

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Industry Insights

August 20255 min read

From Milk to Megawatts: Is the Data Centre Industry Hitting Its Environmental Limits?

The NSW Government's decision to halt new data centre developments echoes AEMO's calls for tighter regulation. Growth continues until it collides with environmental limits.

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ASRS Compliance

June 202512 min read

ASRS Climate Reporting: What Australian Companies Can Learn from New Zealand's Reality

Australian companies preparing for ASRS can learn from New Zealand's experience. Discover common gaps in governance, scenario analysis, and finance integration, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

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Awards & Recognition

January 20255 min read

Global Recognition Award for ESG Leadership

Lee Stewart wins 2025 Global Recognition Award for sustainability leadership and innovation. Discover the Amazon bestselling book and fCSO model shaping ESG strategy worldwide.

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Strategy

March 20258 min read

Why 70% of Companies Fail at Sustainability Goals in 2025 (And How to Succeed)

Most Australian companies miss sustainability goals due to 3 critical mistakes. Learn why businesses fail at ESG targets and how to turn sustainability into competitive advantage.

Governance

January 202515 min read

Crafting Sustainable Leadership: A Governance Checklist in Action

Published by Governance Institute of Australia. Learn the essential elements of ESG governance including the Good Governance Checklist, Rana Plaza lessons, and the Nemawashi approach to consensus-building.

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Industry Insights

January 20255 min read

Navigating the Retail Sustainability Conundrum

The retail sector faces growing pressure to balance profitability with sustainability. From supply chain transparency to waste reduction, businesses must rethink their strategies.

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Podcast

January 20257 min read

ESG and Sustainability in Sports: Pre-Zero Sports Talk

Why ESG matters for sports organisations: risk management, revenue growth, fan loyalty, talent attraction, and regulatory readiness. Plus practical steps for integrating ESG into operations.

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Podcast

January 202512 min read

What Needs to Change for Sustainability to Work?

Lee throws down the gauntlet on the Finding Nature Podcast: 5 systemic shifts needed to move beyond buzzwords, from science-based targets to collective action and robust policy.

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Climate Action

December 20238 min read

COP28: A Personal Journey for the Kingdom of Tonga and the Pacific

Bringing Tonga's vision of becoming the world's first circular economy kingdom to COP28. Our Zero Waste Roadmap aims for fully circular glass in 6 months and 30% plastic conversion in 12 months.

Podcast

January 20254 min read

Business Excellence - TOP 5 Series Podcast

Lee shares practical sustainability strategies that drive meaningful results on the Business Excellence podcast with Lindsay Adams OAM and Rael Bricker CSP.

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Media Feature

December 202410 min read

Featured in Dynamic Business: How to Develop a CSR Strategy

The Triple C Framework for sustainable strategy: Confidence, Commitment, Consistency. Insights from 9 Australian business leaders on building CSR that drives real impact.

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Events

October 20248 min read

Pacific Leaders Forum: Promoting Sustainability in Tonga

Book launch at a landfill with the Speaker of the House, WWF whale corridor advocacy, and Tanoa Hotel Group sustainability strategy with the Prime Minister. A day of Pacific leadership.

Book Launch

September 20243 min read

Sydney Book Launch: Over 120 Attendees

Lee successfully launched his book at the Union Hotel in Sydney with over 120 attendees and more than 100 copies sold.

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Opinion

July 20236 min read

Sustainability is Being Diluted: The Corporate Affairs Mix

Combining sustainability and corporate affairs roles leads to diluted effectiveness. Lee shares six reasons why these functions should remain separate.

Climate Resilience

May 20238 min read

Climate Resilience in Action: How Tonga is Building Back Better After the 2022 Volcanic Eruption

Discover how Tonga is building climate resilience and circular economy solutions after the 2022 volcanic eruption. Lessons for sustainability leaders from the Pacific.

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Education

March 202310 min read

ESG vs Sustainability: What's the Difference and Why Both Matter for Australian Business

ESG and sustainability are often used interchangeably, but they're fundamentally different. Understand the difference and why Australian businesses need both to succeed.

ESG Strategy Newsletter

Monthly insights on sustainability strategy, ASRS compliance updates, and practical ESG guidance for Australian businesses.

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