RISK-E-Business Podcast ERIS

On March 6th, the SEC adopted their rule to standardize climate-related disclosures. ERIS recently discussed the rule, its impact for financial institutions, and how to approach and update the organization’s risk framework and reporting requirements, with Marty Walters of Recovery Risk, LLC on the Risk-E Business Podcast.

ERIS’ Dave Colonna, Director of Lender Services, speaks with industry veteran Georgina Dannatt. Georgina shares her wealth of knowledge and experience as an environmental risk professional with lending institutions since 1994. Dave and Georgina address the basics about why all lenders need an environmental risk policy, and how to craft such a policy considering a multiplicity of factors including the organization’s risk tolerance, setting up their decision matrix, and establishing a panel of environmental consultants. Once the policy and structure is in place, how is it most effectively managed within the bank… control, internal and external communications, waivers, and regulatory compliance all factor in. Do large organizations manage risk differently compared to smaller institutions? How can organizations like the EBA (Environmental Bankers Association), RMA (Risk Management Association) and ASTM International leverage learning and best practice among environmental risk managers? From institutional considerations for policy to observations about wider industry trends, the discussion has great depth and provides thoughtful insights from an industry veteran.  

The very definition of “waters of the United States,” or WOTUS, under the Clean Water Act, has been the subject of extensive litigation and controversy for decades. Join Mary Ann Grena Manley, Founder and President of 15E Communications, and Rafe Petersen, a partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Holland & Knight, for an in-depth conversation as they explore the current WOTUS rule and its regulatory history. They also discuss the significance of the recent Supreme Court ruling in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, its impact on regulatory requirements, and implications for land development, pending transactions, and environmental due diligence. 

ERIS’ Dave Colonna, Director of Lender Services, speaks with John Rybak, Senior Vice President, Environmental Risk Manager, Truist Financial. John shares his views on managing risk, planning during uncertain economic times, and what steps can be taken to address slowdowns. The discussion outlines the differences between what’s happening now compared to during the mortgage crisis of 2008/9, and during the pandemic of 2020. From departmental implications and considerations to wider industry observations, the discussion covers much ground and provides thoughtful insights from an industry veteran.

Environmental justice is a hot topic at the state and federal level, with emerging policies affecting everything from permitting decisions to company acquisitions and real estate transactions. Join Mary Ann Grena Manley, Founder and President of 15E Communications, and guest Matthew Karmel, Chair of the Environmental and Sustainability Law Group of Offit Kurman, for a conversation about recent policy and regulatory developments in environmental justice and practical impacts for environmental professionals. Discussion items include the intersection of EJ policy and energy policy, what states are leading the way on EJ issues, and how these regulatory changes affect specific projects.

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and mega-economic trends are transforming the commercial real estate market and impacting brownfields redevelopment. Join Mary Ann Grena Manley, Founder and President, 15E Communications, and guest Dan French, Founder & Principal of dbForesites and President of Brightfield Productions, for a lively discussion about how global factors and ESG are influencing public and private investment in infrastructure, real estate, and beyond. Critical discussion items include the importance of identifying all risks in CRE portfolios that have financial consequences and preparing for the wealth of new opportunities emerging as the transition to the green economy takes shape and worldwide markets shift.