Episode Title: Sustainability Beyond the Buzzwords

Guest: Audrey Penny – Arkes 4 (Sustainability Expert)

Want to learn how we move from greenwashing to grounded impact? Meet Audrey Penney.

In This Episode:
In this episode 02 of BE Connected, I’m speaking with Audrey Penny – Sustainability Expert and Director at Arkes4 with over 30 year experience

We dive into the evolution of sustainability movements, break down frameworks like ESG, Green Star, and WELL, and explore a refreshingly honest take on what it means to lead with sustainability in the built environment and different ways of approaching rating criteria.

If you’re in design, construction, leadership, or simply trying to live more consciously, tune in—you’ll walk away with practical perspective.

We dive into:

• Why Sustainability is Shaping the Industry
• Sustainable Certifications Green Star, WELL Explained
• ROI and Investment Funding – how we can use Sustainability to Drive investment and better returns

Whether you are working in Sustainability or passionate or mystified by it you are going to learn a thing or two

Connect and Follow Audrey Penney:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-penney-edgico/
Website: https://arkes4.com/

Sound Bites / Quotes:
“Sustainability is about keeping things in motion.” — Audrey Penney
“CSR looks internally; ESG focuses on transparency.” — Audrey Penney
“Green Star has been around for a long time.” — Audrey Penney
“It’s a huge opportunity for the built environment.” — Audrey Penney
“It’s a good way to anchor your approach.” — Audrey Penney
“Every building has to be six star, green star.” — Audrey Penney
“It’s a holistic approach to sustainability.” — Audrey Penney
“Challenge yourself to shift your worldview.” — Audrey Penney
“Nature has evolved over 4.5 billion years.” — Audrey Penney


Referenced in This Episode:

• Paul Hawken’s book – The Ecology of Commerce and Drawdown (https://www.amazon.com/Ecology-Commerce-Revised-Declaration-Sustainability/dp/0061252794)
• William McDonough – Cradle to Cradle Ted Talk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoRjz8iTVoo)
• Pavan Sukhdev – Put a Value on Nature (https://www.ted.com/talks/pavan_sukhdev_put_a_value_on_nature?language=en)
• Nicole Garofano – Planet Ark  (https://au.linkedin.com/in/nicoletgarofano)