Meet the Team: Ed Bale

Sydney-born, London-based, and a few months into life at Zevero following the acquisition of Inhabit, Ed brings a mix of hard-nosed decarbonisation expertise and genuine optimism about the companies he works with. In this instalment of Meet the Team, we caught up with our Senior Sustainability Consultant about targets, transitions, and what keeps him grounded once he logs off — think red kites over Hackney and a very ambitious cycling goal.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I was born and raised in Sydney, Australia but have been living in London for almost 5 years now. I actually came here originally to complete my Masters of Management at the London School of Economics…essentially a business degree which I tacked sustainability on to wherever I could.

What’s your role at Zevero?

I’m a Senior Sustainability Consultant, so my primary responsibility is to drive forward the sustainability ambitions of our clients, with a particular focus on setting and achieving ambitious, yet realistic, decarbonisation targets.

What’s your previous work experience?

For the last 4 years I worked at Inhabit, another climate services firm with a focus on decarbonisation. We were acquired by Zevero in January of this year and here I am today!

How has the transition from Inhabit to Zevero been for you?

So far it has been great! It was clear that both Inhabit and Zevero were value aligned, and bringing over our Inhabit clients meant that we hit the ground running from day 1. Most importantly thought the transition has been made easier by how great the team at Zevero is, both formally and informally! 🍻

I’ve really enjoyed the variety since joining, getting exposure to a mix of clients across different industries and geographies. It’s been great stepping into new challenges and getting to grips with how each organisation operates. In a space that’s constantly evolving, that kind of variety keeps things interesting and keeps you on your toes, which has definitely been a highlight so far.

What’s a skill, mindset, or habit that helps you succeed in your role?

I think a big one for me is recognising that most of the companies we work with actually want to do the right thing, they’re not just here to tick a box. And we’re in a fortunate enough position as experts to be able to advise them exactly how to do that.

So I try to stay practical and focused on what will genuinely reduce their impact, while helping them navigate all the frameworks and standards without overcomplicating it.

What sustainability trend, technology, or policy shift are you keeping an eye on right now?

The SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard update. We’re hitting that point where the first wave of companies are around five years into their targets, so it feels like a real transition moment. It’s interesting to see what’s actually been achieved, what hasn’t quite worked, and how the standards evolve in response. That next phase in making sure ambition is maintained but grounded in what’s deliverable, is going to be really important.

What’s a small but powerful sustainability practice you think every organisation should adopt?

Understanding your emissions! Complete a carbon footprint. It is a big first hurdle, but we see how many opportunities even having basic carbon data can bring companies. It also gives you a completely new lens on business performance, which can be incredibly powerful.

What’s something about you that people might not expect?

That I can dunk 🏀 (need a few days notice these days though)

What’s your go-to coffee/matcha order?

Iced* Long Black

(*weather dependent)

If you weren’t doing your current job, what would you be doing instead?

I’d be in some far flung part of Australia working to ensure the conservation of our native species. Or running a really good late-night food and drink venue with my best mates. Same thing really.

One song that always boosts your mood?

Corridor of Dreams by The Cleaners from Venus

Favorite quote or a philosophy you try to live by?

“In proportion to the energy of his thought and will, he takes the world into himself”  - R W Emerson

Outside of work, what do you love spending time on?

My Dad and I used to rear parrots when I was a kid, and I haven’t lost this passion so you’ll often see me looking skyward (yes you can see red kites in Hackney). I’m also attempting a section of the Tour de France this year so I’ll be on my pushy for the foreseeable getting matchday fit.

What’s a book, podcast, or film that changed how you think about something?

Feral by George Monbiot — highly recommend everyone to read this and consider what really is natural.