Edmund Hillary Fellowship (EHF)

EHF Fellow Veronica Harwood-Stevenson is paving the way for a new era of climate-conscious innovation where nature-inspired solutions lead to improved global environmental health. With her company, humble bee bio, Veronica is developing novel biomaterials to replace harmful synthetic substances used in everyday products, addressing critical environmental and health concerns. Her work not only highlights Aotearoa NZ's potential to lead in the global cleantech sector but also aligns with the principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) by ensuring the products we use are safe for our natural environment. By advancing safer, more sustainable products across various industries, Veronica is shaping a future where nature-focused innovation becomes the standard. Find out more about Veronica’s groundbreaking work here: https://lnkd.in/gjHDhZuC

EHF Fellow Ricardo Wang is playing a leading role in the electrification of Singapore’s public transportation system, helping to set new standards in transport safety and sustainable urban infrastructure. With over two decades of experience in business operations and engineering, Ricardo, as Deputy Director and Head of Bus Assets at the Land Transport Authority, is driving the nation’s transition to a greener public bus fleet. Ricardo has been instrumental in Singapore’s goal to convert its entire public bus fleet to cleaner energy by 2040. Under his leadership, Singapore deployed its first fleet of electric buses in 2020, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward a more sustainable transportation network. This achievement will help to reduce the carbon footprint of Singapore's public transport system, contributing to the global effort to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The electric buses minimise noise pollution and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, making them a vital element in sustainable urban planning. As a thought leader in public transportation policy and safety, Ricardo has been responsible for designing and implementing strategies that are both innovative and fiscally sustainable. His work includes advising on negotiation strategies for clean energy adoption and leading the introduction and integration of electric vehicles into the national fleet, to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of Singapore's transportation network. Ricardo is focused on leading and supporting initiatives that increase use of renewable energy and reduce the overall environmental impact of public transport systems. Ricardo’s contributions are setting a new standard for urban transportation, demonstrating how cities worldwide can adapt and thrive in the face of climate challenges. Offering a possible blueprint for other cities to follow in their journey toward safe, sustainable and low-emission transport solutions, Ricardo’s work is a critical piece of the global puzzle in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. Ricardo is part of the Fellow group Manu Tukutuku, which had its EHF Welcome Experience in March 2023. Learn more about Ricardo via the Fellow Directory on our website. https://lnkd.in/gM6tTuys

In this decisive decade for climate action, EHF Fellow and EarthShare CEO Brad Leibov sees climate change and biodiversity loss as one of humanity’s greatest challenges, yet also an opportunity for bold, optimistic action. Under his leadership, EarthShare has mobilised over USD$400 million, to build an inclusive community of environmental advocates, helping people and organisations to take meaningful action. As Chair of One Earth, Brad is also championing innovative climate solutions through strategic philanthropy. From launching innovative giving platforms to advocating for indigenous-led environmental solutions, Brad's work is transforming environmental advocacy and enabling climate action. Discover how he's making a lasting impact on the future of our planet: https://lnkd.in/gM9CjEX4

EHF Fellow Brophy Tyree, co-founder of Wasted* PBC, is tackling the global human waste crisis by transforming the portable sanitation industry. Through innovative waste-processing technology and circular systems, Brophy and the Wasted team are reshaping sanitation, transforming human waste into climate-advancing resources that support sustainable agriculture and enhance environmental regeneration. Founded in Vermont, USA, Wasted was born out of Brophy’s passion for regenerating precious, fragile ecosystems and a desire to find sustainable solutions for waste management. Inspired by his experiences in remote regions like the Arctic, Patagonia, and Nepal, where untreated waste was contaminating pristine environments, Brophy and his Wasted co-founders set out to completely change the way human waste is managed. Wasted’s circular sanitation infrastructure is designed to separate solid and liquid waste, preventing the harmful mixing of both, which can lead to environmental contamination. By diverting waste into separate tanks, Wasted is able to harness the valuable nutrients found in human ‘waste’, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and repurpose them as fertilisers for agriculture. This system reduces the environmental impact of traditional waste disposal, and creates a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilisers, addressing the global demand for eco-friendly farming solutions. In 2024, Brophy’s innovative work with Wasted earned him a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Social Impact, recognising his contributions to climate technology and environmental sustainability. The company has already deployed its portable toilets across more than 80 sites in Vermont and has recently expanded to Boston, where they are rapidly growing with a base of large corporate customers. With a USD$7.7 million seed funding round, Wasted is poised to scale its operations and further its impact, particularly in communities on the frontlines of climate disruption, refugee camps, disaster relief zones, and rural areas where sanitation systems are underdeveloped. Their vision is to develop a distributed network of micro-processing hubs to add resiliency into sanitation infrastructure and provide an alternative in regions where massive centralised facilities are not possible. Brophy’s vision for Wasted extends beyond simply improving portable toilets; he aims to inspire a global shift towards circular sanitation and redefine how we perceive and manage human waste. He says: “Our mission is to show that humans have the potential to be agents of regeneration. That which moves through us can actually be harnessed as a resource to support the flourishing of life on earth. If we can inspire the world with this vision in the portable toilet, we can do it in any industry.” Through Wasted, Brophy is proving that even the most overlooked aspects of daily life can be transformed into powerful tools for ecological regeneration and climate resilience.

EHF Fellow Tessa Vincent is a committed sustainability advocate whose impactful initiatives in tackling food waste and advancing global net-zero emissions are creating meaningful and much-needed change. Tessa founded New Zealand Food Waste Champions 12.3 Charitable Trust (NZFWC 12.3 Trust), a coalition that unites key players from across the food supply chain, including executives from large retailers, small start-ups, food rescue organisations, and membership bodies. This coalition is dedicated to leading Aotearoa NZ's progress towards halving food waste by 2030, in alignment with the global Sustainable Development Goal Target 12.3. Although she is no longer directly involved, Tessa played a key role in creating successful food waste reduction strategies within member organisations, advocating for supportive government policies, and driving collective action through initiatives like the business Kai Commitment. Her leadership has helped to position Aotearoa NZ at the forefront of the international movement to reduce food waste, ensuring that food is valued and preserved. In her current role as Policy & Engagement Lead for the High-Level Climate Champions ‘Race to Zero’ campaign (https://lnkd.in/eZYDEYVe), Tessa is part of a global initiative that links government efforts with the voluntary actions of cities, regions, businesses, and investors to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Climate Champions Team was established to boost collaboration and ambition in the fight against climate change. Tessa has been instrumental in mobilising over 14,000 entities worldwide to commit to halving emissions by 2030. Her work focuses on transforming these voluntary commitments into rigorous, science-based action plans, ensuring that businesses, cities, and educational institutions make substantial contributions to global climate goals. She is working to bridge the gap between government policies and the practical actions needed to achieve a net-zero future. Tessa has a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Oxford and is the convenor for ‘Kiwis in Climate’ (https://lnkd.in/gHS7N9aT), connecting and supporting New Zealand sustainability professionals around the world. She is always keen to connect with other EHF Fellows or Kiwis interested in climate, and is currently working on a book to showcase climate leadership in Aotearoa, New Zealand. If you are interested in supporting the book project, get in touch with Tessa. Learn more about Tessa via the Fellow Directory on our website. https://lnkd.in/g9aR45C6

Climate change mitigation and adaptation will be a central focus at the first-ever International Development Design Summits (IDDS) in Aotearoa NZ, happening this October-November in Tairāwhiti/Gisborne. Organised by EHF Fellows Thabiso Mashaba and Lily Stender, the two-and-a-half-week, hands-on summit, themed ‘Resilient Indigenous Communities’, will bring together Māori community members with indigenous innovators from around the world. Together, they will co-create solutions to address community-identified challenges, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, alongside food production, agricultural processing, energy, water, and enhanced livelihoods. Drawing on indigenous knowledge systems, the summit will use collaborative design processes to create prototypes and small-scale business solutions that strengthen community resilience in the face of climate challenges. Held in the rural towns of Tolaga Bay, Wairoa, and Ruatoria, the summit will offer a unique opportunity for indigenous communities in Aotearoa NZ to connect with global change-makers, develop new skills, and contribute to transformative climate innovation. Thabiso and Lily are currently seeking participants from around Aotearoa NZ, the Pacific, and the world, who are passionate about finding solutions to climate change and other pressing community challenges. Ideal applicants include indigenous change-makers, innovators, designers, sector specialists, or students of indigenous innovation. Applications are due by 2 September. To find out more, contact [email protected] or fill in the application form: https://lnkd.in/gqhsmYNF.

Textiles contribute to approximately 8% of global emissions, yet only about 1% of textiles are recycled - a loss of over USD $100 billion in resources every year. EHF Fellows Bernadette Casey, Peter Thompson, and Deborah Crowe are tackling this problem head-on with their transformative organisation, UsedFULLY® . By reimagining textile recycling and building local supply chains, they’re setting a new benchmark for how cleantech solutions can drive both sustainability and economic growth. Discover how their innovative solutions are reshaping our approach to resources, paving the way for a decarbonised  and circular economy. https://lnkd.in/gMizHeUB

Only one spot left for this month’s EHF ‘Friendly Sharks’ Mentor Hours for Founders, with 3 early-stage investors! Are you a first-time founder ready for investment? Don't miss this chance to get feedback from friendly investors and EHF Fellows Kirsty Reynolds, Sean McGrail and Mark Bregman, Monday 26 August from 1pm NZST.   Present your ideas, receive expert feedback, and gain actionable insights to elevate your business. While not a formal pitch, this session is designed for founders with solid business models and clear value propositions who are in the process of preparing for funding from potential investors. Ideal for startups ready to seek investment or founders looking to refine their funding strategies - don't let this opportunity slip away – secure your spot now and take your business to the next level! Register your spot here: https://lnkd.in/g93-zuTR

Part of the beauty of the Edmund Hillary Fellowship is that like-minded Fellows come together around common interests and a shared kaupapa (purpose). That’s how the Climate and Nature Action Group came to be. Fellows from around the world, including Matthew J Shribman (UK) of AimHi Earth, and Sarah Grant (NZ) of Kia Kotahi Ako, recognised the benefits of convening to enable the cross-pollination of ideas and endeavours on a global scale. The group consists of Fellows working on and interested in the full spectrum of climate action and nature-focused projects, spanning technology, policy, education, finance, and systems. The group provides a forum for Fellows to share knowledge and expertise around financing and resources, building markets and audience, the evolving climate landscape and creating connections with business leaders and government. Sarah says: “I have personally gained lots of value from the global perspective and broad experience this group brings. It has challenged my thinking and highlighted great learnings from initiatives globally and across Aotearoa. I know many of us are deeply concerned for the future but this group gives me renewed energy and a reason to cling onto hope. If we take action together, we can create meaningful change across all levels of the system.” Matthew says: “We’re living through the grandest slow-motion disaster in history, as fossil fuels burn and natural systems break down. But by bringing together like-minded innovators, working to create impact with, for and from New Zealand, this group has already seeded collaborations accelerating clean solar energy and regenerating the health of the oceans, helping to build a better future for our children. We’re just getting started!” While the group has been focused on strengthening relationships, and supporting and advising Fellows’ projects - such as the Climate Impact Fund for Asia Pacific Islands (CLIMAP) - the group is increasingly connecting with organisations and agencies in the wider climate ecosystem, and is open to exploring impact opportunities. If you would like to connect, contact [email protected]

EHF Fellow Denise Chen is driving change at scale through innovative initiatives & sustainable practices. In her role as Senior Sustainability Advisor at Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Denise is leaving no stone unturned - she is on a mission to decarbonise the group’s systems & resorts, establishing the company’s sustainability strategy working towards its goals of carbon neutrality & zero waste by 2030. Denise’s path to working in sustainability began with a career in Finance. She says that while there’s a lot she enjoyed & valued about finance, “it never really spoke to me”. Denise has long had a passion for sustainability, & six years ago she pivoted her career to drive positive impact in that area. With her knowledge of Melco as a company, she identified ways the resorts could become sustainable, & her tenure allowed her to move into a role that combined her strength for improving efficiencies with her ambition of reducing waste & emissions. With her strong analytical skills, she swiftly established systems & processes to collect data crucial for setting targets, tracking progress & demonstrating returns on investment. This included conducting a huge waste audit across the resorts, using AI systems to obtain live data, which enabled her to pinpoint where waste was occurring, such as food waste. Denise’s data-focused approach has also led to initiatives such as an on-site bottling plant, which re-uses bottles with filtered water - rather than single-use plastic that is shipped in. Denise has also introduced substantial changes throughout the company’s resorts and supply chain - from sustainably-sourced cotton for bed & bath linens, to locally sourced coffee, to transitioning the company’s fleet to electric vehicles & introducing renewable energy sources. Her initiatives are improving efficiency, while supporting local suppliers & reducing carbon footprints. Shifting mindsets has been critical to bringing about the desired behaviour change at scale, while recognising the breadth of cultural belief systems. Denise acknowledges that ‘mobilising’ towards a common goal is no easy feat, particularly with a large & diverse workforce of more than 20,000 people. Denise attributes leadership, engagement at all levels & appealing to what motivates people on an individual basis as important factors in achieving meaningful change. In the last six years, Denise has brought about significant changes in her sustainability roles at Melco & notes there is much more to be done. What is clear is her drive to deliver sustainable outcomes, leveraging the latest technologies & taking a data-focused approach, while keeping people & the environment at the centre of her impact journey. Denise is part of the Fellow group Manu Tukutuku, which had its EHF Welcome Experience in March 2023. Learn more about Denise via the Fellow Directory on our website. https://lnkd.in/geuEHi-Y