Inside the 1% Model | Kate Williams, 1% for the Planet

What does credible environmental giving look like when it’s built into the way a business operates, year after year?

In this episode of the Sustainable Transformation Podcast, Kiarne Treacy is joined by Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet, to unpack how the 1% model works in practice — and why accountability, choice and long-term commitment sit at the centre of its impact.

Kate explains why 1% for the Planet isn’t a foundation, how direct relationships between businesses and environmental partners strengthen trust, and why giving people choice leads to more durable commitments. The conversation also explores why climate philanthropy is stalling in some regions, how confusion and fear of being called out can slow action, and why breaking climate work into tangible, human-centred impact areas helps people move forward.

They discuss why progress matters more than perfection, how verification supports credibility, and why engaging more businesses — not pushing existing ones to give more — is key to scaling impact.

This is a practical conversation for anyone navigating purpose, credibility and responsibility inside a business.

You’ll hear and learn:

• How the 1% for the Planet model actually works, including verification and accountability
• Why choice in giving leads to longer-term, more committed impact
• How direct partnerships between businesses and nonprofits change engagement
• Why climate philanthropy is slowing and what’s causing hesitation
• How breaking climate work into human, place-based actions helps people act

This episode is a must listen for business leaders, sustainability professionals, founders and anyone curious about how credible environmental commitments work in practice, and how businesses can turn values into verified, long-term impact.

MENTIONS:

• 1% for the Planet
• 1% for the Planet Member Directory
• 1% for the Planet - How to become a member

LINKS:

Learn more about SustainabilityTracker.com

Learn more about The Sustainable Transformation Podcast

Follow The Sustainable Choice Group on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok

Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind-the-scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial

CREDITS:

Host: Kiarne Treacy

Guest: Kate Williams

Guest Company: 1% for the Planet

Find more great podcasts like this at novapodcasts.com.au

Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we produced this podcast, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.