Managing Director
Dawn is Managing Director of ELS Europe, with over 28 years of experience as a market leading consultant providing sustainable finance and environmental risk management solutions to the finance community and real economy actors. Dawn was endorsed by the European Commission Decision C (2022)4586 for the position of Chair of European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) Sustainability Reporting Board. Dawn previously held positions with the European Commission as Co-chair ‘Do No Significant Harm’ of the EU Taxonomy TEG (2018-2020), and as Co-chair of EFRAG’s Project Task Force on reporting of non-financial risks & opportunities (PTF-RNFRO) (2020-2022).
Dawn’s professional focus is to facilitate organisations to achieve sustainability objectives of net zero CO2 emissions, climate adaptation, circular economy, protection of water resources and biodiversity, and pollution prevention whilst supporting a prosperous and fair business environment and economy. In doing so, Dawn provides strategic advice and technical expertise on international environmental risk management and sustainable finance to clients from the financial sector, industry sector, business and innovation platforms, as well as regulatory and prudential authorities. Dawn works collaboratively with the FinTech industry on data analytic solutions, delivers training to clients, and has lectured at the university level.
Dawn’s extensive experience is drawn from her work as an environmental engineer across a range of industries from construction and real estate, brownfield development, water treatment and supply, waste management, manufacturing, renewable energy, petrochemical, oil and gas, and transport.
With in-depth sustainability experience, Dawn helps to develop fit-for-purpose strategies that create value, measure progress, exchange knowledge with positive sustainability actions and results across stakeholders. Her experience guides organisations on compliance with sustainable finance regulations, guidance, and standards alongside effective use of disclosure and investment tools.
CBI Financial System Conference 2022
ELS Europe participated in the Central Bank of Ireland’s inaugural Financial System Conference and shared insights and expertise in the panel discussion ‘Climate change and the financial system: challenges and opportunities’. The event marked an important step in the Banks’ strategy to be open and engaged as an institution. It brought together diverse perspectives from a range of stakeholders to debate the key issues shaping Ireland’s financial system today, echoing the changes in the European and global financial system.
Bloomberg L.P. Sustainability Forum 2022
ELS Europe was invited to Bloomberg’s Sustainability Forum held in The Westin, Dublin to discuss the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and EU Taxonomy developments alongside Bloomberg’s ESG Data Management Team.
EFRAG 2021
Sustainable Business Podcast
Sustainability Reporting and the EU Taxonomy – what does good reporting look like? In this episode, Dawn shares insights into her work at the EU and discusses good practices and opportunities for sustainability reporting with Prof. Dr. Laura Marie Edinger-Schons. Dawn explains the idea behind the EU taxonomy and its implications for sustainability reporting. Additionally, she addresses good practices for sustainability reporting and how it helps companies understand their dependencies, positive and negative impacts and outcomes, and the opportunities that may arise from sustainability. Lastly, Laura and Dawn talk about the importance of integrating sustainability into a company’s core strategy and how companies, governments, and citizens need to work closely together.
Irish Department of Finance & DG FISMA
Dawn participated in the Irish Department of Finance & DG FISMA webinar ‘Perspectives on the renewed Sustainable Finance Strategy’. Ireland’s Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, Pascal Donohue TD lead the discussion which featured the Director General of DG FISMA, John Berrigan and Head of Sustainable Finance, Martin Spolc. Dawn contributed to a panel discussion on the risks and opportunities of Sustainable Finance along with Irish Life MD Patrick Burke and AIB CEO Dr. Colin Hunt.
AIMA Webinar
Ahead of the application of the then newly adopted European Regulation on Sustainable Finance Disclosure, Dawn and panel members discussed its potential impacts on the finance industry. The regulation introduces a number of sustainability-related requirements which go further than just reporting and will result in operational and structural changes for fund managers distributing their funds in Europe. AIMA hosted this webinar focused on an operational summary of the EU Sustainable Finance Regulation to support their members’ preparatory work ahead of the application date. The event was titled: An Operational Summary of the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation.
Trinity Business School
Investing in a Green Future: The Impact of Financial Markets on Climate Change, Trinity Business School
Financial services can play a key role in transitioning our economies to a more sustainable future, redirecting funds away from firms with poor environmental standards and channeling them towards sustainable innovations to reduce the negative impact that humans are inflicting on the environment and on the natural world. The panel included speakers working in the financial industry, discussing what investors and issuers can do and how Euronext Dublin are positioning to become a major international hub for sustainable finance.
European Commission Research and Innovation Day 2019
European Research and Innovation Days is the European Commission’s annual flagship Research and Innovation event, bringing together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and the public to debate and shape the future of research and innovation in Europe and beyond. The session gives highlights on sustainable finance, including a strong green finance component that aims to support economic growth while ensuring sustainability.
Marketing or for real? Sustainable finance for R&I
