The history needed to help change the future
With a long history in sustainability, we’re focused on removing barriers between businesses and net zero. Here’s how our background helps.
Climate Zero’s history at a glance
Helping Australian businesses for 15+ years
Climate Zero, previously known as Impact Sustainability, was established in Melbourne in 2009. Founded by Hayley Morris, we set out to remove the main barrier between organisations and sustainability – the ability to measure emissions easily and accurately.
From there, Impact Sustainability developed one of Australia’s first emissions management platforms – Impact EMS – and began working with businesses to measure and reduce emissions.
As the importance of corporate sustainability grew, so did our team and company. We rebranded as Climate Zero, established a Board and continued pursuing our mission to create robust carbon accounting software that helps organisations measure and reduce emissions with ease, confidence and autonomy.
Our Story
2009
Impact Sustainability is established
2010
Impact EMS – one of Australia’s first emissions management platforms – is launched
2011
The Australian Government introduces the Clean Energy Act 2011 and carbon pricing
2013
The new Australian Government repeals the Act and the price on carbon
2016
The first Australian jurisdiction declares a Climate Emergency
2020
Climate change enters mainstream media following record fires and floods
2021
Voluntary action restarts following widespread bushfires and the COVID pandemic. Impact Sustainability decides to relaunch and rebuild its software and reporting functionality to help Australian businesses manage their entire carbon footprints
2022
Impact Sustainability’s new software product, Climate Zero, goes into design and development expanding Scope 3 coverage and delivering a full emissions management solution
2023
Climate Zero Learn – our climate literacy training platform – is developed with Australia’s climate leaders
Climate Zero is launched, helping clients measure Scope 1, 2 and expanded Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions
2024
More than 20 features are introduced into Climate Zero as the software develops
2025
Mandatory climate reporting is introduced in several countries, including Australia
Climate Zero partners with Carbon Neutral, providing clients access to high-integrity carbon offsets and credits
Founded and led for purpose
Our Founder, Hayley Morris, is one of Australia’s leading social and environmental entrepreneurs, as well as a prominent impact investor and philanthropist. Her work focuses on helping our economy shift from depletion to regeneration, and encompasses founding, advocacy and Board roles in purpose-driven organisations.
Hayley is also Executive Director of the Morris Family Foundation, which supports organisations working in five areas: community transitions for a safe climate, regenerative agriculture, oceans and reefs, First Nations Australians, and international development.
Hayley’s vision is shared by our leadership team, including our Managing Director Tai Lennon and Chief Product Officer Jess Symes, who bring decades of experience in impact-led businesses, sustainability and product development.
Hayley Morris
Climate Zero Founder
Tai Lennon
Managing Director
Jess Symes
Chief Product Officer
Our Ecosystem
We are connected to a sustainability ecosystem that strengthens our work and the value we provide to clients.
Founded on sustainability values, we’re focused on robust, easy to use technology that helps drive meaningful change.
