Elaina is committed to driving meaningful change that benefits the Defence community and the environment. As Defence Housing Australia's (DHA) newly appointed Assistant Director of environmental, social, and governance (ESG), she shares insights into how we can create a more sustainable and inclusive future in line with our Statement of Corporate Intent.

What is ESG?

ESG practices have become central to how organisations navigate sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility. ESG focuses on reducing environmental impacts, fostering diversity and inclusion, and ensuring strong governance to drive long-term resilience and value.

For DHA, integrating ESG into its operations supports our mission to serve Defence members and their families while contributing to broader national and environmental goals. This year, DHA has made ESG a priority to meet evolving government expectations, address climate risks, and ensure its operations align with modern sustainability standards.

Why ESG, and why now?

The Australian Government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 places a spotlight on Commonwealth entities like us to lead by example in sustainability. At the same time, climate change is creating new risks, such as extreme weather events, that directly impact DHA’s properties and operations.

By embedding ESG into our strategy, we position ourselves to better manage these challenges while enhancing our long-term resilience. As ESG gains prominence in investment and operational frameworks, this focus also ensures that we remain competitive and aligned with best practices.

Why is ESG important for DHA?

ESG goes beyond compliance—it’s about creating a resilient future. For DHA, this means reducing environmental impacts, aligning with government sustainability targets, and fostering an equitable and inclusive workforce. Together, these efforts strengthen our ability to support Defence members and their families while contributing to national sustainability goals.

What are your immediate priorities for ESG at DHA?

Two key priorities this year are:

1. Developing DHA’s ESG strategy to guide our approach to sustainability and governance.
2. Preparing climate-related disclosures to assess risks from extreme weather and shifting policies, ensuring DHA is equipped to navigate climate impacts effectively.

Key ESG Initiatives

Climate change

DHA has committed to the Australian Public Service Net Zero Target by 2030 and recently released its first ESG Policy. Initiatives like transitioning to hybrid vehicle fleets, implementing NABERS ratings for buildings, and advancing sustainable procurement practices are already underway. As we continue to map and engage on ESG, more impactful projects will emerge.

D&I

The “S” in ESG represents people—fostering diversity, inclusion, and employee wellbeing. Building a strong, equitable workforce is essential for cultivating a culture that supports long-term sustainability and resilience, benefitting both DHA staff and the Defence community.

Modern slavery

DHA evaluates its supply chain annually and publishes a Modern Slavery Statement highlighting high-risk areas like cleaning, textiles, and ICT procurement. Staff have access to excellent training modules and resources, including risk screening tools and supplier guidance, to ensure ethical procurement practices.

How can staff and the Defence community contribute to ESG?

Every initiative, from energy efficiency to fostering an equitable culture, creates a ripple effect that benefits Defence members and communities. The biggest benefit is in joining the national effort to reduce environmental impacts from operational activities, as the saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all boats”. We encourage staff and members to share sustainability ideas with our ESG team - no matter how small, every contribution matters.