Meet Sayali Chaudhari, Climate and Carbon Markets Analyst
Sayali helps clients navigate carbon markets and evolving sustainability regulations.
Meet Sayali, Climate and Carbon Markets Analyst at CarbonBetter. With a passion for sustainability and a sharp eye for strategy, Sayali spends her days sourcing and evaluating carbon credit projects, analyzing market trends, and helping clients shape effective decarbonization strategies. One of her most impactful projects to date was a double materiality assessment gap analysis for a client preparing for Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) compliance. As regulatory guidance evolved, Sayali had to stay ahead of the changes, adapt the approach, and clearly communicate what it all meant for the client—an experience that highlighted the importance of both technical expertise and adaptability. Since joining the team, Sayali has embraced the collaborative spirit at CarbonBetter, where every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her reading, kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, or exploring Austin’s secondhand bookstores. Let’s get to know Sayali!
Sayali, what do you love about working at CarbonBetter?
Two things: the people and the projects.
Our team is incredibly diverse, with folks from all kinds of backgrounds and career paths. I learn something new from someone every single day, whether it’s a fresh perspective or a completely different way of approaching a problem. Everyone’s just so interesting and passionate about what they do.
Sustainability is such an evolving field, there’s always something new on the horizon! I love that I get to work on challenging, meaningful projects that push me to grow and adapt. It never gets boring.
What does your day-to-day look like at CarbonBetter?
My day-to-day at CarbonBetter is a mix of research, strategy, and collaboration. I spend a lot of time sourcing and evaluating carbon credit projects, analyzing market trends, and working closely with clients to tailor sustainability and decarbonization strategies to their goals. Some days I’m deep in spreadsheets, and other days I’m on calls with project developers. No two days look the same, which keeps things exciting!
Can you share a client project that was particularly impactful or challenging? What was your role, and what were the key takeaways from the experience?
One of the more challenging projects I’ve worked on is a double materiality assessment gap analysis for a client preparing for CSRD compliance. My role was to evaluate where their current reporting stood against European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) requirements and identify gaps.
What made this project complex was the pace of regulatory change, with new guidance and proposed amendments to the CSRD coming out regularly. It meant I had to stay on top of the latest developments, adjust our approach as needed, and make sure the client understood what those changes meant for them.
The biggest takeaway for me was how important it is to be both technically sound and adaptable. You need to know the regulations inside out, but also be able to explain them clearly and build trust with clients in a shifting landscape.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Always be the most prepared person in the room.”
This was the first piece of advice I received in my master’s program, from a professor on the very first day of class. And it’s stuck with me ever since.
As a sustainability professional, you’re often navigating spaces where not everyone sees eye to eye. You’ll encounter skeptics, critics, and people who come in with preconceived notions or assumptions about what sustainability means or why it matters. In those moments, preparation is your strongest tool. It means having the data, the context, and the confidence to clearly articulate your case.
“One of the more challenging projects I’ve worked on is a double materiality assessment gap analysis for a client preparing for CSRD compliance. My role was to evaluate where their current reporting stood against ESRS requirements and identify gaps.”
Sayali reflecting on a challenging client project at CarbonBetter
Do you have any personal sustainability habits that are important to you?
One personal sustainability habit that’s important to me is being mindful about consumption. I try to buy less and choose secondhand when possible. I also always carry a reusable water bottle to avoid single-use plastics. Another small habit is bringing my own bags when grocery shopping to cut down on waste.
Where did you grow up? What's something interesting about your hometown?
I grew up in Singapore, one of the greenest cities in the world, with over 50% green cover despite being densely urban. Think rooftop gardens, vertical greenery, and nature reserves all across the island. We even have a waterfall inside our airport! Another fun fact that often surprises people is that chewing gum is technically banned. You can’t buy it unless it’s for medical reasons.
Tell us about your family:
My family is back in Singapore. It's just the four of us: my mom, dad, and younger sister. My sister is six years younger than me and studies computer engineering. She's incredibly sharp, curious about everything, and one of the funniest people I know. Being far from home isn’t always easy, but staying connected with her makes the distance feel a little smaller.
What are some of your hobbies?
Some of my favorite hobbies revolve around being on the water! I recently moved to Austin and have really come to love spending time at Barton Springs and kayaking or paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake. I also enjoy reading and love exploring local secondhand bookstores in the neighborhood to find hidden gems.
What are 5 things on your bucket list?
- Bungee jumping off a bridge
- See the Northern Lights
- Take a solo trip
- Learn Spanish well enough to have a real conversation
- Vacation in Italy and eat pasta every day without regrets
Thanks for sharing, Sayali! We are so lucky to work alongside you every day. Stay tuned for the next team feature in our Life @ CarbonBetter series.