Conference organisers
Any growing industry spawns conferences and network events of varying quality. SRI is no exception.
- At their worst, SRI conferences involve the converted preaching to the converted about policy developments that will never happen
- At their best, conferences provide a platform for participants to discuss cutting-edge developments in research and product development and challenge consensus-thinking.
To host successful conferences, organisers need to:
- absorb the current themes and emerging ideas from the industry and to use this to raise in their conference the unspoken questions of industry participants
- develop a brand and network around their conferences that sustains support from conference to conference
SRI conferences are organised for a number of reasons including: market development and policy influencing, networking, marketing, profit (for the organiser) and sustainability research. Many of these reasons fall outside SRI-CONNECT’s core purpose of supporting ‘sustainability research’.
However, SRI-CONNECT is interested in supporting those events and conferences that contribute to improved sustainability analysis of companies and the development of investment themes. We hope that our online research tools will enable research debate to flow from one conference to the next and to develop as it proceeds.
If you are in any doubt as to whether SRI-CONNECT is the right place to promote your conference, ask yourself:
- “Are equity (or credit) analysts likely to make different (better-informed) investment decisions as a result of your conference?"
If the answer is ‘No’, SRI-CONNECT is probably not the right place to promote your conference. If the answer is ‘Yes’, read on...
How conference organisers can use SRI-CONNECT
Identifying conference themes, topics and speakers
- Market Buzz allows conference organisers to track emerging themes in sustainable business and SRI markets - this will help them to develop and ideas that resonate with SRI analysts
- Equally, the SRI Dynamics discussion papers contain provocative, counter-consensus thinking on the SRI industry
- Directory can help conference organisers to identify experts on particular subjects (NB - this should only be used where sponsorship is not required for a speaking slot)
Posting and promoting the conference
- Posting: Subscribed members of SRI-CONNECT can post events on the site. (In addition, we require commercial conference providers to pay a listing fee – which is set at the price of a single full-price delegate fee to that event. There is no automated payment function for this and it should be arranged offline with the SRI-CONNECT Editor)
- Promoting: All contributions to SRI-CONNECT must be research-based (and not sales- or marketing-based). The same applies to conference promotion. Conference organisers can draw attention to their event by posting to the site research ideas and discussion points that will be covered but direct promotion, without this value-adding content, is prohibited.
- Networking: Conference organisers may set up a linked 'Discussion Group' that enables conference participants to network before and after the event and to raise issues for discussion at the event
Specific themes for discussion
SRI-CONNECT promotes research work in two areas:
- Sustainable business, investable themes and
- SRI research market improvements (where this will help deliver
With regard to the former, the state of SRI thinking on a wide range of issues can be found within Market Buzz & the Discussion Groups
With regard to the latter, whilst developing SRI-CONNECT, we have identified a large number of ways in which the information and money flows within SRI research create significant hindrances to best sustainability outcomes. We encourage widespread discussion of these both online (in SRI-CONNECT discussion groups) and in offline fora such as conferences. Themes that we suggest merit further consideration are set out in:
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Build profile, distribute research, share ideas
Conference providers can:
- Use Market Buzz to raise the profile of their research and share their opinions with investors and analysts (About Market Buzz | Post research & reports)
- Use the Directory to highlight their organisational and individual capabilities and interests (About Directory | Update your organisation's profile | Update your personal profile)
- Advertise events (About Events | All events)
- Monitor the developing profile of their firm and research with sustainable investment industry
- Response to requests for research made via the Research Marketplace
Learn & interact
Conference providers can:
- Receive research that matches their areas of focus (About Market Buzz | View the latest buzz)
- Learn about the dynamics of the sustainable investment industry (SRI Primer | Ecology of SRI | Trends & opinion)
- Join discussions (All Discussion Groups)
- Make connections & send messages
Other
... and like all members of the network, they can:
- Careers, skills & jobs: Employ others and develop their own skills & careers
- People & networks: Network with, follow and engage with others
Individuals 50 of 6,052 results
Organisations 50 of 8,132 results
Buzzes 50 of 13,026 results
Carbon Tracker: Responsible Exit Principles for Oil and Gas Companies
Carbon Tracker: Responsible Exit Principles for Oil and Gas Companies
(https://carbontracker.org/reports/responsible-exit-principles-for-oil-and-gas-companies/)
Asset disposals are commonplace in the oil and gas industry, and M&A has long been a feature of the industry.
Yet, as the energy transition continues to gather pace, there is a growing risk that assets are transferred to companies which have lower operational standards and reduced financial ability to pay to. Where such transfers are in response to pressures to reduce emissions, they may actually result in higher emissions.
Accordingly, we have developed a set of Responsible Exit Principles for Oil and Gas Companies for use by a range of stakeholders. They define a set of credible, widely recognised best practice standards governing the operation and eventual closure of such assets, by informing how sellers, buyers and their financial stakeholders can mitigate financial, environmental, governance and reputational risks related to such transfers.
Climate Action Network: Renewable Energy Tracker 2024
Climate Action Network: Renewable Energy Tracker 2024
(https://climatenetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/CAN-I-Renewable-Energy-Tracker-2024.pdf)
An equity-driven assessment of countries’ progress towards 100% renewable energy systems
For the first time in history, COP28 established a global commitment for energy transformation, with countries pledging to tripling renewable capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030, compared to 2022 levels, as well as “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable
manner [...] so as to achieve net zero by 2050”. Realizing those commitments will face multiple challenges.
Countries are not on track to achieve the tripling goal. Annual improvements in energy efficiency
fell to 1.3% in 2023, far below the 4% needed by 2030. Investments in fossil fuels, although now half of those in clean technologies, remain astonishingly high, at $1.1 tn in 2024. For the first time in over a decade, the number of people without basic access to electricity increased from the previous year, reaching 685 million in 2022 (an increase of 10 million since 2021), while 2.1 billion people still lack access to clean cooking
fuels and technologies.
This edition of the Renewable Energy Tracker follows 62 countries’ performance and progress
in renewable energy deployment, in the power and end use sectors, factoring in several justice and equity aspects, including financial support, ambition and sustainable development.
Sustainable Fitch: Blue Debt: State of Play, Growth and Prospects
Sustainable Fitch: Blue Debt: State of Play, Growth and Prospects
Financing Focuses on Water Infrastructure Projects; Ocean-Related Projects Restricted by Fluid Frameworks
- Investor focus on biodiversity and climate adaptation is encouraging the issuance of blue debt instruments, particularly blue bonds, to finance projects that benefit freshwater and marine ecosystems.
- Investing in ocean projects isgaining traction within blue debt, but mostof the proceeds from blue bonds have been allocated to freshwater infrastructure-related projects that have a clearer set of criteria and metrics under existing frameworks.
- Supranationals and financial institutions were the initial drivers ofthe blue bond marketprior to 2022. Issuers have diversified to include corporates, local governments and agenciessince 2023.•Asset managers are considering the inclusion ofblue bonds in their fixed-income strategies to diversify assets and support sustainable water and ocean ecosystems
UNEP Finance Initiative: Net-Zero Banking Alliance 2024 Progress Report
UNEP Finance Initiative: Net-Zero Banking Alliance 2024 Progress Report
The Net-Zero Banking Alliance 2024 Progress Report provides an overview of member banks’ independent efforts towards transitioning their financing activities to align with pathways to net zero by 2050 at the latest and to set intermediate sectoral targets for 2030 or sooner to put them on a path towards this goal. It summarises information received from 122 member banks up to the end of May 2024 and offers insights into members’ progress on target setting and transition planning, two key aspects of the voluntary commitment banks make when joining the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA).
Progress on membership, target setting, and transition planning
- Since the launch of NZBA in April 2021, membership has more than tripled from 43 to 144 banks.
- 97 per cent of the 122 banks due to have set their first individual sectoral targets had done so.
- Around four-fifths of the 50 banks due to have set targets covering all or a substantial majority of the carbon-intensive sectors where they have material exposure had done so.
- Nearly two-thirds of the 91 banks that were due to have published transition plans had done so, with more banks planning to publish in 2024.
In addition, 15 case studies from member banks are featured in the 2024 Progress Report.
Download the full report
Climate Action 100+: Benchmark shows decarbonisation is underway for many of the worlds largest corporate emitters with a need for stronger climate transition action plans
Climate Action 100+: Benchmark shows decarbonisation is underway for many of the worlds largest corporate emitters with a need for stronger climate transition action plans
Climate Action 100+, the world’s largest investor engagement initiative on climate change, has released the latest round of company assessments against the Net Zero Company Benchmark. The Benchmark assesses the performance – based on disclosures and alignment assessments – of 168 Climate Action 100+ focus companies against the initiative’s three high-level goals: improved governance, emissions reduction and enhanced climate-related disclosures.
- Net Zero Company Benchmark annually assesses focus companies’ decarbonisation strategies and alignment with a 1.5°C emissions pathway as a tool for investors to understand their exposure to climate-related financial risks and opportunities.
- The vast majority of companies have set net zero 2050 emissions targets for their operations and assigned board responsibility for climate risk oversight, demonstrating widespread recognition that climate risk is financial risk.
- This year’s Benchmark includes the first analysis on historical emissions reductions and shows that most of assessed focus companies have reduced their emissions intensity over the past three years. But fewer are reducing emissions at the pace necessary to achieve a 1.5°C aligned pathway.
- Despite stronger disclosures related to companies’ decarbonisation strategies, capital allocation, and just transition, few companies reveal how they will align their business practices to achieve their net zero commitments.
- Climate Action 100+ also announces that 90 new signatory investors have joined since 1 June 2023.
A summary of results can be found here and the full dataset can be found here.
AngloAmerican: Half-yearly sustainability performance update (Webcast | 29 Oct)
AngloAmerican: Half-yearly sustainability performance update (Webcast | 29 Oct)
(https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/gp8a2jp9/)
- Date: Tuesday 29 October 2024
- Time: 13:30
- Session duration: 75 mins
- Host: Duncan Wanblad, CEO, AngloAmerican
- Access via: Link
Vontobel: Modern mining: Digging deep to find winners on the brink of a technological revolution
Vontobel: Modern mining: Digging deep to find winners on the brink of a technological revolution
Vontobel: Modern mining: Digging deep to find winners on the brink of a technological revolution
Key takeaways
- The mining industry is entering a green supercycle, driven by demand for metals and minerals for decarbonization, with technology playing a key role in boosting productivity and reducing emissions.
- Epiroc, a leading maker of mining equipment, is at the forefront of this transformation, with a strong focus on autonomous operations and electrification, and a significant aftermarket presence.
- Despite challenges such as increased competition, we believe Epiroc's aggressive push into new technologies and close customer relationships could position it well for the future.
TPI: State of transition in the banking sector report 2024
TPI: State of transition in the banking sector report 2024
The State of transition in the banking sector report assesses the climate ambitions of 26 major international banks, ten US super-regional banks, and two custodian banks.
The TPI Centre began assessing the banking sector’s progress on the low-carbon transition with a pilot study in 2022. This 2024 assessment includes an evaluation of 26 major international banks, 10 US super-regional banks and two US custodian banks, on two elements:
- Net Zero Banking Assessment Framework (NZBAF)
- Carbon Performance
The results of our 2024 assessment send a clear message: the overwhelming majority of banks are still in the early stages of their transition to a low-carbon economy. This is despite the fact that most banks we assess are now publicly disclosing some of their financed emissions and half are committing to reducing them to net zero by 2050. Yet, banks score poorly on both the NZBAF and Carbon Performance assessments.
abrdn: Government bonds: the missing link in decarbonising portfolios?
abrdn: Government bonds: the missing link in decarbonising portfolios?
We consider why government bonds could be the missing link for decarbonising investment portfolios.
Decarbonisation and net-zero targets are front of mind for many investors these days. So why is one of the biggest asset classes – government bonds – not in the picture?
abrdn: Decent work: a new framework for investors
abrdn: Decent work: a new framework for investors
WHEB: Not all carbon offsets are created equal
WHEB: Not all carbon offsets are created equal
As the world grapples with climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) is at the forefront of global conversations. Carbon offsets have emerged as one tool to help tackle this problem - they let you make up for your emissions by funding projects that remove or reduce an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere.
However, there’s a catch - not all carbon offsets are created equal. If we want to make a real difference, we need high-quality carbon offsets that deliver genuine, long-term benefits for the climate that are only used for residual emissions that remain after all feasible direct emission reduction actions have been taken.
Read this article by Katie Woodhouse to learn more about the problem with low-quality carbon offsets as well as common best practice and WHEB’s approach to carbon offsetting.
Ethos: 2024 study - AGMs and sustainability reports
Ethos: 2024 study - AGMs and sustainability reports
(https://www.ethosfund.ch/sites/default/files/2024-10/Etude%20Saison%20AG%202024_EN_FINAL_1.pdf)
Dormakaba's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Zurich on 10 October symbolically marked the end of the 2024 general meeting season for companies listed in Switzerland. Of the companies included in the Swiss Performance Index (SPI), only Barry Callebaut still has to hold their meeting before the end of the year (4th of December). The publication of this study provides an opportunity to take stock of a year in which questions - and concerns - about the excessive remuneration of certain senior executives have returned.
Maplecroft: The rise of the Sovereign Sustainability-Linked Bond – what should investors be looking for?
Maplecroft: The rise of the Sovereign Sustainability-Linked Bond – what should investors be looking for?
Sovereign sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) have so far been extremely rare, with Chile and Uruguay the only issuers to date. However, this may soon change. South Africa, Thailand, Kenya and Rwanda have recently floated the prospect of issuing some this year. Emerging market governments are starting to take notice of SLBs’ flexibility and potential for accessing a deeper pool of international finance, especially to finance the energy transition. Unlike green or sustainability bonds, SLBs do not impose use-of-proceeds requirements on the issuer. Instead, they oblige it to achieve predetermined key performance indicators (KPIs) to avoid a step up in coupon payments (or, as in the case of Uruguay, benefit from a step down).
But there are good reasons for investors to be wary about SLBs’ potential for meaningful impact, and hence their credibility. Questions of materiality and additionality loom large. It may not be clear whether KPIs would be achieved anyway without any additional effort. There can be a mismatch of timescales: a KPI may relate to a long-term structural trend which the issuing government has limited power to affect in the time available to meet a short-term target. Nor are coupon step-ups hefty enough to incentivise progress. In practice, SLB penalties are typically very low (12-25bps), usually less significant than global interest rate moves. This renders the instrument more of a signalling device – a show of intention on the part of the government and of support on the part of the investor – that marks a direction of travel rather than a promised final destination.
Impact Cubed: Understanding ESG Factor Performance and Tracking Error Trade-Offs Across SFDR Classifications
Impact Cubed: Understanding ESG Factor Performance and Tracking Error Trade-Offs Across SFDR Classifications
(https://www.impactcubed.com/post/understanding-esg-factor-performance-across-sfdr-classifications)
SFDR has become a cornerstone for guiding investors toward funds that supposedly align with their values. But how do these classifications impact the actual environmental and social performance of these funds?
"In this analysis, we look at how funds classified under Articles 6, 8, and 9 perform across a variety of ESG factors, as well as examining how these factors relate to the funds' tracking error, offering insights into the trade-offs that may come with sustainable investing. More methodology detail can be found at the end of the article."
SSgA: Navigating Sustainable Investing - Regulation as a Driver of Opportunity and Risk
SSgA: Navigating Sustainable Investing - Regulation as a Driver of Opportunity and Risk
(https://www.ssga.com/us/en/institutional/insights/navigating-sustainable-investing)
For many investors as sustainability considerations move closer to the forefront of investment strategies, regulation has emerged as a key driver of both opportunity and risk.
This shift is being primarily driven by improved data availability, new scientific insights such as those from the UN’s World Meteorological Organization, policy changes and growing voter interest, all of which has pushed climate and sustainability issues higher up on political agendas in many jurisdictions. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, a median of 75% of people across 19 countries in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region see climate change as a major threat — higher than concerns over misinformation (70%), cyberattacks (67%), the economy (61%), or infectious disease (61%).
This growing sociopolitical concern is influencing some policymakers and, in turn, reshaping the regulatory landscape for many institutional investors. For those managing institutional portfolios, understanding and adapting to these changes may be crucial.
BlackRock: Access To The Energy Transition In Public Markets (Podcast)
BlackRock: Access To The Energy Transition In Public Markets (Podcast)
(https://www.blackrock.com/uk/solutions/podcasts/the-bid)
The shift to a low-carbon economy will demand more capital than any of us have seen in our lifetimes—far more than private actors alone can provide. Public markets—the securities that make up the bulk of most investor portfolios available on stock exchanges—are set to play a much larger role in this transition. So, while private markets may have a head start, public markets are catching up quickly.
In this special episode, Mark Wiedman, Head of BlackRock’s Global Client Business, will lead a conversation with BlackRock investors Evy Hambro, Olivia Markham, and Will Su about the transition opportunities they’re seeing in public markets—and what it will take to fully unlock their potential.
Jefferies: How Does Sunlight Deflection Fit Into Climate Change Mitigation?
Jefferies: How Does Sunlight Deflection Fit Into Climate Change Mitigation?
The scientific community is exploring every avenue to expand and accelerate efforts around climate change. One area of research and investment is solar radiation modification (SRM), which reflects sunlight away from Earth’s atmosphere and into space.
Although much remains uncertain about SRM’s impacts — such as the effect of aerosols on clouds and climate — research in this area is expanding rapidly. Over the last few years, the US government has allocated more than $47 million to increase understanding of cloud aerosol effects and SRM.
Jefferies’ Sustainability and Transition Team hosted three experts to discuss the trajectory of solar radiation modification and its role in decarbonization.
Solar Radiation Modification remains a novel and underexplored field of decarbonization research, and it is not without some risks and controversies. Still, amid the push to expand and accelerate decarbonization efforts, SRM remains a crucial area for scientists, governments, and investors to actively monitor.
ERM: Ahead of the Climate Curve: Leveraging climate transition planning to prepare for a low-carbon future (blog)
ERM: Ahead of the Climate Curve: Leveraging climate transition planning to prepare for a low-carbon future (blog)
(https://www.erm.com/insights/ahead-of-the-climate-curve/)
limate transition plans are coming to a jurisdiction near you. Regulators are broadly moving beyond mandatory disclosures of emissions and climate targets toward disclosure of the actions companies are planning to take to achieve those targets. Within a few years, most large companies will be required to specify precisely that in a transition plan as part of their disclosure requirements. As is often the case, Europe leads the way, but other jurisdictions will soon follow.
It’s a prospect that may not be universally welcomed. Many companies already struggle to stay on top of the steady flow of new regulations and expectations on sustainability topics. So far, most of the companies that have produced climate transition plans have approached it as an exercise for disclosure reasons, not always as a plan to integrate into their strategy and operations.
Citi: Why Sustainability Still Matters
Citi: Why Sustainability Still Matters
Against a tougher economic backdrop and reduced business certainty, should sustainability still matter to treasurers, or should it take a back seat? In this short report, Citi Commercial Bank examines why sustainability-related themes are not just alive and well, but at the very heart of corporate strategy.
Click here to download the full report.
Columbia Threadneedle: Power hungry AI - investment implications in the era of energy transition (blog)
Columbia Threadneedle: Power hungry AI - investment implications in the era of energy transition (blog)
At a glance
- The growth in AI and associated data centre expansion is set to increase power demand. This has significant implications in the era of energy transition.
- We explore options for power provision including behind the fence locations at nuclear and gas plants alongside efforts to improve grid connectivity and efficiency.
- Emissions will increase as a result of data centre expansion. Big tech will likely use some non-renewable resources but we expect them to continue investing in renewables.
- The AI revolution is thirsty for energy. We see numerous opportunities including quality names in areas like energy efficiency and provision of clean energy infrastructure.
PRI: Progression Pathways: what are they and when will they be available?
PRI: Progression Pathways: what are they and when will they be available?
Progression Pathways are a new way for the PRI to support signatories in progressing their responsible investment practices. Multiple pathways are available, to better direct signatories towards the PRI services – such as guidance, collaborative initiatives and education – that are most relevant to their objectives and level of development.
There is no hierarchy between the pathways – they exist in parallel to reflect the diversity of responsible investment objectives that PRI signatories have. Progression happens within pathways: introductory, intermediate and advanced levels within each pathway will help to guide signatories in getting started, developing their approaches and exploring market-leading practices.
The three pathways will be tailored towards:
- those seeking primarily to incorporate ESG factors;
- those aiming to address drivers of sustainability-related financial risks;
- those seeking to have positive real-world impact alongside financial goals.
Note: 2024 PRI AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED - details here
IIGCC: Policy paper: Investor priorities for transitioning the European steel sector
IIGCC: Policy paper: Investor priorities for transitioning the European steel sector
IIGCC has worked with a group of investors to identify four areas for enhanced policy interventions that would most effectively de-risk and support the transition of the European steel sector.
The steel industry is responsible for 7-9% of global CO2 emissions and around 5% in Europe. Steel is a crucial input to construction, energy infrastructure, machinery, and transport; all strategic sectors that support jobs and economic growth across Europe.
The steel sector’s decarbonisation is essential both for the economy-wide shift to net zero and for the alignment of investment portfolios with the transition. Creating a supportive policy environment for the transition of high emitting sectors is critical for achieving Europe’s commitment to climate neutrality by 2050.
Supporting investor engagement
Investors committed to working towards a net zero and climate resilient future - in line with their fiduciary responsibility to their clients and beneficiaries – see a net zero steel sector as an opportunity for job creation and industrial innovation in Europe.
In this context, the European steel industry is facing a historic, strategic turning point with risks and opportunities ahead. Investors see Europe as well positioned to lead the global transformation of the steel sector. The EU is a large, highly developed economy with generally high-end steel production that can seize the opportunities and show what is possible, paving the way for other regions to follow.
The areas identified and the underpinning recommendations are intended to serve as a resource to support individual investors’ engagement activities in relation to the steel sector. They are intended to provide a reference point for investors to refer to in their economy-wide macro-stewardship activities, direct engagement with policymakers, as well as engagement with companies in the steel sector and value chain.
As a basis for discussion, they are presented as high-level topics that need to be addressed rather than prescriptive next steps.
IIGCC: Net Zero Bondholder Stewardship - Engaging Labelled Debt Guidance
IIGCC: Net Zero Bondholder Stewardship - Engaging Labelled Debt Guidance
(https://www.iigcc.org/resources/bondholder-stewardship-engaging-labelled-debt)
This guidance provides an outline of how investors can engage with issuers on labelled bonds to fulfil net zero commitments and decarbonise real world emissions.
Labelled bonds provide investors with an opportunity to tie fresh capital to Paris aligned climate targets and activities in line with their own commitments to decarbonise real world emissions. However, even with rapid growth in issuance, GSS+ bonds only account for 5% of total issuance volume, and the growth in sustainability-linked bonds has plateaued.
This guidance advances the IIGCC Net Zero Bondholder Stewardship Guidance by taking a more granular approach to stewardship and engagement for labelled debt, in particular green and sustainability-linked bonds, and seeks to:
- Promote best practices for aligning labelled bonds with the net zero transition
- Explore approaches to engaging on labelled bonds
Focusing particularly on green bonds and sustainability-linked bonds, the guidance identifies the opportunities and challenges for engagement beginning with issuers from pre-issuance to post-issuance and through to a wider ecosystem of policymakers and other key players.
The guidance focuses on labelled bonds and the opportunities for net zero bondholder stewardship they provide. Unlabelled debt also provides an important opportunity to finance the transition. For more on unlabelled debt, please see the IIGCC Net Zero Bondholder Stewardship Guidance and the Potential of Unlabelled Debt discussion paper.
Trase: Smallholder cocoa farmers need support as EUDR compliance nears
Trase: Smallholder cocoa farmers need support as EUDR compliance nears
(https://trase.earth/insights/smallholder-cocoa-farmers-need-support-as-eudr-compliance-nears)
Trase research shows huge variations in the traceability of cocoa from Côte d’Ivoire and the likelihood of whether supplies will comply with the EU deforestation regulation. Support for smallholder farmers is needed to avoid excluding them from the EU market, as companies prepare for regulation.
From 30 December 2024, companies trading agricultural commodities in the EU, including cocoa from Côte d’Ivoire, will need to demonstrate that their supplies are legally produced and deforestation-free in order to comply with the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR). To do this, companies need to provide the geolocation of the plots of land where commodities were produced to prove there is no or negligible risk that they were grown on land deforested after the end of 2020. The EU and Switzerland are the largest market for Ivorian cocoa, accounting for 61% of exports in 2022.
Although the traceability requirement – if properly implemented – should help guide action to reduce deforestation linked to EU commodity imports – it will be challenging to meet for cocoa produced in Côte d’Ivoire, according to our research.
USS: Stewardship Code Report 2024
USS: Stewardship Code Report 2024
USS's latest report covers key areas of their stewardship activities including:
- 2023-24 Activities and Highlights
- Purpose and Governance
- Investment Approach
PGIM: 2023 ESG Investing Report
PGIM: 2023 ESG Investing Report
(https://insights.pgim.com/pdf/PGIM-ESG-Report-2023.pdf)
PGIM's latest report covers key areas of their activities, including:
- PGIM Philosophy and Implementation
- ESG Policy, Governance & Resources
- ESG Research & Investment Approach
- Active stewardship
DNB Asset Management: Quarterly Report for Responsible Investments Q3 2024
DNB Asset Management: Quarterly Report for Responsible Investments Q3 2024
(https://s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/dnb-asset-management/ESG-SRI-pdf/Q3-2024.pdf)
DNB's latest report covers key areas of their stewardship activities, including:
- Engagements
- Voting, active ownership and progress on the transition plan
- Exclusions
Sustainalytics: The Landscape of Biodiversity and Natural Capital Funds
Sustainalytics: The Landscape of Biodiversity and Natural Capital Funds
(https://connect.sustainalytics.com/the-landscape-of-biodiversity-and-natural-capital-funds-report)
There is growing awareness of the potentially catastrophic economic risks posed by biodiversity loss, as more than 50% of global GDP is moderately or highly dependent on natural ecosystems.
This report examines the global landscape of open-ended funds and ETFs that focus on the biodiversity theme. It examines the range of options on offer based on three categories: risk-oriented, mixed, and solutions-focused. The analysis looks at the growth in assets, flows, and products in each grouping, and analyses the funds and their most common holdings through the lens of a number of financial and ESG metrics.
Key insights of this report include:
- An introduction to key metrics used to use to assess biodiversity investments.
- Global assets held in biodiversity open-end funds and ETFs more than doubled over the last three years to USD 3.7 billion, boosted by product development.
- Biodiversity funds have underperformed, on average, but showed resilience in the 2022 market downturn.
- How each type of biodiversity strategy, given their unique risk/reward characteristics, can fit into an investor's portfolio.
Download the report now to learn more.
BNP Paribas: Levelling up - our roadmap to address inequality
BNP Paribas: Levelling up - our roadmap to address inequality
(https://docfinder.bnpparibas-am.com/api/files/0db88173-c83d-43f5-a72e-f9c72ecf3f54)
"At BNPP AM, we have focused on contributing to mitigating structural inequality through significant actions and initiatives for several years. In recent years, there has been a growing consensus among the public, governments, corporations and investors that unequal access to opportunity and lack of social mobility poses long-term threats to social cohesion, trust and a healthy economy. Yet, unlike climate change, there is no Paris Agreement for addressing structural inequality. Concerted action is needed from a variety of stakeholders."
CFA: How to Build a Better ESG Fund Classification System
CFA: How to Build a Better ESG Fund Classification System
(https://rpc.cfainstitute.org/-/media/documents/article/industry-research/esg-fund-classification.pdf)
The term “ESG,” an acronym of the phrase “environmental, social, and governance,” began appearing in fund names as early as 2010. By 2019, hundreds of “ESG funds” had been created. It remains unclear, however, exactly how ESG funds are distinct from other groups of funds.
Despite efforts to define and clarify the meaning, the ambiguity of ESG funds stubbornly endures. This paper explores the meaning of ESG funds through the lens of fund classification, which involves sorting funds into groups defined by boundaries. The funds of interest in this paper include those funds that take ESG information, issues, and/or conditions into account—in any way, for any purpose, and to any extent.
The focus is on defining groups and boundaries rather than debating which words should be used to refer to those groups. In fact, we use generic references such as “Feature 1” and “Group A” to avoid the traps of terminology. Decisions about a group’s boundaries and decisions about
a group’s name can be separated; the scope of this paper is the former.
MSCI ESG: Watt Opportunity? Plugging Private Markets into the Energy-Transition Circuit (blog)
MSCI ESG: Watt Opportunity? Plugging Private Markets into the Energy-Transition Circuit (blog)
(https://www.msci.com/www/blog-posts/watt-opportunity-plugging/05038246862)
Key findings
- Understanding the financial opportunities in the climate transition requires a close look at how private capital is allocated across a broad spectrum of activities in the supply chains.
- In aggregate, since-inception internal rates of return for active investment holdings revealed that transition assets have largely kept pace with the broader private-capital universe.
- Such insights are relevant not only to climate-focused investors but to all investors who are exposed to transition-enabling activities and suggest that transition-related investments don’t have to come with a sacrifice on returns.
MSCI ESG: ESG Integration in Islamic Investments
MSCI ESG: ESG Integration in Islamic Investments
(https://www.msci.com/www/research-report/esg-integration-in-islamic/05023324234)
MSCI ESG: ESG Integration in Islamic Investments
"Integrating the principles of sustainable investing within the framework of Islamic finance has become a significant area of interest for investors who aim to align their portfolios with both ethical and financial goals.
In this report, we examine the financial performance of MSCI ESG Ratings within global Islamic equity indexes over their 11+ year history. Utilizing a standard quintile analysis on MSCI ESG Ratings scores — controlled for sectors, regions and company size — we found that companies with higher MSCI ESG Ratings outperformed their lower-rated counterparts in the MSCI ACWI Islamic M-Series Index over the study period."
Morningstar: Sustainable Investing Summit 2024
Morningstar: Sustainable Investing Summit 2024
November 7 – 8, 2024 | Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam
On the agenda:
- Navigating Geopolitics
- Navigating the Responsible AI Landscape: Investment Risks and Opportunities
- Climate Litigation Heating Up
- Climate Transition: Engagment Over Divestment
- From Idea to Impact
- Biodiversity & the Road Ahead of COP16
- A Spotlight on Governance in ESG
- The Power of Impact Investing in Emerging Markets
- Breakout sessions
- Green FinTech Showcase
- How Will Anti-Greenwashing Rules Reshape the ESG Fund Landscape?
- Why Should Investors Care About Human Rights?
- Five Ways ESG Hit Markets in 2024
- What is the Future of ESG?
Sustainalytics: EU Taxonomy Reporting Review
Sustainalytics: EU Taxonomy Reporting Review
(https://connect.sustainalytics.com/eu-taxonomy-reporting-review)
The European Union introduced its taxonomy in 2020. The regulation aims to help companies and investors identify environmentally sustainable economic activities to make sustainable investment decisions.
"In our first EU Taxonomy Reporting Review, Morningstar Sustainalytics examined taxonomy alignment on key performance indicators (KPIs) for more than 1,300 non-financial companies to assess the progress companies are making in reporting their taxonomy alignment.
Key findings of this report include:
- Reported capital investments reached USD 500 billion, but average taxonomy-alignment levels have not increased.
- Non-financial companies reporting above-zero data have 28% of their capital investments (capex) aligned with the taxonomy, on average.
- Alignment levels are expected to increase starting next year, when alignment reporting on the four new environmental objectives of the taxonomy becomes mandatory. Currently, reporting on these objectives is limited."
Download the report to learn more.
S&P Global: Path to net-zero: US utilities face new headwinds on decarbonization journey
S&P Global: Path to net-zero: US utilities face new headwinds on decarbonization journey
S&P Global: Path to net-zero: US utilities face new headwinds on decarbonization journey
Most large US power companies are gaining ground on decarbonization, with several utilities approaching the net-zero finish line. However, progress was uneven in 2023 and new challenges lie ahead, a survey by S&P Global Commodity Insights showed.
Extreme weather, rapidly rising energy demand, grid interconnection delays and opposing state policies can hamper progress for the most ambitious of power companies, the survey results indicated.
S&P Global: Texas lawmakers, Houston controller say anti-ESG law is government overreach
S&P Global: Texas lawmakers, Houston controller say anti-ESG law is government overreach
S&P Global: Texas lawmakers, Houston controller say anti-ESG law is government overreach
A group of Texas lawmakers and the Houston city controller said state officials are interfering in free markets and tarnishing the state's pro-business reputation by banning investment firms that have environmental, social and governance policies.
Texas adopted legislation in 2021 that prohibits cities, counties and state agencies from contracting with banks that screen investments for ESG risks and opportunities. Such investment criteria are among multiple factors that asset managers and other financial services providers consider when placing money.
S&P Global: Path to net-zero: Shipping sector faces supply hurdle for green marine fuels
S&P Global: Path to net-zero: Shipping sector faces supply hurdle for green marine fuels
S&P Global: Path to net-zero: Shipping sector faces supply hurdle for green marine fuels
Major shipping companies have largely aligned their net-zero targets with the International Maritime Organization's mid-century time frame, but further regulatory efforts may be needed to ensure the production of enough sustainable marine fuels for the industry to meet the UN agency's mandate.
The currently limited supplies of green fuels, and their higher cost compared to traditional fuels, might not prevent shippers from meeting 2030 interim targets for greenhouse gas emission cuts. For those, companies may be able to rely heavily on deploying energy-saving equipment and optimizing operations.
Federated Hermes: COP16 to challenge governments to deliver on Biodiversity Plan (Blog)
Federated Hermes: COP16 to challenge governments to deliver on Biodiversity Plan (Blog)
Ahead of the Biodiversity COP16 in Colombia in late October, Sonya Likhtman, Ingrid Kukuljan, and Gemma Corrigan set out our expectations of policymakers and highlight the key developments to watch out for.
GSAM: Emerging Markets, Global Impact: Driving Sustainable Growth
GSAM: Emerging Markets, Global Impact: Driving Sustainable Growth
Emerging markets are pivotal to the world’s climate transition and inclusive growth efforts. Investors have a key role to play in financing their transition.
Key Takeaways
- Financing Sustainable Growth - Public equity and fixed income markets are key sources of global capital. We expect their role in driving sustainable, inclusive growth across emerging markets to become increasingly important.
- Active Management and Engagement - To propel multiple areas of sustainability across emerging economies—from growth in renewables, to greater financial inclusion—we believe investors should adopt an active approach with a focus on fundamental metrics and engagement with company management teams and policymakers.
- Strategic Capital and Local Context - Alongside strategic capital allocation, an understanding of local context is key given emerging economies are at varying stages of development, and collectively crucial in contributing to global sustainability goals.
GIIN: State of the Market 2024: Trends, Performance and Allocations
GIIN: State of the Market 2024: Trends, Performance and Allocations
Highlights include:
- Steady growth in impact investing assets: At 14% CAGR over the past five years, there is continuous growth in the assets allocated to impact investing strategies. The dynamics between large and small investors are particularly intriguing, suggesting that investors are increasingly playing to their strengths — a sign of a maturing market.
- The rise of equity-like debt and public asset classes: Investors are leveraging the unique features of these asset classes to derive value, indicating a strategic shift in how capital is deployed.
- Satisfaction with financial performance despite unmet targets: Investors report high satisfaction with financial performance, even when targets are not met. This underscores the need to enhance data-sharing practices to better understand actual impact performance results. The GIIN’s impact performance benchmarks represent an important step in this direction, but there is much more work to be done.
PRI: Awards 2024 - Winners and Shortlist
PRI: Awards 2024 - Winners and Shortlist
(https://www.unpri.org/the-pri-awards/pri-awards-2024-winners-and-shortlist/12654.article)
"In 2024 we welcomed back the PRI Awards after a break in 2023 with new awards recognising action in climate, nature and human rights - plus a new special category on private markets. The large number of high-quality submissions is testament to the level of innovation across the industry."
There were a couple of key themes across the submissions:
- Competition was tight. Selecting shortlists and winners was a highly competitive process. In view of the challenging landscape, we were encouraged and impressed to see continued leadership and innovation in the submissions.
- Innovation is alive. Private markets and emerging markets are areas of real innovation and change. Submissions highlighted practices from a wide range of asset classes, including high yield fixed income and art.
- A global shortlist. Shortlisted submissions came from Malaysia, UK, Brazil, France, Denmark, Costa Rica, US, Singapore, Sweden, and the list goes on.
WWF: 2024 Living Planet Report (Report and video summary)
WWF: 2024 Living Planet Report (Report and video summary)
(https://livingplanet.panda.org/en-US/)
"This bi-annual report functions as a check-up on the health of the Earth. Underpinning the report is the Living Planet Index, which monitors populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish around the world. This year the report found that monitored wildlife populations declined by an average of 73% since 1970.
Importantly, this year’s report also reveals that the Earth stands on the verge of tipping points for tropical forests and coral reefs that could have severe consequences for people and nature everywhere.
Joining the show to explain the Living Planet Report is Dr. Rebecca Shaw, WWF’s chief scientist. Rebecca will walk us through the methodology of the report, what its key findings really mean for wildlife and ecosystems, and what we all can do together to put our planet on a more sustainable pathway."
FrenchSIF: Forced labour and child labour - First year report
FrenchSIF: Forced labour and child labour - First year report
FrenchSIF: Forced labour and child labour - First year report
In 2021, FrenchSIF (FIR) has formed a coalition of ten of its investor members – Amiral Gestion, Amundi, AXA Investment Managers, Candriam, LBPAM, LFDE, Meeschaert AM, ODDO BHF AM, Ofi Invest AM, Sycomore AM – with over €3,300 billion in assets under management, to support the fight against forced labour and child labour worldwide.
10 companies with high stakes in the issue – Food, Automotive, Consumer Discretionary, Construction, Hotels, Industries and Utilities – have been selected to lead this commitment initiative.
The RHSF methodological grid, developed as part of its programme 8.7, was used and adapted to the needs of the exercise.
RepRisk: A turning tide in greenwashing? Exploring the first decline in six years
RepRisk: A turning tide in greenwashing? Exploring the first decline in six years
For the third consecutive year, RepRisk’s report on greenwashing highlights trends in the number of companies linked to misleading the public about their environmental impact. While the 2024 data shows an overall decrease in greenwashing cases for the first time in six years, high-risk cases of greenwashing surged by over 30%.
Stewart Investors: 5 RFPs Issued
Stewart Investors: 5 RFPs Issued
Clothing Companies
Smoking, vaping and convenience stores
Hospitals
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Universal Design
- the demographic shift towards an aging population (1) and
- cater to the estimated 16% of the global population living with a significant disability (2).
Research RFP: Stewart Investors - Universal Design
Research RFP: Stewart Investors - Universal Design
Universal Design is the creation of an inclusive environment (including any buildings, products, or services within) that can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of age or abilities.
Universal design respects user dignity and rights, whilst also often making business sense. It can expand market reach, enhance customer satisfaction, improve reputation, reduce future modification costs, enhance the convenience and usability of products, and potentially minimise litigation risk.
Purpose:
To understand how well-prepared supermarkets are for:
- the demographic shift towards an aging population (1) and
- cater to the estimated 16% of the global population living with a significant disability (2).
Universal design reaches beyond these groups to their caregivers, families and communities.
Research RFP: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Research RFP: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Research RFP: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Purpose:
To better understand the environmental hazards of critical chemicals used by the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) sector, how they interact with the need for greater energy efficiency, and where our list of companies sit in terms of their environmental impact.
As investors in the sector we recognise the human benefits HVAC can bring in a variety of environments. But we need demonstrable evidence that the rapid growth of this sector going forward doesn’t come with large environmental impacts such as long-term chemical loading on the environment.
Requirements:
- Where do PFAS chemicals exist in the HVAC sector? What are the barriers to rapid phase out?
- Does a phase out of F-gases always correspond with energy efficiency?
- Where can greater energy efficiency gains be made?
- Where can lower environmental impact be achieved?
- Highlight environmental leaders and laggards from our list of 17 companies.
Research RFP: Stewart Investors - Hospitals
Research RFP: Stewart Investors - Hospitals
Research RFP: Stewart Investors - Hospitals
There is a significant shortage of hospitals and clinics in emerging markets and investment in the sector is critical for better human development outcomes. Historically we have been wary of the potential conflict that exists between for-profit hospitals/clinics and best healthcare outcomes. This has prevented us from investing in the sector. We would like to challenge this view and see if we can identify healthcare groups that are able to manage these risks well.
Purpose:
To identify leaders and laggards in terms of managing real and perceived conflicts between profit and best healthcare outcomes within the listed hospital sector.
Requirements:
We would like this report to consider the following:
- What are the key areas of conflict in for-profit hospital management?
- How can minority investors assess this?
- What do best and worst practices look like?
- Who are the leaders and laggards?
- How do companies manage the specific challenges of affordability when operating in very low-income communities?
Research RFP: Stewart Investors - Smoking, vaping and convenience stores
Research RFP: Stewart Investors - Smoking, vaping and convenience stores
Research RFP: Stewart Investors - Smoking, vaping and convenience stores
Smoking products (tobacco and vaping) constitute a significant part of many convenience store sales directly and indirectly via footfall. This represents a significant earnings risk as societies work towards reducing the health harm caused by these products through evolving consumer preferences and regulatory changes.
Purpose:
To identify companies most and least at risk and to identify best practices in reducing these risks.
Requirements:
- A brief analysis of regulatory trends around smoking sales from retail outlets (which countries have banned, changed etc). No overview of the issue itself please. Just focus on regulatory rules around sales practices.
- Calculate/estimate the current percentage of sales and profits from smoking (tobacco and vaping) and historic trends for each company.
- Calculate/estimate the indirect impact from smoking footfall for each company.
- Analyse what steps are being taken at a company level to address these risks. Are there any obvious leaders/laggards
- Anything else the authors feel would be interesting.
Jobs 50 of 177 results
JobPost: ISS - Sustainability & Climate Sales Specialist (Rockville/Washington | CloseDate: Unknown)
JobPost: ISS - Sustainability & Climate Sales Specialist (Rockville/Washington | CloseDate: Unknown)
JobPost: ISS - Sustainability & Climate Sales Specialist (Rockville/Washington | CloseDate: Unknown)
JobPost: ESG Implementation & Strategy Manager [Distribution] (London | CloseDate: Unknown)
JobPost: ESG Implementation & Strategy Manager [Distribution] (London | CloseDate: Unknown)
(https://www.masonblake.com/jobs/esg-implementation-strategy-manager-distribution-2/)
JobPost: ESG Implementation & Strategy Manager [Distribution] (London | CloseDate: Unknown)
JobPost: PRI - Manager Academy Operations (Investor Education) - 9 Month Fixed Term Contract (London | Closing: 8:00pm, 13th Oct 2024 BST)
JobPost: PRI - Manager Academy Operations (Investor Education) - 9 Month Fixed Term Contract (London | Closing: 8:00pm, 13th Oct 2024 BST)
(https://app.beapplied.com/apply/ijwkpb12pr)
Employment Type Contract Please note, where PRI has an office there is an expectation to work a minimum of 2 days per week
Location Hybrid · London, UK
Seniority Mid-level
Closing: 8:00pm, 13th Oct 2024 BST
JobPost: ESG & Impact Associate (London | CloseDate: Unknown)
JobPost: ESG & Impact Associate (London | CloseDate: Unknown)
(https://www.acre.com/job/esg-and-impact-associate)
JobPost: ESG & Impact Associate (London | CloseDate: Unknown)
JobPost: ERM - Consulting Associate - Product Sustainability & Circularity (UK | CloseDate: Unknown)
JobPost: ERM - Consulting Associate - Product Sustainability & Circularity (UK | CloseDate: Unknown)
JobPost: ERM - Consulting Associate - Product Sustainability & Circularity (UK | CloseDate: Unknown)
JobPost: M&G plc - Sustainability Assistant Analyst (London | CloseDate: 21st Oct)
JobPost: M&G plc - Sustainability Assistant Analyst (London | CloseDate: 21st Oct)
JobPost: M&G plc - Sustainability Assistant Analyst (London | CloseDate: 21st Oct)
JobPost: PRI - Head of Stewardship, Climate Change - 12 Month FTC (Family Leave Cover) (Close 20 Oct)
JobPost: PRI - Head of Stewardship, Climate Change - 12 Month FTC (Family Leave Cover) (Close 20 Oct)
(https://app.beapplied.com/apply/8yss8pbsdw)
Employment Type Contract Please note, where PRI has an office there is an expectation to work a minimum of 2 days per week
Location Hybrid · London, UK
Seniority Senior
Closing: 8:00pm, 20th Oct 2024 BST
Sustainable Fitch - Associate Director - ESG Ratings And Research (Hong Kong)
Sustainable Fitch - Associate Director - ESG Ratings And Research (Hong Kong)
At Fitch, we have an open culture where employees are able to exchange ideas and perspectives, throughout the organization, irrespective of their seniority. Your voice will be heard allowing you to have a real impact. We embrace diversity and appreciate authenticity, employees work in an environment where they can be their true selves. Our inclusive and progressive approach helps us to keep a balanced perspective.
With our expertise, we are not only creating data and information, but also producing timely insights from every angle to influence decision making in this ever changing and highly competitive market. We have a relentless hunger to innovate and unlock the power of human insights and to drive value for our customers. There has never been a better time to make an impact and we invite you to join us on this journey.
Sustainable Fitch is currently seeking an Associate Director based in Hong Kong.
Part of Fitch Group, Sustainable Fitch is focused on research and analysis of ESG themes for companies and their debt instruments across the globe. The products offered by Sustainable Fitch include ESG Scores, ESG Ratings and ESG Research, with the support of Product Development and Resource teams. It has offices in Barcelona, Hong Kong, London, New York, Singapore and Toronto.
What We Offer:
- Opportunities for public speaking, external engagement and development of analytical and research skills.
- Access to a wide range of learning and training programs, courses, and certificates.
- Development of managerial skills.
We’ll Count on You To:
- Produce and oversee the production of ESG ratings, scores, and other analysis, including the review of reports.
- Work alongside peers in the APAC and the global Research team to publish in-depth, thematic research on ESG trends, as well as contribute to Sustainable Fitch’s regular publications.
- Represent Sustainable Fitch at external events.
- Participate in internal and external interactions.
- Serve as a thought leader / internal reference; viewed as a subject matter expert.
What You Need to Have:
- Experience in sustainable finance research or analysis and understanding of the sustainable debt market.
- Fluent English and Mandarin Chinese (written and spoken) a must.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
- Collaborative attitude with excellent inter-personal skills.
- Self-motivation and good time management skills.
What Would Make You Stand Out:
- Experience managing small teams or medium- to long-term projects.
- Expertise in sector(s) analysis (e.g. real estate, technology, natural resources).