ESG data management startup Atlas Metrics announced today that it has raised €12.2 million in a Series A funding round, with proceeds aimed at supporting investments in the company’s team, its expansion into new markets, and the development of its ESG compliance and performance management offering. Founded in 2021, Berlin-based Atlas Metrics provides an ESG compliance and sustainability performance management, utilizing…
Morgan Stanley Raises $750 Million for Decarbonization Solutions Private Equity Fund
Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM) announced today that it has raised $750 million at the final close of 1GT, its climate solutions-focused private equity strategy, targeting the elimination of 1 gigaton of CO2 emissions by 2050. Vikram Raju, MSIM’s Head of Climate Private Equity Investing and 1GT, said: “We are pleased to have arrived at the final close of 1GT,…
KKR, BBVA Launch Decarbonization Investment Partnership, Backed by $200 Million Commitment
Alternative asset and private equity investor KKR and Spanish bank BBVA announced the formation of a new strategic partnership, targeting climate solutions and climate infrastructure-related investments aimed at supporting the decarbonization of the real economy. As part of the new partnership, BBVA announced that it has committed $200 million to KKR’s Global Climate strategy, which invests in solutions at scale…
Guest Post: The Bonds Between E, S and G are Stronger and More Important Than Ever Before
By: John McCalla-Leacy, Global Head of ESG at KPMG The world is in flux. The climate crisis is now daily news and we’re witnesses to the damage inaction can cause to our planet. For business leaders, there is a growing in-tray – of risks and daily challenges. Conflict continues unabated, and geopolitical and economic uncertainties are impacting the ability of businesses…
Deutsche Bank Adds Ocean Protection Requirements into Financing Policies
Deutsche Bank announced a series of finance and due diligence commitments aimed at strengthening its ocean protection policies, including the implementation of a freeze on direct financing of deep-sea mining projects. According to the bank, the new announcement forms part of its commitment to the #BackBlue initiative. Backed by the UN, and led by blue economy-focused organization the Ocean Risk…
Stewardship Surge Predicted in Private Equity
ESG is an increasing factor in deal flow and value creation, but regional variations persist across markets. General partners (GPs) of private equity (PE) will hold even more stewardship discussions with portfolio companies following a recent rapid acceleration, according to speakers at the International Corporate Governance Network’s Global Stewardship Forum. “We’re going to have a lot more discussions around corporate…
EU Commission Warns 17 Member States Over Failure to Implement CSRD Sustainability Reporting Rules
The European Commission announced that it has sent letters to 17 EU member states, opening infringement procedures with the states over their failure to communicate that they have fully transposed the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) into their national laws. The CSRD is a major update to the EU’s Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), the previous EU sustainability reporting framework,…
ESG Today: Week in Review
This week in ESG news: U.S. boards lose focus on ESG, say it’s not the same as sustainability; Microsoft to restart Three-Mile Island nuclear plant to decarbonize data centers; IFRS launches guide for voluntary application of ISSB sustainability reporting standards; Brookfield raises $2.4 billion for emerging markets climate transition fund; LEGO Group increases use of sustainable materials in bricks; Schneider…
ESG on TV: What HBO’s “Industry” Gets Right — And Very Wrong — About Sustainable Investing
ESG investing is ready for its close-up. Hollywood has previously ventured into the cutthroat world of high finance in movies like Wall Street and The Big Short. HBO’s drama Industry continues this tradition, following a group of young, good-looking, London-based investment bankers at fictional global bank Pierpoint & Co. Warning: spoilers ahead for Season 3. In the current season, Pierpoint…
Scope 3 Could Be Scrapped from California Climate Bills
With the timeline now confirmed, investors are nevertheless being advised to stand ready for implementation. Ongoing controversies and industry pushback could result in Scope 3 emissions disclosure requirements being removed from the California climate bills, a regulatory expert has warned. If the threat is averted, the bills could offer an alternative to federal legislation, with the US Securities and Exchange…