Asset manager’s Head of Fixed Income hopes market expansion will eliminate need for the purely green bond-focused vehicle within the next decade. The tenth anniversary of Nordic asset manager Storebrand’s Green Bond Fund offers a yardstick for the significant growth of and interest in green, social, sustainability, sustainability-linked and transition (GSS+) bonds during the last decade. Launched in 2015, the…
Net zero coalitions need a new change management model
2024 was a big setback for net zero coalitions. Many asset managers, especially US asset managers, left the Net Zero Asset Manager Initiative and Climate Action 100+. The UN-convened Net Zero Insurance Alliance was completely disbanded. This is a drastic change from just four years ago when there was great hope and enthusiasm that the finance sector could change the world if…
FCA and PRA axe plans to impose stricter DEI rules for financial services
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) have abandoned plans to impose stricter rules for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the financial services sector to “avoid duplication and unnecessary costs”. In 2023, the FCA and PRA launched a consultation on proposed rules and expectations which they said was aimed at improving diversity and inclusion in regulated…
Fossil fuels: From dawn to dusk?
Traditional fossil fuel markets face an expected oversupply in 2025 because multiple factors like technological advancements and geopolitical changes, combined with new environmental policies, are driving a transformation in the energy sector. The rapid expansion of solar power, wind energy and battery storage systems shows no signs of slowing down. Even though geopolitical uncertainty exists, investments in these sectors will…
Capture6 Raises $27.5 Million to Advance Water Recovery and Carbon Removal Tech
Decarbonization and water technology startup Capture6 announced that it has raised $27.5 million in a Series A funding round, with proceeds aimed at advancing its projects converting water treatment brine into a carbon removal solution, while also recovering fresh water. Established in 2021, California and New Zealand-based Capture 6 offers a solution that simultaneously provides carbon removal and water treatment,…
EcoVadis Launches Carbon Data Exchange to Enable Scope 3 Emissions Data Collection
Business sustainability ratings and solutions provider EcoVadis announced the launch of Carbon Data Network, a new data exchange aimed at enabling companies to access reliable primary carbon data from their suppliers. According to EcoVadis, the new data exchange comes as companies require more robust GHG emissions reduction strategies to meet their net zero commitments, and as they face increasing regulatory…
TotalEnergies, RWE Sign 15-Year Green Hydrogen Deal to Decarbonize Refineries
French energy giant TotalEnergies announced today a new agreement with the German power producer RWE to supply 30,000 tons of green hydrogen annually to the Leuna refinery for 15 years, beginning in 2030. The deal is in line with a commitment by TotalEnergies to decarbonize the hydrogen used in its European refineries, the company said. The green hydrogen will be…
Northvolt Files for Bankruptcy
Battery manufacturer Northvolt announced that it has filed for bankruptcy in Sweden, marking a major downfall for one of the most ambitious endeavours to establish a European EV battery giant. Founded in 2016, Stockholm, Sweden-based Northvolt was established with a goal to develop the “world’s greenest battery,” targeting a minimal carbon footprint, sustainable sourcing of raw materials and recycling. The…
BNP Paribas AM Establishes €800 Million Venture and Impact Platform
BNP Paribas Asset Management (BNPP AM) announced the creation of a new entity, the Venture and Impact platform, within its Private Assets division. Launched with €800 million (USD$879 million) in assets under management, and dedicated to innovation and venture capital, the new platform combines the activities of BNPP AM’s Ecological Transition and Impact, Fintech and the Solar Impulse Venture Fund….
LEGO Group Nearly Triples Renewable Materials in Bricks in 2024
The LEGO Group revealed significant progress in its efforts to increase the use of sustainable materials in its products, announcing that its LEGO bricks in 2024 consisted of an estimated 33% material from renewable sources, nearly tripling year-over-year. The new data was released with LEGO Group’s 2024 Sustainability Statement, outlining the company’s progress towards its sustainability targets. The company’s goals…