Microsoft announced the launch of a new pilot project with Irish state-owned energy company ESB testing the use of green hydrogen as part of the tech giant’s portfolio of clean energy solutions aimed at decarbonizing its growing data center footprint. Under the new agreement, Microsoft’s data centre power control and administration building in Dublin will be powered by zero emissions…

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he has signed a new bill into law obligating large companies that do business in the state to disclose their value chain emissions and report on climate-related financial risks, and retaining an initially proposed start date for reporting to begin, despite previously expressing concerns about companies’ abilities to meet the deadline. Applying to companies…

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 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,…

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…

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 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…

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,…

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…