A selection of the major stories impacting ESG investors, in five easy pieces.  This week Europe’s leaders were told to speed up their energy transition, and not just to save the planet. Mario’s medicine – A long-awaited blueprint for a more competitive Europe was published this week, sparking debate on the role of government policy and regulation in driving sustainable…

Nicola Williams, Partner at Eversheds Sutherland, says the UK’s proposal to regulate ESG ratings could support transformative sustainability investments.  For over a century, swimming in the Seine was prohibited due to the health risks posed by the river’s water quality. This year, the ban was lifted following significant investment aimed at overhauling the sewerage system and constructing large rainwater retention…

Principles for Responsible Investment CEO David Atkin reflects on the industry’s progress, new strategies, and efforts to bring governments and the global investment community closer together. With responsible investing having evolved from a niche strategy to a global trend over the past two decades, significant tailwinds have driven growth in membership of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), as…

Jessye Waxman, Senior Campaign Strategist at Sierra Club, highlights the risks of dual-track approaches to climate-related stewardship. In recent months, both BlackRock and State Street have announced that they are launching stewardship programmes for clients that want a more comprehensive approach to managing climate-related risks. While these are welcome steps in the right direction — given the recent backtracking among US…

Interoperability is key to ensuring investors and corporates are aligned, says IFVI chief, ahead of finalising GHG-based methodology.  A new partnership between the International Foundation for Valuing Impact (IFVI) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) aims to encourage widespread adoption of impact management and accounting by corporates and investors through greater standards interoperability.  “The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a recognition…

Interoperability is key to ensuring investors and corporates are aligned, says IFVI chief, ahead of finalising GHG-based methodology.  A new partnership between the International Foundation for Valuing Impact (IFVI) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) aims to encourage widespread adoption of impact management and accounting by corporates and investors through greater standards interoperability.  “The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a recognition…