The final text has sparked mixed reactions from the industry, with some criticising the reduced ambition of the directive. The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) was finally approved by the European parliament last week after months of tense negotiations, ending fears that the policy may never materialise. But the version now set to become law is a much weaker…

A benchmark scrutinising company performance has been updated to encourage increased focus on the transition to a sustainable global food system.  Global food companies have come under increasing scrutiny on their efforts to account for and prioritise farm animal welfare.  Originally created in 2012, the Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW) is an investor-supported framework assessing food sector companies…

Investors have taken action through engagement and exclusion but are being encouraged to double up efforts to increase transparency in the sector. Research conducted by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) has revealed the extent to which tech companies are failing to take responsibility for fuelling the Israel-Palestine conflict, highlighting the crucial role that investors can play in…

On April 24, 2024, the European Parliament approved the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). This new law requires big companies, both within and outside the EU, to ensure they’re not causing harm to people or the environment through their business practices. Essentially, it means these companies have to thoroughly check and address any potential human rights violations or environmental…

Investors call for greater clarity and certainty on regulatory expectations around sustainable finance disclosures. Convergence of ESG fund rules is still some way off, according to leading regulators, disappointing the hopes of asset managers and clients for alignment that would reduce costs and complexity. Speaking at the UK Investment Association’s (IA) Sustainability and Responsible investment Conference, regulatory experts said major…

Shareholders argue the company’s aggressive legal action undermines shareholder rights and the US SEC’s authority.   Tensions are rising between oil and gas major ExxonMobil and its climate-focused shareholders, as investors push back against the company’s intimidation tactics.  Exxon filed a lawsuit in January against investment manager Arjuna Capital and activist group Follow This in response to their shareholder proposal, which…