Index provider S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) announced today the launch of biodiversity-focused versions of its flagship S&P 500 and Global LargeMidCap indices, aimed at offering investors with a benchmarking solution integrating sustainability factors including biodiversity, the UN SDGs, and climate change. The new indices mark an expansion of the sustainability-focused benchmarks offered by S&P, and follows the recent…

Verizon Communications announced that it has completed a new $1 billion green bond offering, with proceeds from the issuance to be allocated entirely towards renewable energy investments. The offering marks the sixth green bond issuance for Verizon, raising $6 billion since the launch of the company’s inaugural green bond in 2019. The new green bond offering follows the company’s announcement…

The Government of Canada announced that it will issue its second green bond this week, aimed at unlocking financing to accelerate green infrastructure and nature conservation projects, and supporting the achievement of the country’s climate goals. According to media reports, the new offering will aim to raise $4 billion through the issuance of 10-year notes. The new offering follows Canada’s…

By: Peter Walsh, Director, ESG Market Strategy & Partnerships at Benchmark Gensuite The introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) marks a significant shift in European sustainability reporting. As companies gear up to align with these expanded requirements, understanding the intricacies of CSRD is crucial. Here are five key considerations: 1. Getting to grips with the scope and compliance…

The European Parliament announced today that it has adopted aimed at restoring and protecting natural habitats and ecosystems, including a mandated target for EU countries implement measures to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, and for all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The new law passed with a narrow majority of…

Deutsche Bank announced the release of a new Sustainable Finance Framework, outlining the methodologies and procedures, including the environmental and social criteria and categories, used by the bank to classify transactions and financial products as “sustainable.” The new framework is the second to be released by Deutsche Bank, following the initial sustainable finance framework launched by the bank in July…

Zero-emissions industrial heat and power solution provider Antora Energy announced that it has raised $150 million, with proceeds from the Series B financing round aimed at supporting the acceleration of the production of its thermal batteries to decarbonize industrial facilities. Industrial heating uses high amounts of energy, often from fossil fuel-based sources, in order to transform materials into products such…

Athletic apparel company lululemon athletica and Australian environmental technology startup Samsara Eco announced the production of a lululemon Swiftly Tech long-sleeve top using enzymatically recycled nylon 6,6, marking the first-ever product to be created using this form of circular solution for the difficult to recycle material. Nylon 6,6 is one of the most commonly used plastics in the textile industry…

Telecommunications and networking technology company Nokia announced today a series of new climate targets, including a new commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, both in its own operations and across the value chain, by 2040. The announcement marks a significant acceleration by Nokia of its long-term climate goal, bringing its net zero target forward by ten years…