Responsible Investor

FREE Pension scheme members to be approached for info for 1000 fund climate investment response ranking

Pressure group to survey and rank 1000 global institutional investors starting in May.

8 steps to bring investors into the $1trn per annum needed to prevent dangerous climate change

Action is needed to make institutional funds flow: Sean Kidney shows how.

Environment, Feb. 7: Generation IM discloses stake in smart grid firm

RI’s regular review of environmental investing news

Environment, January 31: Institutional investors’ climate change group reacts to EU working paper

RI’s regular round-up of environmental investing developments

Environment: Jan 24: Allianz’s Faber: Just 1% of institutional assets is 5x green climate fund

RI’s regular round-up of environmental investing developments

Clean Investor, January 17: CDP chief named to Clean Development Mechanism panel

RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news

Conference report: US Pension funds report to INCR/UN summit on progress in climate investments

In the face of political foot-dragging, long-term investors say they are getting down to green business.

FREE Planned UN climate fund ‘won’t get $100bn’, says World Bank climate chief

Flagship climate fund was agreed at Durban talks

Mercer says global institutional investors starting to address climate risk

Consultant’s follow-up to groundbreaking 2011 climate change research

Clean Investor, January 10: French state investor signs Tunisia carbon credits deal

RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news

Responsible Funds, Jan. 6: the round-up of ESG funds news

RI’s regular look at responsible funds news

Stake institutional investors mull Climate Change Capital sale ‘deal’ reports

New-York listed Bunge reported to be close to CCC buy-out

Responsible Funds, Dec. 16: the round-up of ESG funds news

RI’s regular look at responsible funds news

Clean Investor, December 13: Carbon Disclosure Project seeks partnership with exchanges, regulators

The regular round-up of clean investing news

ESG USA: US investor groups issue fracking risk recommendations for oil & gas companies

List compiled after lengthy risk engagement with companies.

UK government sets up £200m interim Green Investments team, seeks fund managers

Green Investment Bank gets a step closer

FREE S. Korea contributes to new UN Green Climate Fund start-up costs

“Main global fund for climate change finance” gets approval

Clean Investor, December 6: Deutsche Bank on Durban climate talks

The regular Tuesday round-up of clean investing news

Responsible Funds, Dec. 2: the round-up of ESG funds news

RI’s regular look at responsible funds news

Climate Change Capital in talks with investors over capital raising

Company confirms in discussions with investors

Clean Investor, November 29: NYSE and Bloomberg team up on clean energy indices

RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news

UK government calls on pension and sovereign wealth funds to invest in offshore wind

Ministers make the case to potential investors

Responsible Funds, November 25: the round-up of ESG funds news

RI fund launches, closes and asset data.

FREE Green bond standard launched to verify environmental impact and eligibility

Bonds that pass will be given the label ‘Climate Bonds’.

Clean Investor, November 22: Dutch institutions buy into onshore windfarm portfolio

RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news

Clean Investor, November 15: Quebec pension fund backs major wind project

RI’s regular look at environmental investing developments.

Responsible Funds, November 11: the round-up of ESG funds news

RI fund launches, closes and asset data.

Clean Investor, November 8: Clean tech investments by NBIM, Generation IM

The round-up of clean investing news

Australian super funds to price carbon in portfolios as legislation passes

Investors welcome passage of landmark clean energy legislation

FREE Bank of America chief to co-chair new UN sustainable energy group

Senior figures appointed by Secretary General

It’s vital institutional investors are included for financing a low carbon future

Reform which stimulates investment in climate change could be key to long-term sustainable growth

Clean Investor, November 1: Climate Advocacy Fund targets ANZ on emissions

RI’s regular look at clean investment

Clean Investor, October 25: PGGM, Triodos in offshore wind tranmission sale

RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news

Responsible Funds, Oct. 21: the round-up of ESG funds news

RI fund launches, closes and asset data.

$20trn investor group calls for financial incentives to invest in low carbon assets, ahead of Durban

Long-term policy and clear carbon reduction targets outlined in statement.

Clean Investor, October 18: Munich Re named world greenest major company in Newsweek rankings

RI’s regular Tuesday round-up of clean investing news

Clean Investor, October 11: GRI proposes new sustainability reporting approach

RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news

Clean Investor, September 20: New Japan carbon efficient index launched

RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news

Clean Investor, September 13: Danish pension funds back Africa green energy fund

RI’s regular Tuesday round-up of clean investment news

Clean Investor, September 6: Bank close to $300m green bond issuance

RI’s regular Tuesday round-up of clean investing news

OECD calls for ‘loud, long and legal’ govt policies to boost pension fund green investing

Current allocations less than 1% according to international body.

UK names advisory board to £3bn Green Investment Bank, includes UKSIF chief

Bank plans to start lending early next year.

Clean Investor, August 30: UN Secretary General calls for clean energy revolution

RI’s regular Tuesday look at clean investment developments

Clean Investor, August 23: Institutions back €300m German wind/solar fund

RI’s regular look at clean investment news

Clean Investor, August 16: Church investor group welcomes Niger Delta oil spills report

RI’s regular Tuesday round-up of clean investing developments

Clean Investor, August 9: Trillium, Calvert muster shareholders for climate motion at US food group

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Clean Investor, August 2: Pension fund-backed infra venture buys German solar plants

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

FREE Shanghai Stock Exchange launches sustainability development index

40-stock index to focus on low carbon, resource efficiency

Clean Investor, July 26: Co-operative AM buys into Indian energy firm… to engage on environment

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

RI People & Appointments, July 25: UK’s Miliband joins cleantech investor as advisor

RI’s regular Monday round-up of people news

FREE Clean Investor, July 19: institutional investors back new low carbon bond group

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Clean Investor, July 12: Macquarie’s forest offset project gets backing

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Clean Investor, July 5: SWIP eyes renewable energy, energy efficiency, water & food

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Clean Investor conference: Minister sees ‘big appetite’ for Green Bank from institutional investors

Greg Barker, UK Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, tells conference he is “hopeful” for 2012 start despite legislative hurdles.

US development finance body OPIC puts half a billion into renewables

Major climate change initiative from US government body

Clean Investor, June 28: Corporate Renewable Energy Index launched

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

FREE SAM/Robeco research finds positive relationship between sustainability and financial performance

New ‘Alpha from Sustainability’ white paper

Clean Investor, June 21: Dutch pension-backed fund buys German wind farms

FREE Investors join companies in calling for European GHG emissions cuts

Declaration ahead of EU meetings next week

Majority of investors say climate change is ‘material’ risk, but green investments remain low

Most asset owners yet to formalise climate policy in manager hires.

Clean Investor, June 14: First close for new Unigestion-Ethos environmental fund

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

World Bank green bonds to be offered to Merrill Lynch clients

Bonds to aid low carbon will be marketed over Merrill’s Global Wealth Management platform

HSBC’s Canada asset management arm closes climate fund

Decision based on small fund size and low take-up

First green bonds standard weeks away, Californian State Treasurer joins board

Certification will verify CO2 reduction of climate bonds.

Clean Investor, June 7: Natixis unveils emerging markets climate change fund

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Clean Investor, May 31: UK government commits to Zouk, HG Capital cleantech funds

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Swiss sustainable investment vehicle SPG to transfer assets to Globalance

Assets to be transferred from SAM to Reto Ringger’s new venture

New Green Investment Bank to prioritise offshore wind, waste, energy efficiency

Investments to start from April 2012

Ludgate Investments director Meir to leave

Ex-Pioneer UK chief departs cleantech investor for “family reasons”

Giant UK pension scheme backs new Legal & General carbon fund

New fund has input from FTSE and Trucost

Clean Investor, May 10: Mongolian wind farm is 3,000th Clean Development Mechanism project

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Clean Investor, May 3: UN green climate fund - climate bonds - EIB investments

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Green funds continue 2011 sales surge

SRI funds also return to black in February.

Clean Investor, April 26: Business leaders back UK green bonds

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Clean Investor, April 19: Icelandic pension funds in geothermal deal

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Clean Investor, April 12: CalPERS targets renewable power generation

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Catalyzing the global green bond market

Investing in green bonds can push the kind of environmental and financial logic underpinning the retrofit of the Empire State Building.

Clean Investor, April 5: Fresh water shortage “becoming a business growth risk” - DEG

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Clean Investor, March 29: Impax sets up US subsidiary

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Danish pension funds in €800m offshore wind farm deal

PensionDanmark and PKA in 15-year contract with DONG Energy

UK’s new Green Investment Bank gets asset boost, borrowing powers

Plan to leverage more than €20bn in green infrastructure investment

Clean Investor, March 22: World Bank to sign water pact with US

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Norwegian Global Fund’s environmental assets exceed €3bn

Giant investor now has nine environmental mandates

Clean Investor, March 15: Hermes EOS takes 7% of electric fuel cell firm

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Clean Investor, Tuesday March 8: China outlines clean energy ambitions

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Clean Investor, March 1: ASrIA proposes Asia Investor Group on Climate Change

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Clean Investor, February 22: Co-op sets €1.2bn renewable energy investment target

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Mercer advocates massive institutional shift to climate sensitive assets

Results of major report in collaboration with leading investors

Clean Investor, February 15: Railpen quizzes managers on climate change

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Huge investor group met with EC chief Barroso in low carbon push ahead of Prince Charles speech

Institutional and corporate delegation presented to EU in advance of speech criticising climate change deniers.

Clean Investor, February 8: Alberta fund giant makes massive forestry move

RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

Clean Investor, February 1: Allianz hails renewable energy’s “attractive returns”

Call for greater transparency on climate change engagement

Climate Principles progress report published

Clean Investor, January 18: NBIM raises stake in wind power firm

RI’s new regular Tuesday review of clean investing news

WWF funds arm partners with Cheuvreux to launch Green Tech index: Amundi licenses ETF

Plans for US and Asian version of green tech sales benchmark.

ATP’s influential investment chief Graven Larsen leaves fund

Deputy CIO Henrik Gade Jepsen takes over.

Positive signs from Cancun despite US institutional investor absence

Emerging markets showing the way on low carbon investment.

Investors should engage on unconventional oil risks – Ceres

“Every investor has to take a strong look at these risks” – NY’s DiNapoli

EBRD and Deutsche Bank team up to issue green bonds

€18m issue aimed at Japanese investors

Wall Street, as much as Cancún and Congress, holds key to green economy

Expectations of an agreement in Mexico are low, but Wall Street could play its part in better news.

Aussie Green Party backs $15 trillion Cancun investor statement

Country’s Senate told that investors see the ‘real world’ need for climate change solutions.

China and the green energy paradox

The worlds biggest CO2 polluter is also becoming the biggest investor in green solutions.

UK govt seeking “new types of investor” for green infrastructure

More on Green Investment Bank proposals

$415bn investor group joins celebrity-backed ‘no’ campaign to protect California green tech

Asset managers say long-term investment could be jeopardised by Prop 23 vote.

UK insurers call for securitised ‘green’ bonds

Association of British Insurers in plea to government

Investor confidence continues to drain from green funds

RI screened funds bounce back, however, during June.

Sweden’s AP3 forced to cut stake in wind power firm Arise

Buffer fund passed shareholding limits.

UK’s Co-operative raises stake in cleantech fund

Insurer ups Ludgate Environmental Fund holding

Bloomberg in environmental research/data hiring spree

Media and data giant seeks staff for ESG expansion

The RI interview - Roger Urwin, Towers Watson: the rise of sustainable investing for institutions

Why the time is right for sustainable thinking by pension funds and institutional investors.

APG details 19 exclusions; plans ESG by asset class

Dutch giant releases Responsible Investing Report

Hewitt steps up sustainable investment services for pension clients

Initial focus is on water, agriculture and renewable energy managers

UK green bonds proposal targets pension funds

Government commission sees major role for institutional investors in climate change financing

Canadian Social Investment Organization: conference highlights

The SIO, the Canadian Association for Socially Responsible Investment, held its conference in Toronto last week. Here are some of the highlights:

RI Briefing, June 9: Nordea, HESTA, NAPF, Network for Sustainable Financial Markets

RI’s regular round-up of the most important responsible investment news

ATP chief to chair €5trn investor climate change group

Climate investing pioneer Sørensen to head IIGCC

$3 trillion P8 pensions group to kick start Asian renewable fund

Group formed by HRH Prince Charles to meet P80 Asian group to launch vehicle for meeting $10bn per annum Copenhagen targets.

European development institutions set up climate change fund

New Interact Climate Change Fund will be catalyst for long-term investment

Low Carbon Investors’ founder leaves

Management change at clean investment firm

Giant Norway fund manager puts searchable holdings and voting data on website

Norwegian fund takes a step foward in transparency

Shell UK pension fund among new UN PRI signatories

€12bn Shell scheme joins burgeoning UN PRI membership

Danish pensions giant LD tenders €70m green mandate in huge €6bn tender

PRI signatory says ESG factors will play a role in mandate hires.

RI round up: Apr 09

RI’s regular round-up of the most important responsible investment news.

HSBC questions ‘validity’ of carbon trading post Copenhagen

Report says downward trend of trading has accelerated after COP-15.

UK government ‘seeks £1bn’ from pension funds for new green fund

Private sector backing sought for low-carbon projects.

British Telecom pension scheme puts £75m into new UK green tech fund

Investment in Hermes-run portion of government innovation fund.

An investor’s look ahead to Copenhagen

Investors need a common playing field with clear long-term rules of the game in terms of greenhouse gases.

Dutch pensions giant APG invests 50m dollars in innovative Chinese energy efficiency project

Manager also confirms 100m dollars allocation to US clean energy firm.

Green New Deals for new green investment

What could the various green global economic stimuli mean for institutional investors?

ATP chief outlines appetite for future climate change investments

Giant Danish fund expects to commit more after initial clean tech/renewables and sustainable forestry investments.

Could the crisis become a vintage era for clean tech private equity deals?

Attractively priced deals and long-term ‘green’ stimulus make market look attractive despite the doldrums.

Rachel Kyte, IFC: P8, Who cares wins and green investing in developing countries

IFC leads call for investor action to spur on Copenhagen agreement this year.

From Poznan to Copenhagen: policy makers look to investors on climate change policy

Chance now for investors to feed into the negotiating process.

Impax: the UK fund manager blazing a green trail

Annual AUM growth of 25% in the last five years as environmental specialism pays off.

Climate change investing for pension funds – commercial decision or altruism?

By acting on climate change, schemes can help to protect returns from existing and future investments.

World Bank aims to structure joint climate change products with pension funds

Bank examines asset allocation with pension funds to find appropriate products.

How to help institutional investors support the UN Green New Deal

Tax breaks and co-investment could really swing investors behind the climate change fight.

Ceres: the US investor coalition advising the UN, lobbying the SEC and investing $10bn in renewables

Ceres President, Mindy Lubber, explains how US policy is coming around to its way of thinking on the environment.

UN PRI Seoul special: interview with Donald Macdonald, PRI chair

PRI signatories gather in Seoul for the annual progress meeting of the huge investor initiative.

Investor appeal for ‘packaged’ sustainability products: TBLI Asia report

Investors, entrepreneurs and NGOs converge on Bangkok for TBLI Asia 2008.

Sub-prime and carbon: an eerie similarity

Supporting renewable energy is a first step, but banks must also come clean about fossil fuel financing.

Investors push politicians for Bali post-2012 climate action

Letter urges Bali delegates to outline framework for reducing carbon and promoting future greenhouse gas solutions.

Time is ripe for institutional carbon investment says major industry report

Reports analyses return prospects for carbon abatement sectors.

Carbon: a new asset class?

Investors are already testing the potential of markets in greenhouse gas emissions, but what are the risks and how can they be avoided?