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Global
$2trn investor coalition calls for mandatory corporate sustainability reporting
Group steps up call ahead of next month’s Rio+20 summit
$1trn investor group unites to back best practices on gas “fracking”
Group of 55 global major investment institutions
RI interview: Michelle Edkins, BlackRock: leading the shareholder spring?
The governance chief of the world’s biggest fund manager talks say-on-pay and better board oversight.
Broker survey reveals more than half would look more long term in absence of quarterly numbers
Citi analysts encouraged to comment on pros and cons of 3-month reports.
RI interview: Anne Simpson, CalPERS: building a global coalition of asset owners on governance
How an informal group of the world’s largest asset owners is seeking to change the corporate governance landscape.
MSCI and Barclays partner on global ESG bond indices
New index series aims to fill gap in the market
CalPERS says investors must put ‘F’ for financial reform into ESG
Fund lays out five principles for its own market health agenda.
CalPERS’ first ESG report and new PRI framework show progress of responsible investment reporting
The age of transparency is slowly emerging
Tessa Tennant wins Joan Bavaria Award for Building Sustainability into the Capital Markets
Award presentation kicks off Ceres conference in Boston.
RI interview: Teresa Fogelberg, GRI Deputy CEO: Rio+20 report or explain on corporate sustainability
GRI believes its proposal could be adopted in Brazil.
Scottish Widows building coalition to tackle methane emissions
Says US environmental watchdog keen to work with investors
RI ESG Briefing: As You Sow report on ESG at solar photovoltaic companies
The daily round-up of ESG news
RI ESG Briefing: Investors write to energy firms on shale flaring
The daily round-up of environmental, social and governance news
Call for investors to support sustainable stock exchanges
Exchanges see “investor ambivalence” – report
RI People & Appointments, March 26: New role for former UNEP FI head Clements-Hunt
ESG movers and shakers
Sustainalytics to buy Asian ESG research rival
Deal for Responsible Research expected to close in May
World Water Day: why the water investment theme is more relevant than ever
A massive under-spend on infrastructure means pent up demand.
RI ESG Briefing: Danish pension fund’s Deepwater Horizon-related case dismissed
The daily round-up of environmental, social and governance news
Leading responsible investor says engaging with banking fixed income counterparties on ESG
Investment banks rated on social performance for risk.
What corporates, analysts and exchanges think of Blood and Gore’s ‘Sustainable Capitalism’ manifesto
RI asked the finance industry what it made of Generation’s much-discussed thought paper.
RI Briefing, March 14: Dutch bank signs up as UN PRI goes past 1,000 signatories
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
RI Governance round-up, Mar 8: UK names Edinburgh as Green Investment Bank HQ
RI’s round up of corporate governance news.
Ruggie’s legal legacy: could human rights become the biggest investor ESG risk?
Ruggie’s UN framework could slowly become legally binding and more financially material.
Environmental news round-up, March 6: Malaysian SWF giant to invest more in green tech companies
RI’s regular round-up of environmental investing news.
Investors get high-level support for Draghi letter on climate ‘stranded’ assets
Appeal to ECB Chief goes out today.
Study finds obstacles to implementing faith-based investment
A “lack of tools and services” for religious investors
We must end quarterly capitalism: Mindy Lubber
Short-sighted, short-termism is the financial markets’ Achilles heel
RI Briefing, February 15: Principles for Investors in Inclusive Finance: first year case studies
RI’s regular roundup of ESG news.
Global investors push SEC on “unfinished business” of proxy access and credit ratings agencies
Letter calls for regulator to “complete” investor protection work.
Mercer to launch ESG-screened version of global asset manager database
Clients will be able to screen GIMD for ESG
OP-ED: Just 9% of ESG strategies get top Mercer rank: that’s a wake-up call for the UNPRI…
My 3 recommendations for pension fund trustees to spur ESG quality.
Dell, Intel and Motorola under fire from NYC funds on supply chain labour rights
Adopt voluntary standards or face AGM votes, funds tell tech companies.
France’s €12bn ERAFP tenders for €865m in SRI convertible bond and real estate mandates
Huge ESG tender will follow fund’s SRI charter.
RI Briefing, February 8: New UK social impact bond in pipeline
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
RI People & Appointments, February 6: UN PRI seeking Director of Global Development
ESG movers and shakers
MSCI: Environmental, Social and Governance Trends to Watch in 2012
Accounting for natural capital, conflicting water demands and the shifting debate on climate change
Social funds buck market as top performer hits 10.25% for 2011: RI publishes Cedrus top perf stats
Top 5 performing funds data across 11 sustainability themed asset segments.
Responsible Funds, February 3: the round-up of ESG funds news
RI’s regular look at responsible funds news
RI Briefing, February 1: Man Group hopes others will follow its lead on UN PRI
RI’s regular review of responsible investing news
Corporate Knights’ corporate sustainability ranking launched with Kiernan’s Inflection Point input
New ‘Global Responsible Investment Network’ formed
US fund manager offers free RI training to asset owners
RI Academy programme proposed to hundreds of pension funds and their trustees.
Vedanta Wal-Mart and Freeport most excluded companies in European investor sample: Novethic
15 most blacklisted companies listed by large investors.
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
Philippe Desfossés, RAFP: sustainable investment requires changing investor market expectations
Investors need to go back to the origin of the risk they are taking.
RI People & Appointments, January 16: US SIF names four new board members
RI’s regular round-up of people news
MIT Sloan Survey: take up of business critical sustainability initiatives has reached tipping point
Number of companies profiting from sustainability lower but rising.
RI Briefing, January 11: SAM looks at obesity crisis & investment opportunities
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing developments
Mercer says global institutional investors starting to address climate risk
Consultant’s follow-up to groundbreaking 2011 climate change research
Global investor groups issue first ever joint action plan on corporate responses to climate change
Statement to be issued on January 12 conference at UN in New York.
RI People & Appointments, January 9: New operations chief at APG
RI’s regular round-up of people news
Responsible Funds, Jan. 6: the round-up of ESG funds news
RI’s regular look at responsible funds news
Kris Douma. Mn Services: Food crisis and commodities: are investors to blame?
Pension fund addresses public concern after media coverage on agricultural commodities investing.
Zembla documentary blasts ABP, PGGM and Mn Services, saying commodity investments behind food crises
Report says funds are ignoring research that speculation is fuelling food price bubbles.
RI Governance & Engagement, Jan. 5: Funds take legal action over failed brokerage MF Global
The RI year ahead….and the year that was: the biggest stories of 2011…and 2012
We take a look at the most read stories of 2011 and what will make the headlines early this year.
UN Environment Programme shutters Climate Neutral Network web portal
300-member low carbon project shelved
RI Governance & Engagement, Dec. 22: New York City funds hold big banks to account
RI’s regular review of governance and engagement news
EXCLUSIVE: Goldman Sachs Asset Management makes responsible investing commitment
GSAM signs up to UN PRI and plots ESG integration process.
What’s holding impact investment back?
Developing an impact investment ecosystem is key.
RI Briefing, Dec. 14: $4bn set to go into impact investments - JP Morgan
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
Clean Investor, December 13: Carbon Disclosure Project seeks partnership with exchanges, regulators
The regular round-up of clean investing news
Henderson SRI team’s talks with management end
Six-strong team will be made redundant after talks reach no outcome.
Clean Investor, December 6: Deutsche Bank on Durban climate talks
The regular Tuesday round-up of clean investing news
RI People & Appointments, Dec. 5: Switzerland’s Ethos seeks Enviro & Social Sustainability Head
RI’s regular round-up of people news
Responsible Funds, Dec. 2: the round-up of ESG funds news
RI’s regular look at responsible funds news
World’s largest insurers meet next week to finalise ESG-based Principles for Sustainable Insurance
Final meet follows global consultation process.
RI interview: Paul Abberley, CEO, Aviva Investors: PRI should take more public policy positions
Challenge for fund managers is to show full ESG commitment, says Aviva Chief.
Clean Investor, November 29: NYSE and Bloomberg team up on clean energy indices
RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news
RI People & Appointments, November 28: JP Morgan’s environmental markets MD departs
RI’s regular round-up of people news
Academic study finds flaws in corporate CSR reporting
Survey of 4,000 companies finds mistakes and omissions
US sustainable investment forum raises concerns over integrated reporting (amended)*
US SIF fears diminished ESG reporting
Clean Investor, November 22: Dutch institutions buy into onshore windfarm portfolio
RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news
RI People & Appointments, Nov. 21: top asset management exec joins BSkyB board
RI’s regular round-up of people news
Responsible Funds, November 18: the round-up of ESG funds news
RI fund launches, closes and asset data.
RI Governance & Engagement, Nov. 17: US manager targets Cisco on freedom of expression
RI’s regular round-up of governance news.
Boards not taking water risks seriously despite growing short-term risk: CDP Water Report 2011
Warning comes on day Dell announces profits warning because of Thai floods.
RI Briefing, Nov. 16: Pensions guru Ambactsheer: sustainable investing can buck headwinds capitalism
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
Clean Investor, November 15: Quebec pension fund backs major wind project
RI’s regular look at environmental investing developments.
RI Briefing, November 9: GRI launches sustainability disclosure database
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
S&P-Dow Jones index merger creates ESG benchmark powerhouse
Index titans seal merger agreement
Responsible Funds, November 4: the round-up of ESG funds news
RI fund launches, closes and asset data.
RI Briefing Nov. 2: Threadneedle announces controversial weapons investment policy
RI’s regular round of responsible investing news
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
US arms of Dutch fund managers could be caught by cluster bombs ban
Government says bill could cover grey area of ‘indirect’ investments.
RI People & Appointments, Oct. 31: UKSIF Leadership Programme appointments
RI’s regular round-up of people news
Responsible Funds, Oct. 28: the round-up of ESG funds news
RI fund launches, closes and asset data.
EU Transparency Directive outlines new extractives and logging company reporting standards
Country-by-country reporting will encourage accountability and governance of natural resources, says EU.
RI Briefing, October 26: Trucost launches sustainability app
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
RI People & Apppointments, Oct. 24: International Integrated Reporting Committee names CEO
RI’s regular round-up of people news
Responsible Funds, Oct. 21: the round-up of ESG funds news
RI fund launches, closes and asset data.
RI interview: Saker Nusseibeh, Head of Investments, Hermes: Spartan market warrior
The investment chiefs fighting against irrational market odds.
SSGA says Europe’s green bond market could reach $1.4trn by 2020 as it launches strategy
Global CIO Rick Lacaille unveils new bond product at UNEPFI conference.
Ceres launches company water risk benchmark
Increased danger including drought or flooding, says environmental investor group.
$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.
Al Gore suggests ‘loyalty shares’ for long-term investors
L-shares a “useful mechanism for investors”
Clean Investor, October 18: Munich Re named world greenest major company in Newsweek rankings
RI’s regular Tuesday round-up of clean investing news
RI People & Appointments, October 17: TIAA-CREF seks MD, Global Social & Community Investing
RI’s regular Monday review of people news
Responsible investors should be occupying Wall Street!
Long-term, strategic economic thinking is required; in short, responsible investment.
RI Briefing, October 12: UK ethical investment reaches €12.9bn says EIRIS
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
Clean Investor, October 11: GRI proposes new sustainability reporting approach
RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news
Investors back EU on enhanced disclosure for extractives companies
But letter to EU Commissioner, Michel Barnier, warns on legal conflict.
RI People & Appointments, Oct. 10: Tributes to Australian RI pioneer Erik Mather
RI’s regular round-up of people moves in the responsible investment field.
UK’s Myners sees UN PRI having little “real world” impact
Directors, executives and fund managers don’t mention it, says influential former minister
The future of fish: investors get active on unsustainable fishing practices
Engagement could be a turning point for marine engagement.
Top 13 extractives giants own 6,000+ subsidiaries as EU mulls country-by-country reports for sector
Report says shareholders can’t measure potential risks to their investments.
RI Governance & Engagement, Sept. 29: Ethos calls for removal of UBS chairman
RI’s regular review of governance and engagement news
RI Briefing, September 28: Quebec fund signs up to UN PRI
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investment news
Development finance institutions launch emerging markets corporate governance framework
$852bn investor group in governance initiative
US fund manager leads ESG “Super Factors” project with managers, asset owners and research houses
Project Delphi will feed into broader review by major European CSR groups.
RI People & Appointments, Sept. 26: Former Shell chief to chair Carbon Trust
RI’s regular people round-up
United Nations recruiting new CEO for $43.4bn pension fund
New top manager sought for New York-based pension giant
RI Governance & Engagement, Sept. 22: Malaysia seeks to boost corporate disclosure
RI’s regular round-up of governance and engagement developments
RI Briefing, September 21: Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility celebrates 40 years
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investment news
$1.6trn investor-led coalition calls for integrated sustainability reporting
Group targets both listed and large unlisted firms
Clean Investor, September 20: New Japan carbon efficient index launched
RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news
Next step beckons for children’s rights and business principles initiative
Three-month consultation period ends
RI People & Appointments, Sept. 19: ICGN names three new board members
RI’s regular Monday round-up of people news
RI Governance & Engagement, Sept. 15: new European corporate governance head at BlackRock
RI’s regular look at governance and engagement news
Investors “woefully inadequate” on climate as CDP reports disclosure/performance link
CDP Chairman Alan Brown in broadside at investment community.
RI Briefing, September 14: Canada’s OTPP signs up to UN PRI
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investment news
Clean Investor, September 13: Danish pension funds back Africa green energy fund
RI’s regular Tuesday round-up of clean investment news
PRI hits $30 trillion assets mark despite fees and market turmoil
Initiative loses only 10% of members to mandatory fees.
RI blog, Erika Karp: Lady Gaga and Sustainable Investing
The performers meteoric rise can teach us a thing about doing things differently.
OECD calls for ‘loud, long and legal’ govt policies to boost pension fund green investing
Current allocations less than 1% according to international body.
Sweden’s AP3 voted against exec pay deals at 75% of international companies
Number of against votes rises year-on-year
Property funds report green performance en masse as asset owner initiative gathers steam
Survey covers assets now worth $1trillion.
RI Briefing, August 31: Denmark’s Codan launches CSR measurement project
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
RI People & Appointments, August 29: Canadian fund giant BCIMC seeks Shareholder Engagement Manager
RI’s regular round-up of people news
RI Governance & Engagement, August 25: Investors urge SEC to pursue proxy access case
RI’s regular review of governance and engagement news
RI Briefing, August 24: €3.6bn UK fund criticised over tobacco holdings
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investment news
Clean Investor, August 23: Institutions back €300m German wind/solar fund
RI’s regular look at clean investment news
RI People & Appointments, August 22: Niklasson joins Investec as Head of ESG Research
RI’s regular Monday review of people and appointments news
RI Governance & Engagement, August 18: ABP hits snag in Countrywide legal action
RI’s regular review of governance and engagement news
RI Briefing, August 17: Japan’s SRI market now worth €7.8bn - SIF-Japan
RI’s regular round-up of responsible 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
RI People & Appointments, August 15: Generation’s Blood to advise new sustainability partnership
RI’s regular Monday round-up of people and appointments news
RI Governance & Engagement, August 11: Australian super funds release new governance guidelines
RI’s regular review of governance developments
RI Briefing, August 10: Lothian pension fund awards ESG-themed mandates
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
Clean Investor, August 9: Trillium, Calvert muster shareholders for climate motion at US food group
RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news
RI People & Appointments, August 8: Environment Agency fund hires Rathbone Greenbank’s Mansley
RI’s regular Monday round-up of people news
RI Governance & Engagement, August 4: MSCI’s governance segment earnings slip 7.7%
RI’s regular round-up of governance and engagment developments
RI Briefing, August 3: India launches responsible business guidelines
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
Clean Investor, August 2: Pension fund-backed infra venture buys German solar plants
RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news
PGGM and CalPERS executives elected to UN PRI’s new Advisory Council
Signatories back PGGM’s Bos and CalPERS’ Mathur
RI People & Appointments, August 1: UN’s Ruggie joins US law firm
RI’s regular Monday round-up of people news
RI Governance & Engagement, July 28: Manifest survey finds FTSE 100 CEOs’ pay soars
RI’s regular review of governance and engagement news
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
Comment. Steve Lydenberg: What is responsible investment without dilemmas?
We are asking many of the hard questions that those in the mainstream financial community are often all too quick to dismiss.
Asset manager RCM may start filing shareholder resolutions in ESG push
Allianz boutique ramps up global proxy voting system
RI Governance & Engagement, July 21: CalSTRS hails successful proxy season
RI’s regular review of governance and engagement news
RI Briefing, July 20: Report sees $125bn in sustainable investment in Sub-Saharan Africa
RI’s regular round-up of sustainable finance news.
RI People & Appointments, July 18: First CEO named for Global Impact Investing Network
RI’s regular Monday round-up of people news
$1.2trn investor group calls for “strong, legally binding” Arms Trade Treaty
Treaty “directly relevant” to the long-term financial interests of investors
“Continued investor interest” in World Bank green bonds as Dutch FMO snaps up €20m
Development bank invests in five-year bonds to help reduce climate change
RI Governance & Engagement, July 14: PIRC calls for new chair at BSkyB
RI’s regular review of governance and engagement news
Stock markets hold 80% more fossil fuel reserves than can be burned under 2°C climate limit: report
London Stock Exchange particularly exposed says Carbon Tracker.
RI Briefing, July 13: SustainAbility concludes ‘Rate the Raters’ project
RI’s regular round up of responsible investing news
Clean Investor, July 12: Macquarie’s forest offset project gets backing
RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news
RI People & Appointments, July 11: Former ASrIA head joins HSBC in climate change role
RI’s regular Monday people round-up
Six asset owner reps vie for two seats on new PRI Advisory Council
Voting open to all 900+ PRI signatories
IFC study seeks to boost “lagging” demand for sustainable emerging markets indices
World Bank body outlines recommendations to attract investors
RI analysis: institutional investors, ESG and News Corp.
Time for institutions to step up engagement?
RI Briefing, July 6: Report calls for tax breaks for long-term investors
RI’s regular round up of responsible 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 conf: IIGCC’s Sørensen says investors don’t use CDP data, proposes ‘ownership’ shift
CDP rejects claims its data is ignored.
RI People & Appointments, July 4: UNPRI Chairman joins advisory board of clean tech finance firm
RI’s regular Monday review of people news
RI Governance & Engagement, June 30: ISS in proxy voting deal with Deutsche Börse’s Clearstream
RI’s regular review of governance and engagement news
RI Briefing, June 29: Calvert Foundation’s new ImpactAssets
RI’s regular Wednesday round-up of responsible investing news
Clean Investor, June 28: Corporate Renewable Energy Index launched
RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news
Investor group targets 27 global household name firms on human trafficking, slavery
Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility issues statement to Apple, Nestlé, DuPont etc.
RI People & Appointments, June 27: Mercer’s Ambachtsheer wins lifetime achievement award
RI’s regular Monday review of people news
RI Governance & Engagement, June 23: Record 109 proxies in 2011
RI’s regular review of governance and engagement news
RI Briefing, June 22: CalPERS committee to hold ESG workshop
RI’s regular Wednesday round-up of responsible investing news
Dutch pension administrator APG joins Long-Term Investors Club
Institutional powerhouse joins increasingly significant grouping
UN PRI shakes up signatories’ reporting to make survey responses mandatory
Greater focus on responsible investment outcomes amid transparency push
RI People & Appointments, June 20: Exchange exec named head of investments at NZ Super
RI’s regular Monday review of people news
RI Governance & Engagement, June 16: Call for Shell to exit Syria
RI’s regular review of governance and engagement news
Bloomberg, TIAA-CREF support new Global Initiative for Sustainability Ratings project
Ceres/Tellus Institute project gets underway
RI Briefing, June 15: More details on Globalance’s new Sokrates fund
RI’s regular Wednesday round-up of responsible investing news
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
RI People & Appointments, June 13: South Africa’s King to chair integrated reporting committee
RI’s regular Monday review of people news
Asset owners who fail to engage may be “abrogating fiduciary duty”
High-level study looks at barriers to engagement
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
RI Governance & Engagement, June 9: NY Common tables sustainabililty proposal at Freeport
RI’s regular review of governance and engagement news
Legal & General, Osmosis launch passive environmental fund
Launch follows innovative carbon tracker fund for BT Pension Scheme
The changes needed to ensure the sustainability of private equity and commitments by pension funds
A limited partner outlines where PE and investors need to work together to drive ESG forward.
RI Briefing, June 8: EVCA includes ESG factors in new handbook
RI’s regular Wednesday round-up of responsible investing news
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
PRI Chair says 90% of signatories paying fee, warns of delisting for inaction
Predicted drop off in numbers hasn’t materialised.
RI People & Appointments, June 6: APG names new ESG Head
RI’s regular Monday review of people moves.
RI Governance & Engagement, June 2: Proxy Governance chief joins NYSE
RI’s regular review of governance and engagement news
RI Briefing, June 1: Germany’s DZ Bank launches sustainability ratings
RI’s regular Wednesday round-up of responsible investing news
Clean Investor, May 31: UK government commits to Zouk, HG Capital cleantech funds
RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news
Remuneration at heart of new OECD guidelines for multinationals
Tougher standards to protect human rights and social development