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Thematic Investment
Renewable energy covered bonds proposed to tap €2.5trn market
Potential new channel for private sector low-carbon investment
Energy giant becomes first listed company to back new German Sustainability Code
Blue chip backing is a major boost for new code
SRI funds delivering “strong and competitive returns” – Canadian study
New research from Canada’s Social Investment Organization
RI People & Appointments, May 21: UN PRI seeks Head of Research & Public Policy
ESG movers and shakers
$1trn investor group unites to back best practices on gas “fracking”
Group of 55 global major investment institutions
RI ESG Briefing, May 17: CalPERS seeks support at Nabors AGM
The round-up of environmental. social and governance news
RI People & Appointments, May 9: APG seeking Governance & Sustainability Specialist
ESG movers and shakers
Responsible Funds, May 4: New Sparinvest ethical emerging markets fund
The round-up of responsible funds news
RI ESG Briefing, May 2: Christian Brothers on Parliament’s Murdoch verdict
The round-up of environmental, social and governance news
Danish listed clean energy investment fund founder and CEO exits
New team at Copenhagen-listed investor
New Zealand Superannuation fund plots major forestry move
Responsible investor talks with Harvard Management Co. over Kaingaroa estate
RI People & Appointments, April 30: Canadian funds hire BP exec for forestry role
ESG movers and shakers
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Major institutional investors back IFC’s first US-targeted green bond
New $500m US-targeted bond is well-received
Pension-backed water fund in breach of London exchange listing rules
Possible change to “premium” London listing
RI ESG Briefing, April 26: UK eyes renewable energy trading
The round-up of environmental, social and governance news
RI ESG Briefing, April 25: Ex-BP CEO Browne calls for extractives transparency
The round-up of environmental, social and governance news
Korea sovereign fund backs new EIB Climate Awareness Bonds
Asian giant among new investors in climate bonds
New German corporate sustainability code gaining momentum
Energy giant RWE says it is considering signing up
Responsible Funds, April 20: responsAbility fund backs Central American co-ops
The round-up of responsible funds news
RI ESG Briefing, April 19: New Canadian board diversity database launched
The round-up of ESG news
RI ESG Briefing, April 18: Shell invites SRI investors to visit Nigeria operations
The round-up of ESG news
Responsible Funds, April 5: SAM celebrates five years of Healthy Living and Climate funds
The round-up of responsible funds news
UK pension fund eyes agriculture, timber in long-term fiduciary mandate
Potential 10-year contract with supplier
Scottish Widows building coalition to tackle methane emissions
Says US environmental watchdog keen to work with investors
German exchange teams up with CDP to offer carbon data on 1,800 global firms
Specific CDP data points on listed firms worldwide
Asia investor group lays out plans for boosting regional asset owner climate change activity
Peer funds globally to help with Asia promotion.
UK government seeks fund managers for non-domestic energy efficiency infrastructure
Focus is likely to be debt funding, says green investments team
UK government puts off decision on corporate emissions reporting
Carbon Disclosure Project: “surprised and disappointed”
RI ESG Briefing: ISS fires employee for supplying confidential client data
The daily round-up of environmental, social and governance news
Responsible Funds, March 23: Netherlands’ SNS merges sustainable equity fund
The regular round-up of responsible funds news
RI ESG Briefing: UK pension fund tenders proxy voting
The daily round-up of environmental, social and governance news
World Water Day: why the water investment theme is more relevant than ever
A massive under-spend on infrastructure means pent up demand.
Responsible Funds, March 16: €6bn UK local authority fund eyes food waste investment
RIs’ regular round-up of responsible funds news
Norwegian fund giant’s environmental investments slip
Environmental mandates return -22.8% in 2011
RI profile: How one of Switzerland’s largest pension schemes invested CHF130m into microfinance
PK Post’s Rolf Maurer explains how the fund made the strategic move.
Environment, March 13: Norway fund buys into California water project
RI’s regular round-up of environmental investing news
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.
Environment, February 28: New carbon indices launched for Australia, Europe and Japan
RI’s regular review of environmental investing news
Responsible Funds, February 24: New manager at LGT sustainable global equity fund
The round-up of ESG funds news
Dutch pension giant backs massive $1bn Mexican wind farm project
Investor says project is in line with ESG criteria
European SRI funds slow down sales slide, green funds continue to lose assets: RI Lipper stats
Asset flows for December 2011.
UK county council pension fund awards €71.5m timberland mandate
Fund puts 2% of assets into timberland
Investor support grows for CDP-backed corporate ‘Carbon Action’ initiative
$10trn of assets now back call for energy cost cutting
Environment, February 14: Pension–backed low carbon VC fund to liquidate portfolio
Key news in environmental investing
Investors to write to ECB chief Mario Draghi on carbon risk of indexed assets
European Systemic Risk Board urged to carry out an assessment on regulatory bind.
Major pension fund-backed offshore wind farm set for official launch
Walney project shows role of institutional investors
Environment, Feb. 7: Generation IM discloses stake in smart grid firm
RI’s regular review of environmental investing news
Australian super funds advised to see ESG as a competitive advantage
New guidance from financial services body Finsia
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
Group warns Bank of England over “systemic risk” of high carbon investments
Investors and campaign groups write to BOE Governor
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.
Flight to safety in European SRI and green fund sales reflects continuing market crisis
Cash funds best sellers in both sectors as downturn persists.
Responsible Funds, January 13: the round-up of ESG funds news
RI’s regular look at responsible funds news
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.
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
RI Briefing, December 21: Microfinance transparency project winds down
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing 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
Pension-backed NIBC fund expands German wind portfolio
The latest in a string of transactions
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
Ceres: US climate negotiating team should take their cue from investors
Looking at the Obama administration’s resistance to a new binding global agreement
Sweden’s AP2 responds to NGO’s “land grab” comments
Comments made in Parliament by non-governmental organisation
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.
Former UNPRI Chair steps into lead investor/climate change role
Ole Beier Sørensen of ATP steps down.
Equity market slump continues to pound mainstream and SRI fund sales
SRI funds down by €938.2m for the month.
Clean Investor, November 22: Dutch institutions buy into onshore windfarm portfolio
RI’s regular round-up of clean investing 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.
Danish pension fund doubles African sustainability assets to €80m in a year with new commitment
PensionDanmark makes sustainable agriculture investment.
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
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.
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
Responsible Funds, Oct. 28: the round-up of ESG funds news
RI fund launches, closes and asset data.
European SRI and green fund sales slump as market crisis drags on
Green funds down for third month in a row.
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.
Asset owners testing climate change theme through PE fund-of-funds route
First closes indicate growing appetite from investors.
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.
$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
CDP: majority of FTSE 350 companies way below government C02 reduction targets
A third fail to respond at all to annual carbon survey.
Clean Investor, October 11: GRI proposes new sustainability reporting approach
RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news
Sweden’s AP2 votes against three-quarters of pay proposals at foreign firms
New Corporate Governance report released
Investor seeks probe into Uganda forest ‘land grab’ accusations
Response to Oxfam allegations against New Forests Company
Major US companies reporting climate change strategies, says CDP
Findings of Carbon Disclosure Project’s S&P 500 report
Clean Investor, September 20: New Japan carbon efficient index launched
RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news
Investors “woefully inadequate” on climate as CDP reports disclosure/performance link
CDP Chairman Alan Brown in broadside at investment community.
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.
Sweden’s AP1 to raise allocation to ‘real assets’ to combat climate change
Leading institutional investor absorbs Mercer report
UK names advisory board to £3bn Green Investment Bank, includes UKSIF chief
Bank plans to start lending early next year.
Property funds report green performance en masse as asset owner initiative gathers steam
Survey covers assets now worth $1trillion.
Clean Investor, August 30: UN Secretary General calls for clean energy revolution
RI’s regular Tuesday look at clean investment developments
California power company issues second wind bond, green bond investor standard expected within days
Certificate will allow investors to check whether green bonds meet C02 reduction levels.
UK launches £40m social impact bonds to support deprived families - aims for pension products
Trial based on bond for lowering prison reoffending rates in Peterborough.
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
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
“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
The ‘surprise package’ within Australia’s Clean Energy Future bill
The new climate change legislation is much more than just a carbon pricing scheme.
Clean Investor, July 12: Macquarie’s forest offset project gets backing
RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news
Triodos Renewables launches £15m public share issue for wind investments
Placing of 8.3m shares to public
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.
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
Canadian pension fund starts C$6.5bn class action against Sino-Forest, Ernst & Young
Investor takes on crisis-torn Toronto-listed Chinese forestry firm
Norwegian govt fund embroiled in Indonesia illegal logging allegations
Investor facing scrutiny from NGO
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.
Responsible investors flagged governance concerns at Sino-Forest
Shareholders engaged with forestry firm before scandal
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
Legal & General, Osmosis launch passive environmental fund
Launch follows innovative carbon tracker fund for BT Pension Scheme
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
Sweden’s AP2 and TIAA-CREF form agricultural real estate venture
Pension giants target grain production in the US, Australia and Brazil
RI Briefing, May 25: iShares launches sustainable ETFs on Dutch market
RI’s regular Wednesday round-up of responsible 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
Canadian pension funds face First Nations opposition to timber acquisition
Injunction sought by tribal group
Dutch pension fund forms €390m ESG-themed infrastructure pact
Innovative public private partnership deal announced
Ludgate Investments director Meir to leave
Ex-Pioneer UK chief departs cleantech investor for “family reasons”
Clean Investor, May 17: UNEPFI seeking comments on forestry investment proposals
RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news
Giant UK pension scheme backs new Legal & General carbon fund
New fund has input from FTSE and Trucost
Norwegian government fund assesses 432 companies on water risk
Investor says just 50 firms report on supply chain water risks
RI BLOG: ESG goes big at Milken conference: Erika Karp, Global Head of Sector Research, UBS
Sustainable finance was all over the discussion at the 3,000 strong Milken conference in Los Angeles last week.
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
Clean Investor, April 26: Business leaders back UK green bonds
RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news
Australia’s first climate change resolution gets 8.5% backing
Super funds step up to challenge Woodside Petroleum on carbon price assumptions
Clean Investor, April 19: Icelandic pension funds in geothermal deal
RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news
Norwegian govt fund giant adds €630m to one of world’s largest green allocations
GPFG says no change on climate risk approach following research, however.
NBIM says companies failing on climate change risk management
Mixed results also on children’s rights and water management
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
€5trn investor group presses global top 500 companies on greenhouse gases
Change in emphasis by Carbon Disclosure Project
Implications of the Japanese nuclear disaster: An ESG research perspective
Financial pressure and public scrutiny on companies who build and operate nuclear plants.
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
World Water Day: A drought in your portfolio?
Investors should understand the water exposure in their portfolios
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
RI interview: Kevin Parker, Global Head, Deutsche AM: Declaring victory on green investing
Investors are starting to allocate assets to the green theme in a big way, says DeAM chief.
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
Comment: Mercer’s climate report: groundbreaking, but will pension funds step up?
Major portfolio surgery required to switch allocations to climate sensitive assets.
Clean Investor, February 22: Co-op sets €1.2bn renewable energy investment target
RI’s regular Tuesday review of clean investing news
Breakfast with Barroso: what the giant P8 pension funds talked about in Brussels
Investors also met with the US Ambassador to Belgium.
P8 and P80 pension groups co-ordinator, Aled Jones, departs from Prince Charles-backed initiative
P8 set up to be switched to Brussels office of Cambridge Sustainability Leadership Programme.
Norwegian Global Fund excludes Malaysian logging firm
Giant fund now excludes a total of 51 companies
CP3, UK/Asian govt climate fund, issues mandate for asset manager as part of UN $100bn plan: P8/P80
Fund-of-funds house sought for sizeable Asian green infrastructure portfolio.
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
Giant NZ Super fund hires first manager in novel $300-500m farm investment programme
Fund moves into what it says is an ‘under-developed’ asset class.
European SRI fund sales jump €1.3bn in a month - green fund sales drop
Green themed and norms-based retail funds lose €382m in same period.
Major Dutch pension funds, TIAA-CREF launch microfinance principles
40 investors sign up to new Principles for Investors in Inclusive Finance
Call for greater transparency on climate change engagement
Climate Principles progress report published
Clean Investor, January 25: LAPFF issues climate change guide for trustees
RI’s new regular Tuesday review of clean investing news
RI interview - James Gifford, UNPRI: fees, growth, public policy and global expansion
UNPRI executive director maps out its strategy in a crucial year.
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.
Clean Investor, January 11: ATP-linked venture firm in cleantech investment
RI’s new regular Tuesday review of clean investing news
The threat of water risk in the US municipal bond market
Report says US utilities face moderate to severe water shortfalls in the coming years.
What the Indian interest scandal allegations will mean for microfinance
Some microfinance developments seem to mirror the sub-prime crisis.
SNS Asset Management among first houses to launch dedicated impact investing unit
SNS Impact Investing will group the fund manager’s microfinance, agriculture and water funds.
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.
French dairy giant Danone experiments with sustainability-linked coupon for corporate bonds
Project currently on hold because of KPI quality.