edie launches new handbook on ESG excellence and best practice

The handbook is free to download

According to research from the Morgan Stanley Foundation, the issuance of green ESG bonds in April 2020 was 272% higher than the same month the year prior, with the total issuance figure sitting at $48.5bn. In total, around $23bn of the proceeds from the bonds will be used to address the public health and economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In fact, Morgan Stanley notes that it is the first time that this type of funding has exceeded green bond issuance – predominantly used to finance low-carbon projects – in a single calendar month.

—DOWNLOAD THE ESG HANDBOOK—

As more investors align to net-zero pathways and pivot their product offerings to account for growing green markets, businesses can gain a competitive advantage by strengthening ties with financial organisations through ESG.

This report, sponsored by UL and created in association with edie’s Sustainable Investment
Virtual Conference, will explain the complexities of ESG and outline best practice applications for businesses.

The report examines all the key considerations across all three ESG pillars and explores where the data fits into the current reporting landscape. Expert viewpoints are also provided by UL and CDP, outlining the importance of ESG to the investor community. Case studies linking through to in-depth stories also feature.

Writing in the report, UL’s ESG Advisory and Solutions Global Lead Chris Cattermole noted: “A central principle for many mainstream investors is financial materiality. That is, investors want ESG data which enables them to understand how a company’s sustainability performance affects its financial performance which will in-turn affect an investor’s portfolio performance.

“This financial focus has driven sustainability to the top of company management’s agenda across functions, empowering the sustainability function as key subject matter experts. For example, finance need to estimate the physical impacts of climate change or marketing need to understand environmental product certifications to make consumer claims.”

Download edie’s ESG Handbook here.

Join edie’s Sustainable Investment Digital Conference

edie is launching its first bespoke sustainability conference focused on green finance, with experts from ING, BlackRock, BNP Paribas and more set to discuss investment and the green recovery at the Sustainable Investment Digital Conference on 7-8 September 2020.

The two-day digital event will feature a myriad of expert panel discussions, breakouts and deep dives into key green finance themes – plus opportunities to network virtually with delegates.

For further information, sponsorship inquiries and registration, click here. 

edie staff