FS Sustainability

New code of practice guidance for voluntary carbon markets

ROSE MARY PETRASS   The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) has released guidance to help direct finance to climate mitigation initiatives and commitment beyond science-aligned emissions cuts.

Loss and damage funds a key consideration for COP28

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   The shape and scope of a global fund on loss and damage, biodiversity, human rights and the just transition are key topics at the forthcoming COP28.

COP28 day one recap: US$429m loss and damage fund

ROSE MARY PETRASS   The first day of COP28 culminated in a landmark deal to help the most vulnerable emerging economies pay for the impacts of climate change.

Net zero roadmap shifts public service spending to green

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   The Department of Finance has released its strategy to achieving net zero by 2030 across the Australian Public Service.

Surge in executive support for sustainability

ROSE MARY PETRASS   There has been a threefold growth in executives acknowledging the business case for sustainability, but, heightened understanding has not yet translated into increased investment.

ESG factors increasingly drive financial decisions

ROSE MARY PETRASS   More than three-quarters of active managers have hired new ESG personnel in the last year, according to global research.

$50 million backing for Conscious Investment Management fund

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   Conscious Investment Management has received more than $50 million in commitments for its second Social Housing Fund (CIMSHF2) as it reaches first close.

Don't neglect the SDGs in sustainable finance strategy

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   The government's sustainable finance strategy is an opportunity to tie action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to action on climate.

Gender pay gap a key diversity metric: FSI

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   Improving reporting on gender pay gap and gender diversity will help investors assess where companies are addressing gender-based equality and inclusion.

Slow progress on human rights in business

ROSE MARY PETRASS   Most companies are failing on human rights and gender performance, according to The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA).

SDG Loan Fund raises $1.1b of investor capital

ROSE MARY PETRASS   Investors have raised over US$1.1 billion of capital to advance the goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in emerging and frontier markets, using a blended finance model.

Government introduces anti-slavery commissioner legislation

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   Canberra has introduced legislation to establish Australia's first federal anti-slavery commissioner.

RIAA creates co-CEO model to replace outgoing O'Connor

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) has named two co-CEOs to replace its outgoing leader, one based in Australia and one based in Aotearoa New Zealand.

ZEN Energy recruits new senior exec

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   Renewable energy retailer ZEN Energy has appointed a new chief financial officer.