FS Sustainability

COP27 preview: loss and damage, action on commitments

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   The next UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in November is expected to focus on implementing commitments made at last year's conference, with the role of countries like Australia as well as investors and business to become enhanced.

State of the Environment report a wake up call for business, investors

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   The dire findings from the 2021 State of the Environment have direct impact on Australian finance and business, with experts advising that investors and corporates should take stock of risks and steps to improve conservation.

APRA releases climate risk assessment results

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   Almost 40% of banks, insurers and superannuation funds say climate-related events could have a "material or moderate impact on their direct operations," according to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).

ESG product definitions a matter for legislation: ASIC

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   The Australian Securities and Investment Commission believes that standard definitions of ESG products and investments should be set by legislation.

Pact Group commits to reducing emissions 50% by 2030

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   Pact Group has set a target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions in Australia and New Zealand by 50% by 2030.

ESG strong factor in M&A activity: PwC

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   ESG considerations played an "unprecedented role" in the Australian mergers and acquisition market in 2021 and will continue to do so in future, according to PwC.

SGCH publishes first impact report

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   SGCH, NSW's largest community housing provider, has published its first impact report for investors and other stakeholders and prioritised three Sustainable Development Goals that align to its work.

Banksia Foundation National Awards highlight sustainable innovation

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   An organisation that uses wool waste as a sustainable packaging alternative to polystyrene plastic has taken out the Gold Banksia Award at the 33rd annual Banksia National Sustainability Awards.

Gap in financing solutions for refugees: ISS ESG

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   Despite increasing investor interest and corporate support, the sustainable finance sector is lagging when it comes to financing solutions aimed at assisting refugees, according to a report from ISS ESG.

High modern slavery risk to ASX 300: ISS ESG

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   Nearly one third (31%) of the ASX 300 are assessed as high risk for modern slavery, according to a new scorecard from ISS ESG.

Singapore to issue inaugural sovereign green bond

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   Singapore will issue its first sovereign green bond - the Green Singapore Government Securities (Infrastructure).

V-Square launches ESG index strategy

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   V-Square Quantitative Management has launched an ESG and carbon transition index strategy that aligns with the Your Future, Your Super performance test.

LGT Crestone hires head of sustainability

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   LGT Crestone Wealth Management has hired Amanda MacDonald as the head of sustainability.

UniSuper sustainability exec departs for Vanguard

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   UniSuper governance and sustainability manager Sybil Dixon is departing the fund after 14 years to join Vanguard.