FS Sustainability

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.

Only one sector set to meet emissions reduction targets

ROSE MARY PETRASS   The global push for emissions reduction is failing across most sectors, with all but two increasing emissions and widening gaps to targets.

Carbon credit review falls short on CO2 capture and slavery

ROSE MARY PETRASS   An independent review to be released next month will inform how Canberra moves forward amid criticisms of its Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) scheme. Ahead of release, FS Sustainability has learnt the recommendations won't address modern slavery risk and direct air capture and storage inefficiencies.

Treasury proposes merger of accounting, audit bodies

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   Canberra has proposed merging the three financial reporting bodies to make them "more efficient, effective and fit for purpose".

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.

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).

La Trobe University inks sustainability-linked loan

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   A major Australian university has locked in a $195 million sustainability-linked loan (SLL) with interest rate savings being reinvested into an Indigenous accommodation scholarship fund and other initiatives.

UN-informed tool to assess SDG progress

ROSE MARY PETRASS   Bloomberg ESG has integrated a United Nations' framework to assess the alignment of companies to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Podcast: Bonds, Green Bonds - Arnaud-Guilhem Lamy

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS   In this episode brought to you by BNP Paribas Asset Management, we'll be talking about green bonds and their role in investments.

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.