Environmental

ESG integration into quantitative investment management

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 28 MAR 2014  |  NEWS
There is a growing use of environmental and social factors as part of quantitative investment techniques in equity portfolios, with fund managers integrating ESG data to either screen out undesired stocks, or to create customised benchmarks that tilt ...

CEFC to provide $100m financing through Balmain Corporation

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 28 MAR 2014  |  NEWS
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is partnering with non-bank commercial loan manager Balmain Corporation to provide up to AU$100 million of debt finance to retrofit commercial properties.

Ethical Investment Advisers launches fossil-fuel free SMA

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  WEDNESDAY, 26 MAR 2014  |  NEWS
Brisbane-based financial planners Ethical Investment Advisers has launched a separately managed account (SMA) based on Australian equities that are screened to eliminate fossil fuel exposures.

PRI finds limited disclosure of fracking activity, impacts

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  WEDNESDAY, 26 MAR 2014  |  NEWS
Oil and gas producing and servicing companies provide "very limited" disclosure around risks and impacts of their hydraulic fracturing (fracking) activity, according to research commissioned by the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).

CEFC provides $20m loan facility to Carnegie Wave Energy

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 21 MAR 2014  |  NEWS
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has provided a AU$20 million, five-year loan facility to Carnegie Wave Energy to help accelerate final stage technology development, the CEFC said.

CEFC commits $30 million to EUA financing fund

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 14 MAR 2014  |  NEWS
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has committed up to AU$30 million to a fund financing environmental upgrade agreements (EUA).

Solactive develops Green Bond Index

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 14 MAR 2014  |  NEWS
Index provider Solactive AG has launched its Solactive Green Bond Index, based on a bond universe provided by the Climate Bonds Initiative.

CDP, FirstCarbon Solutions sign expanded partnership

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 14 MAR 2014  |  NEWS
CDP has expanded its partnership with FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS), meaning that FCS will have an expanded role in CDP's scoring programs and initiatives.

350.org Australia issues ASX200 fossil fuel divestment study

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 7 MAR 2014  |  NEWS
Institutional investment portfolios containing coal, oil and gas companies "risk lower returns in the long run while portfolios avoiding these companies can provide competitive returns," according to a report published by The Australia Institute in partnership ...

CEFC, CBA finance efficiency upgrades for food processors

RACHEL ALEMBAKIS  |  FRIDAY, 7 MAR 2014  |  NEWS
Manufacturers and food processors are using financing from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and Commonwealth Bank to upgrade equipment to increase energy efficiency, save on energy costs and boost competitiveness, according to the CEFC.