Canada’s largest corporations are paying greater attention to carbon-related issues, such as climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Carbon Disclosure Project’s annual report on Canada.
The CDP sent its annual investor information request form to 200 of Canada’s largest corporations – 108 firms responded. Three-quarters of respondents reported having integrated climate change into their overall business strategy, “confirming a commitment to long-term, sustainable growth amidst regulatory uncertainty and the physical effects of a changing climate.”
In addition, over 85% of reporting companies are disclosing climate change and GHG emissions performance either via their annual reports or other communications. “These results indicate climate change is an important consideration in Canadian companies’ future strategic planning,” the report states.
Despite the increased disclosure, only one-third of companies have set active GHG reduction targets and only 30% report having dedicated budgets for energy efficiency or emissions reduction activities.
Ninety-one of the 108 companies reported a cumulative 425 emission reduction activities that were either underway or completed, demonstrating that companies are planning and implementing energy reduction initiatives to reduce this growing operating expense, the report said.
More than 85% of respondents reported that senior managers or board committees have responsibility for climate change, up from 75% in 2010 and indicating an increasing trend in senior management engagement in climate change governance.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
SRI Monitor Weekly News Update
Barrick’s Tanzanian project tests ethical mining policies...read more
Mining is Congo’s best hope of prosperity but also its biggest worry...read more
The Toxic Gold Mining Industry Goes Fairtrade...read more
SRI in the Rockies happening now. Watch and listen to presentations...read more
Shared Value Capitalism: A Socially Responsible Way To Improve Quality And Retain Customers...read more
Half of Multinationals to Choose Suppliers Based on CO2 Emissions...read more
compiled with the assistance of Nick Searle
Mining is Congo’s best hope of prosperity but also its biggest worry...read more
The Toxic Gold Mining Industry Goes Fairtrade...read more
SRI in the Rockies happening now. Watch and listen to presentations...read more
Shared Value Capitalism: A Socially Responsible Way To Improve Quality And Retain Customers...read more
Half of Multinationals to Choose Suppliers Based on CO2 Emissions...read more
compiled with the assistance of Nick Searle
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sustainalytics partners with Korean firm
SRI research firm Sustainalytics is moving into the Korean market, today announcing a strategic partnership with Sustinvest, an investment research and consulting company.
Together, the two firms will provide responsible investors in Korea with a global environmental, social and governance analysis that is informed by knowledge of local markets, Sustainlytics said in a news release.
"Korea is a vibrant market for responsible investment," said Michael Jantzi, Sustainalytics CEO. "We welcome the opportunity to align ourselves with the market leader. Our clients will benefit by having enhanced coverage and analysis of Korean securities through the Sustainalytics' platform and direct access to ESG analysts in the region."
"We are very pleased to enhance our working relationship with Sustainalytics. The ESG market in Korea is growing and we are glad to be able to provide enhanced global coverage to responsible investors here," added Sustinvest CEO Youngjae Ryu.
In addition to enhanced research capabilities, Sustainalytics and Sustinvest will be exploring new products and services for the Korean market, including an ESG ranking of Korean companies that will be published in 2012.
Sustinvest is the first SRI research and consulting firm established in Korea.
Together, the two firms will provide responsible investors in Korea with a global environmental, social and governance analysis that is informed by knowledge of local markets, Sustainlytics said in a news release.
"Korea is a vibrant market for responsible investment," said Michael Jantzi, Sustainalytics CEO. "We welcome the opportunity to align ourselves with the market leader. Our clients will benefit by having enhanced coverage and analysis of Korean securities through the Sustainalytics' platform and direct access to ESG analysts in the region."
"We are very pleased to enhance our working relationship with Sustainalytics. The ESG market in Korea is growing and we are glad to be able to provide enhanced global coverage to responsible investors here," added Sustinvest CEO Youngjae Ryu.
In addition to enhanced research capabilities, Sustainalytics and Sustinvest will be exploring new products and services for the Korean market, including an ESG ranking of Korean companies that will be published in 2012.
Sustinvest is the first SRI research and consulting firm established in Korea.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Fund firms file class action against Sino-Forest
Northwest & Ethical Investments and Comité syndical national de retraite Bâtirente inc. have launched a class action suit against Sino-Forest Corporation.
The suit, which seeks $5.8 billion in damages, was filed on behalf of investors who purchased Sino-Forest shares or notes from 2004 to 2011.
“NEI Investments has a fiduciary duty to protect the interests of our investors and in commencing this action we believe we are acting strongly to uphold the integrity of the investment industry,” said Bob Walker, vice-president, Ethical Funds, NEI Investments in a statement. “In our longstanding history of engaging with companies to promote responsible corporate governance practices, this is the first time NEI Investments has taken this last-resort approach to protect investors.”
“When our members suffer losses in their retirement plan and those losses result from the type of misconduct alleged in the statement of claim, it is our duty to assist in seeking remedies from those who bear responsibility,” added Batirente’s Daniel Simard.
Sino-Forest’s shares have been frozen amidst allegations that the Chinese forestry company exaggerated its revenues and timber holdings in China.
The suit, which seeks $5.8 billion in damages, was filed on behalf of investors who purchased Sino-Forest shares or notes from 2004 to 2011.
“NEI Investments has a fiduciary duty to protect the interests of our investors and in commencing this action we believe we are acting strongly to uphold the integrity of the investment industry,” said Bob Walker, vice-president, Ethical Funds, NEI Investments in a statement. “In our longstanding history of engaging with companies to promote responsible corporate governance practices, this is the first time NEI Investments has taken this last-resort approach to protect investors.”
“When our members suffer losses in their retirement plan and those losses result from the type of misconduct alleged in the statement of claim, it is our duty to assist in seeking remedies from those who bear responsibility,” added Batirente’s Daniel Simard.
Sino-Forest’s shares have been frozen amidst allegations that the Chinese forestry company exaggerated its revenues and timber holdings in China.
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