Investors are pushing major European companies to make sure the “missing” costs of climate change are properly reflected in their financial statements

European and U.S. investors, who manage $9 trillion in assets, have sent 36 carbon-heavy companies a document setting out how they should account for the likely impact of the 2015 Paris climate accord on their future profits. Matthew Green and Simon Jessop explain latest developments in an article on the Reuters website. Investors tell … Continue reading Investors are pushing major European companies to make sure the “missing” costs of climate change are properly reflected in their financial statements →

World’s publicly financed development banks pledge to use their financial muscle to rescue the global economy from the Covid-19 crisis and the climate emergency

The goal must be to build economies that are sustainable, resilient and inclusive says one head of a development bank. Encouragingly, we are seeing development banks take a more co-ordinated, integrated approach to address recovery plans and the need to ensure the Paris climate objectives are met. Fiona Harvey explains in an article on The … Continue reading World’s publicly financed development banks pledge to use their financial muscle to rescue the global economy from the Covid-19 crisis and the climate emergency →

World’s largest investment banks provided financing linked to destruction of ecosystems

Phoebe Weston writes on The Guardian website about the world’s largest investment banks provided more than $2.6tn (£1.9tn) of financing linked to the destruction of ecosystems and wildlife last year, according to a new report. Banks lent $2.6tn linked to ecosystem and wildlife destruction in 2019 – report The world’s largest investment banks provided … Continue reading World’s largest investment banks provided financing linked to destruction of ecosystems →

Some of the challenges for a carbon-neutral energy transition

International trade agreements are important. However, investor-state dispute-settlement provisions are blamed for impeding government action and that can have a negative impact on environmental policies. An article in The Economist gives a good account of many of the issues at stake. How some international treaties threaten the environment In use for over six decades, … Continue reading Some of the challenges for a carbon-neutral energy transition →

Strong argument that an energy savings grant scheme in UK should also support lighting

We can now take advantage of the Green Homes Grant in the UK. But there is one glaring omission in the technologies available to UK’s homeowners, according to Andrew Warren, chairman of the British Energy Efficiency Federation in the September issue of Energy in Buildings & Industry. Why has lighting been left in the … Continue reading Strong argument that an energy savings grant scheme in UK should also support lighting →

Decarbonising our entire economy by 2050 will require massive investments and investor patience to allow investments to pay off

The scale of the climate crisis and its potential impacts mean we need a scientific and investment revolution to tackle it. There are opportunities for patient investors in areas such as energy storage and electrification. It's time to tap into the power of science and innovation. Nicole Systrom, Founder of the Sutro Energy Group explains … Continue reading Decarbonising our entire economy by 2050 will require massive investments and investor patience to allow investments to pay off →

Regulators warned in US of the financial risks of climate change

A letter signed by executives from pension plans and other major investors warned the Federal Reserve and other agencies of the financial risks of climate change. Financial regulators should act to avoid economic disaster, according to a letter from pension funds and other investors representing almost $1 trillion in assets. Christopher Flavelle explains in an … Continue reading Regulators warned in US of the financial risks of climate change →

EIB partners to accelerate energy efficiency projects in Spain and Portugal

It is good to see the European Investment Bank getting involved in important investments in Portugal and Spain. The latest developments are in a news item on the Renewable Energy Magazine website. EIB and Unión de Créditos Inmobiliarios Join Forces to Boost Energy Efficiency in Spain and Portugal The European Investment Bank and Unión … Continue reading EIB partners to accelerate energy efficiency projects in Spain and Portugal →

European Court of Auditors states that greater focus on cost-effectiveness still needed in co-funded energy efficiency investments in buildings

The European Court of Auditors recently assessed whether EU co-funded energy efficiency investments in buildings had cost-effectively helped the EU toward its 2020 energy saving target. Cost-effectiveness is not a determining factor for allocating public funding to energy efficiency measures in residential buildings, according to a new report from the ECA. Despite improved guidance from … Continue reading European Court of Auditors states that greater focus on cost-effectiveness still needed in co-funded energy efficiency investments in buildings →

Seven facts about financing efficiency projects outline what to know when budgeting for energy solutions

Adam Fairbanks, CEO of a firm dedicated to providing cost-effective retrofit solutions for its commercial and industrial clients in the US writes on the Facility Executive website about seven facts about financing energy efficiency projects. Do you agree? 7 Facts About Financing Energy Efficiency Projects Facilities need energy efficiency; this is no longer a … Continue reading Seven facts about financing efficiency projects outline what to know when budgeting for energy solutions →