After years of confusion, global ESG reporting frameworks are coalescing

While the global reporting community has yet to fully adopt the International Sustainability Standards Board’s standards, they are building momentum as a reporting baseline.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 26, 2023

$2.7B in assets pulled from sustainable funds market: Morningstar

Sustainable fund closures outpaced new launches for the first time since 2020, and outflow outpaced investments for the fourth consecutive quarter, according to the financial research firm.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 25, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

The state of the clean energy transition in 2024

This year saw a large volume of initiatives and investments from corporations focused on the clean energy transition — alongside a handful of reversions on carbon reduction goals.

By ESG Dive staff

UN-backed alliance members now represent $9.5T in assets under management: report

The Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance said 69 of its members have set intermediate targets to help align operations with a global goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. 

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 24, 2023

131 companies urge governments to accelerate decarbonization ahead of COP28

The coalition, which includes companies like Nestlé and eBay and represents nearly $1 trillion in annual revenue, is asking policymakers to end reliance on fossil fuels through regulations and clean-energy investments.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 24, 2023

7 ESG trends influencing corporate strategy

Developments in the ESG landscape directing investor decisions include the consolidation of reporting frameworks, the rise of AI and data metrics, social responsibility and impending regulation from the SEC.

By Lamar Johnson , Zoya Mirza • Oct. 23, 2023

Microsoft leans on PPAs, energy efficiency, water recycling in environmental efforts

“Ensuring our buildings are energy efficient is a key first step in reducing emissions,” the tech giant said in its 2022 Environmental Report.

By Joe Burns • Oct. 23, 2023

European Commission delays sustainability reporting requirements by 2 years for non-EU countries

U.S. companies that have subsidiaries or generate a certain amount of revenue in the EU will also need to comply with the rule once implemented.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 20, 2023

Electric grids could be the ‘weak link’ of clean energy transition, IEA warns

A large-scale transmission buildout and development of more flexible grids are keys to keeping the Paris climate accord goals in reach, according to the International Energy Agency.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 18, 2023

Climate change leading cause for excluding companies from portfolios: report

A coalition of nonprofits released a financial exclusions tracker of companies that have been blacklisted by banks and investors over factors such as climate change, weapon and tobacco use, and human rights violations.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 17, 2023

How Google is decarbonizing its facilities

Smart temperature and lighting controls, purchase power agreements and building electrification are all being used by the tech giant to reduce scope 2 emissions.

By Joe Burns • Oct. 16, 2023

BlackRock decarbonization venture with Temasek reached $1B in climate tech investments in Q3

CEO Larry Fink said the joint venture with the Singapore-based investment firm committed a first round of funding to five companies developing technologies that will be critical to the clean energy transition.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 13, 2023

Greenwashing growing in frequency and complexity: report

“Social washing,” which is when companies make misleading claims of conduct on social issues, is also on the rise, according to a report from ESG data and research company RepRisk. 

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 11, 2023

BlackRock creates net-zero investment after axing pair of ESG funds

The asset management firm has shifted resources to climate-specific funds after the SEC updated the “Names Rule” to increase accountability on ESG funds.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 9, 2023

Target increases PCR in packaging, slides on virgin plastic reduction

The retailer said it is “applying lessons learned” to turn around the virgin plastic number.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 6, 2023

Marriott, Hilton and other hotels launch alliance for sustainable procurement

The founding companies, also including Accor, IHG and Radisson, will use EcoVadis's rating systems to create a common sustainability standard for the industry’s value chain.

By Jenna Walters • Oct. 6, 2023

Suppliers say automakers must balance sustainability with safety, costs

Greater standardization of targets and measures would help the automotive industry reach net-zero emissions globally by 2050, a Center for Automotive Research report says.

By Michael Brady • Oct. 2, 2023

75% of companies unprepared for coming ESG audits: KPMG

As regulators worldwide begin to mandate ESG disclosures, only 25% of companies are ready for audits of their reports, KPMG said.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 26, 2023

22 Republican state attorneys general accuse a financial services climate alliance of potential antitrust violations

The letter, led by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, alleges the Net Zero Financial Services Providers Alliance’s market influence could “deprive disfavored companies of economic opportunities.”

By Lamar Johnson • Sept. 18, 2023

Ikea expands on sustainability initiative with 2 clean energy projects

The home furnishings retailer plans to install solar panels and battery energy storage systems, along with renewable heating and cooling projects, in multiple locations across the United States.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 18, 2023

Apple backs California climate bill requiring large companies to disclose carbon footprint

Senate Bill 253 would require businesses operating in the Golden State that make over $1 billion to report their greenhouse gas emissions annually.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 14, 2023

Gensler says Scope 3 emissions flap delays final climate risk rule

Republican senators criticized Gensler for what they said is a burdensome and divisive regulatory agenda.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 12, 2023

ESG ratings fluctuate for asset managers: Morningstar

Three U.S.-based firms saw their grades move up, while UBS Asset Management slipped following its merger with Credit Suisse.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 11, 2023

Lego to invest $1.4B in sustainability as it pledges net-zero emissions by 2050

The Danish toy manufacturer plans to reduce its environmental impact by designing carbon neutral factories and producing more renewable energy.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 5, 2023

Vanguard joins BlackRock in pouring cold water on ESG proposals

The nation’s two largest asset management firms supported fewer environmental and social proposals in 2023, as companies voted on a record number of ESG proposals.

By Lamar Johnson • Sept. 1, 2023

EPA enforcement priorities include new focus on landfill methane, PFAS

The agency’s latest update to its National Enforcement and Compliance Initiatives drew comments from industry trade groups as well as New York City about potential implications for waste operations.

By Cole Rosengren • Aug. 21, 2023