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ESG Around the World

  • ,  Chief Executive |
  • 16 Apr 2019
  • Updated 17 Apr 2019

Best Practices in Global ESG Integration

The most pertinent ESG issues may vary from place to place and market to market, but one thing is for certain - ESG integration is now a global phenomenon.

But how do best practices for ESG integration differ across geographical regions?  We've gathered a variety of surveys and thought pieces that we hope will answer that very question, including deep dives into the EMEA region, China, India, and the Americas.  

esg world

ESG Integration in EMEA: Markets, Practices, and Data (CFA Institute, Mar 2019)

Report by CFA Institute and Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) highlights Best Practices in ESG integration, including several case studies and examples of local barriers that exist in the EMEA region.

Uniting positive change with performance in emerging markets (Eaton Vance, 2019)

For compliance reasons, this paper is only accessible in the United States and Canada

To help ensure that companies exert a positive impact on the world, including the bottom line, we believe that investors need to do more than assess environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks. They must engage.

The Shareholder Voting Process, ESG Integration and Proxy Advice in the U.S. (UN PRI, 2018)

This briefing provides an update for signatories on legislative and regulatory proposals under discussion in the US regarding the shareholder voting process, ESG integration and the role of proxy advisory firms.

Investor Duties and ESG Integration in China (Principles for Responsible Investment, 2018)

This report provides recommendations for investor duties related to ESG integration in the Chinese market, specifically looking at regulations, disclosures, sustainable or green products, and investor education.

ESG Integration in the Americas: Markets, Practices, and Data (UN PRI/CFA Institute, 2018)

This report is a collaborative effort between CFA Institute and Principles for Responsible Investment. It considers the state of ESG integration by portfolio managers and analysts in the Americas.

The Future of Sustainable Investing in Europe and Beyond (State Street, 2018)

Several ESG experts discuss reformative actions proposed by the European Commission surrounding sustainable investment practices and the alignment of interests by constituents operating within the European markets.

ESG integration into stewardship responsibilities by institutional investors in Japan (FTSE Russell, 2017)

FTSE Russell designed the FTSE Bloom Japan Index in response to the unified action taken by over 200 institutional investors in Japan in 2016 when they adopted the Japanese Stewardship Code. This code paved the way for the establishment of responsible ownership practices, ESG integration, and stewardship within Japanese capital markets.

Financing the European Energy Transition (Aquila Capital, 2018)

The share of renewable energy in the European electricity generation mix has heavily increased in recent years with no signs that this trend is going to stop anytime soon. This paper by Aquila Capital examines some of the industry changes taking place. It also takes a detailed look at the challenges and opportunities that arise from the energy transition.

Applications of ESG to Securitized Assets (PGIM Fixed Income, 2019)

How does ESG apply to the securitized assets market in the United States? The PGIM Fixed Income team contends that ESG considerations, particularly social and governance-related issues, are integral to successful long-term investing in this asset class.

2018 Canadian Responsible Investment Trends Report (RIA)

For compliance reasons, this paper is only accessible in certain geographies

Responsible investing is growing quickly amongst Canadian institutional investors. This report surveys 100 asset managers in Canada about the integration of ESG factors within their investment processes.

Video: Sustainable Investing integration and trends in Europe (FTSE Russell, 2019)

Aled Jones, head of sustainable investments product in Europe, explains how he sees clients integrating sustainable investment—climate change, in particular—into their portfolios, how we continue to work closely with our clients such as Merseyside Pension Fund, and the newly launched FTSE EPRA Nareit Green indexes.

The need for sanitation (NNIP, Nov 2018)

Globally, 2.4 billion people lack access to basic sanitation, leading to some 2.2 million deaths annually. How can equity investors make a positive impact in this area while achieving an attractive return?

Guidance and Case Studies for ESG Integration: Equities and Fixed Income (UN PRI/CFA Institute, 2018)

This detailed report (169 pages) is a collaborative effort between CFA Institute and Principles for Responsible Investment. It provides important global insights into the ESG integration techniques of leading portfolio managers and analysts around the world.

Climate Investment Opportunities in Cities (IFC, 2018)

The IFC looks at unique models enabling cities to undertake climate-related investments such as green buildings, public transport infrastructure, and waste management.

The impact of impact investments - focus on India (KPMG/GSG, 2018)

KPMG details impact investments in India and the potential for impact investments to drive future waves of innovation.

The Global Gender Gap Report (WEF, 2018)

This World Economic Forum report benchmarks the progress made towards gender parity across 149 different countries.

Rethinking Impact to Finance the SDGs (UNEP/IMPACT, 2018)

How do we go about financing the USD 5-7 trillion needed to annually fund our pursuit of the UN SDGs? This report looks at practical ways for the public and private sector to work towards closing the gap.