ThursdayMar 13, 2025 10:00 am

Sustainability Leaders Explain Why ESG is Unlikely to Die

Despite growing political opposition and criticism, ESG remains a transformative force in corporate strategy. According to the Ipsos ESG Council, which is comprised of senior sustainability leaders from leading global organizations, ESG is helping transform corporate behavior. One of the primary reasons why ESG is unlikely to fade is the adoption of new ESG regulations. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive already requires that firms report on the impact of their activities on the society and the environment. Additionally, the development and adoption of ESG regulations is helping to standardize reporting practices, ensuring greater accountability and transparency across industries. Council members…

Continue Reading

TuesdayMar 11, 2025 10:00 am

Courts are Holding More Firms Accountable as Greenwashing Incidents Increase

Greenwashing refers to the practice of making deceptive or false claims about a firm’s products or practices and whether they are safe for the environment. Recent data shows that greenwashing incidents have risen significantly over the past 4 years, with an increasing number of sustainability claims found to be false. Figures from last year indicate that over 900 companies were linked to greenwashing incidents, particularly in the banking and financial services, food and beverage, and oil and gas sectors. In response, legislators are imposing stricter regulations on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Among the first regulators to set up…

Continue Reading

FridayMar 07, 2025 10:00 am

An Analysis of ESG, its Benefits and Criticisms

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria have become very popular in recent years as investors and stakeholders emphasize the importance of ethical business practices and sustainability. Bodies like the European Commission have even introduced ESG regulations focused on sustainability, like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, which mandates that large companies disclose detailed ESG data for better transparency and accountability. This has seen many companies begin measuring and reporting their ESG performances to demonstrate their commitment to responsible business practices, with strong performances enhancing a firm’s reputation and making it more attractive to investors. These developments come as investors, particularly institutional…

Continue Reading

ThursdayMar 06, 2025 10:00 am

Major Pension Fund Pulls $35 Billion from State Street Over ESG Concerns

Earlier this week, the People’s Pension moved $35 billion in assets to Amundi and Invesco following an increase in ESG concerns. The People’s Pension is one of the biggest pension funds in the UK, provided by People’s Partnership. The pension’s assets were previously managed by global financial services firm State Street, which is currently managing only $6.2 billion of investments. Prior to this announcement, State Street reported that only 7% and 6% of social and environmental shareholder proposals had received support, respectively. These figures represent an almost 50% drop in support for the tackling of social issues and a 14%…

Continue Reading

TuesdayMar 04, 2025 10:00 am

EU Now Exempts 8-in-10 Firms from ESG Reporting

Last week, the European Commission introduced its Omnibus Simplification package. This package contains a series of measures focused on reducing sustainability reporting requirements and regulatory burdens for firms. These measures include capping the sustainability data that large banks and firms can request from smaller firms and eliminating a percentage of firms from the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive’s scope. In its statement, the Commission explained that it expected these measures to create roughly €6.4 billion ($6.68 billion) in annual administrative cost savings for firms. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) establishes reporting requirements on the impact of a firm’s actions on…

Continue Reading

FridayFeb 28, 2025 10:00 am

IKEA Holding Company Adjusts Key ESG Target it Had Set for its Deliveries

Ingka Group, the largest IKEA franchisee holding company, recently announced that it had modified its goal of hitting 100% emission-free home deliveries this year with a new target to reach over 90% of home deliveries made by zero-emissions vehicles by 2028. The company based these adjustments on various factors, including the availability of charging infrastructure and electric vehicles, as well as a significant increase in online orders. Currently, home deliveries make up roughly 14% of the company’s mobility emissions. The aforementioned objectives form part of the firm’s targets to reach net zero by 2050, decrease greenhouse gas emissions across its…

Continue Reading

ThursdayFeb 27, 2025 10:00 am

The EU Plans to Scale Back Some of its Toughest ESG Rules

A recent draft proposal presented by the executive arm of the European Union asks that some primary points in the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive be amended. The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive is focused on fostering responsible and sustainable corporate behavior in firms’ operations and across their international value chains. This ESG regulation entered into force on July 25th last year and applies to large limited liability companies and partnerships in the European Union, as well as large non-EU enterprises. The proposed changes to the directive include: Abolish aspects of the civil liability clause and the regulations concerning representative…

Continue Reading

WednesdayFeb 26, 2025 10:45 am

SolarBank Corp. (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: GY2), Viridi Partner on Buffalo, NY Solar and Battery Project

SolarBank and Viridi are collaborating on a 3.06 MW solar and 1.2 MWh battery energy storage system in Buffalo, New York, repurposing a closed landfill, converting unused land into a source of clean energy. Pending approvals and financing, SolarBank is set to begin construction, while Viridi will provide the battery storage system. Viridi's battery systems include integrated fire suppression and anti-propagation technology to enhance safety. Once operational, the project will function under a community solar model, where residents can subscribe to the project, earning credits on their electricity bills without installing personal solar panels. Disseminated on behalf of SolarBank Corporation…

Continue Reading

TuesdayFeb 25, 2025 10:00 am

Canadian Investors Remain Steadfast Despite Headwinds Against ESG

A new study has determined that over 90% of institutional investors in Canada are integrating ESG considerations into their strategies, with a focus on long-term engagement and risk management. The study, which was carried out by Millani, comes as shifts in sustainability policies, climate regulations and trade relations rock America. The return of President Donald Trump to the White House has seen pushback against ESG grow significantly as companies come under fire for ESG and DEI policies. Just recently, major financial institutions like Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley pulled out of the Net Zero Banking Alliance. Additionally, Meta,…

Continue Reading

MondayFeb 24, 2025 12:15 pm

SolarBank Corp. (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: GY2) Reports Substantial Revenue, Gross Profit Growth, with Key Developments Painting Positive Outlook

The company’s six-month revenue reached $20.1 million CAD ($14.15 million USD), reflecting steady long-term growth despite seasonal fluctuations. Gross profit margin increased to 29.2%, up from 18.4% in the prior year, signaling improved margins. Assets surged 372% to $185.3 million CAD ($130.47 million USD) during the six month period, following the acquisition of Solar Flow-Through Funds Ltd. Recent $70.3 million CAD ($49.5 million USD) deal with Qcells will drive revenue in upcoming quarters. Share price more than doubled in early February, signaling investor interest. Disseminated on behalf of SolarBank Corporation SolarBank (NASDAQ: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: GY2), a premier…

Continue Reading

Contact us: (512) 354-7000