Launched in April 2006, the PRI provide a ‘global best-practice’ framework for incorporating ESG issues in investment processes. In the four year since the launch the number of signatories has grown to over 670, representing US$18 trillion of assets and 36 countries. This reflects the recognition by mainstream capital markets that ESG issues can affect the performance of investment portfolios (to varying degrees across companies, sectors, regions, asset classes and through time).

“The Australian investment community has embraced the Principles and is strongly represented in the PRI signatory list. Becoming a signatory to the PRI will enhance our ability to support PRI signatories to fulfil their commitments to the Principles and to integrate ESG considerations within their investment practices.” said Joanne Saleeba, Director, Thrive Sustainability Services.

“Our commitment to the PRI strengths our connection and reputation with the investment community in the region, building on our past involvement with the Investor Group on Climate Change Australia/New Zealand.”

The six interconnected Principles are:

1. Incorporating ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes.
2. Being active owners and incorporating ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.
3. Seeking appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.
4. Promoting acceptance and implementation of the principles within the investment industry.
5. Working together with other signatories to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the principles.
6. Reporting on our activities and progress towards implementing the principles.

For more information on the PRI see www.unpri.org. For more information on how we can assist you to implement the PRI call us on +61 3 9650 1001.

“LOHAS may be the biggest market you’ve never heard of encompassing [goods and services ranging from] organic food, energy efficient appliances and solar panels [to] alternative medicine, yoga tapes and eco-tourism” New York Times

For the past 5 years the Living LOHAS^© Research Project has been conducted by Mobium Group.  The Living LOHAS^© Research Project provides an up-to-date fact base on consumer and social trends in Australia relating to sustainability, natural health and wellness. The latest Living LOHAS^© research will be released in the coming months, with the data collection phase now complete.

Since 2005, the Living LOHAS^© Research Project has surveyed over 20,000 Australians on 250+ measures related to values, attitudes, behaviours and consumption patterns, plus over 600 in-depth discussions with individuals in their homes, workplaces, leisure and educational environments.  The insights gained through the project provide an unparalleled depth of understanding of the motivations of Australians to engage in healthier, more sustainable lifestyles, products and service choices.

For more information on LOHAS see the LOHAS or Mobium website.

The CDP Australia & New Zealand Report 2009 analyses and summarises the response of 104 Australian companies and 26 New Zealand companies to the CDP information request which seeks investment relevant information on climate change risks and opportunities, emissions data, and management and mitigation strategies.

This year the number of Australian and New Zealand investors supporting the CDP information request increased by almost 50% indicating the growing importance investors are placing on climate change considerations.

Some of the key features of companies’ response to the CDP information request are as follows:

• The response rate of ASX100 companies to the CDP information request failed to increase from last year which may not be surprising given the difficult economic environment facing companies this year.
• There was a significant increase in the response rate for ASX200 ex100 companies but from a low base the response rate remains low at 31%.
• This year responding companies were particularly focused on the opportunities stemming from climate change legislation, particularly opportunities to improve efficiencies and to develop new products or services to take advantage of the emerging regulatory and physical environment.
• While emissions trading was still seen as a key risk for many companies greater detail on the schemes in both Australia and New Zealand translated into less companies identifying direct exposure.
• Risks from the physical impact of climate change were becoming tangible to responding companies rather than being some potential risk occurring sometime in the distant future.
• There was significant improvement in the percentage of responding companies that disclosed Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions for global operations, up to 94% for ASX100 companies.
• Despite the greater clarity around climate change risks, opportunities and emissions profiles, responding companies were still lagging in the development of emissions reduction targets and investment.
• However, the lack of specified targets and investment did not stop the large majority of respondents to the CDP information request undertaking a range of actions to reduce emissions.

It is the Investor Group on Climate Change Australia/New Zealand (IGCC) that is responsible for the inclusion of Australia & New Zealand companies in the CDP information request and that commissions the CDP Australia & New Zealand Report.

For a copy of the CDP Australia & New Zealand Report 2009 or more information on the CDP see the CDP website or IGCC website.

Detailed guidance and training has been developed so that StepUP workers can assist clients to identify products that consume less energy and water and produce less greenhouse gas emissions thus saving them money on utilities bills and improving the environment. From white goods, to TVs, to second hand cars, the Greening of StepUP guidance and training provides all the information that StepUP clients need to make a better purchasing decisions both for themselves and the environment. The Greening of StepUP also provides a one-stop shop for StepUP clients for information on government rebates for household products available throughout Australia.

The Greening of StepUP guidance and training was prepared for the NAB and GSYFS by Thrive Sustainability Services. Thrive Sustainability Services will be delivering training for StepUP workers across Australia in the coming months.

For more information on StepUP see the NAB website or GSYFS website.

For more information go to the ecounting website.

Robin Chase founded Zipcar, the world’s biggest car-sharing business. That was one of her smaller ideas. Here she travels much farther, contemplating road-pricing schemes that will shake up our driving habits and a mesh network vast as the Interstate.

“I don’t think we’re going to make it,” John Doerr proclaims, in an emotional talk about climate change and investment. Spurred on by his daughter, who demanded he fix the mess the world is heading for, he and his partners at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers embarked on a greentech world tour — surveying the state of the art, from the ethanol revolution in Brazil to Wal-mart’s (!) eco-concept store in Bentonville, Arkansas. KPCB is investing $200 million in green technologies to save the planet and make a profit to boot. But, Doerr fears, it may not be enough.