South Africa Proposes Code for Sustainable Investment by Institutional Investors
If adopted, South Africa will become only the second country to require attention to environmental,
social, and corporate governance (ESG) by institutional investors.
-
(09/07/10)
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Eurosif Recommends Improvements in Corporate Governance
Invited by the European Commission to offer remedies for weaknesses in corporate governance,
Eurosif responds with recommendations to increase transparency and strengthen shareowner rights.
-
(09/03/10)
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Is There a Case to Be Made Against Corporate Social Responsibility?
The argument that corporate social responsibility impedes better corporate governance ignores the
financial relevance of environmental, social, and corporate governance considerations.
-
(09/02/10)
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Banks Back Away from Financing Mountain Top Removal
The environmentally destructive coal mining practice, for years a target of shareowner activists,
faces new regulatory restrictions and limited financing from major banks.
-
(09/01/10)
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Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Receives Recommendations for Improved Reporting
The InterAcademy Council recommends that IPCC improve review processes and transparency in wake of
attacks on climate science.
-
(08/31/10)
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Vedanta Denied Permission to Mine Sacred Mountain
India's Ministry of Environment and Forests denies permission to mining company for bauxite mine on
Niyamgiri mountain in the Orissa region.
-
(08/30/10)
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SEC Adopts Rules for Proxy Access
Activist shareowners praise the rule that will allow them to nominate candidates for corporate
boards of directors.
-
(08/27/10)
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Political Contributions by Target and Best Buy Lead to Shareowner Action
Companies' support for opponent of gay rights undermines their policies on diversity and threatens
reputational risk in the form of consumer backlash.
-
(08/26/10)
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Failure of Financial Reform to Break Up Big Banks Leaves Economy at Risk
Former International Monetary Fund chief economist Simon Johnson claims that defeat of
Brown-Kaufman amendment leaves financial system vulnerable.
-
(08/25/10)
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ShoreBank Closed by Federal Regulators
The Chicago-based community banking pioneer is replaced by the Urban Partnership Bank, which plans
to continue the mission of its predecessor.
-
(08/24/10)
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Plan Seeks 100% Renewable Energy in Australia in Ten Years
Report from Beyond Zero Emissions asserts that Australia's energy needs can be fully met by
renewable sources within ten years with technologies that are already available.
-
(08/23/10)
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Website Tracks Political Donations by Oil, Gas, and Coal Companies
Oil Change International unveils DirtyEnergyMoney.com to highlight correspondence between corporate
political donations and Congressional voting patterns.
-
(08/20/10)
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Transport Sector Lags in Addressing Climate Change
A report from the Carbon Disclosure Project finds that despite being a major contributor to
greenhouse gas emissions, the transport sector lags in setting reduction targets and recognizing
risks and opportunities.
-
(08/19/10)
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MacArthur Foundation Grant Helps Business for Social Responsibility Launch Second Stage of Migrant Workers Initiative
The Migration Linkages initiative, launched in 2008, will expand its focus on labor abuses of
migrant workers in receiving countries such as Malaysia to include sending countries like
Indonesia.
-
(08/18/10)
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New Fixed-Income Fund Will Help Finance Everglades Restoration
RSF Social Finance and Community Capital Management partner to develop fund that will provide
funding for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.
-
(08/17/10)
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Dell Shareowners Vote Down AFL-CIO Resolutions on Executive Pay and Chairman
Despite SEC allegations of improper disclosure of payments, shareowners vote with management on
governance resolutions.
-
(08/14/10)
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Trade Unions Focus on Forced Labor as an Issue for Sustainable Investors
A briefing paper by the Global Unions Committee on Workers' Capital calls for increased attention
to forced labor as a social issue, and advocates a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigation.
-
(08/13/10)
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Wachovia Wells Fargo Next Award Finalists Announced
Two community development financial institutions (CDFIs) will share awards totaling $8.25 million
in program-related investments and unrestricted grants.
-
(08/12/10)
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New Program Seeks to Unlock $100 Million in Small Business Lending
A $10 million Bank of America grant program will provide loan loss reserves for Community
Development Financial Institutions in order to access $100 million in small business lending.
-
(08/11/10)
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EPA Rejects Challenges to Climate Science
The Agency disallows ten petitions challenging its 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gas
emissions, stating that "climate science is credible, compelling, and growing stronger."
-
(08/10/10)
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Oil Sands Extraction in Alberta Prevents Canada From Meeting Copenhagen Commitment
The Pembina Institute publishes a briefing paper describing the environmental costs of oil sands
extraction in the province.
-
(08/09/10)
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Investment in Deepwater Drilling Requires Robust Disclosure by Oil Companies
In letters to oil and gas and insurance companies, a coalition of investors led by Ceres asks for
improved risk management and disclosure in aftermath of BP disaster.
-
(08/06/10)
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Corporate Disclosures Ignore Financial Benefits of Board Diversity
A new report from The Corporate Library finds that corporate compliance with disclosure
requirements on diversity has been vague, while studies indicate a financial benefit.
-
(08/05/10)
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AfricaSIF Aims to Encourage Sustainable Investment Practices in Africa
SocialFunds.com speaks with Graham Sinclair, co-founder of AfricaSIF, about the state of
sustainable investment in Africa and the mission of the organization.
-
(08/04/10)
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Global Reporting Initiative and Others Form International Integrated Reporting Committee
The goal of the new initiative is to bring about an integration of ESG and financial reporting, to
meet the information needs of long-term investors.
-
(08/03/10)
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CBIS Reports Results of Initiative Addressing Child Sex Tourism During World Cup
Of the eight major hotel chains contacted, only Accor and Carlson distinguish themselves with
polices and training of employees on the issue.
-
(08/02/10)
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Investors Urge US to Support Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Calvert and the Indigenous Peoples Working Group of the Social Investment Forum encourage the US
State Department in its reconsideration of the 2007 vote against the UN Declaration on the Rights
of Indigenous Peoples.
-
(07/30/10)
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EIRIS Report Details Human Rights Abuses and Other Allegations Against Vedanta Resources Operations in India
The UK-based investment research firm seeks to raise investor awareness of Vedanta's mining
operations in India, and pressure the company to engage with investors more constructively.
-
(07/29/10)
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Report Examines Role of Business in a Sustainable Economy
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development identifies alarming levels of growth in
urbanization and consumption, and describes crucial role of business in transition to
sustainability.
-
(07/28/10)
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Investors Lead Way on Climate Change As Senate Fails to Act
The US Senate abandons effort to pass meaningful legislation in a year when climate change-related
shareowner resolutions attract widespread support.
-
(07/27/10)
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Investors Address Human Rights in Electronics Supply Chains
In the aftermath of suicides at the Foxconn manufacturing plant in China, an investor coalition
asks for improved conditions for workers.
-
(07/26/10)
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The Corporate Library and GovernanceMetrics International Announce Merger
The combination of corporate governance research firms is the most recent of many mergers and
acquisitions in the environmental, social, and governance research sector.
-
(07/24/10)
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Will 2011 Be a Watershed Year for Corporate Governance?
SocialFunds.com talks with James McRitchie of Corpgov.net about corporate governance and the 2010
proxy season. Third of a three-part series.
-
(07/23/10)
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Mutual Funds Continue to Support Management on Executive Compensation
A new report finds that although withholding votes from directors over compensation issues has
increased, support by mutual funds for management proposals on compensation issues was 84% in 2008.
-
(07/22/10)
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Extractive Industries Will Be Required to Disclose Payments to Governments
A provision in the financial reform bill requires energy and mining companies to report payments
they make in return for oil, gas, and minerals.
-
(07/21/10)
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SEC Seeks to Overhaul Proxy Infrastructure for the First Time in 30 Years
A concept release published by the Agency seeks public comment in order to increase the
transparency and integrity of the proxy system.
-
(07/20/10)
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Passage of Financial Reform Bill Applauded by Sustainability Investors
Bill as passed by Senate includes provision for proxy access but not a majority voting standard.
-
(07/19/10)
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Bond Program Will Help Affordable Housing in New York City
Through its CRA Qualified Investment Fund, Community Capital Management will finance the
acquisition and development of 5,600 affordable units.
-
(07/16/10)
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Large US Companies Continue to Lag in Reporting on Environmental Issues
IW Financial and Soyka & Company follow last year's The Road Not Yet Taken with a new study that
finds many S&P1000 companies insufficiently transparent regarding environmental policies.
-
(07/15/10)
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Human Rights Abuses Found in Kazakhstan Suppliers of Tobacco to Philip Morris
A report by Human Rights Watch finds abuses of migrant workers and the frequent use of child labor
in the company's supply chain in Kazakhstan.
-
(07/14/10)
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Appleseed Fund Announces Investment Policy That Excludes Too-Big-To-Fail Banks
Although the policy does not change an investment strategy that excludes big banks that represent a
systemic risk, Appleseed is the first mutual fund to explicitly exclude them.
-
(07/13/10)
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Carbon Disclosure Project and Global Reporting Initiative to Coordinate Reporting Guidelines
To standardize the two most widely used mechanisms for corporate emissions reporting, the
organizations publish a linkage document comparing indicators and questions.
-
(07/12/10)
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China Renews Google's License to Operate
Free speech issue is sidestepped as the company will continue to direct its Chinese users to its
Hong Kong-based search engine.
-
(07/09/10)
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UN Global Compact and the Global Reporting Initiative Join to Promote Corporate Sustainability
The Global Compact will adopt the GRI's Sustainability Reporting Guidelines as its recommended
reporting framework, while the GRI will integrate the Global Compact's Ten Principles into its
Guidelines.
-
(07/08/10)
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Verite Publishes Report on Role of Brokers in Forced Labor
The report coincides with the organization's launch of the Well Made initiative, which aims to
engage stakeholders in finding solutions to the problem.
-
(07/07/10)
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New EPA Reporting Rules Aim to Track Methane Emissions
Agency's emissions reporting requirements are extended to include underground coal mines,
industrial wastewater treatment systems, industrial waste landfills, and magnesium production
facilities.
-
(07/06/10)
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Landmark Sustainable Investment Law for UK-Based Pension Funds Is Ten Years Old
The UK Sustainable Investment and Finance (UKSIF) marks the anniversary of ground-breaking
regulation with a review of a decade's worth of accomplishments.
-
(07/02/10)
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As African Economy Grows, Sustainability Advocates Look to Leapfrog Investment as Usual
A McKinsey report finds that economic growth is on the upswing in Africa, and AfricaSIF is launched
to encourage sustainable investment on the continent.
-
(07/01/10)
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Higher Shareowner Votes Are Encouraging, But Not Enough to Change the System
SocialFunds.com speaks with Laura Berry of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR)
about the impact of higher shareowner votes this proxy season. Second of a three-part series.
-
(06/30/10)
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FTSE Launches FTSE CDP Carbon Strategy Index Series
Developed by FTSE’s Responsible Investment Unit and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the
indexes will support investors who incorporate climate change into investment strategies.
-
(06/29/10)
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Proxy Access Survives Conference Committee
In response to widespread objections that a proposal to increase ownership thresholds would
effectively "gut proxy access," House and Senate conferees retain provision that gives the SEC
authority to set thresholds.
-
(06/28/10)
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Environmental Shareowner Resolutions Gain Record Levels of Support in 2010 Proxy Season
SocialFunds.com speaks with Michael Passoff of As You Sow about shareowner concerns over hydraulic
fracturing, coal ash waste, and other environmental issues. First of a three-part series.
-
(06/25/10)
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Voluntary Carbon Markets Experience Steep Decline in 2009
Report by the Ecosystem Marketplace and Bloomberg New Energy Finance attributes decline in volume
to financial crisis and regulatory uncertainty.
-
(06/24/10)
|
Access to Medicine Foundation Publishes 2010 Access to Medicine Index
The new index improves upon the 2008 version by including more pharmaceutical companies and by
shifting focus from policy to practice.
-
(06/23/10)
|
Global CEOs Express Support for Empowerment Principles for Women
The United Nations Development Fund for Women and the UN Global Compact announce that 38 corporate
CEOs have signed a Statement of Support for Women's Empowerment Principles.
-
(06/22/10)
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Conference Committee Poised to Abandon Proposed Corporate Governance Reforms
Institutional investors object to proposal to raise minimum voting threshold for proxy access to
five percent, claiming it would make the provision unusable.
-
(06/21/10)
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Fate of Legislation to Curb Political Spending Is in Question
Intended to redress the consequences of the Supreme Court ruling on Citizens United, the DISCLOSE
Act faces opposition by corporate lobbyists, even as shareowner resolutions for disclosure of
political spending gain record levels of support.
-
(06/18/10)
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Telepresence Reduces Emissions While Providing Financial Benefits
A study by the Carbon Disclosure Project finds that travel substitution through video
communications technology could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2020, while saving
$19 billion.
-
(06/17/10)
|
Sustainability Investors Make Their Voices Heard on Financial Reform Legislation
As a Congressional conference committee determines the final version of legislation, the Social
Investment Forum and government pension funds speak out on corporate governance and other issues.
-
(06/16/10)
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KKR Works With Portfolio Companies to Improve Environmental Performance
Partnering with the Environmental Defense Fund, the private equity firm helps portfolio companies
save $160 million in operating costs and eliminate 345,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
-
(06/15/10)
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Resolution Denying EPA Authority to Regulate Emissions is Defeated by Senate
By a vote of 53-47, Senate defeats disapproval resolution introduced by Republican Senator Lisa
Murkowski of Alaska, paving the way for a vote on the Kerry-Lieberman American Power Act.
-
(06/14/10)
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Second Carrots and Sticks Report Surveys Current Status of Sustainability Reporting
The Global Reporting Initiative collaborates with the United Nations Environment Programme and KPMG
to provide recommendations for improved reporting on a global scale.
-
(06/11/10)
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Attention to Corporate Governance Can Improve Investment Returns
A new study by The Corporate Library constructs a hypothetical portfolio based on its corporate
governance rankings, which significantly outperforms a Russell 1000 benchmark.
-
(06/10/10)
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Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change Publishes Third Annual Investor Statement on Climate Change
The European-based forum for collaboration on climate change reports increased attention to climate
change by investors, but find that few integrate climate change into Investment Manager Agreements.
-
(06/09/10)
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GRI Plans Incremental Updates to Sustainability Reporting Framework
The world’s most widely used corporate reporting framework invites public comment on updates in
areas of community, human rights, and gender.
-
(06/08/10)
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BP Among Companies Removed from Global Sustainability Index
The NASDAQ OMX CRD Global Sustainability 50 Index announces semi-annual ranking of companies taking
leadership roles in sustainability performance reporting.
-
(06/07/10)
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Sustainability Investors Reconsider BP Holdings in Wake of Gulf Disaster
With BP’s reputation as a leading sustainable company destroyed, investors weigh alternatives of
divestment or increased engagement.
-
(06/04/10)
|
Foxconn Suicides Lead to Scrutiny of Supply Chain Management
Contract manufacturer for such electronics companies as Apple and HP faces questions about its
labor practices in the aftermath of suicides by workers.
-
(06/03/10)
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Clean Energy Investment in Emerging Markets Is Growing
A study by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) finds that clean energy investment in Brazil, China,
India, and South Africa is large, and is expected to grow as regulation evolves.
-
(06/02/10)
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UK-Based Financial Reporting Council Recommends End to Staggered Corporate Boards
The organization’s updated UK Corporate Governance Code asserts that board accountability would be
improved by annual elections of directors.
-
(06/01/10)
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Proxy Advisory Services Come Under Increased Scrutiny
Pointing to the considerable proxy voting power and little oversight of companies such as
RiskMetrics, critics call for increased regulation to avoid conflicts of interest.
-
(05/28/10)
|
Fortress World or Great Transition?
A report by the Tellus Institute explores four scenarios in response to sustainability demands, and
calls for a profound restructuring of global economic priorities.
-
(05/27/10)
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Investors and Shareowners Applaud Senate Passage of Financial Reform Bill
Corporate governance provisions would improve accountability by management, while consumer
protection provisions will help stabilize small businesses.
-
(05/26/10)
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Corporations Want Climate Change Legislation but Are Not Waiting to Act
Survey by Ernst & Young of executives of 300 global corporations indicates that they are
implementing climate change mitigation strategies while calling for effective legislation.
-
(05/25/10)
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CalSTRS Invests in Solar Thermal Power Plants
The investment by the $139 billion pension fund will help BrightSource build 14 solar power plants
in the US southwest by 2016
-
(05/24/10)
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Six Thousand US Companies Support Climate Change Legislation
An analysis by American Businesses for Clean Energy finds that supporters of climate legislation
include many companies in the Fortune 100 and Fortune 500.
-
(05/21/10)
|
Pax World Launches Family of Sustainable Exchange Traded Funds
The exchange traded funds (ETFs) track the performances of indexes whose constituents are
determined by KLD sustainability rankings.
-
(05/20/10)
|
ShoreBank Scrambles to Raise Enough Cash to Avoid FDIC Seizure
The pioneering community lender, whose practice of providing loans in distressed neighborhoods led
to high default rates in the aftermath of the recession, is described as a victim of the financial
crisis.
-
(05/19/10)
|
Draft of Key Performance Indicators for Corporate Reporting Is Published in Europe
The EFFAS Commission on ESG Environmental, Social & Governance expands upon previous
recommendations by adding key performance indicators (KPIs) for 114 industry subsectors.
-
(05/18/10)
|
Credit Rating Agencies Face New Legislative Strictures
Widely criticized for assigning inflated ratings to mortgage-backed securities, rating agencies
will be assigned ratings by an independent agency.
-
(05/17/10)
|
Investors Ask Hotel Chains to Help Combat Sex Tourism During 2010 World Cup in South Africa
A letter from Christian Brothers Investment Services to hotels, asking them to help prevent the
sexual exploitation of children and other human trafficking crimes, gains 300 signatories and the
support of the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre.
-
(05/14/10)
|
Pension Funds Join New York State Comptroller’s Call to Withhold Votes in Favor of Board Directors at Massey
Following the Upper Big Branch mining tragedy, the funds assert that the directors have failed to
oversee risk and protect investments.
-
(05/13/10)
|
Energy Information Administration Reports Steep Decline in US Emissions in 2009
Drop in energy consumption, mostly due to economic downturn, is led by energy-intensive sectors,
but emissions will increase again if those sectors lead economic recovery.
-
(05/12/10)
|
Environmental Resolutions Continue to Gain Strong Shareowner Support
Resolutions requesting better disclosure of hydraulic fracturing win substantial support at two oil
and gas companies.
-
(05/11/10)
|
Goldman Sachs Annual Meeting a Success for Shareowner Advocacy
Several resolutions introduced by members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility win
significant shareowner support, and a resolution on say-on-pay is withdrawn.
-
(05/10/10)
|
Citigroup Launches Fund to Loan $200 Million to Small Businesses in Low-Income Communities
The bank partners with Calvert Foundation and Opportunity Finance Network to provide Community
Development Financial Institution Loan Funds with capital to lend to small businesses.
-
(05/07/10)
|
IntercontinentalExchange Acquires Climate Exchange
The acquisition anticipates substantial growth in the global carbon market if the US adopts a
mandatory cap-and-trade program.
-
(05/06/10)
|
Pension Funds Sue Goldman Sachs Over Abacus
Three pension funds allege breaches of fiduciary duties by Goldman Sachs, and a law firm files a
class action lawsuit on behalf of investors.
-
(05/05/10)
|
Despite More Widespread Adoption of Investment Policies, Banks Have Yet to Transition to Sustainable Practice
Report by BankTrack, the third in a series, finds that while that more banks have publicly
available policies, most of the policies are inadequate.
-
(05/04/10)
|
Greenpeace Ranks Cisco First Among IT Companies Addressing Climate Change
The third version of the organization’s Cool IT Leaderboard ranks leading IT companies according to
economy-wide solutions, emissions reductions in their own operations, and advocacy.
-
(05/03/10)
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First-Time Resolution on Derivatives Wins 39% of Shareowner Vote at Bank of America
Strong support for resolution follows a 30% vote in favor at Citigroup; votes at Goldman Sachs and
JP Morgan Chase are next.
-
(04/30/10)
|
CEO Pay Declines for Second Year in a Row
A preliminary report by The Corporate Library finds that compensation for CEOs of the largest
companies has declined the most, largely due to the poor stock market.
-
(04/29/10)
|
First-Time Environmental Resolutions Win Strong Shareowner Support
Resolutions addressing Bisphenol-A at Coca-Cola and coal ash at MDU Resources each gain more than
20% of shareowners’ votes.
-
(04/28/10)
|
Emissions of Largest US Companies Are on the Rise
A Carbon Disclosure Project assessment of companies in the S&P 100 finds that the current emissions
trajectory will produce a 3.66% absolute increase by 2020.
-
(04/27/10)
|
Credit Rating Agency Hit With Subpoena for Failing to Comply With Investigation
The Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission issues subpoena to Moody’s Investors Service after the
credit rating agency failed to respond to its request for documents.
-
(04/26/10)
|
Resolution on Derivatives Wins Strong Support at CitiGroup Shareowner Meeting
Submitted by members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, the resolution, which
requests a report on CitiGroup’s derivatives policy, wins 30% of vote.
-
(04/22/10)
|
Three Reports Detail Investment Risks in South and Southeast Asia
The World Resources Institute examines the potential impact of water scarcity on investment in the
food and beverage, power generation, and real estate sectors in the region.
-
(04/21/10)
|
Proxy Voting Guide Aims to Help Shareowners Evaluate Labor Standards
The Corporate Library publishes guide to help shareowners decide how to vote on proposals
addressing the relationship between labor standards and investment risk.
-
(04/19/10)
|
SEC Charges Goldman Sachs With Fraud
Commission alleges that investment banker and one of its vice presidents defrauded investors with
financial product based on subprime mortgages.
-
(04/17/10)
|
SEC Decision to Disallow Proposals on Net Neutrality Perplexes Shareowners
The proposals would prohibit Internet service providers from exercising preferential treatment and
unfair competitive advantage, but are disallowed on the grounds of ordinary business.
-
(04/16/10)
|
SAM to Update Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes
The investment group invites the world's largest companies to participate in its Corporate
Sustainability Assessment, to determine inclusion in the group of Sustainability Indexes.
-
(04/15/10)
|
Shareowner Resolutions Target Four Companies on Oil Sands Development in Canada
International effort by shareowner activists ask BP, Shell, ConocoPhillips, and ExxonMobil to
report on a multitude of risks relating to the environmentally damaging practice.
-
(04/14/10)
|
As You Sow Publishes 2010 Proxy Season Preview
The sixth in an annual series of publications, the 2010 Preview highlights the successes of 2009
while identifying the major issues for shareowner advocates this year.
-
(04/13/10)
|
CDP Water Disclosure Sends First-Ever Request for Information on Water Use to More Than 300 Companies
The initiative, which aims to inform investors of risks and opportunities relating to corporate
water usage, has been signed by 137 financial institutions with a combined $16 trillion in assets.
-
(04/12/10)
|
Shareowner Activists Applaud EPA Study of Hydraulic Fracturing
The impacts on drinking water resources of the controversial method of natural gas extraction,
which is the subject of shareowner resolutions with 12 companies this proxy season, will be the
focus of an EPA study.
-
(04/09/10)
|
Decisions by Court of Appeals and the SEC Block Assurance of Net Neutrality
Court rules that the FCC lacks authority to regulate interference by Internet companies of usage by
its subscribers, and the SEC disallows a number of shareowner proposals addressing net neutrality
on the grounds of ordinary business. Second of a two-part series.
-
(04/08/10)
|
Measure, Manage, Report: How Companies Can Prepare for a Low-Carbon Economy
The Environmental Defense Fund publishes a roadmap to help companies navigate the transition to
greenhouse gas reductions and meaningful sustainability reporting.
-
(04/07/10)
|
Shareowners Push Internet Companies to Protect Online Privacy
Resolution submitted by As You Sow requests from Google a policy on behavioral advertising based on
tracking of online searches by consumers. First of a two-part series.
-
(04/06/10)
|
Intel Agrees to Board-Level Consideration of Sustainability
The company engages with Harrington Investments following the submission of a shareowner
resolution, and directs its legal counsel to issue an opinion that sustainability performance and
reporting are the fiduciary duty of corporate Boards.
-
(04/05/10)
|
Study to Evaluate Climate Change Impact Across Asset Classes
Mercer joins with institutional asset owners and investors to launch a study exploring the impact
of climate change on asset allocation.
-
(04/02/10)
|
Companies Not Doing Enough to Limit Exposure to Bribery
A new report from EIRIS finds that the vast majority of companies in the FTSE All World Developed
Index lack adequate anti-bribery policies, and almost none provide effective reporting on the
issue.
-
(04/01/10)
|
SEC Widens Inquiry into Pre-Crash Accounting by Financial Firms
As criminal charges against Lehman Brothers are contemplated, the SEC Division of Corporation
Finance requests accounting information from other companies.
-
(03/31/10)
|
Shareowners Find Support in Congress and the SEC for Resolutions Filed in 2010
Resolutions addressing climate change and corporate governance dominate the 2010 proxy season, as
proposed legislation and regulatory mandates increase attention to the issues.
-
(03/30/10)
|
Guide on Climate Change for Private Equity Investors Is Published
The Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change advises pension fund trustees to hold their
private equity fund managers accountable for engaging with portfolio companies on climate change.
-
(03/29/10)
|
Treasury Official Criticizes Chamber for Opposing Financial Reform
Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal Wolin says the Chamber's $3 million lobbying campaign is designed to
defeat financial reform legislation.
-
(03/25/10)
|
Fifteen States Sue the EPA on Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Findings
The lawsuit recycles recent misrepresentations of the validity of climate science in seeking to
prevent or delay regulatory action on emissions reduction.
-
(03/24/10)
|
Calls for Improved Corporate ESG Reporting Span Globe
Eurosif states that ESG reporting by European companies should be mandatory, and the Social
Investment Forum's Emerging Markets Disclosure Project encourages companies in emerging markets to
issue sustainability reports.
-
(03/23/10)
|
Women Are Still Underrepresented on Corporate Boards
White paper from The Corporate Library finds that board-level gender diversity is lacking,
especially among smaller companies, and suggests that new SEC rules on disclosure may help improve
diversity.
-
(03/22/10)
|
A Corporate CEO Speaks Out on Climate Change
Gary Hirshberg, CEO of Stonyfield Farm, talks with SocialFunds.com about the business case for
climate change legislation and the competitive danger of not acting quickly enough. Second of a
two-part series.
-
(03/19/10)
|
Companies Voice Their Support for Effective Climate Change Legislation
Asserting that the US has already fallen behind other countries in the development of renewable
energy technologies, the We Can Lead lobbying campaign brings businesses to Washington DC to call
for legislation that includes a price on carbon. First of a two-part series.
-
(03/18/10)
|
Companies That Aggressively Pursue Sustainability Are Reaping Benefits
A report from the MIT Sloan Management Review and the Boston Consulting Group finds that while the
majority of companies view sustainability as a response to external pressures, some are finding
profitability in its practice.
-
(03/17/10)
|
Seventh Auction of Carbon Allowances by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Yields $88 Million for Clean Energy Investment
As doubts about passage of federal cap-and-trade legislation grow, total proceeds from Regional
Greenhouse Gas Initiative auctions increase to more than $582 million.
-
(03/16/10)
|
Draft Financial Reform Bill Includes Provisions for Shareowner Rights
Proposed bill will strengthen corporate governance by providing shareowners with proxy access and
annual votes on executive compensation.
-
(03/15/10)
|
Shareowner Activists Request Better Disclosure of Strategic Risks by Oil Sands Developers
Investor group led by Boston Common Asset Management in the US and FairPensions in the UK joins
forces to engage with BP and Shell on disclosure of strategic risk mitigation in Canadian oil sands
developments.
-
(03/12/10)
|
