FS Sustainability

Execs sceptical of 2050 net zero goal

ROSE MARY PETRASS   Confidence in net zero by 2050 is diminishing, with almost two-thirds of executives now anticipating the world will reach net zero by 2060 or later, up from just over half a year ago.

CBA launches green business loan

ROSE MARY PETRASS   Australia's largest lender has rolled out a new financing option for enterprises to fund sustainability projects like renewable energy, energy-efficient upgrades, climate resilience, and nature protection.

Canberra's new plan a winner for investors

ROSE MARY PETRASS   Albanese's Future Made in Australia Act is a much-needed signal to promote competition, resiliency, productivity, and attract capital, investors say.

Investors fail to vote for climate despite pledges

ROSE MARY PETRASS   Board directors of energy companies continue to be elected with over 95% shareholder support, even when those companies perform poorly against investor expectations.

Upskill needed as mandatory reporting looms

ROSE MARY PETRASS   Australian businesses and financiers face significant challenges in reporting on sustainability - a technical skill that is essential to meet climate targets and ensure a smooth and effective transition to net zero.

Borrowers pressured for plans as Scope 3 left in dust

ROSE MARY PETRASS   Almost half (42%) of energy companies on Citi bank's loan book do not have climate transition plans.

Impact investing drops down the list

ROSE MARY PETRASS   New global findings from a US$240 billion asset manager finds that persistent inflation and market volatility has investors' minds focused on returns rather than impact.

Members beef up ESG checks

ROSE MARY PETRASS   A new report reveals that investors are keener than ever to secure their financial future by investing responsibly and will pull their money if their manager doesn't do so.

Australian housing crisis escalates as affordability worsens

ANDREW MCKEAN   Rising interest rates and weak disposable income growth have caused housing affordability to drop to its lowest point in decades, according to Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) senior economists.

DEI winner takes home top prize

ROSE MARY PETRASS   A social enterprise that employs refugee and migrant women has won the National Banksia Award; it's the first time a nomination in the DEI category has taken out the top sustainability prize.

Podcast: Divestment, impact, and all that good stuff with Sharon Davis of Future Super

ROSE MARY PETRASS   Today, senior journalist and host Rose Mary Petrass sits down with Sharon Davis, Executive Director of Investments at Future Super, a superfund that invests for a fossil fuel free future.

Two new ETFs for Franklin Templeton

KARREN VERGARA   Franklin Templeton has launched actively managed global equity and fixed income exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the ASX today.

Social impact groups bolster leadership

ROSE MARY PETRASS   International Justice Mission (IJM), the world's largest anti-slavery organisation, has appointed a new CEO. Plus: award-winning sustainable fashion house The Social Outfit gets new head of impact.

Australian Ethical lead returns to CoreData

ROSE MARY PETRASS   The investment director of one of Australia's premier ethical investment firms has returned to a global market research consultancy after a decade.