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Deckers Outdoor Corporation Joins Ceres Company Network
Ceres has approved Deckers Outdoor Corporation, a footwear and accessories company, as a Ceres Network Company. Deckers manufactures footwear and accessories under the brands UGG® Australia, Teva®, Sanuk®, Ahnu®, Tsubo® and MOZO®. Companies that join Ceres commit to improve their sustainability disclosure and performance.
Many U.S Mutual Fund Companies Falling Short in Proxy Voting on Climate Change
The three largest mutual fund companies in the U.S. – American Funds, Fidelity, and Vanguard – managing over $1.6 trillion in U.S. securities in 2011, voted on dozens of shareholder resolutions last year seeking to improve corporate environmental and financial performance related to climate change.
KB Home and Annie's Inc., Join BICEP- A Business Coalition Calling for Strong Clean Energy, Climate Policies
National homebuilder KB Home and organic food producer Annie’s Inc. today became the two newest companies to advocate for strong clean energy and climate change policies in the US by joining BICEP – Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy – a national coalition of consumer brands organized by Ceres.
VIDEO: Sales, Profit, Consumer Cost Impacts of New 54.5 MPG Standards
A new video explains the profits, sales and consumer cost impacts of the proposed 54.5-MPG federal fuel economy standards, which are set to be finalized this summer.
New Ceres/Sustainalytics Report Shows Most U.S. Companies Falling Short on Sustainability
In the first major assessment of progress on a unique Ceres Roadmap to corporate sustainability released two years ago, Ceres and global research and analysis firm Sustainalytics today released “The Road to 2020: Corporate Progress on the Ceres Roadmap for Sustainability.”
Major Investors and Companies Tackle Climate Change and Sustainability at Ceres Conference in Boston
Companies and investors are tackling climate change and other global sustainability threats head-on—and are finding it profitable to do so. That’s the clear message emerging at the Ceres Conference 2012: Igniting Innovation, Scaling Sustainability at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel. The conference’s opening day was marked by numerous company announcements and the release of a new Ceres/Sustainalytics report evaluating 600 leading US companies on their progress – or lack of it – on sustainability.
Tessa Tennant, Sustainable Investing Pioneer on Several Continents, Wins Annual Joan Bavaria Award
Tessa Tennant, President and co-founder of The Ice Organisation, has been awarded the fourth-annual Joan Bavaria Award for Building Sustainability into the Capital Markets. The announcement was made at Tuesday’s opening reception of the Ceres annual conference, which runs April 25-26 at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel in Boston, MA.
Business as Usual More Risky for Electric Utilities, New Report Finds; Big Boost in Capital Spending Must Pivot to Reflect New Realities
Over the next 20 years, electric utilities will likely spend some $2 trillion - $100 billion per year - on capital investments to replace aging power plants, implement new technologies and meet new regulatory requirements.
Meeting higher MPG standard likely to bring higher profits for all automakers, nearly $2.5 billion in extra profits for Detroit Three
Automakers will likely make billions more dollars in profits - under proposed new national gas mileage and emissions standards that will be finalized later this summer. A new report - produced by Citi Investment Research and Analysis in collaboration with Ceres - shows that American automakers will likely enjoy the biggest percentage increase in profits.
Major Investors Warn Energy Companies of Business Risks in Flaring Gas at Shale Oil Wells
With escalating shale oil production putting the US on track to become the world’s largest oil producer, investors are challenging an increasingly common industry practice – burning off or ‘flaring’ associated natural gas from shale oil wells – as environmentally damaging, economically wasteful and a threat to the industry’s bottom line.
IPCC report confirms what insurance industry already knows:
In the wake of a new Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on extreme weather and climate change, Ceres and insurance industry executives today released statements on the report’s findings and the growing impacts of extreme weather on their businesses and actions that are needed to respond if climate trends continue.
U.S. EPA’s issuance of the first-ever Carbon Pollution Standard for New Power Plants
Ceres applauds the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for releasing, for public comment, its historic proposal to limit carbon pollution from new power plants under the Clean Air Act.
Insurers See Growing Risks and Costs from Climate Change
Coming off a year of record-setting $1 billion-plus natural disasters, representatives of leading insurance companies said today that costs to taxpayers and businesses from extreme weather will continue to soar because of climate change.
America’s Major Consumer Brands, including Nike, Starbucks and Campbell Soup, Call on Congress to Extend Wind Energy Tax Credit
Staples, Starbucks, Nike, Levi Strauss & Co., Campbell Soup, Yahoo and other large corporate purchasers of renewable energy delivered a letter today to Congressional leadership asking for an extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind power – scheduled to expire in December 2012.
Ceres President Supports Institutional Investors’ Call for Financial Market Reforms by U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
In response to today’s release by 14 institutional investors representing $1.6 trillion in assets of An Investor’s Framework for the Future: Financial Market Reform Priorities for the SEC, the following statement was issued by Mindy S. Lubber, president of Ceres and director of the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR).
Investors challenge 10 electric power companies on climate change and air pollution risks
Leading U.S. investors today announced they have filed shareholder resolutions with Southern Company, FirstEnergy, Ameren and seven other electric power providers, pressing them to disclose their plans for managing the risks associated with climate change and pending clean air regulations.
Investors challenge 18 oil and gas companies on climate change, hydraulic fracturing, and sustainability risks
Leading U.S. investors today announced they have filed shareholder resolutions with Exxon-Mobil, Chevron, Chesapeake Energy, ConocoPhillips and 14 other oil and gas companies, pressing them to disclose their plans for managing environmental and workplace challenges such as hydraulic fracturing, greenhouse gas emissions and worker safety.
Limited Brands Joins Growing BICEP Coalition of Corporate Advocates for Strong Energy & Climate Policies
Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy today announced that Ohio-based Limited Brands is the newest retailer to join BICEP and commit to working with businesses and policymakers to enact meaningful energy and climate policies.
Report Taps into Innovative Financing to Secure Future for Sustainable Water Infrastructure
Innovative financing and pricing flexibility are key to preparing the nation’s aging freshwater systems to handle growing demand and environmental challenges, according to a Charting New Waters report released today by The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, American Rivers and Ceres.
Leading US and California Businesses Endorse California’s Clean Cars Leadership
Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP), a coalition of major American businesses, is saluting California’s efforts to accelerate nationwide adoption of innovative clean cars policies through a new ad campaign. These policies will drive job creation, save consumers billions at the pump and cut pollution more than 25 percent by the year 2030.
While Washington Waits, Investors Act on Climate Change
Climate change creates enormous economic risks, but investors know it also represents one of the great financial opportunities of our time. And they are not waiting for governments to start moving on their own toward action.
Ceres President Mindy Lubber Statement on EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics Rule
In response to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announcement today of its final Mercury and Air Toxics Rule for Power Plants, the following statement was issued by Mindy S. Lubber, president of Ceres and director of the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a network of 100 institutional investors across North America managing more than $10 trillion in assets
Investors Act on Climate Change: UN Event to Showcase Actions, Challenges From Global Warming
On January 12, nearly 500 of the world’s investors and most powerful financial players will gather at the United Nations to showcase their actions and discuss promising trends to catalyze the large-scale investment needed to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate potentially catastrophic climate impacts.
Ceres & Trillium Seek Nominations to Honor Leader in Building Sustainable Global Economy
Ceres and Trillium Asset Management are seeking nominations for the fifth annual Joan Bavaria Award. Submissions will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. ET on Monday, February 13, 2012. Nominations can be submitted at www.ceres.org/awards/joan-bavaria-award/nominate.
IPCC Report Confirms What Businesses Already Know: Extreme Weather & Climate Affect Investors, Insurance, Agriculture, Other Industries
In the wake of a new Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on extreme weather and climate change, business leaders today discussed the growing impacts of extreme weather on their companies and customers, and actions that are needed to respond if climate patterns continue.
New Study Shows How EPA Clean Air Rules Boost Economy and Create Jobs
A new study details the positive impacts on the economy and job creation resulting from companies’ investments in emission control technology in response to new air pollution rules from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Administration’s Proposed 54.5 MPG Fuel Economy Standard Wins Praise from Investors
Leading investors praised the Obama Administration’s release today of proposed fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards — standards that will raise automobile fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon on average by 2025, up from 27.3 currently.
New Report Shows Wide Disparities in Energy Efficiency Programs of 50 U.S. Electric Utilities
A new report comparing the energy efficiency programs of 50 electric utility companies shows wide disparities in how much money U.S. utilities are investing in energy efficiency programs, and how successful those programs are at saving energy.
Ceres Releases CA Job Growth Numbers from Federal MPG Standard; Results of New Report Showing Economic Benefits of Strong MPG
Ceres released California economic impact data found in “More Jobs Per Gallon,” an economic analysis by the independent firm Management Information Services, Inc. that quantifies what stronger fuel economy/GHG standards would mean for California and the U.S. economy.
World's Largest Investors, Worth $20 Trillion, Step Up Call for Urgent Policy Action on Climate Change
Despite the global economic crisis, and increased market volatility, the world’s largest investors today urged governments and international policy makers to take new and meaningful steps in the fight against climate change.
Ceres Aqua Gauge: New Tool for Companies, Investors to Manage Risks of Worldwide Water Supply Pressures
Against a backdrop of increasing business exposure to global water supply threats, Ceres today released a new tool for evaluating those risks – and opportunities – that both investors and companies can use as a roadmap to enhanced water stewardship.
Voters Overwhelmingly Support EPA Air Pollution Rules
A new, nationwide poll shows that by a wide margin, voters of both political parties and in all regions of the U.S. disagree with Congress’ anti-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agenda and support the EPA’s new rules to limit air pollution from coal-fired power plants.
Ceres Report Calls on Investors to Adopt Stronger Proxy Voting Guidelines for Environmental and Social Issues
The first-of-its-kind report lays out four concise sets of principles on governance, social issues, general sustainability and environmental performance to guide investors’ voting on specific resolutions addressing these topics.
GRI Releases New Guidelines to Build Transparency in Construction and Real Estate Sector
Carbon emissions, management and remediation of contaminated land, and sub-contracted labor issues are some of the sustainability issues that can now be reported by construction and real estate companies, thanks to new guidance published today by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
Ceres Report: Insurers Slow to Recognize Climate Change Threat to Their Business Models and Larger Economy
Only 11 of 88 major insurers surveyed recently have formal policies in place to deal with growing climate change risks, according to a major new report issued today by Ceres. The report was to have been delivered today at a conference of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) that was cancelled due to Hurricane Irene.
Bentall Kennedy Group, Prudential Real Estate Investors, Thomas Properties, Liberty Property Score High in Ranking of Global Property Managers on Environmental Performance
Leading real estate companies reduced their annual energy consumption by nearly 3 percent in 2010 and are taking steps to integrate environmental management into their daily operations, according to a report issued today by the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) Foundation.
Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer Lays Out State’s Energy Future on Ceres Sustainability Podcast
Ceres today launched a three-part podcast series exploring Montana’s energy future. The first episode features Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, now serving his second term as governor, who discusses why he is keen to kick America’s dependency on foreign fuel supplies.
Ceres Investor Network Lauds Economic Benefits of Northeast Clean Fuels Standard
Ceres President Mindy Lubber and two leading investors issued public statements today on the proposed Clean Fuels Standard for 11 Northeast states and the early release of NESCAUM’s economic analysis showing clear economic benefits stemming from a Clean Fuels Standard (CFS).
Ceres President Mindy Lubber Commends Heavy Truck Standards
Ceres, the nation’s largest coalition of investors and public interest groups working to promote sustainability, issued the following statement on today's announcement of the first fuel efficiency/GHG standards for heavy- and medium-duty trucks from 2014-2018.
Ceres Pays Tribute to Sustainability Giant Ray Anderson
Ceres marks with sadness the passing of Ray Anderson, Interface founder and chairman, an extraordinary leader and sustainability pioneer. Anderson was a long-time Ceres friend and advisor, and one of the first industrialists to build his entire business model around sustainability.
Ceres Urges EPA Not to Delay Final Implementation of its Air Toxics Rule for Electric Utilities
Ceres, the nation’s largest coalition of investors and public interest groups, today submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), urging it to reduce hazardous air pollution from coal- and oil-fired power plants and help transition the industry toward cleaner energy resources.
Ceres Announces Leading Investment, Insurance Experts as New Board Members
Ceres has added two new members to its Board of Directors: New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Managing Partner Barney Schauble of Nephila Advisors LLC in San Francisco.
Results of New Report Show Economic Benefits of Strong MPG
As President Obama announces the next round of a coordinated national program to improve fuel efficiency for model year 2017-2025, Ceres released “More Jobs Per Gallon,” an economic analysis by the independent firm Management Information Services, Inc. that quantifies what stronger fuel economy/GHG standards would mean for the U.S. economy.
Ceres Takes to the Airwaves with Message that Stronger Vehicle Standards will Fuel Investment, New Jobs
Ceres, a national coalition of leading institutional investors and environmental groups, launched an ad campaign today promoting the economic benefits of higher fuel efficiency standards, citing recent expert research and polling. The ad campaign, which begins with radio spots in Washington DC and Michigan, is in response to news that the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) had launched a radio ad campaign claiming adverse economic impacts from strong CAFE standards.
Statement by Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, on U.S. EPA’s issuance of the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
Ceres applauds EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson on today's announcement of the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. Coupled with the forthcoming air toxics rule, this long-awaited rule will unleash billions of dollars in capital improvement investments to reduce pollution from existing power plants and build new, clean generation
Portland Trail Blazers Join BICEP Business Coalition Advocating for Strong Clean Energy, Climate Policies
The Portland Trail Blazers today became the first professional sports franchise to stand up publicly for comprehensive energy and climate policies in the U.S. by joining BICEP - Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy - a coalition of consumer brands organized by Boston-based Ceres.
2011 Proxy Season Report: Fracking, Water Scarcity, Other Issues Show Shareholders Resolute on Climate & Related Sustainability Resolutions
Investors achieved noteworthy victories during this year’s shareholder proxy season, with a record 109 shareholder resolutions filed with 81 U.S. and Canadian companies on climate change, unconventional fossil fuel production and related sustainability risks and opportunities.
Ceres Announces Leading Sustainability Advocates, Legal Experts as New Board Members
Ceres today announced it has added four new members to its Board of Directors: Carl Pope, chairman of the Sierra Club; Janet Ranganathan, vice president for Science and Research at the World Resources Institute (WRI); Peter Rosenblum, chair of the Business Department and partner at Foley Hoag LLP; and Damon A. Silvers, director of Policy and Special Counsel at the AFL-CIO.
Climate Change Investor Groups Publish Report on Global Investor Practices Relating to Climate Change
The Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (“IIGCC”), the North American Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR) and Australia/New Zealand Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) have today jointly published a report detailing the investment practices of asset managers, such as primary fund managers, and asset owners, such as pension funds, towards climate change issues.
Ceres, Tellus Unveil Global Initiative for a Standardized, Comprehensive Corporate Sustainability Rating Standard
Ceres and Tellus Institute, two leading organizations that work with companies, investors and nonprofit groups to embed sustainable practices in capital markets, today announced the launch of an initiative to create and bring to widespread adoption a single standard for rating the sustainability performance of companies.
Investors Controlling $1 Trillion in Assets Call on Russell 1000 Companies to Integrate Sustainability Into Business Models
Citing global climate change, resource constraints and growing population pressures, more than two dozen major institutional investors, collectively managing $1 trillion in assets, have asked the Russell 1000 companies in a jointly-signed letter to actively embrace the “new reality” of so-called ESG risks – environmental, social and governance – in both their actions and required investor disclosures.
Voters in America’s Auto & Manufacturing Heartland Want 60 MPG Fuel Economy Standard by 2025
A new poll of 800 likely Michigan voters and 800 likely Ohio voters found overwhelming and intense support for requiring the auto industry to increase average fuel economy to 60 miles per gallon by 2025 and reduce carbon dioxide pollution from new cars, pickup trucks, minivans and SUVs.
California Air Resources Board Chair Mary Nichols and Major Investors Discuss Economic Benefits of Clean Car Standards
Against a backdrop of gas prices exceeding $4 a gallon in many U.S. cities, Ceres hosted a face-to-face media availability and roundtable discussion on the economic benefits of strong fuel economy and emissions standards with California Air Resources Board (CARB) chair Mary Nichols and institutional investors.
Brown-Forman is First Beverage Alcohol Company to Join Ceres Network of Companies
Ceres announced today that it is has approved Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE:BF.B), a spirits and wine company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, as a Ceres Network Company. Brown-Forman has brands in its portfolio such as Jack Daniel’s, Herradura, El Jimador, Finlandia, Sonoma-Cutrer and Southern Comfort, among others. Companies that join Ceres commit to improve their sustainability disclosure and performance by engaging with investors, environmental groups and other stakeholders.
Sprint Nextel, Intuit and Brown Forman join Ceres Network of Companies
The Ceres Board of Directors announced today that Sprint Nextel, Intuit and Brown Forman have joined the Ceres Network of Companies. Companies that join Ceres commit to improve their sustainability disclosure and performance by engaging with investors, environmental groups and other stakeholders.
Leading Companies, Investors Band Together to Catalyze Sustainable Global Economy
Sustainable business practices got a powerful, public boost today when a group of globally prominent investors, Fortune 500 companies and organized labor announced a series of coordinated commitments to combat climate change and other societal challenges while building a safer, more sustainable global economy.
Nike Wins Top Ceres-ACCA Award for Best Sustainability Reporting
Nike received the top sustainable reporting award today for the North American competition sponsored by Ceres and the Association for Chartered Certified Accountants at the Ceres conference in Oakland. The award was accepted by Hannah Jones, Vice President of Sustainable Business and Innovation at Nike. Other winners, selected from nearly 100 nominations by an independent panel of expert judges, included Anvil Knitwear, American Electric Power and SAP.
KLD Co-founder Peter Kinder and Root Capital’s William Foote Recipients of 2011 Bavaria Awards
Socially responsible investing advocates Peter Kinder, co-founder and president until 2009 of KLD Research & Analytics, and William Foote, founder and CEO of Root Capital, were honored May 10, by Ceres and Trillium Asset Management as this year’s winners of the fourth annual Joan Bavaria Awards for Building Sustainability into the Capital Markets.
Business Leaders Say Clean Air Standards Good for Economy
Recently released data from independent business groups and the Environmental Protection Agency demonstrates the positive economic impacts of clean air standards and disprove the claims that new standards are bad for the economy, business and investing leaders said during a media teleconference today.
Advanced Micro Devices Joins Ceres Network of Companies
Ceres announced today that it is has approved Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE:AMD), a semiconductor design innovator, as a Ceres Network Company. Companies that join Ceres commit to improve their sustainability disclosure and performance by engaging with investors, environmental groups and other stakeholders.
Decline in U.S. Mutual Funds’ Support of Climate-Related Shareholder Resolutions in 2010, New Report Finds
U.S. mutual funds’ proxy voting patterns for climate-related shareholder resolutions are not keeping pace with the escalating risks associated with climate change. Mutual funds’ overall support of these resolutions dropped from 27 percent in 2009 to 24 percent in 2010, after rising steadily the previous three years. That is the finding of Ceres’ sixth annual analysis of U.S. mutual fund votes by 46 leading mutual fund families collectively managing approximately $6 trillion in assets. The analysis was jointly conducted with Fund Votes, which has tracked U.S. mutual fund voting since reporting was first required in 2004.
One Year After Gulf Oil Spill, BP Facing Investor Frustration Over Lack of Disclosure on Risk Management
On the one-year anniversary of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, an international coalition of leading socially responsible investors recommended to vote against or abstain from the BP accounts and reports at the company’s upcoming annual meeting.
New Reports from Citi, Ceres See U.S. Auto Industry Boosting Profits, Sales with Higher Mileage Standards
Two new reports from Citi Investment Research, Ceres and industry experts conclude that U.S. automakers will be more profitable at a fleetwide 42 mpg average in 2020 – and that by 2015 more than one in 20 cars sold in the U.S. will be hybrid, plug-in or full electric vehicles (EV).
As Water Scarcity Risks Grow, Investors Persuade Electric Utilities to Disclose Water Management Plans
March 23, 2011 – In response to shareholder requests, three leading electric utilities, Dominion, Southern Company and PPL Corporation, have agreed to significantly expand reporting and disclosure on water availability risks and plans for mitigating those risks.
Former Republican Congressman Bob Inglis Discusses 'Promise and Opportunity' in Addressing Climate Change
Former Congressman Bob Inglis (R-SC) addressed businesses, policymakers, investors and NGOs on the urgent issue of climate change at a March 16 Leadership Breakfast in Washington, DC, hosted by Ceres' Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP) coalition.
Ceres President Mindy Lubber Statement on EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standard
In response to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announcement today of its proposed Mercury and Air Toxics Standard, the following statement was issued by Mindy S. Lubber, president of Ceres and director of the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a network of 95 institutional investors across North America managing more than $9 trillion in assets.
New Report Outlines What Companies Should Be Disclosing on Climate Change Risks and Opportunities
February 25, 2011 – Amid growing evidence that climate change is impacting the global environment and the global economy, the Ceres investor coalition today announced a new report aimed at improving corporate disclosure of climate-related risks and opportunities they face.
Oil, Coal and Power Companies See 50% Increase in Climate- and Energy-Related Shareholder Resolutions in 2011 Proxy Season
February 16, 2011 – Affirming the financial risks that climate change and other environmental concerns pose to leading energy companies, investors announced today the filing of 66 climate and energy related shareholder resolutions with 41 coal, electric power and oil companies in the 2011 proxy season, making 2011 a record for shareholder engagement in the energy sector, even in the face of Congressional inaction on climate change.
INCR DIRECTOR Mindy Lubber Statement on new Mercer report “Climate Change Scenarios – Implications for Strategic Asset Allocation”
February 15, 2011 – Mercer’s report, “Climate Change Scenarios – Implications for Strategic Asset Allocation,” lends credence to a concern that the Investor Network on Climate Risk has been voicing for years. Climate change poses real costs and risks that are material to investment portfolios of pension funds and institutions around the world
EPA Must Be Free to Pursue Its Legal Mandate to Clean Up Air Pollution, BICEP Coalition Representative Timberland Company Tells Congress
February 9, 2011 – Timberland Senior Manager Betsy Blaisdell told the House Energy and Commerce Committee that “preventing EPA from exercising its authority, or rolling back any of its actions, would cost the economy in human health, in terms of illness that often results in lost work days, and more.
BICEP member Jones Lang LaSalle: Corporate Execs Will Pay Extra for the Many Benefits of Green Office Space
February 9, 2011 – Companies that occupy office space around the world consider sustainability a key factor in their space occupancy plans, and half of corporate real estate executives say they will pay extra for space in green buildings, according to the fourth annual Sustainability Survey conducted by CoreNet Global and Jones Lang LaSalle.
Anvil Knitwear Joins Growing BICEP Business Coalition Advocating Strong Energy, Climate Policies
February 9, 2010 – Anvil Knitwear, a century-old apparel brand, today announced that it has joined the fast-growing Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP) coalition. Anvil becomes the 20th member of BICEP, a group of major American companies committed to working with businesses and policymakers to enact meaningful energy and climate policies.
New Report Finds Investments to Clean and Modernize U.S. Power Plants Will Create Significant U.S. Job Growth
February 8, 2011 – Air pollution rules being proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the electric power sector will provide economic benefits and jobs across much of the United States, concentrated especially in the next five years, according to a new report from Ceres announced today at the 2011 Good Jobs, Green Jobs National Conference.
The Walt Disney Co. Joins Ceres Corporate Network
Ceres today announced the approval of The Walt Disney Company (Disney) as a Ceres network company. Disney will work with Ceres to improve its efforts on key environmental and social sustainability issues. Disney will also engage key stakeholders to help advance its sustainability strategy, disclosure, and performance.
New Belgium Brewing Joins Growing BICEP Business Coalition Advocating Strong Energy, Climate Policies
January 27, 2011 – New Belgium Brewing, the nation’s third largest craft brewery, today announced it is joining the fast-growing Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP) coalition, a group of major American businesses pushing for passage of comprehensive energy and climate legislation in the U.S.
Finalists Chosen for Ceres-ACCA North American Sustainability Reporting Awards
Ceres and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) today announced the shortlist of candidate reports for the Ceres-ACCA North American Sustainability Reporting Awards. Of the 98 sustainability reports received, 17 were selected for further consideration by the judges’ panel that meets next month. The final winners will be announced at the Ceres Annual Conference on May 11-12th in Oakland, Calif.
Investors challenge nine oil and gas companies on hydraulic fracturing practices
January 21, 2011 – Leading U.S. investors today announced they have filed shareholder resolutions with nine oil and gas companies, pressing them to disclose their plans for managing water pollution, litigation and regulatory risks that are increasingly associated with ever-expanding natural gas hydraulic fracturing operations (also known as “fracking”) in the United States.
Ceres & Trillium Seek Nominations to Honor Leaders in Building Sustainable Global Economy
January 11, 2011 – Ceres and Trillium Asset Management are seeking nominations for the fourth annual Joan Bavaria Awards for Building Sustainability into the Capital Markets. The Joan Bavaria Awards are given annually to two leaders working to move the capital markets toward a system that balances economic prosperity with social and environmental concerns. One award is given for long-term impact; the second award is for innovation.
CA Technologies Joins Ceres Network of Companies
January 11, 2011 – Ceres announced today that it is has approved CA Technologies, a global IT software management company, as a Ceres network company. The New York-based company is the first software firm to join the Ceres company network.
Major Investors Urge Oil Spill Commission to Seek SEC-Required Disclosure of Offshore Drilling Risks
December 14, 2010 – The Securities and Exchange Commission should play a critical role in requiring oil companies to boost their public disclosure of material financial risks they face from offshore oil drilling projects. To that end, a group of leading U.S. investors has asked the national commission investigating the Gulf of Mexico oil spill to recommend development of new disclosure guidance from the SEC for energy companies involved in ever-increasing deepwater drilling activity globally.
INCR Director Mindy S. Lubber Issues Statement in Support of Extension of Renewable Energy Convertible Tax Credit Program
February 15, 2011 – With nothing less than investment in America’s economic future at stake, the Investor Network on Climate Risk strongly supports extending the credit for the renewable energy convertible tax credit program (provided under Section 1603 of H.R. 1).
New Report: Coal-to-Liquids and Oil Shale Pose Significant Financial and Environmental Risks to Investors
December 9, 2010 – As pressure mounts to develop unconventional fuel sources to enhance U.S. energy security, a new Ceres report released today shows that coal-to-liquid (CTL) and oil shale technologies face significant environmental and financial obstacles - from water constraints, to technological uncertainties to regulatory and market risks - that pose substantial financial risks for investors involved in such projects.
BICEP Companies Send Letter to Senate in Support of EPA’s Authority to Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions
November 30, 2010 – We are writing as major US businesses to urge you to oppose all riders to the FY11 Interior Appropriations bill that would block or delay enforcement of the Clean Air Act and /or specifically curtail EPA’s ability to take action on the regulation of carbon.
Ceres President Recognized as 'Leader of Change' by United Nations and Foundation for Social Change
Mindy S. Lubber, president of the non-profit group Ceres, was honored today by the United Nations and the Foundation for Social Change as one of the “World’s Top Leaders of Change” for her work in mobilizing leading companies to integrate environmental challenges into their core business strategies.
Investors Representing More Than $15 Trillion Call for U.S., International Action on Climate Change
November 16, 2010 – The world's largest global investors have a powerful message for climate negotiators in Cancun and the new U.S. Congress: take action now in the fight against global warming or risk economic disruptions far more severe than the recent financial crisis.
New Report: Growing Water Scarcity in US is 'Hidden' Financial Risk for Investors Owning Utility Bonds
October 21, 2010 – Growing water scarcity in many parts of the United States is a hidden financial risk for investors who buy the water and electric utility bonds that finance much of the country's vast water and power infrastructure, according to a first-ever report on the issue released today by Ceres and Water Asset Management.
68 Leading Investors Issue Joint Statement Opposing Proposition 23
October 19, 2010 – Sixty-eight major investors collectively managing $415 billion in assets today issued a joint statement urging a “No” vote on Proposition 23, the California ballot initiative that would halt implementation of the state’s landmark, bipartisan clean energy law. The signed statement was unveiled at a news media teleconference at 11 a.m. Pacific Time.
Valero, Tesoro and Occidental Face Shareholder Pressure for California Proposition 23 Support
October 13, 2010 – Responding to the oil companies’ financial backing for California’s controversial Proposition 23, investors today announced they have filed shareholder resolutions with Occidental Petroleum (Occidental), Valero Energy Corp (Valero) and Tesoro Corporation (Tesoro) requesting Board-level review and oversight of the companies’ political expenditures and policies. Proposition 23 aims to suspend California’s landmark global warming law and, if passed, would undermine national efforts to reduce pollution causing climate change.
California Companies in BICEP Coalition Urge Prop. 23 “No” Vote
September 29, 2010 – California-based Levi Strauss & Co., eBay Inc., Symantec, Clif Bar & Company and The North Face – all internationally known brand names – today urged California voters to reject the Proposition 23 ballot initiative. They said it would effectively kill the state’s landmark air pollution and clean energy law – and with it the kind of technological innovation opportunities that create many jobs.
Ceres and CalPERS Announce Initiative to Accelerate Corporate Action on Global Sustainability Challenges
Amid rising global temperatures, population growth and resource constraints, Ceres formed a collaboration today with Nike, the Skoll Foundation and the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), the nation's largest public pension fund, to use their collective clout to urge the nation's largest companies to move more quickly to understand global sustainability risks and develop new business models and solutions.
Call for Submissions: 10th annual Ceres-ACCA Awards for Sustainability Reporting
Ceres - a national coalition of investor, environmental and public interest groups – and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Canada invite corporations and organizations to submit their sustainability reports to the 10th annual Ceres-ACCA North American Awards for Sustainability Reporting.
Investors Managing $2.5 Trillion Press Energy Companies to Better Disclose Spill Prevention and Response Plans for Deepwater Wells Worldwide
August 5, 2010 – In the wake of significant financial losses from the BP oil spill and in response to a proliferation of deepwater offshore drilling worldwide, more than 50 U.S. and other global investors have sent letters to major energy companies asking them to disclose information regarding their risk oversight measures, including spill prevention and response plans, for their own offshore oil operations around the world.
Asset Management Firm Legg Mason Joins Ceres’ Network of Companies
Ceres is pleased to welcome Legg Mason Global Asset Management (Legg Mason) into its network of companies. Legg Mason is one of the largest asset management firms in the world, with $658 billon in assets under management as of May 31, 2010. By joining the Ceres company network, Legg Mason commits to long-term stakeholder engagement, public disclosure of its environmental and social impacts and strategies, and continuous sustainability performance improvement.
New Report: U.S. Electric Utilities Must Embrace Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency to Compete in 21st Century
The most successful utilities in the 21st Century will be very different from those of the 20th Century. To remain competitive, U.S. utilities will need to provide cleaner, low-carbon electricity while enabling customers to better manage and reduce their energy use. Achieving this will require significant changes to the traditional utility business model.
Investors Achieve Record Results on Climate Change
July 7, 2010 – Investors filed an unprecedented number of shareholder resolutions in 2010 pressing companies to boost their attention to the risks and opportunities posed by climate change. Key results were achieved, including majority votes at coal mining company Massey Energy (53.1%) and water infrastructure services company Layne Christensen (60.3%).
Mutual Funds Boosting Focus on Climate Change When Voting Their Proxies, New Report Finds
June 16, 2010 – The financial world increasingly understands that climate change will have far-reaching business impacts on a wide array of industries. And that’s translating into ever-growing support by many of the nation’s largest mutual funds in favor of climate-related shareholder resolutions filed with U.S. companies. That’s the finding of this year’s fifth annual Ceres analysis of mutual fund votes by 46 leading mutual fund families collectively managing more than $5 trillion in assets.
BICEP Coalition Letter Urges Senators to Oppose S.J Res. 26
June 9, 2010 – Ceres president Mindy Lubber's letter on behalf of the companies in BICEP, expressing deep concerns about Senate consideration of S.J.Res 26, a resolution to enjoin EPA from taking any action on regulating carbon.
Outdoor Industry Association Joins BICEP Business Coalition Advocating Strong Energy, Climate Policy
June 3, 2010 – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), which represents many of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation’s $730 billion outdoor recreation economy, announced it is joining Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP), a coalition of major American businesses pushing for passage of comprehensive climate and energy legislation in the U.S.
New Report: Canada's Oil Sands Face Significant Financial and Environmental Risks as Great as Those in BP Spill
While public attention is focused on widespread environmental and financial damage from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, a new Ceres report released today shows that the environmental and financial risks of producing oil in Canada's vast oil sands region may be even greater.
BICEP Statement on Discussion Draft of U.S. Senate's "American Power Act" Energy and Climate Legislation
May 12, 2010 – BICEP companies applaud Senators Kerry and Lieberman -- along with Senator Graham who contributed so much to shaping this bill -- for moving the Senate so far toward vital climate and energy legislation. It's a significant step forward and contains several key elements in BICEP's core principles, including major limits on greenhouse gas emissions and crucial initiatives to increase renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Forging the Roadmap to Sustainability: 2010 Joan Bavaria Awards Go to Tim Smith and Center for Political Accountability
Investment advocate Tim Smith of Walden Asset Management in Boston and the Center for Public Accountability in Washington D.C. were honored last night by Ceres and Trillium Asset Management as this year’s winners of the third annual Joan Bavaria Awards for Building Sustainability into the Capital Markets. The announcement was made at the opening reception of the Ceres annual conference, which runs today and tomorrow, May 5-6, at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel.
Ceres President Issues Statement at Annual Conference Condemning Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill; Calls for Policy Actions to Reduce Dependence on Oil and other Fossil Fuels
The following statement was issued this morning by Ceres president Mindy S. Lubber on the opening day of Ceres annual conference, "Roadmap for a Sustainable Future," May 5 and 6 at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. Ceres was launched in 1989 in the wake of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska.
The Timberland Company Wins Ceres-ACCA North American Awards for Best Sustainability Reporting
At the annual Ceres Conference, Jeff Swartz of The Timberland Company accepted the top award for the best corporate sustainability report as part of the international competition organized by Ceres and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The winners, selected from nearly 100 nominations, also included Ford Motor Company and Seventh Generation.
Nationwide Discount Retailer Target Joins BICEP Business Coalition Advocating Strong Energy and Climate Policy
May 5, 2010 – Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP), a coalition of major American businesses that has been pushing hard over the past 18 months for passage of comprehensive energy independence and climate legislation in the U.S., announced today that Target Corporation has joined the coalition.
New Climate Change Report Rates Political and Regulatory Environments as Top Concerns by Corporate Risk Managers
A survey of risk managers on how climate change risk is perceived and dealt with by their businesses, released this morning, reveals the political and regulatory environments are top concerns among risk managers, survey sponsor Zurich Financial Services Group announced today. The survey, analyzed and reported by the Boston-based investor and environmental sustainability network Ceres and administered jointly with the Professional Risk Managers International Association (PRMIA), sheds light on how 200 risk managers view climate change and its potential impact on their industries.
Investors Globally Call for Greater Transparency on Climate Change Exposure from Oil and Gas Companies
March 18, 2010 - Institutional investors released new climate disclosure guidelines for the oil and gas sector today and called on companies to strengthen their reporting on the risks and opportunities from climate change and evolving regulation.
The North Face Joins Ceres Network of Companies
Ceres, a leading network of investors, environmental groups and other public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges, announced today that The North Face, a leading outdoor apparel and gear company, has joined the Ceres Corporate network. Companies that join Ceres endeavor to make continuous strides in improving their sustainability performance and reporting practices, and engage with investors, environmental groups, and other stakeholders.
A Race Toward Sustainability - and Profits: New Report Delivers Powerful Message and Roadmap for Companies
A new Ceres report outlining the urgency, vision and competitive advantages for companies that fully embrace sustainability in their business as energy prices rise, water supplies are increasingly contested and the world’s population grows.
Business Leaders From Around the Country Arrive in D.C. to Urge Swift Action
March 10, 2010 – Clean energy and Fortune 500 executives arrived in Washington D.C. for the fifth and final leg of "Race for American Jobs: Clean Energy Leadership", a coast-to-coast virtual race to drive home the economic and job-creation benefits of national climate and energy legislation.
New Hampshire Business Leaders United With Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce in Nationwide ‘Race’ for American Jobs and Innovation
March 9, 2010 – As Senator Judd Gregg met with President Obama today to discuss national energy and climate legislation, executives from consumer and clean energy businesses rallied at the University of New Hampshire’s Manchester campus here to express their support for such legislation for its potential to create jobs and protect American competitiveness. The event was the fourth leg of the Race for American Jobs & Clean Energy Leadership, a national “race” to drive home the economic benefits of strong national climate and energy policies.
Investors File a Record 95 Climate Change Resolutions: a 40% Increase Over 2009 Proxy Season
March 4, 2010 – Leading U.S. investors today announced that they have filed a record 95 climate change shareholder resolutions with 82 U.S. and Canadian companies that face far-reaching business challenges from climate change. The 40 percent increase in resolutions filed over last year is a first sign of the growing pressure on companies to disclose climate risks and opportunities in the wake of the recent Securities and Exchange Commission’s climate disclosure guidance and other recent policy developments.
Investors Managing $2.1 Trillion in Assets Praise SEC for Climate Disclosure Guidance
March 3, 2010 – More than 50 leading investors today sent a letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission re-affirming their support for the SEC's recent issuance of interpretive guidance clarifying what publicly-traded companies need to disclose to investors in terms of climate change-related material risks and opportunities they face.
Ohio Business Leaders Unite at OSU to Drive Home Message of Economic Benefits From Strong Energy/Climate Legislation
March 2, 2010 – Members of the business community from across Ohio gathered today at Ohio State University’s Gateway Film Center to call on Congress for action on comprehensive energy and climate legislation. Major Ohio employers and job creators joined with entrepreneurs from the clean energy sector for a rally and discussion panel as part of the coast-to-coast “Race for American Jobs & Clean Energy Leadership” campaign.
BICEP Statement: U.S. Business Wants Action Now on Strong Energy and Climate Legislation
February 24, 2010 – As the U.S. Senate considers a final push on climate legislation, BICEP – Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy – released a statement today urging Congress to move quickly to enact strong climate and energy legislation.
Best Buy Joins BICEP Coalition Advocating for Strong Climate and Energy Policy in the United States
February 24, 2010 – Best Buy, a U.S.-based global retailer of consumer electronics, has joined Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP), a coalition of major consumer companies advocating for strong U.S. climate and energy policy.
Clean Energy, Ski Industry, Green Job Leaders Join Forces in Nationwide 'Race' for American Jobs and Innovation
February 24, 2010 – Clean energy and skiing industry executives joined veteran leaders and green building advocates at the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado Center today for the second leg of Race for American Jobs & Clean Energy Leadership, a coast-to-coast virtual race to drive home the economic benefit of national climate and energy legislation.
EMC Corporation Joins Ceres Network of Companies
Ceres, a leading network of investors, environmental groups and other public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges, announced today that EMC Corporation, a leader in information infrastructure solutions, has joined the Ceres’ Corporate network. Companies that join Ceres endeavor to make continuous strides in improving their sustainability performance and reporting practices, and engage with investors, environmental groups, and other stakeholders.
Nike, Starbucks, and Clean Energy Companies Join Forces to Launch Nationwide "Race for American Jobs" and Innovation
February 16, 2010 – Dozens of company executives joined union leaders, youth organizations and Congressman Earl Blumenauer at Nike Headquarters today to kickoff the Race for American Jobs & Clean Energy Leadership, a coast-to-coast virtual race to drive home the economic benefits of national climate and energy legislation.
New Report: Largest Companies Fall Short in Managing, Disclosing Water Scarcity Risks
February 11, 2010 – Despite growing water-scarcity risks in many parts of the world, the vast majority of leading companies in water-intensive industries have weak management and disclosure of water-related risks and opportunities, according to a first-ever report issued today by the Ceres investor coalition, the financial services firm UBS and financial data provider Bloomberg.
Ceres and Trillium Announce Third Annual Joan Bavaria Awards
In honor of socially responsible investment pioneer Joan Bavaria, Ceres and Trillium Asset Management Corporation (“Trillium”) are inviting nominations for the third-annual Joan Bavaria Awards for Building Sustainability into the Capital Markets.
SEC Issues Ground-Breaking Guidance Requiring Corporate Disclosure of Material Climate Change Risks and Opportunities
January 27, 2010 – The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission today issued new interpretive guidance that clarifies what publicly-traded companies need to disclose to investors in terms of climate-related ‘material’ effects on business operations, whether from new emissions management policies, the physical impacts of changing weather or business opportunities associated with the growing clean energy economy.
More Than 80 U.S. Companies Call on President Obama & Congress To Enact Comprehensive Climate and Energy Legislation
January 21, 2010 – More than 80 leading CEOs from U.S. businesses, including Exelon, Virgin America, NRG Energy, eBay and PG&E, sent a letter to President Obama and members of Congress today calling on them to move quickly to enact comprehensive climate and energy legislation that will create jobs and enhance U.S. competitiveness.
Investors Representing $13 Trillion Call on U.S. and Other Countries to Move Quickly to Adopt Strong Climate Change Policies
January 14, 2010 – On the heels of international climate treaty talks in Copenhagen, the world’s largest investors today released a statement calling on the U.S. and other governments to move quickly to adopt strong national climate policies that will spur low-carbon investments to reduce emissions causing climate change. Private-sector investors will likely be responsible for financing more than 85 percent of the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
New Report: Investment Managers Still Lagging in Response to Climate Change Risks and Opportunities
January 6, 2010 – Although there is overwhelming scientific consensus that climate change is underway and governments are imposing regulations to curb greenhouse gases, the vast majority of the world's largest investment managers are not factoring climate-related trends into their short- and long-term investment decision-making, the result being significant 'hidden risks' in the trillions of dollars of investment portfolios they are managing.
Note to Investors: Energy Efficiency Measures Can Enhance Value of Real Estate Portfolios
December 21, 2009 – A new report, “Energy Efficiency in Real Estate Portfolios: Opportunities for Investors,” says that proven, existing efficiency technologies in everything from lighting to climate control and more can unlock the untapped reserves of efficiency gains buried in many real estate holdings.
Leading U.S. Companies Offer Praise for Climate Change Agreement in Copenhagen
December 18, 2009 – Leading U.S. companies who came to Copenhagen to push for a strong climate deal were encouraged by the agreement announced by President Obama, although it falls short of the binding international treaty they are seeking to ensure a level playing field for companies competing globally in the emerging low-carbon economy.
U.S. Businesses Praise Today’s Announcement by Secretary Clinton, Following on Heels of Their Call on President Obama to Achieve a Global Climate Deal
December 17, 2009 – Leading U.S. businesses praised U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s announcement today that “the United States is prepared to work with other countries toward a goal of jointly mobilizing $100 billion a year by 2020 to address the climate change needs of developing countries.”
Finalists Chosen for Ceres-ACCA North American Sustainability Reporting Awards
Ceres and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) today announced the shortlist of candidate reports for the Ceres-ACCA North American Sustainability Reporting Awards for 2009. Of the 92 sustainability reports received, 14 were selected for further consideration by the judges’ panel that meets next month. The final winners will be announced at the Ceres Annual Conference at the Boston Seaport Hotel on May 5-6th.
Leading U.S. Businesses Call on President Obama to Achieve a Global Climate Deal
December 15, 2009 – More than two-dozen major U.S. businesses, including Dow Chemical, Microsoft, Nike, Duke Energy and PG&E, sent a letter to President Obama today encouraging him to secure a strong climate change agreement with significant emissions reduction targets and substantial new financing commitments from developed countries, including the United States.
BICEP Companies and Major U.S. Utilities Call on Senate for Leadership and Swift Action on Climate & Energy
December 4, 2009 – As world leaders prepare to meet in Copenhagen to strike a global deal on climate change, member companies of Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP), along with seven major power companies, expressed concern today about the delay in passing U.S. climate and energy legislation and applauded ongoing efforts by Senators Kerry, Graham and Lieberman to create a new bipartisan bill.
'Green Jobs for Florida' Delegation Travels to Copenhagen for World Climate Change Meeting
A diverse group of 25 Florida leaders being sponsored by Ceres announced they will travel to the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, as members of a Green Jobs for Florida delegation.
Canada's Oil Sands: More Questions Than Answers For Investors
Oil and gas companies spending billions of dollars per year to extract petroleum from Canada’s oil sands region are doing a poor job disclosing to investors on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues that could threaten the companies’ long-term financial performance.
Major Investors Call for SEC to Require Disclosure of Companies’ Climate Risks and Opportunities
November 23, 2009 – The petition submitted to the SEC asks for the SEC to provide interpretive guidance outlining climate-related 'material risks' - such as new regulations, physical impacts, new economic and business opportunities and other climate-related trends - that companies should be disclosing to investors.
Ben and Jerry’s, Eileen Fisher and Stonyfield Farm Join BICEP Coalition
November 18, 2009 – The new members were announced as the U.S. Senate considers a comprehensive climate and energy legislation and as world leaders prepare to meet in Copenhagen next month to negotiate a new international agreement on climate change.
Ceres Applauds SEC Decision Allowing Financial Risks in Environmental and Social Resolutions
October 28, 2009 – Ceres president Mindy Lubber praises the Securities and Exchange Commission for its decision yesterday to allow shareholder resolutions seeking information from companies on the financial risks they face from social and environmental issues including climate change.
New Study: North Carolina’s Economy Will Benefit from Strong Clean Energy Policies
On the eve of U.S. Senate deliberations on climate legislation, North Carolina business leaders today released a new economic study showing major economic growth and job gains in North Carolina if strong climate and energy policies are passed in Washington.
Experts To Testify that New Fuel Economy Standards Will Benefit Consumers, Carmakers, Autoworkers
October 20, 2009 – At public hearings in Detroit tomorrow Oct. 21st and New York City this Friday, the authors of a new report on proposed automobile fuel economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas emission standards will testify that the standards will be good for U.S. automakers as well as the environment.
Coalitions of Investors and Environmental Groups Call on Ontario Securities Commission to Improve Climate Risk Disclosure
October 14, 2009 – Using survey results to bolster their request, Canadian and U.S. networks of investors and environmental groups, and climate change lawyers, have asked the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) to address poor rates of climate risk disclosure in securities filings.
More Than 150 Companies From 30 Plus States To Support Comprehensive Energy & Climate Legislation
October 5, 2009 – In one of the most diverse business gatherings of its kind in support of climate legislation, the group will come to the Nation’s Capitol on October 6th and 7th, to advocate for comprehensive climate and energy policies to create more than 1.7 million new jobs, cut carbon pollution, restore America’s competitiveness and provide for our economic and national security.
Ceres, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Water Asset Management Join Forces to Assess the Impact of Water Scarcity on Municipal Bond Investments
September 24, 2009 – Amid growing concerns about water scarcity and climate change, Ceres announced a new collaboration today with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP UK (PwC) and Water Asset Management LLC to drive sustainable investment in water-intensive sectors and the development of a resilient water infrastructure.
First-Ever Survey Shows Emerging Market Banks Growing Interest in Climate Change
September 17, 2009 – Amid growing pressure on developing countries to join an international climate treaty later this year, a new Ceres report released today shows that emerging market banks are beginning to integrate climate change considerations into lending and other business decision-making, but that significantly more attention is needed.
Largest Group Ever of World Investors Calls for Strong Global Climate Change Treaty
September 16, 2009 – The world’s largest global investors issued a joint call today for strong action this year from U.S. and international policy makers in the fight against global warming.
Call for Submissions: Ceres-ACCA 2009 Sustainability Reporting Awards
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Ceres, a US coalition of environmental and investor groups, today called for submissions to the ninth-annual Ceres-ACCA North American Awards for Sustainability Reporting.
The Co-operators Becomes First Insurance Company to Join Ceres
Citing the company’s five-year track record on sustainability reporting and commitments to addressing climate change, the Ceres Board of Directors today announced it has approved The Co-operators as the newest member of Ceres’ corporate network. The Co-operators is the first insurance company among more than 80 member companies that comprise the Ceres network. A leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and public interest organizations, Ceres works with companies to address a variety of sustainability challenges, including global climate change.
Investors Achieve Major Company Commitments on Climate Change
August 24, 2009 – A record 68 climate-related shareholder resolutions were filed by investors this year, of which 31 were withdrawn after the companies agreed to positive climate-related commitments. Six of the 28 resolutions that went to a vote achieved 30 percent or greater support, including one filed with coal company Massey Energy that received 45.6 percent support, or $458.1 million in shares.
Sodexo Joins Ceres Network of Companies
Sodexo, Inc., a leading integrated food and facilities management services company in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, has been approved as a member of Ceres’ corporate network. Headquartered in Maryland, Sodexo North America is among more than 80 member companies that are part of the Ceres network of companies. Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and public interest organizations, works with companies to address a variety of sustainability challenges, including global climate change.
Ceres, BICEP Praise House Passage of Landmark Climate and Energy Bill
June 26, 2009 – The Ceres coalition of investors, environmentalists and public interest groups and BICEP – Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy – issued a joint statement on today’s U.S. House passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES).
Business Leaders Join Forces to Lend Support for Climate and Energy Bill
June 25, 2009 – CEOs from a dozen leading electric power, technology and consumer companies are visiting the nation's capital today to push the business case for strong climate and clean energy legislation before a key House vote this week on the Waxman/Markey bill.
Business and Utility CEOs Call for Action on Energy and Climate
June 23, 2009 – In a new series of print ads running in key Washington, DC publications, business leaders from companies of all sizes and across numerous sectors are calling upon President Obama and Congress to swiftly enact comprehensive legislation to cut carbon pollution and create an economy-wide cap and trade program.
PepsiCo Joins Ceres Network of Companies
PepsiCo, one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, has been approved as a member of Ceres’ corporate network. As a Ceres member, PepsiCo will be among the more than 25 Fortune 500 companies that have joined Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges such as global climate change.
Investors With $1.4 Trillion in Assets Call on the SEC to Improve Disclosure of Climate Change and Other Risks
June 12, 2009 – Members of the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR) and other leading global investors sent a letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Wednesday requesting that the Commission address corporate disclosure of climate change and other material environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks in securities filings.
Dunkin’ Brands Joins Ceres Network of Companies
Citing the company’s increasing commitment to integrating sustainability efforts enterprise-wide, Ceres’ board of directors announced today it has approved Dunkin’ Brands, Inc., the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, as the newest member to join the Ceres company network.
Shareholders Laud Hertz For Addressing Fleet Fuel Economy; Urge Avis Budget Group to Follow Suit at its Annual Meeting on June 12
Lauding Hertz (NYSE: HTZ) for its commitment to report to investors on its plans for improving the fuel economy of its fleet, shareholders called on Avis Budget Group (NYSE: CAR) to follow suit and develop a comprehensive greenhouse gas reduction plan for its rental car operations. Avis Budget faces a shareholder vote on the matter at its June 12 annual meeting in Wilmington, Delaware.
New Report: Major Mutual Funds Increase Support for Shareholder Resolutions on Climate Change
June 4, 2009 – A growing number of investors are pressuring companies whose stock they own to boost their attention to the business risks and opportunities posed by climate change. So they’re increasing the number of shareholder resolutions aimed at moving companies in that direction – and major mutual funds increasingly are voting with them, according to a new Ceres report.
Studies Show Global Companies Still Failing to Report Strategies and Potential Impacts from Climate Change
June 3, 2009 – Climate change-related disclosure continues to be weak or altogether nonexistent in SEC filings of global companies with the most at stake in preparing for a low-carbon global economy, according to two major studies released today by Ceres, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and the Center for Energy and Environmental Security (CEES). The reports’ findings highlight the need for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to respond to repeated investor requests for formal guidance on climate-related disclosure companies should be providing in securities filings.
Home Depot Lags Behind its Peers on Energy Efficiency & Savings, Faces Shareholder Vote on its Energy Plan at May 28 Annual Meeting
May 27, 2009 – As Lowe’s, Wal-Mart and other big box retailers gain competitive advantage with strong, cost-saving energy efficiency programs, Home Depot (NYSE: HD) faces a shareholder vote on its energy plan at its May 28 Annual General Meeting.
Ceres and BICEP Support Waxman/Markey Bill Passed by Committee
May 22, 2009 – Ceres and BICEP - representing some of America’s largest businesses and institutional investors - applaud Chairmen Waxman and Markey for completing markup of this historic energy and climate legislation. This is the first time major legislation of this sort has passed the House Energy & Commerce Committee.
‘Climate Watch’ Company Ultra Petroleum (UPL) Faces Shareholder Resolution on its Global Warming Strategy
May 20, 2009 – Climate change laggard Ultra Petroleum will face a shareholder resolution at its annual meeting on May 21 seeking greater disclosure on its climate change business strategy.
Ceres/BICEP Joint Statement: Many Strengths in Waxman-Markey Compromise, but Work is not Done
May - 18, 2009 – Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP) and Ceres, a coalition of investors and other public interest organizations working to address sustainability challenges like climate change, today released a statement supporting the newly announced compromise version of the Waxman-Markey climate and energy bill.
Small U.S. Businesses Join Major Companies in Pushing for Climate and Energy Bill Action
Small business support for strong climate and energy legislation from Congress this year merged forcefully today with widespread existing support from dozens of major U.S. businesses.
Shareholders Show Strong Support for ConocoPhillips Oil Sands Proposal
May 13, 2009 – ConocoPhillips shareholders demonstrated even stronger support this year than last for a shareholder proposal calling for the company to fully account for the environmental impact of its tar sands operations.
Leading Insurers, Public Officials and Environmental Groups Call for Bold Action to Adapt to Changing Climate Trends to Protect America’s Coastlines
As another hurricane season approaches and government leaders debate U.S. climate policy, a first-ever coalition of leading insurers, public officials, risk experts, builders and conservation groups today announced a bold blueprint of policy changes and common sense actions that could reduce economic losses from future storms and rising sea levels by as much as half along U.S. coastlines. The coalition urges the Obama Administration, Congress, local leaders and the private sector to see that these actions are implemented through regulation, investment, education and other means.
Aspen Skiing, Clif Bar & Company and Seventh Generation Join BICEP Coalition
April 16, 2009 – Ceres president Mindy Lubber today announced that three new companies – Aspen Skiing Company, Clif Bar & Company, and Seventh Generation - have joined the new coalition Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP).
CalPERS CEO Anne Stausboll Elected Board Co-Chair of Ceres, the Nation’s Largest Coalition of Investors and Environmentalists
Ceres announced today that Anne Stausboll, Chief Executive Officer of the nation’s largest public pension fund, the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), was unanimously elected as co-chair of its board. Ceres President Mindy S. Lubber made the announcement before 500 corporate leaders, investors and environmentalists at the Ceres 2009 Conference, Achieving a Sustainable Global Economy at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.
GE Corporation Wins Ceres-ACCA North American Awards for Best Sustainability Reporting
GE Corporation received the top sustainability reporting award today at the 2009 Ceres Conference in San Francisco, California, as part of international competition organized by the Boston-based Ceres coalition and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The winners, selected from 97 nominations, also included Seventh Generation, Ball Corporation, Symantec, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), and Dell, Inc.
Robert Massie Honored – Twice – for Long String of Achievements in Building a Sustainable Global Economy
Robert Massie has co-founded a homeless shelter. He’s led a parish. He’s run for statewide public office, lectured for years at the Harvard Divinity School, led the world in battling South African apartheid and then written the definitive history of America’s role in that movement.
Bloomberg L.P. Joins Ceres Company Network
Bloomberg L.P., a leading information-services and media company, has been approved as a Ceres network company by the Ceres Board of Directors, citing the company’s commitment to sustainability disclosure and setting goals to reduce its environmental impact. Bloomberg is the newest of more than 80 companies that have joined Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges such as global climate change.
BICEP Coalition of Major National Companies Supports Core Principles of Waxman-Markey Climate and Energy Bill
April 7, 2009 - Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP), a coalition of major national companies calling for passage of strong U.S. climate and energy policies in 2009, issued a statement in support of the core principles of the landmark Waxman-Markey climate and energy bill introduced March 31, 2009.
Hundreds of New Insurance Initiatives Emerging to Tackle Climate Change and Rising Weather Losses
April 2, 2009 – Hundreds of new insurance initiatives, including coverage for green buildings, renewable energy, carbon risk management, and officers’ liability are being offered to tackle climate change and rising weather-related losses in the U.S. and globally, according to a major new report released today by the Ceres investor coalition.
Ceres Hails “Landmark” Waxman/Markey Bill
Ceres President Mindy Lubber today issued the following statement supporting the “discussion draft” for climate and energy legislation released today: This is a landmark bill that is a great first step in tackling America's energy and climate challenges in a comprehensive fashion - a strategy that Ceres has advocated from the beginning.
Regulators Require Insurers to Disclose Climate Change Risks and Strategies
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) today approved a groundbreaking mandatory requirement that insurance companies disclose to regulators and investors the financial risks they face from climate change, as well as actions the companies are taking to respond to those risks.
Gap, eBay and Symantec Join Business Coalition Calling for Action on Clean Energy & Climate Change
Ceres president Mindy Lubber today announced that three new companies - Gap Inc., eBay Inc. and Symantec Corp. - have joined a new business coalition, Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP). The coalition is calling for strong U.S. climate and energy policies in 2009 to spur clean energy and reduce global warming pollution.
Ceres Applauds EPA Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule; Renews Call on SEC to Require Mandatory Climate Risk Disclosure in Securities Filings
Lauding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed greenhouse gas reporting rule, Ceres renewed its call on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require publicly-traded companies to assess and fully disclose their financial risks and opportunities from climate change.
Ceres Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Ceres announced today the kickoff of a special year-long program to celebrate its 20th anniversary with the release of Ceres 20•20, a bold plan with four key pillars and ambitious goals designed to move businesses, investors and policymakers towards a sustainable global economy over the next decade. Ceres will host a series of special initiatives to call attention to the Ceres 20•20 agenda (www.ceres.org) throughout the anniversary year. Ceres was launched largely in response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill that occurred 20 years ago on March 24, 1989.
Leading Global Investors Call on Car Manufacturers to Provide Greater Transparency on Risks from Climate Change
March 4, 2009 – Institutional investors released new climate disclosure guidelines for the auto industry today and called on car manufacturers to strengthen their reporting on the risks and opportunities presented by climate change.
Levi Strauss & Co. Joins Ceres Network
Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&CO.), a leading global brand-name apparel marketer, has been approved as a Ceres network company by the Ceres Board of Directors, citing the company’s strong history of corporate citizenship, environmental progress, and support of strong climate and energy policy. LS&CO. is the newest of more than 80 companies that have joined Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges such as global climate change.
Report Warns Businesses and Investors about Growing Water Scarcity Impacts from Climate Change
February 26, 2009 – Global climate change is exacerbating water scarcity problems around the world, yet few businesses and investors are paying attention to this growing financial threat, according to a report issued today by Ceres and the Pacific Institute.
Investors with $3 Trillion Urge Congress to Pass Strong Energy and Climate Change Legislation to Boost Economy
February 25, 2009 – Echoing the same energy and climate change policies that President Obama trumpeted in his speech to Congress last night, a group of 35 investors with over $3 trillion in assets today called on Congressional leaders to pass strong legislation to advance a clean energy, low-carbon economy and U.S. competitiveness.
Southern, Massey Energy and Chevron Among Nine 'Climate Watch' Companies Targeted by Investors
February 18, 2009 – Leading U.S. investors today named nine companies to a Climate Watch List, citing concerns that the firms are lagging behind their industry peers and are potentially undermining their long-term competitiveness in responding to the business challenges from global climate change. Investors filed shareholder resolutions with eight of the nine companies—and 49 other businesses—aimed at improving their focus and attention to the financial risks and opportunities from climate change.
BICEP Applauds Chairman Boxer for her Leadership in Release of Strong Climate Principles
February 4, 2009 – Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP) commends Chairman Boxer for her steadfast commitment to scientifically and economically sound climate change legislative principles.
Ceres and Trillium Announce Second Annual Joan Bavaria Awards
In recognition of socially responsible investment pioneer Joan Bavaria, Ceres and Trillium Asset Management Corporation (“Trillium”) are inviting nominations for the second-annual Joan Bavaria Awards for Building Sustainability into the Capital Markets.
Nation’s Largest Investors Call for ‘Green Recovery’
January 26, 2009 – A group of 44 investors managing over $1.7 trillion in assets called on Congressional leaders today to include significant funding for energy efficiency, clean energy and clean transportation in the economic stimulus bill being debated this week on Congress.
Finalists Chosen for Ceres-ACCA North American Sustainability Reporting Awards
Ceres and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) today announced the shortlist of candidate reports for the Ceres-ACCA North American Sustainability Reporting Awards for 2008. Of the 99 sustainability reports received, 19 were selected for further consideration by the judges’ panel that meets next month. The final winners will be announced at an ACCA Canada hosted awards ceremony at the Carlu in downtown Toronto on April 6, 2009 and at Ceres 20th Anniversary Conference at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco on April 15-16, 2009.
IBM, Tesco and Dell Receive Top Scores in First-Ever Ranking of Consumer & Tech Companies on Climate Change Strategies
While progress is being made, consumer and technology companies still have more to do in confronting the business challenges posed by climate change, according to a report issued today by the Ceres investor coalition and authored by RiskMetrics Group that analyzes climate change governance practices at 63 of the world's largest retail, pharmaceutical, technology, apparel and other consumer-facing companies.
Investor Delegation to Present Largest Ever Investor Petition on Climate Change to UN Negotiators at Poznan Conference
December 8, 2008 – For the first time ever, an investor delegation will personally present a call for action on climate change to world leaders at the UN climate conference in Poznan. The Statement, signed by 152 global investors worth over $9 trillion, calls on world leaders to negotiate a strong and binding successor to the Kyoto Protocol to ensure that investors receive the market signals critical to funding the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Leading Institutional Investors Survey Asset Managers on their Analysis of Climate Risks
December 3, 2008 – Today seven leading institutional investors who are members of the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR) called on the top 500 global asset managers to respond to a survey on how they are evaluating climate risks and opportunities.
Ceres Announces Two New Board Members
Ceres is pleased to announce two new board members, Majora Carter, President of the Majora Carter Group, and Jack Ehnes, CEO, California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS).
GREEN BIZ: 50 Green, Profitable Companies Reveal Their Strategies and Successes
Climate change, water scarcity and a dangerous addiction to fossil fuels — the world faces immense crises, and yet the solution to them all lies within our grasp. By rebuilding, repowering, and refueling the planet to create a sustainable, green economy, we can meet these 21st century challenges head on. Forward-thinking businesses grasp the opportunities, and GREEN BIZ by the American Benchmark Press (November 18, 2008) highlights 50 of them, profiling the green strategies of such major businesses as IKEA, IBM, Herman Miller, Statoil , Pacific Gas & Electric, Nike and Timberland.
New Ceres Report Outlines Strategies for Harnessing Foundation Investments to Solve Climate Crisis
A new Ceres report issued today identifies the steps foundations and individual investors can take to address climate change-related risks and opportunities that may be embedded in their investment portfolios.
Five Major U.S. Companies Call For Congressional Action on Climate Change, Clean Energy
November 19, 2008 – Five leading U.S. corporations joined with Ceres today to announce the launch of a new business coalition calling for strong U.S. climate and energy legislation in early 2009 to spur the clean energy economy and reduce global warming pollution. The group’s key principles include stimulating renewable energy, promoting energy efficiency and green jobs, requiring 100 percent auction of carbon allowances, and limiting new coal-fired power plants to those that capture and store carbon emissions.
Largest Group Ever of World Investors Warns a New Global Climate Deal Must Be “Strong and Binding” to Unlock a Low Carbon Future
November 11, 2008 – More than 130 leading investors, representing assets worth $6.4 trillion, today warned world leaders that any global agreement on climate change must be strong and binding to guarantee necessary financing for global emissions reduction and adaptation efforts, and that the financial crisis should not delay efforts to address rising global temperatures.
A Post-Election Note from Ceres President Mindy Lubber
As we headed to the polls, the economy, the environment, and our collective common sense told us the old ways are not working. The stumbling financial markets show the consequences of unfettered pursuit of profits in a system that has no debits on the ledger for environmental degradation and no credits for a social conscience. The troubled climate is bringing home the cost of fouling the air and abusing fragile ecosystems. And inequitable use of resources is widening the gap between rich and poor.
Investors call on SEC to require better disclosure on climate change and other risks
October 23, 2008 – Fourteen of the nation’s largest institutional investors called on the Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday to require improved corporate climate risk disclosure and—for the first time—address a broader range of environmental, social and governance risks, or so-called “ESG” issues, in disclosure requirements.
Investors Call on SEC to Expand Climate Reporting Requirements to Include Oil Sands
September 9, 2008 – A group of investors representing over $700 billion in assets, and environmental organizations, called on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday to address climate-related risks in its proposed rule revising oil and gas reporting requirements.
Call for Submissions to the Ceres-ACCA 2008 North American Awards for Sustainability Reporting
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Ceres, a U.S. coalition of environmental and investor groups, today called for submissions to the seventh-annual Ceres-ACCA North American Awards for Sustainability Reporting.
Investors Achieve Major Company Commitments on Climate Change
August 20, 2008 – Investors engaging with U.S. companies on the financial risks and opportunities from climate change achieved breakthrough results during the 2008 proxy season. A record 57 climate-related shareholder resolutions were filed with U.S. companies, of which nearly half were withdrawn after the companies agreed to positive climate-related commitments. Remaining resolutions that went to a vote received record high average voting support of 23.5 percent, including 39.6 percent support for a resolution filed with coal company CONSOL Energy, the highest vote ever on a global warming shareholder resolution.
Curtis Packaging approved as Ceres Network Company
Curtis Packaging, a private, family-owned, luxury packaging goods company has been approved as a Ceres network company by the Ceres board of directors. The board cited the company’s focus on sustainable packaging and established leadership in the industry. Curtis Packaging is the first packaging company to join Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges, and is among more than 70 companies in the Ceres network, including over 25 Fortune-500 companies.
Investors with $1.5 Trillion in Assets Call on Congress to Extend Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Tax Credits
July 29, 2008 – A group of 43 investors managing over $1.5 trillion in assets called on the U.S. Senate today to extend tax credits for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects by at least five years to 2013. The tax credits are set to expire at the end of this year. Investors sent the letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in advance of expected Senate debate on the topic this week.
Jones Lang LaSalle Joins Ceres’ Network of Companies
Citing the company’s commitment to lead the real estate industry on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, the Ceres board of directors has approved Jones Lang LaSalle, a financial and professional services firm specializing in real estate services and investment management, as a Ceres network company. Jones Lang LaSalle is the first real estate-sector firm among more than 70 companies to join Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges.
Investors Praise Language in Senate Funding Bill Urging the SEC to Issue Guidance on Corporate Climate Risk Disclosure
July 18, 2008 – The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved language in the Financial Services Appropriations bill calling on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to issue guidance for publicly-traded companies to assess and fully disclose their financial risks from climate change. The language follows repeated calls by investors for the SEC to issue such guidance, as well as a hearing on this topic last fall in the Securities, Insurance, and Investment Subcommittee of the Senate Banking Committee, chaired by U.S. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island.
Brighter Planet, Carbon Credit Corporate, Cone and credit360 Join the Ceres Company Network
Citing the companies’ commitment to improving their social and environmental performance and reporting, Ceres today announced that it has approved four new companies – Brighter Planet, Carbon Credit Corporation, Cone, and credit360.
Investors, Environmental Groups Push the SEC to Require Full Corporate Climate Risk Disclosure
June 12, 2008 – A broad coalition of investors and major environmental groups today repeated their call to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to address the obligations of publicly-traded companies to assess and fully disclose the material economic opportunities and risks from climate change. The 20 signatories to the letter include leading U.S. and European institutional investors such as CalPERS, CalSTRS, F&C Asset Management and the Maryland, New York, New York City, New Jersey, North Carolina and Oregon public pension funds.
“Major Progress" Seen on Key Climate, Independent Chair Votes at ExxonMobil Annual Meeting
May 29, 2008 – Shareholder advocates received substantial support today on a range of “hot button” items on the proxy at the Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) annual meeting. Votes were cast on five key resolutions focused on climate change issues and the separation of the ExxonMobil CEO and chair of the board.
After Ford Takes Historic Step, GM Faces Shareholder Vote Next Week Seeking a Comparable Plan for a Major Cut in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
May 27, 2008 – Ford (NYSE: F) joined religious and other institutional shareholders to announce on April 9, 2008 that it is the first U.S. auto company to spell out how it plans to reach the goal of reducing by at least 30 percent the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its new vehicle fleet by 2020. Two months later, General Motors (NYSE: GM), which has not yet taken such an action, will face on June 3, 2008 a shareholder resolution calling for a comparable plan for a greenhouse gas emissions cut.
Investors Praise California Senate Leaders for Passing Historic Climate Disclosure Bill
U.S. and Canadian investors praised California Senate leaders for approving a measure which will result in the nation’s first state standard for voluntary climate risk disclosure by corporations. California Senate Bill 1550, “Corporations: climate risk disclosure”, was approved on the floor of the California State Senate today and now moves to the California Assembly for consideration.
19 Institutional Investors with 91 Million Exxon Mobil Shares Pressure Oil Company on Global Warming and CEO/Board Chair Separation
May 21, 2008 – Nineteen institutional investors – including some of Exxon Mobil’s largest shareowners – with more than $740 billion in combined assets under management are voting next week in support of resolutions asking Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) to address climate change risks and opportunities and separate the Chairman and CEO positions.
Investors Managing $2.3 Trillion Call on Congress to Tackle Global Climate Change
May 20, 2008 – More than 50 leading investors, including the nation’s largest public pension fund and the world’s largest listed hedge fund, today called on the U.S. Senate to enact strong federal legislation to curb the pollution causing global warming. In advance of the upcoming Senate debate on the Lieberman-Warner climate bill early next month, the group issued a letter today to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, calling for a national climate policy to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60 to 90 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.
Ceres and Heinz Center Launch Resilient Coasts Initiative
Ceres and the Heinz Center today announced the launch of the Resilient Coasts Initiative, a first-of-its-kind collaboration of private and public sector groups to find public policy and private market solutions to better protect coastal communities from rising sea levels and other potentially damaging consequences of climate change.
New Report Lays Out Potential Implications of Global Warming Carbon Allowance Proposals on Consumers and Power Companies
A new report released today shows that carbon allocation scenarios under Congressional legislative proposals to limit global warming pollution will have dramatically different financial impacts – with billions of dollars at stake – on power companies and consumers.
Ford and Timberland Win Ceres-ACCA North American Awards for Best Sustainability Reporting
Ford Motor Company and The Timberland Company received the top sustainability reporting awards today in an international competition organized by the Boston-based Ceres coalition and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The winners, selected from 87 nominations, also included Calgary, Alberta-based Suncor Energy and Austin, TX-based Dell, Inc. The four winners were announced at the Ceres annual conference today at Boston’s Renaissance Harbor Hotel.
Virgin America Joins Ceres’ Network of Companies
Virgin America, the new California-based airline aimed at reinventing air travel has been approved as a Ceres network company by the Ceres board of directors. The board cited the company’s founding commitment to being a sustainability leader in the airline industry. Virgin America is the second airline to join Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges, and is among more than 70 companies in the Ceres network, including over 25 Fortune-500 companies
Enhanced Analytics Initiative, Bainbridge Graduate Institute Win Inaugural Joan Bavaria Awards
Ceres and Trillium Asset Management Corporation (“Trillium”) today announced the inaugural winners of the Joan Bavaria Awards for Building Sustainability into the Capital Markets. The two winners were announced at the Ceres annual conference in Boston.
Proxy Voting Firms Urge Support for Global Warming Shareholder Resolution Filed with CONSOL Energy
April 25, 2008 – Citing the coal company’s poor disclosure regarding potential financial risks it faces from climate change, two leading proxy voting advisory firms, Proxy Governance, Inc. and ISS Governance Services, have both recommended that investors support a shareholder resolution filed with Pittsburgh-based CONSOL Energy (NYSE:CNX) seeking greater disclosure on the company’s strategies for responding to climate change.
Ceres Report: Mutual Fund Industry Opposition to Climate Change Resolutions Begins to Thaw;
The mutual fund industry’s previously icy attitude toward climate change shareholder resolutions is beginning to thaw as Wall Street starts to recognize the financial risks and opportunities of global climate change, according to a new Ceres report announced today analyzing the voting records of 1,285 funds of 62 leading mutual fund firms.
Shareholders Laud Ford as First U.S. Automaker to Set “Clearly Defined Goal” For a Major Cut in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
April 9, 2008 – The decision by Ford to publish its emission target came in the wake of climate-related shareholder resolutions put forward by members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) and the Investor Network on Climate Risk Network (INCR) organized by Ceres.
Citi Joins Ceres’ Network of Companies
Citing the company's leadership on climate change, Citi has been approved by the Ceres board of directors as a Ceres network company. Citi Inc. is the world’s largest financial services company, which provides global consumer services, corporate investment banking, global wealth management and alternative investment services. Citi is among several leading financial service companies, including Bank of America, State Street, and Wachovia, that have joined Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges. Citi is among more than 70 companies in the Ceres network, including more than 20 Fortune 500 companies.
Promotional Product Solutions Joins Ceres’ Network of Companies
Citing Promotional Product Solutions’ (PPS) ethical sourcing and socially responsible promotion initiatives, PPS has been approved by the Ceres board of directors as a Ceres company.
Investors Get Action from Dynegy on Climate Change
March 18, 2008 – Investors announced today that Dynegy, a Houston-based company that provides wholesale electricity to utilities, cooperatives, municipalities and other energy companies in 15 states, has agreed to prepare a report for shareholders on how it is responding to business challenges posed by climate change, such as emerging regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Investors File Record Number of Global Warming Resolutions with U.S. Companies
March 6, 2008 – Leading U.S. investors today announced that they have filed a record 54 global warming shareholder resolutions with U.S. companies that face far-reaching business impacts from climate change. The resolutions are nearly double the number filed just two years ago.
U.S. and European Investors Tackle Climate Change Risks and Opportunities
February 14, 2008 – Nearly 50 leading U.S. and European institutional investors managing over $1.75 trillion in assets today released a climate change action plan at the United Nations that will boost investments in energy efficiency and clean energy technologies and require tougher scrutiny of carbon-intensive investments that may pose long-term financial risks. Additionally, European investors managing $6.5 trillion in assets supported the action plan "in principle."
HSBC, Other European Banks Receive Top Scores in First-Ever Ranking of 40 Leading Banks on Climate Change Strategies
While encouraging progress is being made, the banking sector still has a long way to go in confronting the business challenges posed by global climate change, according to a first-ever report issued today by the Ceres investor coalition that analyzes climate change governance practices of 40 of the world’s largest banks.
Finalists Chosen for Ceres-ACCA North American Sustainability Reporting Awards
Ceres and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) today announced the shortlist of candidate reports for the Ceres-ACCA North American Sustainability Reporting Awards for 2007. Of the 87 sustainability reports received, 21 were selected for further consideration by the judges’ panel that meets next month. The final winners will be announced at the Ceres Annual Conference at the Renaissance Waterfront Hotel in Boston on April 29, and also at an awards ceremony in Vancouver on May 14.
Investors praise U.S. Senate leaders for pushing SEC to require full corporate disclosure of climate change risks
December 7, 2007 – Investors today praised Senate leaders, Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., and Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., for sending a letter yesterday to Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Christopher Cox urging the SEC to issue guidance on information companies should be disclosing about financial risks they face from climate change. Dodd is chairman of the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee and Reed is chairman of the Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance and Investment.
Ceres and Trillium Announce Inaugural Joan Bavaria Awards
Honoring the founder of both organizations, Ceres and Trillium Asset Management Corporation have established an annual awards program named after socially responsible investment pioneer, Joan Bavaria. The inaugural Joan Bavaria Awards for Building Sustainability into the Capital Markets will be presented at the Ceres 2008 Conference to be held April 29-30, 2008 in Boston.
Investors Seek Strong Environmental Measures in Energy Bill
November, 15, 2007 – Thirty leading investors, who manage retirement funds for millions of Americans, today sent a letter to Congress urging passage of a national energy bill that includes strong measures for expanding clean energy, reducing oil dependence and curbing global warming pollution.
Anvil Knitwear, Inc. Approved as Ceres Company
Citing Anvil Knitwear's commitment to further integrate environmental and social performance into the company's U.S. and international facilities, Anvil has been approved by the Ceres board of directors as a Ceres company.
Investors Push Congress for Full Corporate Disclosure on Climate Change Risks
October 31, 2007 – Leading investors and legal experts told a Senate Subcommittee today that the Securities and Exchange Commission needs to take action to require better disclosure by U.S. companies on the financial risks they face from global climate change.
Citi and INCR Report: Tougher CAFE Standards May Be Profitable for Auto Industry and Shareholders
October 31, 2007 – A new analysis by Citi and the Investor Network on Climate Risk finds that the Senate proposal to raise fuel economy standards for U.S. cars and trucks will have only a minor impact on shareholders of auto companies.
Hundreds of New Insurance Initiatives Emerging to Tackle Climate Change and Rising Weather Losses
October 18, 2007 – Hundreds of new insurance initiatives, including ‘green’ building credits, drought-protection in developing countries and incentives for investing in renewable energy and carbon emissions trading are being offered to tackle climate change and rising weather-related losses in the U.S. and globally, according to a major new report announced today at the annual conference of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors.
Bank of America Charitable Foundation Funds Formation of "National Task Force on Energy Efficiency" by Ceres and United Nations Foundation
As part of its $20 billion initiative supporting the growth of environmentally sustainable business activity to address global climate change, Bank of America today announced a $1 million grant to the United Nations Foundation to establish a "National Task Force on Energy Efficiency" with Ceres.
Major Investors, State Officials, Environmental Groups Petition SEC to Require Full Corporate Climate Risk Disclosure
September 18, 2007 – A broad coalition of investors, state officials with regulatory and fiscal management responsibilities, and environmental groups today filed a landmark petition asking the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require publicly-traded companies to assess and fully disclose their financial risks from climate change. Also today, the coalition formally asked the Commission's Division of Corporation Finance to immediately begin "[c]losely scrutinizing the adequacy of registrants' climate disclosures" under existing law.
Ceres Recognized as Corporate Governance Leader
Ceres has been named one of the 100 most influential players in the corporate governance movement by Directorship Magazine. Ceres cutting edge work improving corporate governance practices was highlighted in the magazine’s September issue.
Ceres Seeks Submissions for 2007 Sustainability Report Awards
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Ceres, a US-based coalition of investors and environmental groups, today called for submissions to the sixth annual Ceres-ACCA North American Awards for Sustainability Reporting. The application deadline is Oct. 26 and the winners will be announced in spring 2008.
Investors Achieve Record Results in 2007 in Spurring Corporate Action on Climate Change
August 13, 2007 – Investors engaging with US companies on the financial risks and opportunities from climate change had their most successful year ever during the 2007 proxy season. A record 43 climate-related shareholder resolutions were filed with US companies this year, of which 15 led to positive actions by businesses such as ConocoPhillips, Wells Fargo and Hartford Insurance. Shareholders withdrew their resolutions after the companies made their climate-related commitments.
Exelon Joins Ceres’ Network of Companies
Exelon, one of the nation’s largest energy companies, has been approved as a Ceres network company by the Ceres board of directors. Exelon is among more than 25 Fortune 500 companies and eight electric power companies that have joined Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges such as global climate change.
Wachovia Corporation Approved as Ceres Company
Citing the company's commitment to sustainability issues, Wachovia Corporation has been approved by the Ceres board of directors as a Ceres company to further integrate environmental and social performance into the company's business strategies and initiatives.
Suncor Energy Approved as Ceres Company
Citing the company’s strong focus and attention on sustainability issues for the past 10 years, the Ceres board of directors today announced that it has approved Suncor Energy as a Ceres company.
Investors Managing $2 Trillion Attending Live Earth Concert to Join Fight to Stop Global Warming
July 6, 2007 – When the seven continent Live Earth concert kicks off Saturday at the Meadowlands, a dozen of America's largest institutional investors will be part of the crowd calling for action to fight global warming.
The State of Florida Pension Fund Joins Investor Network on Climate Risk
June 7, 2007 – In another sign of Florida's heightened focus on the business impacts of global warming, the State Board of Administration of Florida announced today that it is joining the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a national network of investors focused on the financial risks and investment opportunities posed by climate change.
Fuel Cell Company Plug Power Inc. Approved as Ceres Company
Citing the company’s mission to transform the energy industry in ways that will benefit the economy and the environment, the Ceres board of directors announced today that it has approved Plug Power Inc. as a Ceres company.
Haley & Aldrich Approved as Ceres Company
Haley & Aldrich, Inc., a nationally recognized environmental and engineering consulting firm based in Boston, has been accepted into the Ceres network of companies that are committed to enhancing value by integrating environmental and social performance into business strategies and initiatives. Haley & Aldrich is among more than 70 companies in the Ceres network, including 20 Fortune 500 companies. Other companies in the Ceres network include Aveda Corporation, National Grid, Nike and Seventh Generation.
$900 BILLION OF INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS PRESSURE EXXONMOBIL ON GLOBAL WARMING
May 23, 2007 – Two dozen leading institutional investors are pushing for the removal of ExxonMobil board member Michael Boskin due to the company’s inaction on the serious business risks from climate change.
Gap Inc. Joins Ceres Network of Companies
Citing the company’s focus on improving labor standards and factory conditions in its extensive supply chain, the Ceres board of directors today announced that is has approved apparel giant Gap Inc. as a Ceres company.
Investors Call on Ford Motor Co. to Support National Climate Policy and Set Greenhouse Reduction Goals
May 9, 2007 – In the wake of General Motors’ endorsement of a national climate change policy calling for a 60 to 80 percent reduction in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, leading institutional investors today called on the Ford Motor Co., which is holding its annual corporate meeting Thursday May 10, to take the same step.
Ceres Announces "Sustainable Prosperity" Survey Results
Investors, environmentalists and business leaders are cautiously optimistic that sustainability conditions in North America and developing countries will improve in the next two decades, according to the Ceres “Advancing Sustainable Prosperity” survey conducted last week at the Ceres annual conference in Boston. Attendees at the two-day conference were queried on a range of topics pertaining to sustainability – the issues, challenges and opportunities for achieving sustainable prosperity in global economy.
Vancity and Bristol-Myers Squibb Receive Top Sustainability Reporting Awards at Ceres Conference in Boston
Vancity Group and Bristol-Myers Squibb received the top sustainability reporting awards today in an international competition hosted by the Boston-based Ceres coalition and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The winners, selected from a record 102 nominations, also included Vermont-based Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and Vancouver, B.C.-based Mountain Equipment Co-op. The four winners were announced at the Ceres annual conference today at Boston’s Seaport Hotel, where a report providing guidance to companies on sustainability disclosure was also released.
U.S. Mutual Funds Ignoring Business Risks of Climate Change
April 23, 2007 – None of the nation’s 100 largest mutual funds voted in 2006 to support shareholder resolutions calling for more corporate disclosure on the financial impacts from global climate change, according to proxy voting data compiled by Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) for Ceres
CFO Sink: Florida Treasury Joins Investor Network on Climate Risk
April 17, 2007 – Fresh off the heels of hosting the first in a series of “Conversations on Climate Change,” Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced today that as the state treasurer, she will join the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a national network of investors focused on the business impacts of climate change. CFO Sink is the first Florida-based institutional investor to join the three-year-old organization, which now includes more than 50 public and private institutional investors managing more than $3.7 trillion in assets that focus on the future financial risks and investment opportunities posed by climate change.
Shareholders Withdraw ConocoPhillips Climate Change Proposal
In response to today’s announcement by ConocoPhillips that it will support a mandatory federal policy to cap greenhouse gas emissions and take other measures to reduce its climate impact, Trillium Asset Management Corporation will withdraw a shareholder proposal encouraging the company to invest more in developing low- and zero-carbon technologies.
Investors Persuade Home Builders, Retail Giant and Hotel Chain to Disclose Energy Efficiency Performance
In response to shareholder requests, two leading homebuilders, the nation’s largest warehouse club chain and a hotel chain have agreed to significantly expand reporting and disclosure on energy efficiency performance.
Hartford Insurance and Prudential Financial Commit to Climate Change Disclosure
Calvert, one of the nation’s largest families of socially responsible mutual funds, announced today that it has withdrawn climate change shareholder resolutions filed with two leading insurance companies: The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and Prudential Financial Inc.
Pending Global Warming Resolutions for 2007 Proxy Season
Investors have filed 42 global warming resolutions with U.S. companies as part of the 2007 proxy season – nearly double the number of climate-related resolutions filed just three years ago. The resolutions, seeking greater disclosure from companies on their responses and strategies to climate-related business trends, were filed by state and city pension funds and labor, foundation, religious and other institutional shareholders. The filers collectively manage more than $200 billion in assets. Some of the resolutions at these companies are not proceeding to a vote either because the proposal was withdrawn by shareholders after a satisfactory pledge by the company to implement the request, or because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) excluded the proposal on technical grounds.
Investors Managing $4 Trillion Call on Congress to Tackle Global Climate Change
March 19, 2007 – For the first time, dozens of institutional investors managing $4 trillion in assets today called on US lawmakers to enact strong federal legislation to curb the pollution causing global climate change. Joined by a dozen leading US companies, the investor group outlined the business and economic rationale for climate action as they called for a national policy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions consistent with targets scientists say are needed to avoid the dangerous impacts of global warming.
New Report Warns of Investor Risks from TXU Coal Strategy
February 26, 2007 – Amid recent reports that TXU Corp. will be acquired by a private equity firm and will scale back its plan to build 11 new coal-fired power plants in Texas, the Ceres investor coalition today issued a new report about wide-ranging financial risks that TXU investors face from the company’s original proposal to build 11 new coal-fired power plants in Texas.
TXU, Exxon Mobil Among 10 'Climate Watch' Companies Targeted by Investors
February 13, 2007 – A group of leading US investors today announced the formation of a Climate Watch List, a list of 10 companies that have been identified as lagging behind their industry peers in their responses to climate change. As part of this effort, investors have filed shareholder resolutions with the 10 companies – and 26 other US businesses – aimed at improving their focus and attention to the business risks and opportunities from climate change.
Sun Microsystems Approved as Ceres Company: Sun Takes Lead in Energy Efficiency
Citing the company’s recent leap in environmentally minded products and incentive programs, the Ceres board of directors today announced it has approved Sun Microsystems, Inc. as a Ceres company.
S&P 500 Companies Faulted For Poor Climate Disclosure
January 31, 2007 – Despite growing financial losses in various business sectors from climate change, over half of the nation’s 500 largest publicly traded companies are doing a poor job of disclosing climate change risks to their investors, according to a first-ever report analyzing climate disclosure practices among S&P 500 companies last year.
New Consortium Created to Develop Standard Framework for Company Reporting of Climate Risks
The World Economic Forum announced today the formation of a new international partnership of seven organizations to establish a generally accepted framework for climate risk-related reporting by corporations. Founding members of the institutional consortium, the Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB), include the California Climate Action Registry, Carbon Disclosure Project, Ceres, The Climate Group, International Emissions Trading Association, World Economic Forum Global Greenhouse Gas Register and World Resources Institute.
New Report Touts Vast Energy Efficiency Potential in Texas
A new report released today concludes that Texas can meet its growing energy needs at lower cost, and with significantly less pollution by using new incentives for businesses and consumers in the state, and requiring utility companies to invest in cost-effective energy savings before they spend money on expensive new plants. Together, the report says these strategies would yield nearly $50 billion in savings and other economic benefits to Texas over the next 15 years with an investment of $11 billion – a dividend of more than four to one.
Ceres-ACCA Announce 19 Finalists for Sustainability Reporting Awards
Ceres and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) today announced the shortlist of candidate reports for the Ceres-ACCA North American Sustainability Reporting Awards for 2006. Of the 102 sustainability reports received, 19 were selected for further consideration by the judges’ panel that meets next month. The final winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Toronto on April 12, 2007 and also at the Ceres Annual Conference at the Seaport Hotel in Boston on April 25, 2007.
Shareholders Challenge TXU on New Coal Plants and Energy Efficiency
December 8, 2006 – Leading institutional investors this week filed shareholders resolutions with the TXU Corp. regarding the company’s plan to build 11 new pulverized coal-burning power plants in Texas at an estimated cost of $10 billion.
Aspen Skiing Company, The L.P. The bault Company, PRIZIM and The CarbonNeutral Company Join Ceres
Citing the company’s commitment to improving their social and environmental performance and reporting, Ceres today announced that it has approved four new companies – the Aspen Skiing Company, The L.P. Thebault Company, PRIZIM Inc. and The CarbonNeutral Company – into its network.
EILEEN FISHER Joins Ceres
Citing the company’s commitment to social initiatives focused on improving women’s health, the Ceres Board of Directors has approved EILEEN FISHER Inc. into its coalition of companies. The Irvington, NY-based company is the first women’s clothing company to join Ceres, a leading national coalition of investors, environmental organizations and other public interest groups working with companies to address environmental and social challenges, such as climate change.
National Grid Approved to Join Ceres
Citing the company’s commitment to social and environmental improvements, the Ceres Board of Directors has approved National Grid into the Ceres network of companies. National Grid, based in Westborough, MA, is one of the first New England utilities to join Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and other public interest groups working with companies to address sustainability challenges such as global climate change.
Power Companies and Wall Street Firms Begin to Assess Climate Risks
With input from investors, financial firms and electric power companies, Ceres today released a report outlining actions that power companies and Wall Street firms should be taking to address the financial risks posed by climate change. The report comes as more financial services firms, including Citigroup, JPMorgan and Sanford C. Bernstein, are boosting their research on the financial impact of emerging climate change regulations.
AIG Global Investment Group Joins Investor Network on Climate Risk
October 24, 2006 – AIG Global Investment Group (AIGGIG) has joined the Ceres-coordinated Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a network of institutional investors and financial institutions focused on the financial risks and investment opportunities posed by climate change.
Leading Investors Worldwide Release Global Framework for Climate Risk Disclosure
October 11, 2006 – A unique global partnership of 14 leading institutional investors and other organizations representing trillions in assets today released the Global Framework for Climate Risk Disclosure to provide specific guidance to companies regarding the information they provide to investors on the financial risks posed by climate change.
Investors Press S&P 500 Companies for Better Disclosure on Social and Environmental Challenges
For the first time, major institutional investors today called on S&P 500 companies to follow their European counterparts in using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) to improve their public disclosure to shareholders on pressing environmental and social issues. The announcement comes as GRI today unveiled new reporting guidelines, called G3, that elevate climate change as a key disclosure topic for companies to include in public reports.
Largest Institutional Investors Eclipse $1 Billion Clean Technology Investment Goal
September 21, 2006 – Seizing on a worldwide trend to develop lower-polluting, climate-friendly technologies, the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR) announced today that its members have allocated more than $1 billion of their assets to clean technology ventures over the past 18 months. The investments, announced at the Cleantech Venture Forum XI in New York, cover such technologies as hydrogen fuel cells, alternative and renewable energy, water and advanced materials.
Marsh, Yale and Ceres Join To Educate Corporate Directors About The Risks, Opportunities Posed By Climate Change
Three leading U.S. organizations have announced a unique collaborative effort to educate hundreds of independent corporate board members about the potential liabilities and strategic business opportunities global climate change can create for companies. The announcement was made at a plenary session of the 2006 annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, being hosted here this week by former President Bill Clinton.
State Street Corp. Approved as a Ceres Company
Citing the company's increasing commitment to socially responsible investing, sustainability reporting, and community engagement, the Ceres board of directors today announced its approval of Boston-based State Street Corp. as the newest company to join the Ceres network.
PA State Treasurer Joins INCR and Creates Clean Technology Fund
September 7, 2006 – Pennsylvania State Treasurer Robert P. Casey, Jr. today announced a new investment strategy for the Commonwealth that will promote greater public and private investments in clean technologies, such as alternative and renewable energy sources, and provide superior returns for taxpayers.
Dozens of New Insurance Products Emerging to Tackle Climate Change and Rising Weather Losses
Dozens of new insurance activities, such as 'green' building credits and incentives for investing in renewable energy, are emerging to tackle the causes of climate change and rising weather-related losses in the U.S. and globally, according to a major new report issued today by the Ceres investor coalition. But the report also states that more insurance companies need to be offering similar services to minimize losses and make the most of business opportunities related to climate change.
Ceres Partners with EAI to Improve Investment Research on Climate Change and other 'Extra-Financial' Issues
Ceres, a U.S. coalition of investors, environmental groups and other public interest organizations, today announced it is joining the Enhanced Analytics Initiative as a partner, a new membership category for organizations supportive of EAI's mission, and has pledged to support EAI’s mission to encourage investment research that considers the impact of ‘extra financial’ issues on long-term company performance.
Clif Bar & Co. Joins Ceres Network of Companies
Citing the company’s long-time commitment to environmental and sustainable business practices, the Ceres board of directors has selected Clif Bar & Co. as its newest company member.
Ceres Praises National Launch of ‘Eco-friendly’ Paper Coffee Cup
The launch of a revolutionary all-natural paper coffee cup—made from fully renewable resources—has been applauded by Ceres, a national coalition of investors, environmental groups and other public interest organizations working with companies to tackle environmental challenges. The new cup is being introduced nationally by a partnership of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. of Waterbury, Vt., and Foodservice Business, International Paper, of Memphis, Tenn.
Dell Inc. Approved as a Ceres Company
Citing the company’s recent progress on electronics recycling and its overall commitment to social and environmental improvements, the Ceres board of directors today announced it has approved Dell Inc. as a Ceres company.
2006 Proxy Season Produces Positive Results on Climate Change
July 14, 2006 – Investors were enormously successful engaging with companies on climate change during the 2006 proxy season. More than two-dozen climate-related shareholder resolutions were filed with U.S. companies, many of which were ultimately withdrawn by shareholders after a satisfactory pledge by the company to implement the request.
Investors Call on SEC To Require Corporate Disclosure on Climate Change
June 14, 2006 – More than two-dozen institutional investors, managing more than $1 trillion of assets, today called on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to require publicly-traded companies to disclose the financial risks of global warming in their securities filings.
2006 Proxy Season Produces Strong Results on Climate Change
Investors have been enormously successful engaging with companies on climate change during the 2006 proxy season. More than two-dozen climate-related shareholder resolutions were filed with U.S. companies, some of which were ultimately withdrawn by shareholders after a satisfactory pledge by the company to implement the request, or because the SEC excluded the proposal on technical grounds.
Study Shows ExxonMobil Lagging Competitors on Climate Change
ExxonMobil now admits global warming is real and poses risks but the company has not yet taken steps - such as meaningful alternative energy investments - that would demonstrate that ExxonMobil is managing the risks to its shareholders and capturing the opportunities posed by climate change, according to a new report issued today by Ceres.
Concerned That Exxon Mobil's Handling of Climate Change Lags Behind Other Competitors, U.S. Institutional Investors Seek Meeting with Exxon Board
May 18, 2006 – Seventeen leading U.S. pension funds and other institutional investors controlling $658 billion in assets are pushing for a face-to-face-meeting with independent members of the Exxon Mobil board of directors as a result of growing financial world concerns that ExxonMobil is "a company that fails to acknowledge the potential for climate change to have a profound impact on global energy markets, and which lags far behind its competitors in developing a strategy to plan for and manage these impacts."
Investors Concerned About TXU's Aggressive Coal Strategy
May 16, 2006 – Several of the nation's largest institutional investors contacted TXU Corp. this week requesting additional information about the company's plan to build 11 new pulverized coal-fired power plants in Texas at an estimated cost of $10 billion. The letter was sent in advance of the Dallas-based company's annual shareholder meeting Friday, May 19.
Ceres Praises AIG as First U.S. Insurer To Adopt Climate Change Policy
Ceres, a national coalition of investors and environmental groups, praised AIG, the world's largest insurer, for becoming the first U.S.-based insurance company to adopt a policy to manage the risks and capture the business opportunities posed by climate change. AIG unveiled the new policy on May 15. Ceres has been seeking improved U.S. insurance industry practices on climate change through the Investor Network on Climate Risk, a group of 50 institutional investors that manage nearly $3 trillion in assets.
New Report: Wall Street Analysts Concerned about Impact of Oil Prices, Energy Policies and Climate Risk on Auto Sector Companies
April 28, 2006 – A new Ceres report released today finds that the uncertainty in the U.S. regarding the future course of energy and climate change policy is a major problem for investors and Wall Street analysts in assessing the value of auto companies, and that analysts need better disclosure from auto companies about their strategies for managing the risks and capturing the opportunities posed by new energy and climate change policies taking effect worldwide.
Leading Investors in INCR Support Principles for Responsible Investment
April 27, 2006 – A half-dozen leading investors in the Ceres-coordinated Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR) today signed onto the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), which provide a framework for investment managers to factor environmental, social and governance considerations in protecting the long-term interests of their clients and pension beneficiaries.
Ceres Receives Prestigious Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship
Ceres was among 16 recipients of the prestigious 2006 Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship. Skoll Foundation Chairman Jeff Skoll presented the award last month to Ceres President Mindy S. Lubber at the third annual Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Oxford in England.
PG&E Selected to Join Leading Coalition on Sustainability
PG&E Corporation has become the first California utility company, and one of only 15 Fortune 500 companies, selected to join Ceres, a leading national coalition of investment funds, environmental organizations and other public interest groups working with companies to tackle environmental and social challenges, including climate change.
New Report on Air Emissions from Top 100 Power Companies Shows Increase in Global Warming Emissions, Drop in Other Pollutants
A new report evaluating air pollution trends at the nation's 100 largest electric power producers shows that emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) have fallen markedly in recent years, but carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions increased and will likely spike in coming years.
Nike & Hewlett-Packard Win Ceres-ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards
Nike Inc. and Hewlett-Packard received the top sustainability reporting awards today in an international competition hosted by the Boston-based Ceres coalition and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The winners, selected from a record 87 nominations, also included Seventh Generation in Burlington, VT, Dofasco in Hamilton, Ontario and Gap, Inc. in San Francisco, CA. The five winners were announced at the Ceres annual conference today at the Oakland Marriott.
Investors and Consumers Urge Fidelity, Vanguard and American Funds to Take Action on Global Climate Change
March 29, 2006 – More than 38,000 investors and consumers today called on the nation's three largest mutual fund companies - including Boston-based Fidelity - to focus their attention on the financial implications of global warming. The three mutual fund families collectively manage more than $1 trillion in assets.
BP Receives Top Score in First-Ever Ranking of 100 Global Companies on Climate Change Strategies
After years of inaction, a growing number of leading U.S. companies are confronting the business challenges from global warming, recognizing that greenhouse gas limits are inevitable and that they cannot risk falling behind their international competitors in developing climate-friendly technologies. Some U.S. companies, such as General Electric, are catching up and joining Cinergy and Alcoa in leading their industries. But many others are still largely ignoring the climate issue with 'business as usual' strategies that may be putting their companies and shareholders at risk.
Investors Persuade Big-Box Retailers and Shopping Mall Giant to Disclose Energy Efficiency Performance
In response to shareholder requests, two leading big-box retailers and the nation's largest shopping mall company have agreed to significantly expand reporting and disclosure on energy efficiency performance, with the two big-box retailers also agreeing to discuss greenhouse gas emissions.
Four Electric Power Companies in Midwest Agree to Disclose Climate Risks
In response to shareholder requests, four U.S. electric power companies in Missouri and Wisconsin have joined other utility companies by agreeing to assess and disclose the potential impacts from foreseeable regulations to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
General Mills, Time Warner and Piper Jaffray Accepted into Ceres Network of Companies
Citing their commitment to reporting and improving their social and environmental performance, Ceres today announced that it has approved three new companies - General Mills, Piper Jaffray & Co. and Time Warner - into its network of companies.
Ceres Study Shows that Nation's 100 Largest Mutual Funds Sitting on Sidelines on Climate Change Issue
Seven out of 10 U.S. mutual fund investors now want their mutual funds to support global warming shareholder resolutions, but not one of the nation's largest mutual funds voted in favor of any climate change proxy measures during 2005, according to a major new public opinion survey from the Civil Society Institute (CSI) and a report prepared for the Ceres investor coalition.
Ceres Releases Corporate Toolkit for Managing Climate Change
January 20, 2006 – Ceres and the Investor Network on Climate Risk have published a 24-page "toolkit" to help companies address the strategic and financial challenges associated with global climate change.
EPA Supports Ceres to Expand its Facility Reporting Project
The Ceres coalition announced today it has received support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct additional pilot projects under its Facility Reporting Project (FRP). FRP aims to improve sustainability reporting and performance at individual facilities across the country.
Ford Motor Co. Releases Climate Risk Report to Shareholders
The Ford Motor Co. today released a first-of-its-kind report in the auto industry analyzing the business implications of climate change on the company's strategic planning and overall competitiveness.
Northeast Governors Sign Landmark Global Warming Pollution Pact
Governors of seven Northeast states today unveiled a pioneering bipartisan accord that will cut heat-trapping global warming emissions from the region's power plants and create new investment in cleaner, more efficient energy technology. Along with new pollution limits, the plan will use a market-based strategy that rewards smart companies for outperforming the new pollution limits and lowers overall compliance costs.
Institutional Investors Urge Insurance Companies to Boost Response to Financial Risks and Opportunities from Climate Change
December 1, 2005 – Citing the enormous risks that insurance companies face from escalating losses caused by extreme weather events and the financial risks and opportunities associated with climate change, 20 leading U.S. investors urged 30 of the largest publicly-held insurance companies in North America to disclose their financial exposure from climate change and steps they are taking to reduce those financial impacts.
McDonald's & Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Announce Partnership
McDonald's restaurants are partnering with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. to source, roast and package Newman's Own Organics Blend coffee exclusively for more than 650 McDonald's restaurants in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Albany, NY. The new coffee will be available beginning Nov. 1.
Fast-Food Giant McDonald's Wins Approval as Ceres Partner
Citing the company's progress on sustainability reporting and commitment to continuous enhancement of its social and environmental performance, the Ceres board of directors today announced it has approved fast food giant McDonald's Corp. as a Ceres company.
Ceres and ACCA Seek Nominations for 2005 North American Sustainability Reporting Awards
Ceres, a U.S-based coalition of investor and environmental groups, and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in Canada, are seeking submissions for the 2005 Ceres-ACCA North American Awards for Sustainability Reporting.
Carbonfund & Ceres Launch Carbon Offset Program
September 19, 2005 – Carbonfund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the threat of climate change, and Ceres, a national network of investment funds, environmental organizations and other public interest groups working to advance environmental stewardship on the part of businesses, have launched a joint carbon offset program.
New Ceres Report Warns of Rising Threat to U.S. Insurers and their Customers from Climate Change
September 8, 2005 – Hurricane Katrina is a most poignant reminder that U.S. insurers, government and consumers are at enormous risk from escalating losses from hurricanes and other weather-related events. Unless insurers and their regulators take steps to address this growing challenge, particularly in an era of escalating climate change impacts, companies, governments and the public will suffer even greater financial losses in the future, according to a new report released today by the Ceres investor coalition.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Accepted in Ceres Network of Companies
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR) has been notified that is has been accepted to the Ceres network of companies that are committed to enhancing value by integrating environmental and social performance into business strategies and initiatives. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is the first publicly owned coffee company to join this prestigious network of approximately 70 companies of all sizes, including Aveda Corporation, Seventh Generation, Ford Motor Company, Green Mountain Power Corporation, Interface, Inc., and Nike, Inc.
Institutional Investors Call on Power Sector to Focus Attention on Financial Risks from Climate Change
Citing the financial risks that electric power companies face from climate change, 15 leading U.S. investors today sent letters to 43 of the country's 50 largest investor-owned greenhouse gas emitters in the industry requesting that they report within a year how future greenhouse gas limits will affect their financial bottom lines and steps they are taking to reduce those financial impacts and improve their competitive positioning. (See company list below.)
New WRI/Ceres Report Highlights Investor Tools for Assessing Climate Risk
The World Resources Institute (WRI) and Ceres released a report, on June 1st, designed to help investors analyze business risks and regulatory uncertainties associated with global climate change.
ExxonMobil Investors Give Record Voting Support to Climate Change Resolution
May 25, 2005 - Shareholders at the ExxonMobil Corp. gave record high voting support today to a shareholder resolution seeking greater analysis and disclosure from the company about the financial impacts posed by global climate change.
Southern Co. Releases Climate Risk Report to Shareholders
As a result of a shareholder resolution filed with the Southern Co., the Atlanta-based company today released a report analyzing the potential effects of climate change regulations on its operations. Because of Southern's reliance on coal to generate electricity at its power plants, shareholders are concerned that potential future policies restricting greenhouse gas emissions might put their investments at risk.
U.S. & European Investors Tackle Climate Change Risks and Opportunities at the UN
May 10, 2005 – Two-dozen leading U.S. and European institutional investors managing over $3 trillion in assets on May 10 released a 10-point action plan calling on U.S. companies, Wall Street firms and the Securities and Exchange Commission to intensify efforts to provide investors with comprehensive analysis and disclosure about the financial risks presented by climate change. The group also pledged to invest $1 billion in prudent business opportunities emerging from the drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Pension Fund Leaders, CEOs and Wall Street Investment Managers to Discuss Climate Risks and Opportunities at UN Summit May 10
Hundreds of institutional investors from around the world, Wall Street leaders, and state treasurers will be meeting Tuesday, May 10, at the United Nations in New York City to discuss how to address the financial risks and realize the opportunities from global climate change.
Investors Call On Power Sector And Wall Street To Focus Attention On Financial Risks From Climate Change
Citing a new Ceres report about the financial risks electric power companies face from climate change, leading U.S. institutional investors today called on the country's 50 largest investor-owned greenhouse gas emitters in the electric power industry to report within a year how future greenhouse gas limits will affect their financial bottom lines and steps they are taking to reduce those financial impacts and improve their competitive positioning. The investors will be mailing letters to the CEOs of the 50 companies on this issue later this month. (See company list below.)
Nike Inc. Issues 2004 Corporate Responsibility Report Highlighting Stakeholder Engagement and New Levels of Transparency and Disclosure
Nike, Inc. today issued its second corporate responsibility (CR) report highlighting the Nike brand's CR priorities, programs, progress and challenges relating to workers in contract factories; employees and diversity; the environment; and community investment. In addition, the company became the first in its industry to voluntarily disclose the names and locations of the more than 700 active contract factories that currently make Nike-branded products worldwide. This information, along with its report, is posted on Nike, Inc.'s website atwww.nikeresponsibility.com/reports.
Hewlett-Packard And Gap Win Sustainability Reporting Awards
Hewlett-Packard and the Gap are among four U.S and Canadian companies that received sustainability reporting awards today in an international competition sponsored by the Boston-based Ceres coalition and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The award winners, selected from among 68 nominations, also included YSI Inc. in Yellow Springs, Ohio and the Vancity Credit Union in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Investors Win Agreement From Ford Motor Co. To Prepare Climate Risk Report
As a result of a shareholder resolution filed with the Ford Motor Co., the country's second largest automaker today announced it will issue a first-of-its-kind comprehensive report later this year that will examine the business implications of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the motor vehicles made by Ford as well as the facilities that produce them. The climate risk report will also examine impacts from possible policy and regulatory changes.
U.S. Oil/Gas Companies Take Action To Reduce Climate Change Risks
March 17, 2005 – After extensive negotiations with shareholders, Anadarko Petroleum, Apache, ChevronTexaco and three other leading U.S. oil and gas companies have taken far-reaching actions in recent months to disclose their potential financial exposure from climate change and develop strategies to improve their strategic positioning as international pressure grows to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy sources.
U.S. Companies Face Record Number Of Global Warming Shareholder Resolutions On Wider Range Of Business Sectors
February 17, 2005 - Oil and gas companies, electric power producers, real estate firms, manufacturers, financial institutions and automakers face a record number of global warming resolutions that have been filed by shareholders for the 2005 proxy season.
New Ceres Study: Mutual Funds Give Climate Change Proxy Resolutions A Cold Shoulder, Even As Pension Funds Warm Up To Them
December 7, 2004 - A mere two percent of the assets of the largest 100 mutual funds in America voted in 2004 to support shareholder resolutions calling for more corporate disclosure on the financial impacts from global warming, according to a new Ceres study authored by the Investor Responsibility Research Center (IRRC) and released today by Results for America, a project of the Civil Society Institute.
Cinergy Corp. Releases Climate Risk Report to Shareholders
As a result of a shareholder resolution filed with Cinergy Corp., the Ohio-based company today released a report analyzing the potential effects of climate change regulations on its operations. Because of Cinergy's reliance on coal to generate electricity at its nine Midwest power plants, shareholders are concerned that potential future policies restricting greenhouse gas emissions might put their investments at risk.
Call For Submissions To The Ceres-Acca 2004 North American Awards For Sustainability Reporting
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Ceres, a US coalition of environmental and investor groups today called for submissions to the Ceres-ACCA North American Awards for Sustainability Reporting 2004. These awards, the first ever in North America, are entering their third year.
Influential Leaders Push For Clean Energy, Global Warming Questions In Remaining Presidential Debates
A wide-ranging group of 22 union, religious, science, state government and former federal officials today petitioned the trustees of the Commission on Presidential Debates - as well as debate moderators Charles Gibson and Bob Schieffer - to "include questions about the candidates' plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean energy and clean vehicle technologies as urgent matters of both domestic and foreign policy."
Ceres Workshop at Harvard University Educates Pension Fund Trustees on Climate Risk
The "Sustainability and Risk: Climate Change and Fiduciary Duty for the Twenty-First Century Trustee" workshop at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government was a huge success. Representatives from the three largest public pension funds in the country, the California Public Employees Retirement System, the New York State Common Retirement Fund, and the California State Teachers' Retirement System, attended. Ceres co-sponsored the event - the first of its kind - with the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative and the Energy Technology Innovation Project in the Belfer Center for Science & International Affairs at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.
New Guide Advises Investors On Addressing Financial Risks And Opportunities From Global Warming
An investor guide released today outlines specific strategies for addressing the financial risks and investment opportunities posed by global warming. The guide identifies actions that pension plans, fund managers and companies can take to address climate risk,and also recommends that investors support government action to reduce investor and business uncertainty on global warming.
Southern Company, TXU Agree To Report To Shareholders On Preparedness For Greenhouse Gas Limits; Reliant Energy To Expand 10k Disclosure On Issue
In response to shareholder requests for disclosure on how companies are planning for potential constraints on carbon dioxide and other emissions, electric power giant Southern Company and power company TXU have agreed to report publicly on how they are planning for those scenarios, while Houston-based power provider Reliant Energy has agreed to take steps to improve measurement and disclosure of the financial impact of its emissions.
Global Warming Resolutions at U.S. Oil Companies Bring Policy Commitments from Leaders, and Record High Votes at Laggards
Faced with shareholder resolutions requesting reports on their preparedness for world constraints on carbon dioxide emissions, U.S. oil and gas companies have taken two distinct directions in response, with two companies making commitments to develop policies on carbon dioxide emissions and one company pledging to reduce emissions, while three more refused the requests and were hit with large percentages of shareholders voting against management on the resolutions last week.
Suncor Energy Wins Ceres-Acca Sustainability Reporting Award
Ceres and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) presented reporting awards to five companies for the second annual Ceres-ACCA North American Sustainability Reporting Awards at a luncheon in Boston today. Suncor Energy, Inc., a Canadian company, took the top award.
Thirteen Pension Leaders Call on SEC Chairman to Require Global Warming Risks in Corporate Disclosure
Thirteen major public pension fund leaders - including eight state treasurers and comptrollers, four labor pension fund leaders, and the New York City Comptroller, collectively managing assets of nearly $800 billion- today called on the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) to eliminate any doubt that publicly traded companies should be disclosing the financial risks of global warming in their securities filings.
New Report Benchmarking Air Pollution from Top 100 Electric Companies Shows Carbon Dioxide Pollution Increasing
A new report rating air pollution emissions performance of America's 100 largest electric power producers reveals important trends in the industry, and sharp contrasts between the best and worst emissions performers. The report shows overall emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) are dropping, thanks largely to standards created in the Clean Air Act of 1990. Meanwhile emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), which remain unregulated, are soaring.
Oil And Gas Industry Faces Record Number Of Global Warming Shareholder Resolutions At Wider Range Of Firms
The oil and gas industry faces a record number of global warming shareholder resolutions in 2004, with an expansion of such proxy measures to smaller independents. State, city, religious and other institutional shareholders have filed 13 resolutions requesting risk disclosure and plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with 10 oil and gas companies, 5 of which are facing questions on the issue for the first time. In addition to targeting household names such as ExxonMobil and ChevronTexaco, the shareholders have broadened their concern to smaller, independent exploration and production companies, such as Devon and Apache. These companies, the shareholders say -- which only drill for and produce oil and gas and are not diversified with distribution or retail operations -- are even more vulnerable to regulatory- or market-based limits on carbon dioxide emissions worldwide.
American Electric Power, Cinergy Agree To Report To Shareholders On Responses To Rising Pressure To Reduce Greenhouse Gas, Other Emissions
In response to shareholder proposals for greater transparency on how companies are planning for potential constraints on carbon dioxide and other emissions, electric power giants American Electric Power and Cinergy have agreed to report publicly about on how they are responding to growing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions. The company reports will assess the impacts of and potential responses to a number of policy scenarios, including various proposals in Congress and existing state legislation to limit carbon dioxide and other emissions. Both companies agreed to the shareholders' request that a committee of independent directors oversee the report. As a result, shareholders will withdraw resolutions facing the two companies.
Investor Coalition Finds U.S. Corporations Face Multi-Billion Dollar Risk from Climate Change, Risk Not Adequately Assessed by Boards and Investors
There is mounting evidence that failure to respond to the risks posed by climate change could result in multi-billion dollar losses for U.S. businesses and investment portfolios, and this failure could represent a breach of fiduciary duty on the part of corporate directors and investment decision-makers, according to a report released today.
In Follow-Up to Investor Summit on Climate Risk, California Treasurer Launches Environmental Disclosure and Investment Initiative
California State Treasurer Phil Angelides today launched a landmark initiative to use CA pension funds' clout and considerable assets to demand more disclosure of climate- and other environmental risks from portfolio companies and invest in clean energy technologies to encourage job creation and economic growth in California. He cited the Ceres-led Investor Summit on Climate Risk, held at the United Nations in November, 2003, as part of the impetus for the announcement.
Many 'New Faces' Make Shortlist For Ceres - Acca Sustainability Reporting Awards
Ceres and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) today announced the shortlist of candidate reports for the Ceres-ACCA North American Sustainability Reporting Awards 2003 program. Of the 52 applications received, 21 were selected for further consideration by the judges' panel that meets next month, including 16 for sustainability reporting and 5 for environmental reporting. This group includes several first-time reporters as well as small and medium sized reporters.
Global Warming Heats Up On Wall Street
In an historic expression of growing alarm at the potential economic costs of global warming to U.S. pension funds, institutional investors representing over $1 trillion in assets will gather with senior representatives of Wall Street fund management firms for a closed- door summit at the United Nations New York headquarters Friday to examine the risks of climate change to their portfolios and determine further action. Key participants will hold an in-person and phone-based media briefing at 1 p.m. to report on actions they may take.
2001 Benchmarking Air Emissions Data
Ceres, NRDC, and PSEG have recently updated the Benchmarking Report with 2001 electric generation company and power plant data. The information, as in past Benchmarking reports, catalogues and compares air pollutant emissions of the 100 largest U.S. electric power producers for 2001. The information was compiled and analyzed in collaboration by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC); Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG), a New Jersey-based electric utility; and Ceres, a national coalition of environmental and investor groups.
Ceres/Acca Launch 2003 Sustainability Reporting Awards
Ceres, also known as the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies, in conjunction with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), is launching the Ceres-ACCA North American Sustainability Reporting Awards 2003 program. The purpose of the awards program is to contribute to reporting on sustainability, environmental and social issues by United States and Canadian corporations and other organizations by rewarding best practice and providing guidance to other entities that are publishing or intend to publish sustainability reports.
Report: Top Greenhouse Gas Emitters in Oil, Utility and Auto Industries Not Disclosing, Acting on Financial Risks of Climate Change
Most of America's biggest carbon dioxide-emitting companies - including ChevronTexaco (CVX), ExxonMobil (XOM), General Electric (GE), Southern Company (SO), and Xcel Energy (XEL) - are not adequately disclosing the financial risks posed by climate change and also are failing to deal with global warming issues in other key corporate governance areas, according to a new study of 20 of the world's largest companies.
Electric Power Companies, Investors, and Environmental Groups Join Forces to Call for Action on Climate Change
An unusual partnership of electric power companies, investors, and major environmental groups today released recommendations for the industry, government and Wall Street on the issue of global warming. Among the recommendations was a call for a mandatory national climate change program to limit greenhouse gas emissions. A national cap on emissions, the participants say, would create business certainty for electric companies and their investors, and would encourage investment in cleaner new technologies.
Strong Showing On Global Warming Resolution At TXU Is "Major Victory" For Religious Shareholder Activists
A global warming proxy resolution that attracted 24 percent of shareholder support today at TXU Corporation (NYSE: TXU) is a "major victory" for religious institutional investor members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), which is pressuring major U.S. utilities to take action on climate-change issues.
Study: Exxonmobil Now The Only Giant Oil Co. Failing To Act On Global Warming Risks
ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) is now alone among the four "supermajor" oil companies in refusing to take meaningful action to mitigate the growing risks posed by global warming, according to a study released today by Claros Consulting of London, England. The Claros report notes that a host of global warming events and trends converging over the last year have "significantly increased" the climate-related risks to the wealth of ExxonMobil shareholders.
Ceres and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) presented reporting awards to five companies at the first Ceres-ACCA U.S. Sustainability Reporting Awards program in New York Cit
The purpose of the awards program is to reward best practice in reporting on sustainability - environmental, economic and social -- issues by corporations based in the United States, to provide guidance to other entities that are publishing or intend to publish sustainability reports, and to increase corporate accountability on those issues.
2002 Ceres ACCA Reporting Awards
The Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (Ceres) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) presented reporting awards to five companies at the first Ceres-ACCA U.S. Sustainability Reporting Awards program in New York City on April 2, 2003.
Ceres Executive Director Bob Massie steps down Mindy Lubber named new executive director
Ceres, or The Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies, announced today that after seven years as executive director, Bob Massie has decided to step down in order to give himself more time and room to be treated for chronic Hepatitis C. According to Norman Dean, Ceres board chair and executive director, Friends of the Earth, Massie will remain with Ceres as senior fellow, and a member of the Ceres board, allowing him to contribute his ideas and strategic thinking while giving him the opportunity to recuperate.
Many 'New Faces' Make Shortlist For Ceres - Acca Sustainability Reporting Awards
Ceres and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) today announced the shortlist of candidate reports for the Ceres-ACCA North American Sustainability Reporting Awards 2003 program. Of the 52 applications received, 21 were selected for further consideration by the judges' panel that meets next month, including 16 for sustainability reporting and 5 for environmental reporting. This group includes several first-time reporters as well as small and medium sized reporters.
Ceres/Acca Launch Sustainability Reporting Awards
The Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (Ceres), in conjunction with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), is launching the U.S. Sustainability Reporting Awards program. The purpose of the awards program is to contribute to reporting on sustainability, environmental and social issues by corporations and other organizations across the United States, reward best practice and provide guidance to other entities that are publishing or intend to publish sustainability reports, and increase accountability to stakeholders.
Ceres Conference is Backdrop for Ford
The Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (Ceres) announced today that Ford Motor Company has endorsed the Ceres Principles, a ten-point code of environmental conduct.
Groups To Develop Facility-Level Environmental And Social Corporate Reporting Standard
In an effort to enhance public disclosure of environmental and social performance, Ceres and the Tellus Institute announced today the launch of the FACILITY REPORTING PROJECT (FRP)
Report Benchmarks Pollution from Top 100 Electric Companies, Shows Disparities Among Competitors
In a finding that highlights the financial and political stakes in the current debate over reducing power plant emissions, a report released today reveals wide disparities in air pollution emissions from the 100 largest electric generating companies. The report concludes that fewer than 20 power generation companies in the United States account for 50% of carbon dioxide (CO2), mercury (Hg), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted into the air by the 100 largest public and private electric power companies in the U.S. Between 4 and 6 companies accounted for 25% of emissions of each pollutant.
GM Environmental Performance Measured
The first outside assessment of General Motors Corporation's environmental performance concludes that the automaker has made significant improvements since 1994 in reducing its factory emissions, publishing annual reports on its progress, and engaging non-corporate stakeholders in its environmental performance, but that despite the improvement of individual vehicles, it has not improved the overall fuel economy of its fleet.
Environmental Defense and the Alliance for Environmental Innovation Join Ceres Network to Promote Environmental Responsibility
Ceres, the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies, today announced two new participants in its network. Environmental Defense, a national nonprofit organization representing 300,000 members and The Alliance for Environmental Innovation, it's corporate partnership program, have joined the Ceres Coalition, a network of more than 75 organizations promoting corporate responsibility.
Leading Investors Urge CEO's to Adopt Standardized Sustainability Reporting
Thirty-nine leading financial investors, managing combined assets in excess of $140 billion, today urged the CEO's of the 500 largest US companies to undertake standardized sustainability reporting measures for Year 2000. Sustainability reporting, as defined by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), links the three aspects of sustainable business practices-economic, social and environmental-in a standardized format reflective of financial reporting standards that have been common practice for decades.
Nike makes New Environmental Commitment
The Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (Ceres) announced today that Nike has endorsed the Ceres Principles, a ten-point code of environmental conduct that encourages companies to commit to continual improvement in their environmental performance.
Hoteliers and Corporate Travel Buyers Partner In Major Environmental Effort
Leading representatives of the hospitality industry, corporate travel buyers, government and environmental experts gathered in Atlanta, initiating a project to increase the supply and demand of environmentally friendly hotels. Never before have both procurers and providers of the lodging industry spearheaded such an effort.
Internationally Recognized Architectural Firm Endorses Ceres Principles of Environmental Conduct
William McDonough & Partners, an award-winning architecture and community design firm based in Charlottesville, Virginia, today announced its endorsement of the Ceres Principles, a code of environmental conduct established by Ceres, the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies. Internationally recognized as one of the leading practitioners of sustainable design, WM&P is the first design firm to join the more than 50 corporate supporters of the Ceres Principles, thereby signalling its intention to encourage the design industry's adoption of ecologically intelligent methods and practices.
Con Edison Endorses Ceres Principles
Consolidated Edison, Inc. (Con Edison) and Ceres (the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies) announced today that the energy provider has formally endorsed the Ceres Principles, a ten-point code of corporate environmental conduct. Embraced by more than 50 companies including American Airlines, Coca-Cola USA, General Motors, Northeast Utilities, and Sunoco, the Ceres Principles represent a voluntary commitment to continual environmental improvement that reaches beyond the performance required by government regulations.
Effort to Measure Social, Environmental and Economic Performance of Companies Receives $3 Million Grant From United Nations Foundation
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has received a grant totaling $3 million over two years from the United Nations Foundation (UNF) to support the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), an international effort designed to develop guidelines for measuring the social, environmental and economic performance of multi-national companies. The grant will be administered by UNEP through its Technology, Industry, and Economics Division based in Paris, France.
AMR Corp., Parent of American Airlines, Joins Environmental Initiative
AMR Corporation, the parent company of American Airlines (AA), announced today its participation in a major environmental initiative, becoming the first airline company to adopt the ten-point code of corporate environmental conduct known as the Ceres Principles. Culminating after several months of dialogue between AA and the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (Ceres), the announcement is viewed as a significant step in environmental progress and innovation in the aviation industry.
Corporate Accountability Initiative Gains Momentum with Ceres Announcement in New York
The Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (Ceres) announced today the endorsement of environmental reporting standards by Northeast Utilities, the New England power company that has played a leading role in promoting clean fuels and environmental responsibility in its generation of energy.
Leading Computer Firm Endorses Ceres Principles
Penguin Computing and the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (Ceres) jointly announced today that the fast-growing Linux Solutions company has joined Ceres. "We are committed to environmentally responsible business in the strongest sense; it's the right way, and the only way, to do business" says Sam Ockman, President and Founder of Penguin Computing.
Agreement Reached on Proposed Guidelines for Global Sustainability Reporting
The Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (Ceres), a major U.S. coalition of investors, environmental and advocacy groups, announced today that for the first time, non-governmental organizations, environmental groups, business organizations, and other interested stakeholders agreed on a proposed set of globally relevant guidelines for corporate performance reporting on sustainability.
