RIA Newsletter
July 2015
RIA News

Global Alpha joins the RIA
The RIA is pleased to welcome Montreal-based Global Alpha Capital Management as an RIA Associate Member. In joining the RIA, Global Alpha - a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment - has further demonstrated its commitment to supporting and growing responsible investment in Canada.  More.

Raymond James Cash  Management joins the RIA
The RIA is also pleased to welcome Vancouver-based Raymond James Cash Management Group as an RIA Supporting Member. The Group works with 10+ institutions that have dedicated themselves to responsible investing. Joining the RIA further demonstrates their commitment to RI.  More.

Deb Abbey: Less risk, more returns in RI mutual funds
RIA CEO Deb Abbey's latest article for Investment Executive discusses new research that shows how RI mutual funds help clients achieve competitive returns, reduce downside risk and make a difference for society and the planet. More.

RI Social: Vancouver, July 30th
RIA CEO Deb Abbey is hosting a get together over drinks and appetizers to connect Vancouver's professionals working in responsible investment, social finance, and impact investing. Meet others who share similar interests and enthusiasm for responsible business & finance. Appies and first round of drinks will be supplied by the RIA.  Registration and more information  here .

Submit ideas for the 2016 RIA Conference in Toronto
We welcome your suggestions for the 2016 RIA Conference programming. What topics would you like to see included? What speakers would you recommend? Do you have any interesting ideas to facilitate networking? Any ideas for a fun offsite event? Let us know!  More.

RIA Conference 2015: A look back
Couldn't make it to the RIA Conference in June? Check out Doug Watt's summary of the key takeaways.  More. 
In This Issue
Upcoming RI Events

July 30. Vancouver, BC 

PRI in Person
Sep 8-10. London, UK

RIA Q4 Event w/ Bloomberg
Oct. 1. Toronto. Details soon! 

Nov 4. Toronto, ON

RI Jobs

NEI Investments 
RI Industry News    

 

Sustainalytics to introduce suite of carbon solutions 

Sustainalytics plans to launch a suite of carbon solutions in August, which will include carbon intensity data for 10,000 companies, carbon portfolio analytics, high-impact fossil fuel research, and stranded carbon assets research. More (subscription).
 

Bloomberg launches new Sustainable Finance Brief

Bloomberg launches new weekly newsletter on sustainable finance, offering exclusive news, interviews, and analyses driven by Bloomberg data and research to deliver actionable insights for investors. Subscribe for free here. Briefs available here.

 

New database shows which companies are doing business in occupied lands

EIRIS has launched a database of companies doing business in occupied lands - specifically Crimea and Palestine. A valuable resource for responsible investors. More.

 

NEI Investments: Your 5-minute guide to the RI market

New tool from NEI Investments offers a quick crash course for understanding Canada's responsible investment market. More.

 

ClearBridge portfolio manager speaks out on executive compensation

"It would be healthier for our society if CEOs were paid less," says Michael Kagan, Senior Portfolio Manager with ClearBridge Investments. More.

 

Video: RI Europe keynote addresses 

RI Europe - the European conference on responsible investment - has released videos from their 2015 conference. Videos include keynote speakers and interviews with RI experts, including Sustainalytics CEO Michael Jantzi. More.

 

Goldman Sachs ramps up ESG with acquisition of Imprint Capital

A Goldman spokesperson said the acquisition "affirms our strong commitment to ESG and impact investing and providing our clients with innovative investment solutions." More.

 

It's easy being green: Canadian RI experts share insights 

Responsible investing is becoming de rigueur among Canadians. Featuring insights from RIA Members Patti Dolan, Stephen Whipp, and Assiniboine Credit Union. More.
ESG News  

 

What will it take to get more women on corporate boards?

So, just how do you get more women on corporate boards? It's a top-of-mind question around the world and particularly here in Canada. More 

 

Nexen pipeline leak in Alberta spills 5 million litres

One of the largest leaks in Alberta history has spilled about five million litres of emulsion from a Nexen Energy pipeline near Fort McMurray. More.

 

Yet again: Plains All American's second oil spill in two months

A Plains All American pipeline spilled 4,200 gallons of crude oil near St. Louis on July 10. This is the second leak for Plains in less than two months. More.

 

Human displacement caused by extreme weather is on the rise

In 2014, 17.5 million people were forced to flee their homes by disasters brought on by weather-related hazards such as floods and storms. More.

 

Report casts doubt on Canada's LNG ambitions
A new report by the Carbon Tracker Initiative is throwing some cold water on Canada's liquefied natural gas ambitions. More. 

 

Product innovation: Adidas designs sneakers made entirely from ocean waste

The eco-conscious sneaker brand recently released an innovative pair of kicks made entirely of recycled plastic ocean waste. More 
Policy & Legal News

 

Public consultation: British Columbia's Climate Leadership Plan

The BC government is consulting the public to contribute ideas for the next phase of climate action in BC - the Climate Leadership Plan. More.

 

Public consultation: Corporate Human Right Benchmark (CHRB)

The Corporate Human Rights Benchmark (CHRB) is seeking input on two key documents that will inform the benchmark's methodology. More.

 

Surprise surprise: Say on pay policy appears to be working in US

A new study shows that shareholder opinion is making companies work harder to tie CEO pay with performance. More.

 

New York acts to mandate $15 minimum wage in fast food industry
A panel appointed by New York's Governor has recommended that the minimum wage be raised for employees of fast-food chain restaurants to $15/hour - a 70% increase. More.

 

Landmark climate statement signed in Ontario 

Ontario and 22 other states and regions have signed the first-ever Pan-American action statement on climate change. More.

 

BP pays record $18.7 billion to settle claims in Gulf oil spill

BP Plc reached a record $18.7 billion agreement to settle all federal and state claims from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. More.
Research & Analysis

MSCI Research Insight: Can ESG add alpha?
An analysis of ESG Tilt and ESG Momentum strategies. Both strategies outperformed the global benchmarks while also improving the ESG profile of the portfolios. More.

Harvard: Corporate sustainability: First evidence on materiality
New report from HBS says "firms with good performance on material sustainability issues significantly outperform firms with poor sustainability performance." More.

Chatham House: Oil & gas mismatches: Finance, investment and climate policy
An analysis of developments that are transforming the outlook for investment in the oil and gas sector: price volatility, the changing financial environment and the impending strengthening of policy to mitigate climate change. Summary here. Report here. 

Torys LLP: Women in the C-Suite: Can securities law advance gender equality?
Torys LLP surveyed proxy circulars to understand the impact of new rules and emerging disclosure trends regarding women in senior executive roles.  More.

Conference Board of Canada: Driving revenue growth through sustainability
Report rejects the misperception that sustainability is not critical to business, showing how such initiatives can pay off for consumers, investors, and companies. More.

2015 New Climate Economy Report
New report argues that ending extreme poverty, achieving broad-based prosperity and securing a safe climate, are increasingly within reach. More

Ceres: Carbon asset risk: A review of progress and opportunities
New Ceres report chronicles five major shifts in the financial landscape since the Carbon Asset Risk Initiative began in September 2013.  More.

Clean Energy Canada: Tracking the energy revolution
New report from Clean Energy Canada tracks the top 10 trends propelling the global clean energy transition. More.
Viewpoints

RIA CEO Deb Abbey: Responsible investing in Canada
Deb Abbey, CEO of the Responsible Investment Association, chronicles the evolution of responsible investing in Canada.  More

David Suzuki: Premiers' energy strategy doesn't go far enough
Leading Canadian environmentalist says recent National Energy Strategy is inadequate, calling on premiers for a faster shift away from fossil fuels. More

CDP: Canadian big city mayors acting on climate change 

Canada's big cities have officially resolved to take action on climate change. CDP applauds all the hard work that Canadian cities are taking. More.

 

Calvert CEO: The Vatican encyclical and responsible investing 

John Streur, CEO of Calvert Investments, weighs in on the significance of the Pope's recent encyclical for responsible investors. More