Eurosif Update
March/April 2008
Eurosif/Le Monde partnership now includes 5 European newspapers
Eurosif welcome Die Zeit in Germany and Le Temps in Switzerland to the Eurosif/Le Monde partnership, which publishes a series of articles on ESG performance indicators (with analysis provided by the French Social Investment Forum and research provided by Ernst & Young). The thirteenth article has been released covering the food industry and how they are grappling with the increasingly alarming obesity problems today.
http://www.eurosif.org/publications/le_monde_la_stampa_el_pais_die_zeit_le_temps_partnership
Eurosif to cover Water and Shipping in second half of 2008 Sector Report series
The Water sector report (research conducted by INrate) will be released in September 2008 and the Shipping report (with research conducted by Trucost) will be released in December 2008. Eurosif sector reports are co-produced with Member Affiliates, and profile in concrete terms the leading ESG risks and opportunities for specific segments.
As a reminder, the Nuclear report (research conducted by ECPI) is being released in April 2008 and the Green ITC report (with research conducted by WestLB) will be released in June 2008.
High Net Worth Individual Study
Eurosif is conducting the first-ever study on European High Net Worth Individual (HNWI) investments incorporating Sustainability issues. This study is sponsored by Eurosif member affiliate, Bank Sarasin. Surveys have been sent out to a number of wealth managers as well as family offices. If you would like to be part of the study please contact Marion de Marcillac marion@eurosif.org
Eurosif updates Transparency Guidelines procedure for signatories
Eurosif in coordination with its National SIFs, is embarking on a communications and marketing campaign at the local and European levels to increase awareness of transparency issues. Eurosif has developed a logo specific to the Transparency Guidelines which can be used by signatories as of May 1st, 2008, once their responses to the Guidelines have been updated and reviewed by their local Social Investment Forum. The local Social Investment Forum (SIFs) will play a more important role going forward and will lead the marketing, promotion and implementation of the Guidelines while Eurosif will retain its role as a coordinator of the project and a repository where all Guideline responses may be reviewed through its website.
http://www.eurosif.org/publications/retail_transparency_guidelines
European SRI Study 2008
Eurosif’s study is one of the few sources in Europe detailing the SRI market both in terms of the amount of euros invested in SRI as well as highlighting European and National trends. In 2006, Eurosif estimated the Broad European SRI market to be up to €1 trillion and representing as much as 10-15% of the total European funds under management. The market has grown significantly since then and there continues to be a strong demand for information about the size of the SRI market across Europe. Capitalising on the success and experiences drawn from previous studies and with the help of the National SIFs, Eurosif will release the European SRI Study in September 2008.
Recent Eurosif speeches & events
High-Level Group of EU Member States for Corporate Social Responsibility
31 March 2008, Brussels, Belgium
Eurosif was invited as the keynote speaker at this prestigious gathering of ministers from 26 European countries to advise on Socially responsible investment in the EU, Transparency, and CSR national policies.
IWG Symposium: “Bridging the Global Divide: Sharing Promising Practices in Sustainable Investing”
31 March – 2 April, 2008, London, UK
The International Working Group, along with UKSIF & Eurosif, held a unique event bringing together investors from North America and Europe to share views and debate best practices on SRI around the world. Lively panels included the following topics: NGO and Union Roles in SRI, Different Approaches to Corporate Engagement, Integrating ESG Standards, Human Rights and the Corporation and Faith-based Reception on “Living in a Materiality World: Is there still room for values?” A podcast and photos from the event will be available shortly. You will be able to download them from the Eurosif website.
European Confederation of Directors’ Associations (ecoDa) conference on “Private Equity and Corporate Governance: perfect marriage or contradiction in terms”
1 April 2008, Brussels, Belgium
Eurosif attended an exclusive reception bringing together leading directors from EU multi-nationals and policy makers to discuss Corporate Governance issues as related to Private Equity. The conversation ranged from Company Law issues at large to the future of European Corporate Governance.
Upcoming Eurosif speeches & events
Investing in innovation: Promoting new opportunities in the UNECE region
10 – 11 April 2008, Geneva, Switzerland
Eurosif is presenting the “Venture Capital for Sustainability” report at this international conference organised by the UN Economic Commission for Europe. The conference will gather government officials, international organizations, business associations and investors from across Europe to discuss various national policy experiences and the financing of eco-innovation.
http://www.unece.org/ceci/fid.html
2008 CFA Institute Annual Conference
11 - 14 May 2008, Vancouver, BA, Canada
Eurosif will discuss “Why Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Issues Have Become Mainstream” at this esteemed gathering of Portfolio Managers, Chief Executive Officers, Chief Investment Officers, Analysts, etc.
Eurosif & UKSIF event: Nuclear: A Sustainable Future?
27 May 2008 (3 to 5 pm), London, UK
We are delighted to have Lady Barbara Thomas Judge, Chairman of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, as the keynote speaker for this event to launch the Eurosif Nuclear sector report, which is based on research compiled by Eurosif member affiliate, ECPI. Eurosif member affiliate Schroders has kindly agreed to host this 2-hour conference, which is also supported by UKSIF. This interactive and provocative event will also include company and EU government viewpoints.
