Eurosif Update
May/June 2008
Eurosif Press Conference for Release of European SRI Study: October 2nd, Paris
For the launch of the European SRI Study 2008, Eurosif is organising in collaboration with Novethic a presentation on the state of the SRI market in Europe. This event will mobilise institutional investors, pension funds, fund managers and representatives of the European Commission and European Parliament and social and environmental analysts. Details will be sent out shortly.
Contact Sarah Clawson for more details.
European SRI Transparency Guidelines Logo
Eurosif launched a logo specific to the European SRI Transparency Guidelines which can be used by signatories effective immediately, once their responses to the Transparency Guidelines have been updated and reviewed by their national Social Investment Forum. As of May 2008, there are 45 signatories of the Transparency Guidelines, representing over 140 SRI funds. The guidelines also create greater clarity for asset managers, research providers and other stakeholders. While many funds are in the middle of their reviewing process in order to obtain use of the new logo, 6 fund managers have already completed the process: Erste-Sparinvest, F&C, Henderson, Kepler, SAM, Swiss Canto.
Read more about the Transparency Guidelines & See list of Signatories
Eurosif’s Nuclear sector report released at London event
The Nuclear sector report (research conducted by ECPI) was released on May 27th at a Eurosif event in London, hosted by Schroders and co-sponsored by UKSIF. Lady Barbara Judge, Chairman of the UK Atomic energy Authority and Tom Burke, long-time advisor to the UK government, as well as Agnes Kirschenbaum (ECPI) were on the panel of illustrious speakers. A short video of the event will be posted on Eurosif’s website soon.
Download ECPI presentation and Download Eurosif Sector Reports
Eurosif’s ICT sector report to be published on June 12th
Eurosif’s Information & Communication Technology (ICT) report (with research conducted by WestLB) will be released in June 2008 at the FAIRE conference in Paris, organised by the French SIF (see events section for more details). West LB will also be hosting an event around this report in London in July. Contact Sarah Clawson for more details.
Eurosif/Le Monde partnership publishes article on Industry progress with regards to REACH
The fourteenth article in the series was published on May 27th in partnership with Le Monde, La Stampa, El Pais, Zeit on-line and Le Temps. The recent piece covered certain public sector industries (Automobile, Aerospace and Defence, Perfumes and Cosmetics & Speciality Chemicals) and whether or not they are prepared to pre-register chemical substances they are using.
High Net Worth Individual Study
Eurosif is preparing 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 and are now being processed. The report will be released in September 2008. If you would like to know more about the study please contact Marion de Marcillac marion@eurosif.org.
Recent Eurosif speeches & events
Eurosif addresses EU Parliament on social and environmental reporting
29 May, 2008, EU Parliament, Brussels
At a high-level conference entitled “Smart regulation: Legislative opportunities for the EU to improve corporate accountability”, Eurosif spoke about the need for improved social and environmental reporting across Europe.
Sustainability Working Party - Roundtable on Sustainability Education
29 May, 2008, Brussels, Belgium
Eurosif participated in this invitation only roundtable including a selection of representatives of the European Commission, companies, audit firms, public sector and other organisations as well as sustainability and education experts and academics. One of the main issues discussed was accountants’ role to in sustainability and sustainable development.
2008 CFA Institute Annual Conference
11 - 14 May 2008, Vancouver, BA, Canada
Eurosif discussed “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.
Investing in innovation: Promoting new opportunities in the UNECE region
10 – 11 April 2008, Geneva, Switzerland
Eurosif presented the “Venture Capital for Sustainability” report at this international conference organised by the UN Economic Commission for Europe. The conference gathered government officials, international organizations, business associations and investors from across Europe to discuss various national policy experiences and the financing of eco-innovation.
Upcoming Eurosif speeches & events
Microfinance Roundtable on Responsible Finance
19 June 2008, Paris, France
Eurosif has been asked to be the keynote speaker at an invitation only discussion entitled, "Meeting Investor Demand for Improved Social Performance Measurement" to be held at the Maison de L'Amérique Latine.
Education session in Spain
10 July, Grenada, Spain
Eurosif will provide insight and examples around sustainability to a group of important players in Spain during this one day dedicated seminar.
