News in the spotlight: responsAbility reaches investments of USD 350mn for its Asia Climate Strategy
On January 15, 2025, responsAbility Investments AG announced that its Asia Climate Strategy has surpassed USD 350 million in its third closing, exceeding initial private sector capital mobilization targets.
Regulatory & Law
U.S. Allocates $6 Billion for Clean Energy and Decarbonization
The U.S. IRS announced $6 billion in tax credits for over 140 projects under the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C) program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This second round of allocations brings total funding to $10 billion across approximately 250 projects. Key allocations include $3.8 billion for clean energy manufacturing and recycling, $1.5 billion for critical materials processing and refining, and $700 million for reducing industrial GHG emissions. Projects span areas like clean hydrogen, EV components, and lithium-ion battery recycling, with anticipated CO2 reductions of 2.8 million tons. The program, managed by the IRS with DOE support, focuses on clean energy deployment and economic security in energy communities.
EBA Issues ESG Risk Management Guidelines for Banks
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has released its final Guidelines on ESG risk management, requiring banks to identify, measure, and monitor risks, particularly those linked to the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goals. Key measures include materiality assessments of ESG risks, methodologies for scenario-based evaluations, and integration of ESG risks into traditional risk management systems. Banks must also create forward-looking plans with strategic objectives, governance structures, and implementation strategies to ensure resilience. The guidelines will take effect in January 2026 for large institutions and in 2027 for smaller ones, aiming to bolster financial stability as ESG risks grow.
ESG Data & Analytics
SGS Enhances Sustainability Services with Nature Suite Launch
SGS, a Geneva-based testing and certification company, has introduced Nature services as part of its IMPACT NOW sustainability platform, aimed at managing environmental risks. IMPACT NOW, launched in November 2024, consolidates SGS’ sustainability offerings under four pillars: climate, circularity, nature, and ESG assurance. The Nature pillar includes services such as soil, air, and water testing, environmental DNA monitoring, forestry supply chain traceability, and solutions for PFAS and microplastics remediation. SGS CEO Géraldine Picaud emphasized the platform’s goal of helping organizations become nature-positive while protecting human and ecosystem health.
ERM Strengthens Environmental Services with NewFields Acquisition
ERM, a sustainability consulting firm, announced the acquisition of the Environmental Division of NewFields Companies to expand its remediation and risk management services. NewFields’ experts, specializing in areas like hydrogeology, groundwater modeling, and sediment management, will enhance ERM’s capabilities. Susan Angyal, ERM’s Regional CEO for North America, stated that the collaboration will help address complex environmental challenges and leverage environmental data for better decision-making. Patrick Gobb, CEO of NewFields, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the opportunity to create lasting value for clients by combining the strengths of both firms.
Products & Services
Mirova invests USD 10mn in solar leader ecoligo
Mirova, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers dedicated to sustainable investing, has announced a USD 10 million senior debt investment in ecoligo, a global leader in commercial and industrial (C&I) solar energy solutions. This funding, provided through the Mirova Gigaton Fund, marks the fund’s inaugural investment in Vietnam. The capital infusion is earmarked for financing a portfolio of greenfield C&I solar rooftop projects across Vietnam. This strategic move will enable ecoligo to expand its operations within one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic economies, addressing the country’s growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam has emerged as a promising market for renewable energy, driven by rapid industrialization and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Mirova’s investment not only supports ecoligo’s growth ambitions but also contributes to Vietnam’s broader energy transition goals. By facilitating the development of solar infrastructure, this partnership aims to enhance energy security and promote environmental sustainability in the region. This collaboration underscores Mirova’s dedication to scaling impact in emerging markets. By providing tailored financial solutions, Mirova seeks to support projects that align with global sustainability objectives, fostering economic development while addressing pressing environmental challenges (source: mirova.com).
responsAbility reaches investments of USD 350mn for its Asia Climate Strategy
On January 15, 2025, responsAbility Investments AG announced that its Asia Climate Strategy has surpassed USD 350 million in its third closing, exceeding initial private sector capital mobilization targets. Notably, over half of these commitments originate from private sector investors, highlighting the strategy’s effectiveness in attracting substantial private funding for impactful climate initiatives.
The Asia Climate Strategy, launched in late 2023 with a target of USD 500 million, focuses on sectors with significant CO₂ reduction potential, including renewable energy, battery storage and e-mobility, energy efficiency, and the circular economy. The strategy aims to achieve total CO₂ savings of approximately 16 million tons over the lifetime of its assets. A rigorous “Climate Impact Assessment and Monitoring Framework” ensures transparency and accountability for the impact achieved.
Asia, accounting for over 50% of global CO₂ emissions, faces a projected significant increase in energy demand by 2050. The responsAbility Asia Climate Strategy is designed to address these challenges through targeted investments in climate-friendly technologies and infrastructure. With additional closings planned for 2025, responsAbility aims to reach its USD 500 million target. The strategy will continue to play a crucial role in mobilizing capital for Asia’s energy transition and helping the region reduce its greenhouse gas emissions (source: responsability.com).
Schroders wins £5.2bn sustainable investment mandate by St. James’s Place
Schroders, a leading global investment manager, has secured a £5.2 billion sustainable investment mandate from St. James’s Place (SJP), a prominent UK wealth management firm. This significant partnership will see the transition of SJP’s Sustainable & Responsible Equity (SRE) fund to Schroders in the first quarter of 2025. The mandate combines Schroders’ Global Sustainable Value Equity and Global Sustainable Growth strategies, offering SJP clients diversified access to companies committed to sustainable practices.
The SRE fund, alongside Schroders’ strategies, aims to achieve the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) “Sustainability Focus” label under new Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR). These labels are designed to guide clients toward investment products aligned with their sustainability goals. This move marks a shift in SJP’s management of its SRE fund, previously overseen by Impax Asset Management. Despite the change, SJP acknowledged Impax as a leader in sustainable investments and a valued partner for future collaborations (source: Schroders.com)