Ethical banking

U.S. Bank Outlines Details of $15 Million Rebuild and Transform Fund

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 18, 2020

U.S. Bank announced today details of a $15 million Rebuild and Transform Fund, which will help small businesses impacted by civil unrest and support organizations working to address systemic economic and racial inequities.

Key Points: 
  • U.S. Bank announced today details of a $15 million Rebuild and Transform Fund, which will help small businesses impacted by civil unrest and support organizations working to address systemic economic and racial inequities.
  • The Fund is part of the banks previously announced $116 million commitment to address social and economic inequities.
  • We are proud to announce this first wave of partnerships in the Twin Cities to help rebuild and transform our communities, said Andy Cecere, Chairman, President and CEO of U.S. Bank.
  • The U.S. Bank Foundation is donating $2 million to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and nonprofit organizations serving impacted small businesses to support rebuilding the Twin Cities.

Barclays Launches Systematic Study of ESG-Focussed US Equity Funds

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 13, 2020

In a systematic study of US equity funds, Barclays Quantitative Portfolio Strategy (QPS) team finds that ESG-labelled funds do not necessarily provide more ESG exposure than conventional funds.

Key Points: 
  • In a systematic study of US equity funds, Barclays Quantitative Portfolio Strategy (QPS) team finds that ESG-labelled funds do not necessarily provide more ESG exposure than conventional funds.
  • In this new report, our QPS team combed through two decades of funds holding data and found a lack of difference in holdings and investment styles between ESG-focussed and non-ESG US equity funds.
  • Other key findings of todays report include:
    ESG-labelled funds have attracted a higher percentage of inflows than other equity funds.
  • Barclays offers investment banking products and services in the US through Barclays Capital Inc. For further information about Barclays, please visit our website home.barclays.

Azure Power Ranked Top 10 Global Renewable Energy Company for Sustainability by Sustainalytics

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 13, 2020

NEW DELHI, Aug. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Azure Power (NYSE: AZRE), a leading solar power producer in India, was ranked as the 10th best renewable energy company, or in the top 16th percentile, of all global renewable power producers for sustainability by Sustainalytics.

Key Points: 
  • NEW DELHI, Aug. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Azure Power (NYSE: AZRE), a leading solar power producer in India, was ranked as the 10th best renewable energy company, or in the top 16th percentile, of all global renewable power producers for sustainability by Sustainalytics.
  • In addition, Azure Power ranked 21st, or in the top 5%, of 469 global utilities covered by Sustainalytics.
  • By providing an absolute measure for assessing company ESG risk, Sustainalytics' Ratings are comparable for companies in different industries.
  • Commenting on this, Mr. Ranjit Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Azure Power, said, "This ranking underscores Azure Power's commitment to sustainability.

Bloomberg Launches Proprietary ESG Scores

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 11, 2020

LONDON, Aug. 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomberg today announced the launch of propriety ESG scores.

Key Points: 
  • LONDON, Aug. 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomberg today announced the launch of propriety ESG scores.
  • "By providing transparent ESG data and scores, we are helping investors decode raw data that is otherwise hard to compare across companies.
  • In addition to ESG scores, Bloomberg provides a number of sustainable finance solutions, offering data-driven insights to help investors integrate ESG throughout the full investment process.
  • Subscribers to the Bloomberg Terminal can view the scores at {BI ESG } by selecting ESG Scores from the Data Library.

Westport Fuel Systems Publishes Inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance Report

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, August 11, 2020

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (Westport Fuel Systems or the Company) (TSX:WPRT / Nasdaq:WPRT) today released their inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report outlining the Companys progress and focus on strengthening ESG performance and enhanced disclosures.

Key Points: 
  • VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 11, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (Westport Fuel Systems or the Company) (TSX:WPRT / Nasdaq:WPRT) today released their inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report outlining the Companys progress and focus on strengthening ESG performance and enhanced disclosures.
  • This ESG report follows our prior year Sustainability Report and will be a valuable tool for investors and stakeholders to review Westport Fuel Systems key material ESG topics, opportunities and performance.
  • Westport Fuel Systems is a purpose-driven organization and our 2019 Report demonstrates our commitment to ESG programs and performance to drive sustainable growth said David M. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Westport Fuel Systems.
  • Our efforts to deliver environmental and social progress will only be realized with strong governance as the cornerstone of long-term growth.

U.S. Bank Announces $1 Million in Grants to Black-Led CDFIs; Additional Support for African American Alliance

Retrieved on: 
Monday, August 10, 2020

U.S. Bank Community Development Corporation (USBCDC) today announced $1.15 million in grants to more than a dozen Black-led Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) partners andin partnership with the U.S. Bank Foundationa grant to the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs.

Key Points: 
  • U.S. Bank Community Development Corporation (USBCDC) today announced $1.15 million in grants to more than a dozen Black-led Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) partners andin partnership with the U.S. Bank Foundationa grant to the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs.
  • This emphasis on closing racial gaps is consistent with our ongoing allocation and investment strategy and is a framework for lasting impact.
  • A total of 15 CDFIs will receive grants ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 while the African American Alliance will receive $150,000 to support Black-led CDFIs to help measure their combined impact and speak as a united voice for the industry.
  • U.S Bank has a long history of support for CDFIs, providing them more than $400 million in capital by end of 2019.

KBRA Launches ESG Talks Podcast on Environmental, Social, and Governance Topics

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 6, 2020

Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) releases the pilot episode of ESG Talks, a KBRA Podcast series focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

Key Points: 
  • Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) releases the pilot episode of ESG Talks, a KBRA Podcast series focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG).
  • The podcast series will highlight various hot topics in ESG and will include commentary from prominent voices within the ESG community.
  • As we continue to expand globally, KBRA Podcasts is a go-to source for intimate briefings directly from our knowledgeable team members and guests.
  • Our inaugural episode focuses on cybersecurity, a prominent governance risk within the ESG framework.

Rio Grande Valley Multibank and FHLB Dallas Award $24K Grant to Texas Community Capital

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 6, 2020

Rio Grande Valley Multibank (RGVMB) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) have awarded $24,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) funds to Texas Community Capital (TCC) in Austin, Texas.

Key Points: 
  • Rio Grande Valley Multibank (RGVMB) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) have awarded $24,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) funds to Texas Community Capital (TCC) in Austin, Texas.
  • The Partnership Grant Program funds will help Texas Community Capital with the costs required to continue helping the community, said Matt Hull, TCC executive director.
  • FHLB Dallas is honored to join Rio Grande Valley Multibank through the Partnership Grant Program to help Texas Community Capital make a difference for so many people.
  • The Rio Grande Valley Multibank (RGVMB) is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) working in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, bordered by Mexico to the south and the Gulf of Mexico to the east.

Winston & Strawn Launches ESG Advisory Team

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, August 6, 2020

"Our team works closely with clients to develop and execute ESG-related initiatives that best fit their specific needs to the benefit of all of their stakeholders."

Key Points: 
  • "Our team works closely with clients to develop and execute ESG-related initiatives that best fit their specific needs to the benefit of all of their stakeholders."
  • He has advised numerous clients on many ESG matters, including ESG due diligence and developing and implementing long-term ESG strategies.
  • He regularly advises boards and management teams on ESG matters, including implementation of various ESG programs and ESG-related disclosures.
  • Winston & Strawn LLP is an international law firm with 15 offices located throughout North America, Asia, and Europe.

Arcosa, Inc. Releases Mid-Year Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Update

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Arcosa, Inc. (NYSE: ACA) (Arcosa, the Company, We, or Our), a provider of infrastructure-related products and solutions, today released its 2020 Mid-Year Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Update.

Key Points: 
  • Arcosa, Inc. (NYSE: ACA) (Arcosa, the Company, We, or Our), a provider of infrastructure-related products and solutions, today released its 2020 Mid-Year Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Update.
  • As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, Arcosa has developed a Mid-Year ESG Update to highlight the progress of our ESG program, which may be found at www.arcosa.com/sustainability .
  • The update focuses on the fundamentals of the sustainability program at Arcosa and the many ways in which our businesses contribute to responsible environmental, social, and governance practices.
  • Arcosa reports its financial results in three principal business segments: the Construction Products Group, the Energy Equipment Group, and the Transportation Products Group.