All investor resources
HSBC Investor Brief: Why investors should back the 2021 climate change resolution at HSBC
22 February 2021
This briefing makes the case for the climate change resolution filed by 15 institutional investors representing US$2.4 trillion in assets and over 100 individual investors, coordinated by ShareAction, at Europe’s second largest fossil fuel financier, HSBC. We recommend investors vote for the resolution at HSBC’s May 2021 AGM.
Biodiversity: a scoping report
19 February 2021
Although investors are becoming more sophisticated in their responses to climate change, approaches to biodiversity lag far behind. This report identifies the underlying causes of this current state of inaction, the key levers and opportunities that could be used to mobilise the finance community, and the ongoing challenges facing financial actors in tackling biodiversity loss.
Decarbonising Real Estate: Foundations for Success
15 February 2021
Energy use in buildings contributes more than 17.5 percent to global greenhouse gas emissions, and their construction is a key driver behind demand for steel and cement, which together are responsible for another 10.2 percent of emissions. Decarbonising the real estate sector is vital to reach net zero emission targets by 2050. This report sets out recommedations for investor to engage with this crucial industry.
Q&A: Special Resolution on Healthy Diets at Tesco’s 2021 AGM
10 February 2021
A coalition of institutional investors with over £140 billion AUM and over one hundred retail investors have filed the first ever health-related special shareholder resolution directed at a food retailer, to be voted on at Tesco’s 2021 AGM.
Fit-for-purpose? The future of the AGM
18 January 2021
At a time when there are many urgent new questions for corporate boards to answer, four out of five FTSE 350 companies opted to hold their 2020 AGMs ‘behind closed doors’, with no external participants allowed to attend and ask questions to the board, other than by email. Yet even before this crisis, company AGMs had shortcomings. This report sets out a bold new vision for the purpose of the AGM of the future.
Voting Matters 2020: Are asset managers using their proxy votes for action on climate and social issues?
1 December 2020
This report considers how 60 of the world’s largest asset managers voted on 102 shareholder resolutions on climate change, climate-related lobbying, and social issues, during the period September 2019 to August 2020.
Decarbonising Heavy Industry: A financial sector perspective on the decarbonisation of steel, cement and plastics
29 October 2020
This paper provides an overview of shareholder structure and financial flows in the European cement, steel and plastics industries and presents investor perspectives on transition pathways, the role of government and barriers to decarbonisation.
High Risk, Low Reward: An overview of European banks’ positions on oil sands
29 October 2020
This briefing analyses the policies of European banks on oil sands finance, showing how policy gaps allow even ‘net zero’ banks to continue funding carbon intensive oil sands activity.
ShareAction and Lankelly Chase’s response to ISS Proposed Benchmark Policy Changes 2021
27 October 2020
ShareAction and Lankelly Chase’s response on the Proposed Benchmark Policy Changes for 2021 released by ISS on 14 October 2020 – focused on a proposal to amend its global Director Elections policy to make explicit that ISS has the flexibility to vote against or withhold support from directors due to “demonstrably poor risk oversight of environmental and social issues, including climate change”.
Tracking for Health: The Importance of Consistent Reporting on Healthy Food Sales in the Retail Sector
20 October 2020
Corporate disclosure on nutrition and health is poor. Investors do not have the critical information to assess how different companies are managing risks in this area. This briefing reviews examples of reporting being conducted by the largest companies in the UK in the grocery retail sector, including key metrics and business strategies.
A detailed analysis of HSBC’s net zero ambition
19 October 2020
This briefing analyses the five pillars of HSBC’s new net zero ambition outlined in HSBC Chief Executive Noel Quinn’s letter to customers. It includes a list of recommended questions for investors interested in engaging with HSBC on its climate strategy
Investing in the Living Wage: A toolkit for responsible investors
2 October 2020
This toolkit is primarily designed to help investors in UK markets understand how and why to encourage their portfolio companies to adopt the real Living Wage, as calculated in the UK by the Living Wage Foundation (LWF). It was produced in partnership with the Living Wage Foundation.
A Healthy Investment: The importance of prioritising health in the food and drink manufacturing sector
30 July 2020
This briefing examines the role food and drink manufacturers have to play in the fight against obesity and why it is vital these companies – and those who invest in them – prioritise health.
Insecure Work in Insecure Times
16 July 2020
This briefing intends to build the case that the growth of insecure work has been driven, willingly or not, by investor demands for shareholder value and that investors should therefore be considering and engaging with companies on how their workforce policies and practices might be driving greater insecure work.
Point of No Returns Part III – Climate Change
11 June 2020
This report looks at 75 of the world’s largest asset managers and their performance on responsible investment, with a specific focus being on climate change. It is the second of four reports in our ‘Points of No Returns‘ series.
Point of No Returns Part IV – Biodiversity
11 June 2020
This report looks at 75 of the world’s largest asset managers and their performance on responsible investment, with a specific focus being on biodiversity. It is the second of four reports in our ‘Points of No Returns‘ series.
Point of No Returns Part II – Human Rights
14 May 2020
This report looks at 75 of the world’s largest asset managers and their performance on responsible investment, with a specific focus being on human rights. It is the second of four reports in our ‘Points of No Returns‘ series.
Why investors should vote for climate at the 2020 ExxonMobil AGM
12 May 2020
ShareAction recommends that investors take a strong voting stance on director re-election at the 2020 ExxonMobil AGM, and encourages investors to also support items 4 and 9 on the ballot.
Why investors should back the 2020 climate resolution at Total
12 May 2020
This briefing makes the case for the climate change resolution filed by 11 institutional investors at oil major Total S.A.
Workforce Disclosure in 2019: trends and insights
30 April 2020
This report sets out a summary of the findings from the 2019 Workforce Disclosure Initiative reporting cycle, including trends companies are reporting by sector and geography, average levels of survey completeness and insights by section.
What’s in a definition?
28 April 2020
This briefing for the Charities Responsible Investment Network (CRIN) and Responsible Investment Network – Universities (RINU) aims to explore the language of investment, value and impact.
Banking on a Low-Carbon Future II
26 April 2020
This ranking examines 20 of the largest European banks, based on their responses to climate change. It builds on the first edition of our banking survey in December 2017 which looked at the 15 largest European banks.
Shell’s and BP’s 2020 remuneration policies
20 April 2020
Investor recommendations for the vote on Shell’s and BP’s proposed remuneration policies in the context of the low-carbon transition
Do Androids Dream of Responsible Investment?
17 April 2020
This briefing for the Charities Responsible Investment Network (CRIN) aims to give an overview of some of the key investment risks emerging from the technology sector, and to empower asset owners to engage their asset manager(s) on these risks.
Detailed analysis of Barclays’ 2020 energy policy and response to Barclays’ net zero ambition
30 March 2020
On 30 March 2020, Barclays announced it would file a resolution that, if passed, would commit the bank to set a net zero by 2050 ambition covering its scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, and “set, disclose and implement a strategy, with targets, to transition its provision of financial services across all sectors (starting with, but not limited to, the energy and power sectors) to align with
the goals and timelines of the Paris Agreement”. It also introduced amendments to its energy policy. This document provides a detailed analysis of Barclays’ new energy policy, and its net zero ambition.
the goals and timelines of the Paris Agreement”. It also introduced amendments to its energy policy. This document provides a detailed analysis of Barclays’ new energy policy, and its net zero ambition.
Healthy Competition: Why the safest bet for investors is healthier retail markets and how to get there
12 March 2020
This briefing sets out analysis of UK food retailers produced by the Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNI) in their UK Supermarket Spotlight report. Using a new methodology developed for the Healthy Markets’ campaign by ATNI, this report sets out the relative performance of major retailers in the UK in disclosing information about their policies and practices in respect of healthy eating.
Point of No Returns: A ranking of 75 of the world’s asset managers approaches to responsible investment
9 March 2020
This report ranks 75 of the world’s largest asset managers, and analyses their performance on stewardship, transparency and governance. It is the first of three reports. The following two parts of this series, to be released in the coming months, will offer more detailed insights into how these 75 asset managers are managing risks and impacts related to a) climate change and biodiversity and b) human and labour rights.
Rebels with a cause: Asset manager voting on controversial resolutions in 2019
2 March 2020
This report examines how the leading charity asset managers have responded controversial resolutions when voting on behalf of their clients. We focus on a selection of resolutions, which responsibly invested asset owners generally expect their managers to be aware of and concerned about.
Why investors should back the 2020 climate change resolution at Barclays
25 February 2020
This briefing makes the case for the climate change resolution filed by ShareAction, 11 institutions and over 100 investors at Europe’s largest fossil fuel financier, Barclays. We recommend that investors vote for the resolution at its May 2020 AGM.
Another Link in the Chain: Uncovering the role of proxy advisors in investor voting
10 February 2020
This analysis is the second of a two-part report exploring the role and influence of proxy advisors in the investment system, with particular reference to asset managers frequently used by UK based charity investors. It analyses proxy advisors’ recommendations on environmental, social and governance (ESG) shareholder resolutions from the 2019 AGM season, compared to 23 asset managers’ voting decisions, including commonly used charity and other major asset managers.
Another Link in the Chain: Uncovering the Role of Proxy Advisors
9 February 2020
This is the first of a two-part report on proxy advisors. This first part introduces the topic of proxy advisors and their role in the investment system. It also gives recommendations for asset owners when engaging on this critical governance topic.
Is regulation enough? A review of UK master trusts’ ESG policies
18 December 2019
This report reviewed the largest 16 UK master trusts’ new environmental, social and governance policies, required by law under new investment regulations.
Electric Vehicle Fleets: An Impact Opportunity for Investors
13 December 2019
Decarbonising road transport will be crucial for meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. Transportation accounts for 23% of global CO2 emissions, of which 74% comes from road vehicles, and despite improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency, emissions have continued to rise. However, the automobile industry is currently in flux. The market for electric vehicles (EVs) is growing rapidly, accounting for 2.5% of new vehicle sales in 20183 – marking a 68% year-on-year increase. This rapidly growing market, propelled by falling costs and supportive government policy, has the potential to turn the tide of rising transport emissions.
Voting Matters: Are asset managers using their proxy votes for climate action?
4 November 2019
Climate change is one of the highest priorities facing investors. In this report, we’ve examined how 57 of the world’s largest asset managers voted on 65 shareholder resolutions linked to climate change. While there is encouraging improvement when it comes to voting for climate change resolutions, many still shy away from holding companies account. Investors voting power is the most powerful tool they have, it is vital that all investors use it.
Decarbonising Cement: The Role of Institutional Investors
9 October 2019
Concrete, and therefore cement, is everywhere. From houses to hospitals, cement forms the very foundation of our industrialised societies. Yet this seemingly innocuous substance accounts for 8% of global emissions. This report outlines why cement is so carbon-intensive, how the industry can decarbonise, and why institutional investors need to act.
Recommended Investor Response to 2019 Shareholder Resolutions on BHP’s Trade Association Memberships
17 September 2019
ShareAction recommends that shareholders in BHP vote for the shareholder resolutions put forward at the 2019 AGMs in Australia and the UK, and encourage the company to leave trade associations that obstruct the realisation of the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Insuring a Low Carbon Future [snapshot slide deck]
13 September 2019
This slide deck is a brief summary of key findings from the report. For the full report, a list of respondents, supporting examples, and case studies, visit: www.aodproject.net/best-practice.
Insuring a Low Carbon Future [Summary]
13 September 2019
This document is a summary, containing select material from the full report. For the full report, a list of respondents, supporting examples, and case studies, visit: www.aodproject.net/best-practice.
Insuring a Low Carbon Future
13 September 2019
This report explores how climate awareness is being integrated into underwriting, investment, and group-wide risk management practices. This report presents common barriers and a practical framework of eight building blocks relevant for insurers introducing and developing climate strategies.
State of the Apes: The Impact of Infrastructure on Biodiversity
4 September 2019
This briefing is a guide for investors in infrastructure projects in areas of high biodiversity value. We offer good practice that minimises harm to vulnerable environments, protects investors’ interests, and maximises infrastructure’s economic and social impact.
Hitting the Sweet Spot: the Investment Case for Solutions to Childhood Obesity
30 May 2019
This briefing introduces the topic of childhood obesity and sets out the opportunities and risks it poses to investment portfolios.
Investor briefing on voting recommendations at ExxonMobil
16 May 2019
ShareAction recommends that investors take a strong voting stance on director re-election at the 2019 ExxonMobil AGM, and encourages investors to also support items 4, 7 and 10 on the ballot. This briefing also outlines upcoming 2019 shareholder resolutions on climate change at high-carbon companies.
Changing Course: Bank Financing of the Shipping Industry
14 May 2019
This briefing offers guidance for investor engagement with shipping companies and their lenders, recommendations on climate-related risks, and guidance on how banks can support decarbonisation.
Investor letter to Barclays on its energy policies
1 May 2019
ShareAction coordinated a letter by large institutional investors to Barclays requesting a strengthening of its climate policies
WDI 2018 Findings: Improving the Quality of Work
27 March 2019
90 global companies, including 21 of the 100 largest, responded to investor calls for more consistent and comparable workforce data, to improve the quality of jobs worldwide and tackle inequality & poverty.
UK Guide to Shareholder Resolutions
15 February 2019
This resource provides guidance on the legal and technical requirements of filing a shareholder resolution in the UK, and on overcoming the associated challenges.
Will Employees Benefit?
12 February 2019
We evaluate the climate-risk management of 25 FTSE pension schemes and offer recommendations for improvement.
The Biomass Blind Spot
7 February 2019
This paper highlights the biomass power sector’s impact on climate change and its associated financial and reputational risks.
Sleeping Giants: Are Bond Investors Ready to Act on Climate Change?
31 January 2019
This report examines whether corporate bond investors are motivated to speed up alignment with the Paris Agreement and participate in forceful engagement.
Letter to Larry Fink, January 2019
30 January 2019
This letter sets out actions on shareholder proposals and other proxy items that the undersigners would like to see BlackRock take in 2019.
Improving the Conversation: What Charity Investors Expect from their Asset Managers
22 January 2019
This is a guide on how to improve the outcomes of conversations between charity investors and asset managers with regards to the process of responsible investment, including advice on disclosure and practice expectations, and leading practice examples.
Pensions in a Changing Climate
17 December 2018
This report rates the world’s 100 largest public pensions funds on their approach to climate-related risks and opportunities in line with the TCFD recommendations.
Proxy Voting Policy & Practice: Charity Asset Managers in Focus
15 December 2018
This report focuses on controversial votes from the 2018 AGM season – covering board structure, pay and auditors – and explores continuities and changes from 2017.
Influencing UK Workforce Practices Through Responsible Investment
20 November 2018
This briefing provides a number of recommendations for investors to better engage investee companies on workforce practices in the UK, in addition to suggesting five topic areas for further engagement.
Getting to Green: Showcasing Leading Approaches to Climate Change within the European Banking Sector
24 September 2018
This report showcases leading approaches to climate change within the European banking sector. It provides recommendations on how banks can align their business models with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Malawi: Towards Living Wages in a Revitalised Tea Industry
30 August 2018
The WDI aims to improve the quality of jobs in companies’ operations and supply chains. This case study by WDI partner Oxfam highlights a collaborative initiative to improve wages in the Malawi tea industry.
Stepping Up Climate Leadership Ahead of the Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS)
10 July 2018
The Global Climate Action Summit is an opportunity to promote the global investment community’s climate leadership and further align portfolios with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Banking Beyond Coal: Sustainable Development Without Coal Finance
21 June 2018
This briefing investigates the financing of the coal power sector, particularly in the developing world. It provides recommendations for shareholders engaging with banks to strengthen their coal policies.
Winning Climate Strategies: Summary Report
13 June 2018
This document is a summary of “Winning Climate Strategies.” The full report is based on interviews with 22 leading asset owners that have introduced climate strategies and provides recommendations.
Winning Climate Strategies: Practical Solutions and Building Blocks for Asset Owners from Beginner to Best Practice
13 June 2018
Based on interviews with 22 leading asset owners, this report explores current best practices, identifies barriers, and presents a framework for other asset owners introducing and developing climate strategies.
The Engagement Deficit: Ranking Auto-enrolment Pension Providers on Responsible Investment and Member Engagement & Communications
9 June 2018
This report ranks the 10 largest UK auto-enrolment pension providers on responsible investment as well as member communications & engagement.
Got It Covered? Insurance in a Changing Climate
24 May 2018
This report assesses and rates the world’s 80 largest insurers on their responses to the TCFD recommendations and approaches to climate-related risks and opportunities.
Assessing and Engaging Asset Managers on Proxy Voting: Controversial Votes in 2017 and Issues for 2018
2 May 2018
This briefing explores the voting practices of leading UK charity asset managers, focusing on controversial 2017 AGM votes covering board structure, pay, and auditors. We also provide recommendations for engagement.
Improving the Quality of Jobs: Pilot Year Summary
1 May 2018
This is the summary report that accompanies the pilot year report of the Workforce Disclosure Initiative (WDI). This resource presents key findings and recommendations from the report.
Improving the Quality of Jobs: Pilot Year Report
1 May 2018
This is the pilot year report of the Workforce Disclosure Initiative (WDI). It presents the results of the first survey of major companies’ awareness of supply chain risks and related efforts to mitigate risks.
Still Digging: Recommended Investor Response to 2018 Shareholder Resolutions on Rio Tinto’s Climate Lobbying
6 April 2018
This report analyses Rio Tinto’s response to resolutions regarding its membership of industry bodies and climate and energy policy. It recommends investors vote for resolutions 19 and 20 at its 2018 AGM.
Comparative Analysis of Shell’s November Ambition and the 2018 Follow This Resolution
28 March 2018
This briefing compares Shell’s November ambition and the 2018 shareholder resolution. Shell’s ambition is less ambitious than the resolution. We recommend shareholders supporting the Paris Agreement back the resolution.
Good Engagement Guide for Charity Investors
16 March 2018
This guide was written for the Charities Responsible Investment Network (CRIN) and supports members to influence company behaviour. This guide will be of interest to trustees and finance directors.
Who Watches the Watchers? Transparency and Accountability in Workplace Personal Pensions
17 February 2018
This report ranks how effectively and transparently the independent governance committees (IGCs) of 16 large UK contract-based pension schemes reported in 2017 on their work protecting the interests of scheme members.
Strategy, Free Cash Flow, and Climate Uncertainty: Where Now for the Integrated Oil Sector?
7 February 2018
New research suggests shareholders should be requesting cash returns from outperforming oil and gas companies, instead of seeing it invested into economically unsound growth during a period of disruptive change.
Investor Engagement on Corporate Decarbonisation and Science-Based Targets
11 December 2017
The Investor Decarbonisation Initiative brings together institutional investors to encourage companies to set bold and credible climate targets. This briefing outlines the benefits of joining the initiative.
Investor Engagement on Science-Based Targets: Questions & Answers
11 December 2017
The Investor Decarbonisation Initiative brings together institutional investors to encourage companies to set bold and credible climate targets. This briefing provides answers to key questions about science-based targets.
Banking on a Low-Carbon Future: A Ranking of the 15 Largest European Banks Response to Climate Change
7 December 2017
This is a ranking of the 15 largest European banks’ responses to climate change and includes recommendations for institutional investors, policymakers, and regulators to mitigate climate risks.
Banking on a Low-Carbon Future: Accompanying Document with Individual Scorecards
7 December 2017
This accompanying document to the ranking of the 15 largest European banks’ responses to climate change contains recommendations for each bank surveyed and scorecards displaying their performance.
Why the Living Wage Pays Dividends: The Case for the Living Wage
10 November 2017
This briefing provides information for investors on the benefits of the Living Wage. The new Living Wage rates announced in November 2017 are £10.20 / hour for London and £8.75 / hour for the rest of the UK.
Two Years After ‘Aiming for A’: Where Are We Now? – Royal Dutch Shell Plc
26 October 2017
This report discusses Royal Dutch Shell Plc’s response to the 2015 shareholder resolution on climate disclosure co-filed by ShareAction and outlines how investors might respond ahead of the company’s 2018 AGM.
Two Years After ‘Aiming for A’: Where Are We Now? – BP Plc
26 October 2017
This report discusses BP Plc’s response to the 2015 shareholder resolution on climate disclosure co-filed by ShareAction and outlines how investors might respond ahead of the company’s 2018 AGM.
Warming Up: A Spotlight on Institutional Investors Voting Patterns on Key US Climate Change Resolutions in 2017
2 October 2017
New analysis looks at how votes were cast during the 2017 US AGM season by the largest 30 shareholders in seven high-carbon companies on shareholder resolutions addressing climate-related risk management.
Demystifying the IPO Process: Some Current Issues for Investors
31 August 2017
This briefing outlines a number of points for current FCA consultation on premium listing, and raises emerging challenges relating to prospectus design and index inclusion especially in relation to climate-related risks.
Analysis of BP’s 2017 Remuneration Policy
27 April 2017
This paper analyses BP’s proposed remuneration policy. It recommends voting against its approval, due to its misalignment with the interests of shareholders in the context of the low carbon transition.
Oppressive Regimes: A guide for investors
7 April 2017
This briefing highlights how investors can engage with companies that operate or have supply chains in oppressive regimes to minimise risks, and also ensure that their investments are not supporting the oppressive regime.
Fixing the Gap: Responsible investment performance of European asset managers
5 April 2017
This briefing provides guidelines for pension funds on key areas of engagement with their asset managers, based on the findings of ShareAction’s 2017 survey of European asset managers.
Lifting the Lid: Responsible investment performance of European asset managers
5 April 2017
This briefing provides recommendations for charitable investors on key areas of engagement with their asset managers, based on the findings of ShareAction’s 2017 survey of European asset managers.
Analysis of Shell’s 2017 remuneration policy
31 March 2017
Ahead of Shell’s AGM, this paper analyses the firm’s proposed remuneration policy. It recommends voting against the policy, due to its misalignment with the interests of shareholders in the context of the low carbon transition.
A guide to shareholder rights across six European countries
22 March 2017
To support shareholder activism across Europe, ShareAction has compiled an overview of shareholder rights in six different countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK.
The Restaurant Sector and Antibiotic Risk: Progress Report, 2017
20 March 2017
This report explores how, one year on, restaurants and fast food chains are responding to a $2 trillion investor engagement on reducing the use of medically important antibiotics in livestock.
Lifting the Lid: Responsible Investment Performance of European Asset Managers 2017
13 March 2017
All but one of 40 European asset managers surveyed claim to be responsible stewards of owners’ assets, but looking below the surface – are they really performing well on responsible investment and transparency?
Banking on a Low Carbon Future: An Investor Guide for Engaging with Banks on Climate Change
21 February 2017
This report highlights why the banking sector is key for climate-related investor engagement and provides guidelines on the key issues investors might want to focus on to ensure that banks support the low carbon transition.
Introduction to the Workforce Disclosure Initiative
15 December 2016
The Workforce Disclosure Initiative brings together institutional investors behind a call for comparable workforce reporting by publicly listed companies on their global operations and supply chains.
Position paper on Shell’s draft remuneration policy
28 November 2016
This briefing analyses highlights how the proposed framework continues to support corporate behaviour that could put shareholder value at risk, and suggests next steps for investors engaging around the low carbon transition.
Brexit: an opportunity to create a more sustainable financial system and Capital Markets Union? Event Background Paper
7 November 2016
ShareAction commissioned this report from Dr Ian Williams to set out the key issues that Brexit poses for the sustainable finance agenda, and what relationship the UK’s financial service industry could have with the EU post-Brexit
The Case for the Living Wage: Why a Living Wage Pays Dividends
4 November 2016
The briefing provides information on the benefits of the Living Wage for investors. The new Living Wage rates announced in November 2016 are £9.75 / hour for London and £8.45 / hour for the rest of the UK.
A Sustainable Finance Plan for the EU
1 November 2016
This report from a consortium of 15 leading sustainable finance organisations including ShareAction sets out a plan for how to tackle Europe’s green investment crisis with clear recommendations to EU policymakers.
The future of food: The investment case for a protein shake up
7 October 2016
This briefing presents a compelling case to act now and influence sustainable protein supply chains, as the world’s population rises and food demand grows – with the aim to improve resilience through risk mitigation and innovation.
Incentivising the low carbon transition: Linking climate resilience to BP and Shell’s remuneration policies
29 September 2016
This briefing sets out the case for linking executive compensation to the low carbon transition. It suggests an engagement approach with BP and Shell, in light of the binding votes on remuneration at their 2017 AGMs.
Opportunities for collaborative investor engagement
15 September 2016
This briefing is an overview of the opportunities for investors to collaborate on responsible investment issues. The specific opportunities include campaigns on climate change, good work, and sustainable food systems.
The hot debate on climate risk and pension investments: Does practice stack up against the law?
8 September 2016
How does pension industry practice on climate risk stack up against legal investment duties? This report explores how far pension funds are considering climate risk in their investments and what more still needs to be done.
Internet shutdowns: The risks and opportunities for technology sector investors
22 August 2016
This briefing outlines the financial and reputational risks to investors with holdings in ICT companies associated with internet shutdowns. We provide corporate governance recommendations to help mitigate exposure to these risks.
Improving the quality of work in the UK’s private sector: Evaluating the potential for investor-led strategies
18 August 2016
This report examines the potential for a strategy to reduce poverty in the UK which activates institutional investors on the problem of low-paid, precarious and exploitative employment in the private sector.
Forced labour: What investors need to know
28 June 2016
This briefing provides information on the risks and implications of forced labour in company operations and supply chains. It highlights the role for investor engagement in addressing this global problem.
Swiss Pension Funds and Responsible Investment 2015/16 Report
25 May 2016
This is the first survey of Swiss pension funds and responsible investment. The report considers both transparency and implementation and makes recommendations.
Caisses de pensions suisses et l’investissement responsable Rapport 2015/16
25 May 2016
This is the first survey of Swiss pension funds and responsible investment. The report considers both transparency and implementation and makes recommendations. This is the French publication.
Schweizer Pensionskassen und verantwortungsvolles Investieren Bericht 2015/16
25 May 2016
This is the first survey of Swiss pension funds and responsible investment. The report considers both transparency and implementation and makes recommendations. This is the German publication.
Casse pensioni svizzere e investimento responsabile: studio 2015/2016
25 May 2016
This is the first survey of Swiss pension funds and responsible investment. The report considers both transparency and implementation and makes recommendations. This is the Italian publication.
A post-Paris overview and analysis of Shell’s climate reporting
20 May 2016
This report overviews the enhanced climate reporting provided by Shell following the 2015 shareholder resolutions. It identifies areas where progress is needed for consistency with the Paris target.
Pricing & price transparency in pharmaceuticals: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines
27 April 2016
This briefing highlights the problem of opaque pricing strategies for the pneumonia vaccine, PCV, currently held under a duopoly by Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
A post-Paris overview and analysis of BP’s climate reporting
19 April 2016
This report overviews the enhanced climate reporting provided by BP following the 2015 shareholder resolutions. It identifies areas where progress is needed for consistency with the Paris target.
In Deep Water: Investor risk from BP’s plans for the Great Australian Bight
14 April 2016
This briefing outlines BP’s controversial plans to commence exploration drilling in the Great Australian Bight. It highlights the operational, economic, and reputational risks the company faces.
The Restaurant Sector and Antibiotic Risk
13 April 2016
Report on the risks related to the overuse use of antibiotics in the restaurant sector. It overviews the policies of ten restaurant and fast-food chains; providing recommendations to improve current practice.
Transforming Our World Through Investment: An introductory study of institutional investors’ role in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals
21 March 2016
This study examines how institutional investors across the world are beginning to interact with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identifies key barriers and provides recommendations on how these can be overcome.
BP’s 2016 Energy Outlook to 2035: Overview and analysis
15 March 2016
This paper overviews and analyses BP’s 2016 Energy Outlook. It finds that by underestimating the potential speed of the decoupling of global economic growth and fossil fuels, BP could be exposing itself to a high risk of value destruction.
Reclaiming Ownership: A survey of governance and responsible investment at UK automatic-enrolment pension providers
12 March 2016
This report is the first ever independent ranking of the UK’s top automatic-enrolment workplace pension providers. The nine pension providers covered control £1.9 trillion in assets under management.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulations: the automakers disclose to investors
15 February 2016
This report analyses the responses of leading automotive manufacturers on issues related to greenhouse gas emissions standards in the US and the EU. This initiative supported by investors with over $1 trillion AUM.
Expectations for BP and Shell around climate risk shareholder resolutions
15 December 2015
At COP21, governments set a target to limit temperature rises to ‘well below 2°C, with an ambition for 1.5’. ShareAction sets expectations for enhanced reporting following the 2015 shareholder resolutions at BP, Shell and Statoil.
RE100 Investor Engagement: Questions & Answers
1 December 2015
The briefing by ShareAction and supported by RE100 outlines the key questions and provides answers for investors seeking to engage and encourage investee companies to transition to 100% renewable electricity use.
Factory Farming: Understanding Risks and Opportunities
1 December 2015
The briefing by ShareAction and supported by Farm Animal Investment Risk & Return (FAIRR) sets out the case for greater investor scrutiny of the factory farming sector in the following areas: antibiotics use, climate change, land rights and animal confinement.
Investor Engagement on RE100
1 December 2015
The RE100 investor initiative, coordinated by ShareAction, brings together institutional investors to encourage companies to transition to 100% renewable electricity with RE100. This briefing outlines the reasons for joining the initiative.
The Case for the Living Wage: Why a Living Wage Pays Dividends
1 November 2015
The briefing provides information on the benefits of the Living Wage for investors, updated from the 2014 investor briefing by the same title.
The 2016 Living Wage rates announced in November 2015 are £9.40 / hour for London and £8.25 / hour for the rest of the UK.
Carbon Risk Exposure: Measuring and managing risks
1 November 2015
This briefing outlines how asset managers and asset owners should focus on measuring carbon risk in portfolios as a priority, given the portfolio-wide implications of a rise in global temperatures.
Corporate Lobbying and Climate Change
1 August 2015
The briefing offers a concise background on corporate lobbying and climate change, before analysing the role that trade associations have played in seeking to influence EU climate legislation.
Realigning Interests, Reducing Regulation: A vision for reforming UK workplace pensions
1 July 2015
This report looks at the rules and incentives that govern UK workplace pensions. With the aim of getting the best result for savers, we use evidence from abroad to present a vision for change.
Shareholder Resolution at ExxonMobil
1 May 2015
The briefing provides investors with information regarding the greenhouse gas emissions reduction shareholder resolution (Item 10) which were raised at the ExxonMobil Annual Meeting on 27 May 2015.
Asset Manager Voting Practices: In Whose Interests?
1 May 2015
Asset managers can encourage companies to do the right thing by voting at their annual general meetings (AGMs). This survey looks at how they voted in 2014. Our goal is to ensure asset managers are transparent and vote thoughtfully.
Shareholder Resolution at Chevron Corporation
1 May 2015
The briefing provides investors with information regarding a carbon risk shareholder resolution (Item 7) which were raised at the Chevron Corporation Annual Meeting on 27 May 2015.
Green Bonds: Exploring opportunities for investment
1 March 2015
The briefing by ShareAction and the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) provides information on green bonds and examine opportunities for investment in this area.
Shareholder Resolutions at BP plc and Royal Dutch Shell plc
1 March 2015
The briefing provides investors with information regarding shareholder resolutions which will be on the 2015 AGM Agendas of BP and Shell.
Responsible Investment Performance of UK Asset Managers: The 2015 ShareAction Survey
1 January 2015
The 33 asset managers covered in this research control £13.8 trillion between them. They have the power to positively influence corporate behaviour. This survey evaluates their policies on Responsible Investment.
Entrusted With Our Future: A survey of the Responsible Investment performance of UK pension funds
15 November 2014
This report looked at Responsible Investment, accountability and transparency at the UK’s 24 largest occupational pension funds and 4 emerging master-trust based schemes.
Russian Roulette: The impact of sanctions against Russia on international oil companies
1 November 2014
The briefing by ShareAction, Platform and Greenpeace UK outlines the main European and US sanctions that impact IOCs operating in Russia. It also examines the unique consequences for BP as a holder of a 19.75% stake in Rosneft.
Your Money, Your Mission: Creating a responsible investment policy for your foundation
1 November 2014
This guide is designed to help foundations and charities invest in a way which supports their wider mission. It explains how to write a responsible investment policy and why this is important.
The Case for the Living Wage: Why a Living Wage Pays Dividends
1 November 2014
The briefing provides information on the benefits of the Living Wage for investors.
The 2015 Living Wage rates announced in November 2014 are £9.15 / hour for London and £7.85 / hour for the rest of the UK.
Taxing Questions: Assessing risk from changes to international tax rules
1 October 2014
The briefing by ShareAction and Christian Aid highlights the key issues for investors to consider, including possible regulatory changes arising as a result of the OECD progress report on proposed reforms intended to reduce multinationals’ tax avoidance.
The Law Commission’s Review of Fiduciary Duties: What it means for pension funds
1 September 2014
The briefing provides a brief outline of the Law Commission’s findings and suggests some steps pension funds may wish to take in light of these conclusions.
Evaluating the financial risk to oil capital expenditure
1 July 2014
The briefing accompanies a report published by the Carbon Tracker Initiative, “Carbon supply cost curves: Evaluating financial risk to oil capital expenditures”. It suggests questions pension funds may wish to ask their fund managers.
Telenor faces risks from Thai junta censorship
1 June 2014
The briefing by Access analyses the risks posed to Telenor by censorship in Thailand.
These risks include reputational harm, loss of business, risk to personnel, and regional impact.
Frozen Future: US Coast Guard Report
1 April 2014
The briefing by ShareAction, Platform and Greenpeace UK sets out key extracts from the Coast Guard investigation highlighting some of the issues which should be of concern to Shell shareholders.
Perspectives, Policies & Problems: Pensions funds on climate change in their own words
1 March 2014
This report examines the thinking on climate change in the pension sector in mid-2013. The evidence suggests many funds are not assessing and managing the risks posed by climate change.
Frozen Future: Shell’s ongoing gamble in the US Arctic
1 February 2014
The briefing accompanies a new report published by ShareAction, Greenpeace UK, Platform, Oil Change International, Oceana and Pacific Environment called “Frozen Future: Shell’s ongoing gamble in the US Arctic” and provides an overview of some of the key findings.
Our Money, Our Business
1 December 2013
This report outlines the steps needed to give ordinary savers a voice in how their pension savings are invested. We argue these steps will make the sector more efficient.
The Green Light Campaign: Using pension power to protect our planet
29 October 2013
This report outlines how pension power can tackle climate change. We set out 5 demands for pension funds. These demands will help them ensure the long-term health of the planet and our pension pots.
The Green Light Report: Resilient portfolios in an uncertain world
29 October 2013
The report aims to assist pension funds by guiding them through the financial implications of climate change and the steps they can take in light of the risks and opportunities it presents.
Virunga National Park and SOCO International PLC
1 October 2013
The briefing by ShareAction and WWF outlines the potential impacts of oil exploration and extraction on Virunga.
Out in the Cold: Serious concerns for shareholders identified by U.S. Department of Interior review
1 April 2013
The briefing by ShareAction, Platform and Greenpeace UK sets out key extracts from the 2013 U.S. Department of the Interior Review, highlighting issues which should be of concern to Shell shareholders including a lack of contractor oversight.
Russian Roulette: International Oil Company Risk in the Russian Arctic
1 March 2013
The briefing by ShareAction, Platform and Greenpeace UK accompanies report by the same organisations, focusing on alliances made by an international oil company and either Rosneft or Gazprom since 2011.
A Legacy of Liability: Report by the IUCN – Niger Delta Panel to SPDC
1 March 2013
The briefing outlines the key elements of the executive summary of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Report dated 4 August 2011 on Shell’s operation in the Niger Delta and identifies issues requiring further clarification.
Repeated Misadventures: Key questions for Shell on its Alaskan Arctic programme
1 January 2013
The briefing by ShareAction (then FairPensions), Platform and Greenpeace UK provides information on Shell’s 2012 setbacks. It also highlights key questions for investors to ask Shell in light of these latest significant developments.
Ethically Engaged? A survey of UK ethical funds
1 December 2012
This survey looks at how the providers of ethical funds engage with companies on issues like the environment and human rights. We also assess how they avoid investments that would concern savers.
Chevron Corporation: Argentine assets frozen
1 November 2012
The briefing provides information about the assets subject to the freeze order in Argentina and the next steps in this legal process.
Russian Roulette: BP to hold 19.75% stake in Rosneft
1 November 2012
The briefing by ShareAction (then FairPensions), Platform and Greenpeace UK analyses the risks posed by BP’s stake in Rosneft.
Out in the Cold: Shell’s Summer of Setbacks
1 November 2012
The briefing by ShareAction (then FairPensions), Platform and Greenpeace UK gives an overview of the various setbacks faced by Shell in 2012. It suggests some key questions for investors to ask Shell in the light of this year’s Arctic experience.
The Missing Link: Lessons from the ‘Shareholder Spring’
1 November 2012
The report examines the evidence about the so-called ‘Shareholder Spring’ – the wave of shareholder rebellions on executive pay in 2012. We analyse voting information, submissions to government consultations and investment providers’ responses to emails sent by savers as part of our ‘Your Say on Pay’ initiative.
The report concludes that there has not been a fundamental shift in shareholder attitudes to engagement, and that attention must now shift from the relationship between directors and shareholders onto the relationship between institutional investors and the people whose money they manage.
A Legacy of Liability: Assesment of Shell’s UNEP Update
1 September 2012
The briefing responds to Shell’s response to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report’s findings regarding Shell’s response to oil pollution in Ogoniland in Nigeria.
BP and the Department of Justice Memorandum
1 September 2012
The briefing analyses the legal proceedings between the US government and BP related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
Chevron Corporation: Time to Change Course
1 September 2012
The briefing analyses Chevron’s refusal to abide by the decision of the Ecuadorian courts on the lawsuit about the dumping of toxic waste in Ecuador.
Out in the Cold: Royal Dutch Shell and Arctic Drilling – New Report
1 May 2012
The briefing by ShareAction (then FairPensions), Platform and Greenpeace UK accompanies a report by the same organisations on Shell’s Russian and Alaskan Arctic projects.
Executive Remuneration 2012: Briefing for Pension Funds and their Trustees
1 April 2012
The briefing outlines the risks presented by executive high pay in the lead up to the Annual General Meetings of public companies in 2012.
The Stewardship Lottery: The governance gap in contract based pensions
1 April 2012
Contract-based pensions are on the rise in the UK. This survey ranks the 10 biggest providers. The evidence suggests many are not committing to take environmental and social issues into account when they invest.
A Legacy of Liability: Shell and the Niger Delta
1 April 2012
The briefing provides a summary of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report’s findings regarding Shell’s response to oil pollution in Ogoniland, Nigeria, and provides recommendations.
Out in the Cold: Royal Dutch Shell and Arctic Drilling
1 April 2012
The briefing by ShareAction (then FairPensions), Platform and Greenpeace UK analyses the risks presented by Shell’s Arctic drilling plans ahead of Shell’s 2012 annual briefing to socially responsible investors.
The Enlightened Shareholder: Clarifying investors’ fiduciary duties
14 March 2012
The report calls for statutory clarification of investors’ fiduciary duties, and illustrates how this could be achieved with draft legislation.
The report builds on 2011’s ‘Protecting our Best Interests’ and on further discussions with experts within and outside industry.
Stay Connected: Telecoms and the Protection of Human Rights – Update
1 March 2012
The briefing by ShareAction (then FairPensions) and Access provides investors with an update on actions being taken by the telecoms industry and the further actions required, following briefing published in July 2011.
Local authority pension funds and investments in the tobacco industry
1 January 2012
The briefing by ShareAction (then FairPensions) and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) aims to inform investors on the risks of investments in tobacco industry.
Whose Duty? Ensuring effective stewardship in contract-based pensions
1 January 2012
The report explores the governance and accountability of contract-based pension providers, such as insurance companies.
These providers already look after millions of people’s savings, and are expected to take on millions more as employers begin automatically enrolling their staff into pension schemes under government reforms. Our analysis suggests that nobody in the chain of decision-makers responsible for these savers’ money has a clear obligation or interest in protecting savers’ interests.
Stay Connected: Telecoms and the Protection of Human Rights
1 July 2011
The briefing by ShareAction (then FairPensions) and Access outlines the reputational and financial risks facing telecoms and their investors as a result of accepting operating licences that do not provide adequate protection for fundamental human rights.
Tax Responsibility: The Business Case
1 July 2011
The briefing by ShareAction (then FairPensions), FairFood and ActionAid advocates making tax a corporate responsibility issue.
Fracking Risks: Exposing Shell in British Columbia
1 May 2011
The briefing by ShareAction (then FairPensions) and ForestEthics outlines the risks related to Shell’s tenure to frack in British Columbia, Canada.
Assessment of BP’s Annual Report
1 April 2011
The briefing provides an assessment of BP’s 2010 Annual Report, separate from BP’s Sustainability Review issues two weeks after the Annual Report.
Protecting Our Best Interests
1 March 2011
The report on investors’ legal obligations to the people whose money they manage and consequent recommendations is the outcome of a year-long research process, including a series of expert seminars.
Stewardship in the Spotlight: UK asset managers’ public disclosure practices on voting & engagement
1 December 2010
TBC
Working at the Edge: Lessons from the Deepwater disaster
1 September 2010
The briefing by ShareAction (then FairPensions) and Greenpeace UK outlines the broad risks presented by offshore deepwater drilling and the need for investor scrutiny.
Counting the Cost of Tarsands: Briefing for Fund Managers
1 January 2010
The briefing has been prepared to provide investors with information regarding 2010 shareholder resolutions of BP and Shell. The resolutions call on each of the companies to present a comprehensive strategic justification of its allocation of capital to Canadian oil sands projects in light of shifting market conditions and increasing independent doubts about the financial viability of Canadian oil sands projects.
Counting the Cost of Tarsands: Briefing for UK Pension Funds
1 January 2010
The briefing has been prepared to provide investors with information regarding 2010 shareholder resolutions of BP and Shell.The resolutions call on each company to present a comprehensive strategic justification of its allocation of capital to Canadian oil sands projects in light of shifting market conditions and increasing doubts about the financial viability of Canadian oil sands projects.
Counting the Cost of Tarsands: Briefing for Investors
1 January 2010
The briefing has been prepared to provide investors with information regarding 2010 shareholder resolutions of BP and Shell. The resolutions call on each company to present a comprehensive strategic justification of its allocation of capital to Canadian oil sands projects in light of shifting market conditions and increasing doubts about the financial viability of Canadian oil sands projects.
Preparing for the Storm? UK Fund Managers and the Risks & Opportunities of Climate Change
1 October 2009
TBC
Responsible Pensions? UK Occupational Pension Schemes’ Responsible Investment Performance
1 April 2009
TBC
Investor Responsibility? UK Fund Managers’ Performance and Accountability on ‘Extra-Financial’ Risks
1 November 2008
TBC
UK Pension Scheme Transparency Survey on Environmental, Social and Governance Issues
8 December 2007
TBC
Fund Manager Transparency and Engagement on Environmental, Social and Governance Issues
15 October 2007
TBC
Novartis: Patents vs Patients
1 January 2007
The briefing encourages investors to engage with pharmaceutical companies in their portfolio to urge them to respect the spirit and letter of the Doha Declaration and, specifically, to press Novartis to withdraw their legal challenge to section 3(d) of the Indian Patent Act.
UK Pension Scheme Transparency on Social, Environmental and Ethical Issues
1 November 2006
TBC