In case you missed it, investor-led climate initiatives are continuing to face pressure from GOP lawmakers on the grounds of antitrust practices. Read the Democratic Staff Report on how previous investigations which were made under similar claims found no evidence of wrong-doing. CCSI has also been cited in the report for our ongoing work on Antitrust & ESG and its adverse impacts on climate action. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ejbUShsq Read the Washington Times article here: https://lnkd.in/dxUG29KV #InternationalLaw #CompetitionLaw #Antitrust #InvestmentLaw #ESG #ClimateAction
About us
The Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI), a joint center of Columbia Law School and the Earth Institute at Columbia University, is the only university-based applied research center and forum dedicated to the study, practice and discussion of sustainable international investment.
- Website
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http://ccsi.columbia.edu/
External link for Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
- Industry
- Higher Education
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- New York
- Type
- Privately Held
- Specialties
- Investment in Extractive Industries, Investment in Land and Agriculture, Investment Law and Policy, Human Rights and Development, and Sustainable Development
Locations
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Primary
New York, US
Employees at Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Updates
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The taxonomy alignment approach to capital allocation is seeing wide acceptance among the VC and investment community. In our recent collaboration with Princeville Capital we address the question “Is this enough?” and propose a two-step screening process to ensure that VCs investments not only comply with regulatory standards but also effectively contribute to achieving global climate goals. 📊 #CCSIonSustainableFinance Read the full report on: https://lnkd.in/e3Vq9W5k Perrine Toledano | Ajay Jagdish | Ana Maria Camelo Vega Special thanks to Eric Kosmowski, Ugo Catry and Luca Harrichhausen at Princeville Capital for their support and trust all along the project. Special thanks to Saurabh Kumar | Joseph Weiler | Wynston Reed | Morgan Sheil | Anant Udpa for peer-review or in-depth conversations. ArcTern Ventures, Blue Earth Capital AG, Cannonade Capital, Clean Energy Ventures, Closed Loop Partners, Collaborative Fund, Congruent Ventures, Ecosystem Integrity Fund, Energy Impact Partners, FullCycle, Galvanize Climate Solutions, Mirova, OIC, Piva Capital, Project Frame , SJF Ventures, The Rockefeller Foundation, Superorganism, Valo Ventures, Bezos Earth Fund, Venture Climate Alliance #ClimateTech #VentureCapital #VC #ClimateMetrics
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“States that take necessary climate-related measures may be exposed to increasing risk of abuse of ISDS claims,” says Lisa Sachs highlighting the profound impact of Investor-State Dispute Settlements (ISDS) on climate action in this article on Bloomberg News. https://lnkd.in/ecy5NdVP ⚖️ #CCSIonInvestmentLawAndPolicy Our analysis on the effects of ISDS over the years, has revealed that businesses are increasingly using ISDS to challenge state actions taken for environmental and social concerns. CCSI also highlights how ISDS interferes with critical mineral governance and offers guidance on how to address this challenge. We have been mapping the increasing prevalence of these arbitrations over time, between the home states of investors and host countries, revealing an imbalance in power, further perpetuated by the ISDS mechanism. Furthermore, according to an E3G report cited in the article, 6,800 assets in the oil, gas, coal, and power sectors are being protected by ISDS provisions. The report further identifies that assets owned by companies headquartered in the UK, China, and Japan contributed the most to ISDS-protected emissions, while Egypt and Nigeria were the host countries most at risk from claims. As litigation funders increasingly seek out companies to make ISDS claims, it’s crucial to recognize the broader implications on global climate policies and measures. E3G | International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) #ISDS #InvestmentArbitrationLaw #ClimateInvestment #InternationalLaw #InvestmentLaw #ClimateChange
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Our Director, Lisa Sachs, recently joined Tom Gosling from the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI) on their podcast for a thought-provoking discussion on sustainable investment. In this insightful episode, Lisa covers a broad range of topics including: ❕ The confusion surrounding what “sustainable investment” truly means ❕ Essential knowledge for investors about climate scenarios ❕ The nuanced debate on fiduciary duties ❕ The balance between voluntary actions and government policies in driving sustainable change This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainable finance and investment. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the evolving world of sustainable investment. 🎧 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/eRPvUpJq #SustainableInvestment #ClimateFinance #FiduciaryDuties #GovernmentPolicy #VoluntaryAction #Sustainability #ClimateScenarios #InvestmentInsights #CCSI #ECGI #Podcast #Finance
Continuing my work with Harald Walkate on the question "Does sustainable investing work?" with the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI) we are sharing a series of reactions to our work from industry practitioners and academics to help stimulate the debate on this important topic. You can watch the interview here: https://lnkd.in/eRPvUpJq The latest interview is with Lisa Sachs, Director of the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI). Like me, Lisa sits to some extent between academia and practice. Having a track record in investor-facing NGOs she has led CCSI's work since 2008 where she seeks to translate academic insights but very much in the context of practical work and engagement with policymaker and practitioner communities. I've had a number of vigorous exchanges with Lisa over the years which have certainly helped my thinking and so I'm delighted to share her perspectives here. She is a strong advocate for the primacy of policy to address sustainability challenges. But business has a role to play by supporting, rather than seeking to derail, sound policy development. #responsibleinvesting #sustainableinvesting #responsiblecapitalism
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Strategic government purchasing can drive low-carbon alternatives, cutting the 'green premium' and boosting innovation. Our latest report on Green Public Procurement (GPP) reveals its role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eFD28kEt 🚨#CCSIonClimateChange In 2020, public procurement accounted for approximately 12% of global GDP, with steel and cement contributing about 14-16% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. 🔍 Our publication explores the necessity of robust governance frameworks and the alignment of procurement practices with specific and escalating quantitative targets to fully harness GPP’s potential as a key driver for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing climate mitigation. Despite the opportunities, the effectiveness of GPP is often limited by voluntary targets, inconsistent practices, and inadequate governance structures. 🛠️ To address these challenges, we advocate for innovative tools such as the CO2 Performance Ladder (CO2PL) and Carbon Contracts for Difference (CCfDs), which provide financial incentives for adopting green technologies and integrate carbon management into procurement processes. 🌱 With strategic implementation, GPP not only promises significant economic growth and job creation but also sets a sustainable example for the private sector. This publication provides a roadmap for leveraging GPP's full potential to contribute to a sustainable and economically viable future. We are grateful to RMI, especially Lachlan Wright, for thier support and feedback throughout the design and drafting of this report! Special thanks to Liesbeth Casier, Ronja Bechauf, and Helen Rolfing for contributing their in-depth knowledge of innovative Green Public Procurement tools, and to Chris Bataille for serving as peer reviewer of our publication. Laura Garcia Cancino | Perrine Toledano | Ingrid Zhou | Martin Dietrich Brauch | Ben Baraga | Lisa Sachs #GreenProcurement #Sustainability #Decarbonization #Innovation #ClimateAction
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Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment reposted this
📊🌍 I am thrilled to #announce the #launch of our latest #report, "Climate Impact Screening and Reporting: A Venture Capital Perspective," published by the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment in collaboration with Princeville Capital. Co-authored by Ajay Jagdish, Perrine Toledano, and myself, this #comprehensive report delves into the #methodologies and practices that #venturecapital #investors can adopt to optimize their climate impact. Key highlights include: - Attribution of avoided #emissions - Setting transparent #baselines - Sectoral prioritization and threshold #criteria - Rigorous indirect #impact screening - Innovative approaches for #climate #adaptation #financing Our #goal is to provide venture capitalists with the #tools and insights needed to drive #impactful #climatesolutions, ensuring investments align with the #ParisAgreement objectives. The report emphasizes the #critical role of VCs in the transition to a low-carbon economy and highlights the importance of #meticulous climate due diligence. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Eric Kosmowski, Ugo Catry and Luca Harrichhausen at Princeville Capital for their support and trust all along the project. Special thanks also to Saurabh Kumar, Joseph Weiler, Wynston Reed, Morgan Sheil, and Anant Udpa for peer-review or in-depth conversations. 📥 Download the report here: https://lnkd.in/eqUFPqez #ClimateFinance #VentureCapital #SustainableInvestment #ClimateImpact #CCSI #PrincevilleCapital #ParisAgreement #ClimateChange
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The Climate VC community faces the tough task of proving real impact. Screening and evaluating climate effects remains complex, with many metrics still unclear. Read our latest report with Princeville Capital: https://lnkd.in/e3Vq9W5k 🌈 #CCSIonSDGAlignedBusinessAndFinance In this report we are offering insights into the issues that haven’t hit consensus yet: ❕ Attribution and baselining ❕ Paris-aligned thresholds for prioritization ❕ Indirect impact and tailored KPIs ❕ Adaptation investment thesis and scorecard We invite you to check our latest publication on the topic and share feedback or start a thread here! Perrine Toledano | Ajay Jagdish | Ana Maria Camelo Vega Special thanks to Eric Kosmowski, Ugo Catry and Luca Harrichhausen at Princeville Capital for their support and trust all along the project. Special thanks to Saurabh K. | Joseph Weiler | Wynston Reed | Morgan Sheil | Anant Udpa for peer-review or in-depth conversations. ArcTern Ventures, Blue Earth Capital AG, Cannonade Capital, Clean Energy Ventures, Closed Loop Partners, Collaborative Fund, Congruent Ventures, Ecosystem Integrity Fund, Energy Impact Partners, FullCycle, Galvanize Climate Solutions, Mirova, OIC, Piva Capital, Project Frame, SJF Ventures, The Rockefeller Foundation, Superorganism, Valo Ventures, Bezos Earth Fund, Venture Climate Alliance #ClimateTech #VentureCapital #VC #ClimateMetrics
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Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment reposted this
⚖ ⛏ My colleague Madeleine S. and I published in March this year a Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment blog that delves into the impact of investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS) on mining governance for critical minerals. We emphasized that ISDS based on investment treaties or contracts poses risks and costs to resource-rich countries that need to develop or strengthen their policy and legal frameworks related to the mining sector. 🎉 We are thrilled to see that 210 Indigenous Peoples groups, unions, labor activists, and climate, environmental justice, child rights, and human rights organizations have issued "Principles to Ensure Energy Transition Minerals Advance Justice, Equity, and Human Rights" to help guide the United Nations Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. Their principles echo our research-based recommendations to withdraw from or terminate agreements that provide for ISDS. 📚 Read our analysis and recommendations: How ISDS Interferes with the Governance of Critical Minerals for a Just Energy Transition—And What to Do About It – https://lnkd.in/e66BgQEG 🌐 Check out the civil society principles – https://lnkd.in/ejZ-ZjV9 The Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment continues to work in building capacity in resource-rich governments to leverage the increased demand for their mineral resources into sustainable development, and to curb ISDS risks and costs. Read more about our work: https://lnkd.in/eFU6wbmg #EnergyTransition #Mining #MiningGovernance #ISDS #HumanRights #ClimateJustice #JustTransition Columbia University | Columbia Law School | Columbia Climate School | Sabin Center for Climate Change Law | SOMO | Bart-Jaap Verbeek | Lisa Sachs | Perrine Toledano | Martin Dietrich Brauch | Madeleine S. | Ladan Mehranvar | António Guterres
All eyes are on the UNSG's Critical Energy Transition Minerals panel this week👀 🤝 To help guide the UN Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, 210 Indigenous Peoples groups, unions, climate and environmental justice, child rights and human rights organisations have developed recommendations. 📜 We call on the UNSG Panel to adopt a transformative approach to transition minerals that contributes to a fairer world 🔗 Read the recommendations here: https://lnkd.in/dCDsw7it 🚨 In April 2024, UN Secretary General António Guterres launched a Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals to develop global principles to guide governments and companies. 🌍 🌐 This Panel has the opportunity to develop global principles to ensure that supplying the minerals needed to phase out fossil fuels don’t undermine justice, equity, and human rights. 🌱 To contribute to a just and equitable transition, those who extract and process minerals must respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples, communities and workers; protect water, biodiversity, and ecosystems across the world. 💧It is crucial to ensure producer countries and communities retain more of the value of resource development and see drastic increases in access to energy and fulfilment of all economic and social rights. 🗣️ The voices of communities, Indigenous leaders, women, and those with limited access to energy should be at the heart of these policies, including decisions on whether and on what terms extraction should proceed. EARTHWORKS Climate Action Network International Natural Resource Governance Institute SIRGE Coalition Human Rights Watch Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
Civil Society Recommendations for the UNSG’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals - Publish What You Pay
https://pwyp.org
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The heavy industry sector accounts for 25% of total CO2 emissions annually and is poised to see an increased demand for materials through 2050. Read our latest report introducing a market mechanism designed to finance the sector's transition to low-emission technologies. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eYrxePRk 🚨 #CCSIonClimateChange 🔩 The urgency to shift towards low-emission technologies in industries like steelmaking has never been more critical. 🌱 Our latest research introduces a pioneering dual-market mechanism aimed at supporting the transition from traditional steelmaking methods (BF-BOF) to greener, more sustainable processes (DRI-EAF). This innovative mechanism features a Green Steel Certificate (GSC) bundled with a Virtual Offtake Agreement for Steel (VOAS), designed to ensure real and substantial emissions reductions. 📈 By integrating these tools, our mechanism verifies the emissions intensity of steel produced and facilitates Scope 3 emissions reduction claims for buyers. Coupling these certificates with long-term virtual offtake agreements guarantees consistent funding, encouraging investments in new decarbonization technologies. 💡 Dive into our publication to discover how the GSC and VOAS can synergize to foster a robust, transparent, and financially viable market for green steel, setting new standards in environmental integrity and additionality. #GreenSteel #HeavyIndustryDecarbonization #ClimateAction #Innovation #ClimateChange Huge thanks to RMI, especially to Lachlan Wright, for their support throughout the design and drafting of this report! We would also like to thank Sam Bartlett, Laura Hutchinson, Helen Rolfing, Bogi Højgaard CFA, Hugo Da Gama Campos, Jean-Philippe Brisson, Kobi Weinberg, Jared Westheim, Hitoshi Dohnomae, Tokutaro Nakai, Stephanie Hanford, and Arnaud Filliol for contributing their multidisciplinary expertise and knowledge, which made this report possible. Special thanks to Tiffany Vass for serving as peer reviewer of our publication. Laura Garcia Cancino | Perrine Toledano | Martin Dietrich Brauch | Ben Baraga | Lisa Sachs
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DEADLINE TO APPLY IS TODAY ❗ Be sure to submit your application to participate in our upcoming Executive Training on Investment Treaties and Arbitration for Government Officials TODAY ⭐
The DEADLINE to apply for our Executive Training on Investment Treaties and Arbitration for Government Officials is in ONE WEEK! The training will be held virtually, 9:00 am-11:30 am EDT, from September 9-13, 2024: https://lnkd.in/efhsiVJz This course is designed for government officials facing complex and pressing issues relating to international investment treaties, including the consideration of unilateral and multilateral reform options. The course will address: 👩⚖️ States’ objectives in their investment policy 📜 Links between treaties, investment flows, and development objectives ⚖ Investor-state dispute settlement, and the concerns of states ✍ Trends and developments in treaty practice 🏛 Opportunities and challenges facing governments in treaty reform, 🌍 And other approaches to investment governance, including dispute prevention and alternatives to ISDS. Through five 2.5 hour online sessions, government officials will gain a broad knowledge of investment treaty practice and governance and how new developments in the field apply to their own national governance structures and existing agreements, better equipping them to navigate this complex and continuously evolving field. APPLY BY July 15, 2024! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Columbia University | Columbia Law School | Lisa Sachs | Ladan Mehranvar | Martin Dietrich Brauch | Paulo Cunha | Madeleine S. | Chris Albin-Lackey
Executive Training on Investment Treaties and Arbitration for Government Officials
ccsi.columbia.edu