All articles by Adrian Murdoch
Adrian Murdoch
Progressive cement sector faces China challenge in cutting carbon
Cement is the first heavy industry to set net-zero emissions targets and wants to see regulation, including a carbon tax, to help achieve those goals. But there are major challenges, including that pollution levels from China’s cement sector – the world’s biggest – are rising.
How a supermarket giant grapples with ESG data challenge
A corporate treasurer’s work has historically revolved around cash flow forecasts, but increasingly involves defining sustainability key performance indicators and monitoring ESG data. Miguel Silva Gonzalez of Dutch supermarket giant Ahold Delhaize gives his take.
The lowdown on NTU’s landmark sustainability-linked bond
Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University has sold a bond that is only the second of its kind globally. If it misses its targets, the step-up money will go into climate research or carbon offsets, not to investors. Capital Monitor gets the skinny from NTU finance chief Ong Eng Hock.
Universities are waking up to green finance, but say it quietly…
Often cash-flush and shy of scrutiny, higher education institutions have not typically felt the need or inclination to raise green bonds, despite their suitability for such funding. That is changing, with private placements seen as increasingly popular.
Why consumers get suckered by greenwashing
Despite their good intentions, customers are misled by the marketing and brand power of big companies when they try to shop sustainably. Regulators are taking note.
Boardroom pay not reflecting soaring demand for ESG skills
Sustainability expertise has become a key priority for corporate boards in Europe but the sharp rise in demand for ESG-focused top-level executives has not driven an equivalent jump in pay, say recruiters.
European companies “paying lip service” to carbon emissions
Three-quarters of European companies have set emission-reduction goals, but details of how they intend to achieve them are lacking, while only one in ten is on track to hit net-zero targets, finds recent research. Pressure is growing on corporates – and regulators – to take more action.
Breaking down Africa’s first sustainability-linked loan
With its landmark deal, a South African private healthcare group has saved itself at least 21 basis points in the cost of funding and set a quartet of key performance indicators – three with environmental targets and one focused on patient satisfaction.
Retirement housing is driving New Zealand green finance
Retirement village operator Summerset has inked a landmark sustainability-linked loan related to reductions in carbon emissions and construction waste and, less typically, the development of dementia care. Its domestic peers are also expected to take the green finance path.
Behind the Chinese energy sector’s debut green loan
Teess – a joint venture between France’s TotalEnergies and Chinese renewables company Envision – will execute the first green-funded project in China’s solar industry as it bets on the country’s energy transition. Capital Monitor takes an in-depth look at the deal.