New Sustainalytics' Report Offers Insight Into the ESG Investment Risks and Opportunities for the Utilities Sector
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
With Traditional Business Models Under Pressure, Leading ESG Issues Are in Focus
for Utilities Companies
TORONTO, Apr. 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sustainalytics, a leading provider of
environmental, social and governance (ESG) research and analysis, today released
a new sector research report titled, "Utilities-The Great Transformation
Begins," which examines through an ESG lens the investment risks and
opportunities of 234 public and non-public utilities companies. The utilities
industry is confronted with a variety of systemic challenges, including
weakening electricity demand, shifting consumer expectations and an influx of
homegrown electricity, which are threatening the traditional business model of
providing electricity from large central power plants.
ESG issues, such as climate change, carbon regulation, water scarcity and
community relations, have become boardroom issues for utilities companies as
they strive to meet growing demands for sustainable products. Sustainalytics'
analysis can help investors identify companies that are well positioned to
navigate the industry's sweeping market and regulatory changes. The research
focuses on the most material ESG issues for the utilities sector, which include:
* Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Effluents and Waste: Utilities companies
are responsible for 31 percent of total global GHG emissions and many
companies are likely to struggle under tightening carbon constraints.
* Community Relations: Community opposition to power plants and infrastructure
projects remains strong, yet advanced stakeholder engagement programs are
lacking across the sector.
* Product Sustainability: The global installed capacity for grid-connected
solar panels increased by 338 percent from 2009-2012, illustrating the
simultaneous threat and opportunity posed by solar for utility incumbents.
"While management at most developed market utilities companies is aware of the
challenges facing the sector, there is no consensus among industry leaders about
what the modern utility will look like," said Sustainalytics' Managing Director
of Thematic Research Dr. Hendrik Garz. "The transformation of the industry will
have dramatic implications on the competitiveness of industry players, and
investors should understand how their portfolio holdings may be exposed."
Sustainalytics' research shows the top developed market performers are Terna,
the Rome-based electricity grid operator, and Acciona, the Spanish renewable
energy leader. The top emerging markets-based performers are concentrated in
Brazil, and include many of the country's large hydroelectric producers.
On Thursday, April 16 at 10:00 a.m. EDT/4:00 p.m. CEST, Sustainalytics will host
a webinar to present the findings from its Utilities Sector report. To register
for the webinar, please click here. To download an executive summary of the
report, please click here.
About Sustainalytics
Headquartered in Amsterdam, Sustainalytics is an independent ESG research and
analysis firm supporting investors around the world with the development and
implementation of responsible investment strategies. With 13 offices globally,
Sustainalytics partners with institutional investors who integrate
environmental, social and governance information and assessments into their
investment decisions. Today, the firm has over 200 staff members, including more
than 120 analysts with varied multidisciplinary expertise of more than 40
industries. For the past three years, Sustainalytics was voted best independent
responsible investment research firm in Extel's IRRI survey. For more
information, visit www.sustainalytics.com.
Media Contacts:
Sarah Cohn, Director of Marketing
sarah.cohn(at)sustainalytics.com
P) +1 646.963.6944
Melissa Chase, Marketing Specialist
melissa.chase(at)sustainalytics.com
P) +1 647.317.3646
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other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and
originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Sustainalytics via GlobeNewswire
[HUG#1910410]
Datum: 13.04.2015 - 14:30 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 385190
Anzahl Zeichen: 4925
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