The European Commission has published new guidelines on corporate climate-related information reporting, as part of its Sustainable Finance Action Plan.
These guidelines will provide companies with practical recommendations on how to better report the impact that their activities are having on the climate as well as the impact of climate change on their business.
The Technical Expert Group on sustainable finance issued 3 new reports, including key recommendations on the types of economic activities that can make a real contribution to climate change mitigation or adaptation (taxonomy).
- The first is a classification system – or taxonomy – for environmentally-sustainable economic activities. This aims to provide practical guidance for policymakers, industry, and investors on how best to support and invest in economic activities that contribute to achieving a climate-neutral economy.
- The second expert report on an EU Green Bond Standard recommends clear and comparable criteria for issuing green bonds. In particular, by linking it to taxonomy, it will determine which climate and environmentally-friendly activities should be eligible for funding via an EU green bond.
- Finally, a third expert report on EU climate benchmarks and benchmarks’ ESG disclosures sets out the methodology and minimum technical requirements for indices that will enable investors to orient the choice of investors who wish to adopt a climate-conscious investment strategy, and address the risk of greenwashing.