Jorge Waayman – Nov 14, 2019

Harbour has long considered and integrated ESG considerations in its investment process. Climate change has been an evolving focus as growing empirical evidence and political, regulatory and investor pressure on the materiality of climate change escalates.

To further understand how climate change is being treated by New Zealand companies, Harbour has conducted a research project to establish a baseline of carbon emissions disclosure across the market and to promote positive change through engagement. The project covered 55 companies listed on the NZX. 

Key points

• 26 companies of the 55 studied disclosed emissions data (47%)
• There was wide variation in the quality of disclosure from companies
• Of the companies that disclosed, 52% had emissions on a decreasing trend
• Most companies record their emissions themselves and have no third-party verification
• Technological advancement is key with innovation in electrification, carbon capture and storage, and software solutions
• The Zero Carbon Bill, the Paris Agreement and the Emissions Trading Scheme are all important policy settings aimed to help decrease carbon emissions
• The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations are an increasingly popular framework for companies worldwide to report against, to ensure their climate change disclosure is meeting the needs of their investors.

The full report >