Governance & Compliance 12: Why the numbers must stack up behind your net zero plans

Setting (and delivering) a climate transition plan is about more than regulatory box-ticking or PR spin. Credible plans are fast becoming a key facilitator for any company seeking to raise capital. In this episode, we discuss what investors want and where companies could be falling short. In this episode, host Will Chalk is joined by Ashurst colleague and climate transition expert Becky Clissmann, as well as special guest Jo Richardson from Anthropocene Fixed Income Institute, who helps investors to align their portfolios with climate and sustainability goals. Drawing on a new report published by Ashurst with communications consultancy Radley Yeldar, the discussion highlights the disconnect between what some companies disclose in their transition plans – and what investors actually need. Will, Becky and Jo highlight some of the stand-out attributes of a credible climate transition plan. They explain the importance of costing the decarbonisation roadmap and explain why fixed income investors are uniquely positioned to influence corporate behaviour. And they discuss why investors can spot greenwashing a mile away. Will hits the nail on the head when he says, “transition plans have really moved beyond corporate virtue signalling and are increasingly important for companies seeking corporate finance.” To listen to this and subscribe to future episodes in our governance mini-series, search for “Ashurst Legal Outlook” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. You can also find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at ashurst.com/podcasts. To receive updates and alerts on the issues raised in this podcast mini-series, subscribe to Ashurst’s regular Governance and Compliance Updates. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.