Institutionals call on companies to integrate sustainability information

Global-listed and large private companies should integrate sustainability information throughout their annual report and accounts or explain why they are unable to do so, according to a coalition of institutions, including institutional investors.

The group, led by Aviva Investors, is calling on UN member states to develop a global policy framework that requires companies to include this information.

Paul Abberley, chief executive at Aviva Investors London, said: “Progressive companies around the world have come to understand that long-term value is enhanced by embedding long-term sustainability into their business strategy and by fully disclosing their progress to investors.

On behalf of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Coalition, Abberley asked UN member states to adopt a binding international commitment to develop a national policy, which requires the disclosure of sustainability information at the recent United Nations Private Sector Forum on Sustainable Energy for All, held in conjunction with the 66th Session of the UN General Assembly.

The coalition is calling on UN member states to adopt the global policy framework at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, the 2012 Earth Summit, taking place in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012.

The coalition represents financial institutions, professional bodies, NGOs and investors with $1.6trn (€1.2trn) in global assets under management.

Original article published at www.uncsd2012.org