ESG Story of the Year
On behalf of Laurence Fletcher and Tommy Stubbington, The Financial Times, Claer Barrett collects the trophy from Ed Grattan Senior PR and Communications Manager at Triodos Bank UK and awards host Kerry Godliman
Winner: ESG investing: funds weigh sovereign debt profits against human rights by Laurence Fletcher and Tommy Stubbington, Financial Times
A new category at the Awards this year recognising coverage of ESG and sustainable finance issues. Following the online scoring of an excellent group of entries, two stories stood out in particular. In the end the judges agreed that congratulations should go to Laurence Fletcher and Tommy Stubbington.
“Excellent journalism and great to see this entry with a focus on human rights in a shortlist dominated by the 'e' and climate,“ one judge commented. The story “raises important issues about investing in bonds issued by repressive regimes”, added another.
Highly Commended: Saving for the future by Danielle Richardson, Which? Money
Because the decision was such a close-run affair the judges thought it only fitting to recognise Danielle Richardson’s story assessing the sustainability of popular UK savings accounts.
“I found this a really useful article for ordinary savers. Getting Gatehouse Bank to change the name of its account was a good outcome and the whole article had an effect on making providers examine their own practices.”
Shortlist
Banks lobby to water down their commitment to net zero targets, Josephine Moulds, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism
Can you really go green and NOT pay fund fees that cost you the earth?, Rachel Rickard Straus, The Mail on Sunday
ESG investing: funds weigh sovereign debt profits against human rights, Laurence Fletcher and Tommy Stubbington, Financial Times
Saving for the future, Danielle Richardson, Which? Money
(Still) more funds run by Daves than Women, Holly Mead, The Sun
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Triodos Bank's mission is to make money work for positive social, environmental and cultural change. The bank provides a range of sustainable financial services, including current accounts, savings and investments for individuals and offers finance to ethical organisations delivering a positive impact for people and the planet. Lending is focused on sectors such as renewable energy, organic farming and social housing through to retail, charities, education and the arts. To be a responsible and transparent bank means that every loan and investment is publicly available on the website. With UK operations based in Bristol, Triodos has more than 700k customers across Europe and headquarters in the Netherlands. Triodos is a certified B Corporation and a frontrunner in the banking sector setting a net zero target of 2035 for entire operations, investments and loan book.