The following summarizes the work completed in each work package and the main results achieved so far:
WP1:
Development of energy-investment roadmaps and financing roadmaps, as well as related financing targets.
WP2:
2ii led the development of corporate 2°C alignment methodologies assessing 2°C alignment across 10 key sectors. The methodologies have been road-tested and discussed with over 10 companies in partnership with the CDP / ADEME-led Assessing Carbon Transition (ACT) project. University of Zurich developed a report to measure the exposure of companies to physical assets through their subsidiary network. In parallel to the work of corporate methodologies, a paper on measuring the climate-friendliness of sovereign bonds has been completed by 2° investing Initiative and Beyond Ratings. Climate Bonds Initiative has published a standard for real estate, and 2° Investing Initiative developed a framework for household finance.
WP3:
2ii has led the development of a portfolio assessment tool involving a software and a range of 2°C benchmarks for corporate bonds and listed equity portfolio – on the basis of the sector methodologies developed in WP2. The tool was launched in December 2015 with over 250 investors road-testing the tool to date, as well as three financial supervisory authorities and one government. Over 90% of surveyed investors (~25) have said they were likely or very likely to use the tool to inform investment decisions, mandate design, and / or shareholder engagement.
WP4:
CDP has drafted two papers on the future of climate disclosure, focusing on technology linking databases (XBRL) and pitfalls of climate-related disclosure. 2° Investing Initiative has published a paper together with UNEP-Fi and GHG Protocol landscaping climate metrics in financial markets for investors, as well as a second paper on banks. Outreach with data providers in turn has led 6 data providers (South Pole Group, Trucost, S&P, Sustainalytics, ET Index, Grizzly RI) to advertise the 2°C alignment tool developed in the SEI metrics projects to their clients as part of their services. In order to extend assessment frameworks with higher quality data, 2ii has partnered with EY to develop forward-looking ‘committed emissions’ databases for a range of key sectors. These have been published and internalized in 2°C scenario analysis models.
WP5
2ii launched a working group with 5 index providers (MSCI, FTSE, S&P Dow Jones Indices, Solactive, Euronext) in the summer of 2015 to inform the requirements of index design related to 2°C benchmarks. One index provider (Euronext) used the methodology to ‘sanity test’ the index they build in the run-up to COP21. A public 2°C aligned optimization tool for financial portfolios was launched in January 2018.
WP6
2ii published a range of policy notes and working papers, as well as consultations, as part of the project, designed to support policymakers awareness of the SEI metrics project and associated financial policy options. The French Law on mandatory climate disclosure integrates the SEI metrics logic of 2°C alignment. A range of policymakers and regulators are looking at using the framework for internal assessment and / or as part of policy guidance. In partnership with WWF EPO, outreach has been coordinated to support EU institutions on the topic, notably in the context of the HLEG.
