A group of 12 asset managers and owners, representing $4trn in assets under management, are among the stakeholders to have launched the Avoided Emissions Platform (AEP), an interactive tool that models the avoided emission factors for 65 climate solutions.
Based on a transparent and open-access methodology for calculating avoided emissions, often referred to as ‘Scope 4’, the AEP has benefited from recommendations by a dedicated scientific committee, aiming to ensure consistency with existing guidance on avoided emissions and a credible approach to assessing potential emission savings across sectors.
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The AEP is designed to provide a number of benefits for different stakeholders. Financial institutions are expected to gain enhanced decision-making capabilities with access to reliable, harmonised metrics that help align their portfolios with global net-zero objectives. Companies should also be able to accurately calculate and report their avoided emissions to improve credibility and access to capital while gaining a competitive edge. And consultants and data providers will gain access to comprehensive resources to foster collaboration and market differentiation.
Robeco, Mirova, Edmond de Rothschild AM, I Care and Quantis are among those backing the initiative, alongside one international corporate investing bank, six recognised data providers and 13 leading corporates.
The platform can be accessed with a license and will be expanded over time with new solutions.
Manuel Coeslier, lead expert on climate and environment at Mirova, said: “The financial sector plays a key role in driving the economy towards net zero emissions globally. Clear and comprehensive information on companies’ true contributions to this goal is essential, notably through the provision of climate solutions. We are confident the Avoided Emissions Platform will soon establish itself as a global market platform, thus enhancing ambition and transparency in measuring avoided emissions.”
Lucian Peppelenbos, climate and biodiversity strategist at Robeco, added: “Robeco has a long-standing commitment to invest in the net-zero transition. In particular, our climate products, such as the Smart Energy and the Global Climate Transition funds, have been investing in climate solutions for many years. This new database will help us credibly quantify their true contribution to climate mitigation. This addresses the high demand from our clients for more extensive impact measurement.”
