The Initiative Climat International (iCI), an international community of more than 200 private equity (PE) firms and investors with over US$3.2 trillion in AUM, has published a report for PE CEOs and managing partners that outlines the importance of transitioning to net zero. Organised into three main sections, the report explains the net zero-related opportunities available to PE firms committed to making a sustainable impact, why net zero is a “business imperative”, and also provides a roadmap for iCI members to map out their net zero transition. The ‘A Case for Net Zero in Private Equity’ report was developed by the iCI Net Zero Working Group in collaboration with Indefi and backing from the UN-convened Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), CDP and Ceres. The document is based on three key drivers: that net zero is a demanding approach requiring “comprehensive knowledge” of external and internal factors influencing companies’ activities, that the transition is a “continuous and iterative process”, and that establishing a firm’s net zero trajectory is a leadership concern. Peter Ellsworth, Ceres’ Senior Director, said: “PE has a critical role to play in helping the world reach net –zero emissions by 2050, yet few investors have set net zero targets. This guide is a valuable and timely call to action for GPs which helps establish the business case for net zero and equips them with an actionable roadmap to measure and understand the key milestones of their commitment.”
