Developments and commentary in and around the ESG investment space.

Mirova On A Mission
Natixis' sustainable investment affiliate Mirova has signed up to become a “mission-led” company under French rules and received B CorpTM2 Certification – an industry standard recognised internationally for how well firms are "living by" social and environmental values through their investment decisions and cultural behaviour.

Mirova has formalised taking a mission-led approach in its articles of association promising to increase positive impact on environmental issues and inequality. This applies to investment, research, shareholder engagement, and influencing the larger financial community, the group said.

“We need to reform businesses because we need to reform society," Philippe Zaouati, Mirova's CEO, said. "Businesses have a role to play in responding to environmental issues and social tensions: the social divide, inequality… We can no longer leave it all up to the state,” he said.

To keep momentum going, the French firm has retained a committee, including academics from Yale University, the UN, French environmental leads and others, to monitor progress in an annual mission report.