Sustainability and ESG
The previous 12 months have seen the global energy transition gather pace, despite macroeconomic headwinds. This includes the deployment of record amounts of renewable generation capacity, including solar PV, around the globe. The NESF portfolio of 1GW+ of solar and energy storage assets is proudly contributing to this transition. The Company’s forward-thinking approach to sustainability and ESG continues to evolve, with the purpose of supporting a more sustainable world powered by clean energy.
Reflecting this pace of change, and developments in global energy markets, the regulatory landscape relevant to the Company’s portfolio is also evolving. This includes, for example, the proposed implementation of new climate change legislation, such as Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms in the European Union and the UK. Scrutiny of supply chains continues to increase, as does the Company’s approach to the sustainability and suitability of its own supply chain.
The Company continues to meet its investment objective to provide ordinary shareholders with an attractive income, while making a material difference to people’s lives, and preserving and enhancing nature. NESF has the utmost respect for the natural environment in which the Company produces clean energy, recognising the inextricable link between climate change and biodiversity loss.
The Company’s forward-thinking approach to sustainability and ESG continues to evolve, with the purpose of supporting a more sustainable world powered by clean energy.
These, and other macroeconomic challenges, present both risks and opportunities. They are continually monitored in order that the risks can be mitigated, and opportunities realised. The Company is committed to ensuring all material risks and opportunities are also proactively communicated to investors. As such, NESF has chosen voluntarily to become an early adopter of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards S1 and S2, which covers and expands on the Taskforce for Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) guidance, through a dedicated ISSB aligned Sustainability and ESG Report available here. This is the first ISSB reporting year, and acts as a demonstration of NESF’s transparent approach to doing business and forward thinking approach to disclosure.
The Company continues to be classified as an Article 9 Fund under the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). The SFDR came into force in 2021, and requires financial market participants to disclose their ESG policies and practices. NESF has sustainable investment as its objective, and its investments are fully aligned with the EU Taxonomy. The Company makes appropriate disclosures on its website under Annexes I, III and V of the Regulation.
The Investment Adviser’s team continues to drive the Company’s Sustainability and ESG performance, and I would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication to supporting a more sustainable future.
Josephine Bush,
18 June 2024