HEALTH

Investors ask pharma to tie CEO pay to global COVID-19 vaccine access

A group of institutional investors, representing $3.5 trillion in assets under management, has called on pharmaceutical companies to link their executives' pay to making COVID-19 vaccines available around the globe. Participating investors include Nomura, Investec, Boston Common Asset Management, Candriam, GAM, Aegon, PGGM and Achmea Investment Management. The 65 participating asset managers, pension funds and insurance companies signed a letter that was sent to the boards of Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and AstraZeneca. The letter asks them to adopt a WHO roadmap for achieving equitable vaccine access and tying it to management pay "in a meaningful, material, measurable and transparent way". The investor group said key points include better participation in international vaccine programmes and licensing and sharing technology so countries can produce vaccines locally. (Reuters)

ENERGY

Go-Ahead plans to launch hydrogen buses routes in the UK

Public transport operator Go-Ahead Group has completed a 15-year hydrogen supply deal, as it strives for a fossil-fuel-free fleet of buses in the UK by 2035. The business confirmed this week that it is negotiating an order for a further 34 hydrogen-powered single-decker buses from Wrightbus, following an order of 20 placed in 2021. It will serve Metrobus routes across Sussex and Surrey. Go-Ahead has also signed a 15-year hydrogen supply deal with Air Products, which will deliver hydrogen to the Crawley depot in liquid form where it will be converted on-site into gas ready for use in the vehicles. The benefits of hydrogen buses include a longer range than pure electric models, rapid refuelling and zero tailpipe emissions, although their lifecycle emissions footprint depends on how hydrogen is manufactured. (edie)

DEFORESTATION 

Trillion Trees debuts guide for investing in forest restoration

The Trillion Trees initiative has launched a new interactive guide to help consumers and businesses invest in effective forest restoration projects. The initiative – the result of a joint venture between WWF, the Wildlife Conservation Society and BirdLife International – debuted its online tool which takes users through nine questions they should consider when assessing forest restoration initiatives. The questions address issues including whether the project prioritises the protection of standing forests, delivers the 'right trees in the right place', involves local people, and has mechanisms in place to track long-term progress. The online portal aims to provide prospective projects with a score based on their ability to deliver progress against three-interrelated challenges: addressing the climate crisis, the loss of global biodiversity, and the inequality of opportunities for people around the world. (Business Green)

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Chrysler to launch full electric vehicle portfolio by 2028

Fiat-owned car manufacturer Chrysler has unveiled a vision to introduce its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in the next three years, as part of a wider commitment to launch a full EV portfolio by 2028. The company states the vehicles will be “produced using clean manufacturing processes” and made using recyclable and renewable materials. The new BEV prototype will be powered by two 150kw electric drive motors, with the battery designed to reach up to 400 miles on a single charge. Fiat Chrysler and Groupe PSA (Peugeot Citroen) signed a joint agreement in January 2021 for a merger, called Stellantis, to act as “a leader in sustainability mobility”. Chrysler’s chief executive has stated that the brand “will serve at the forefront as Stellantis transforms to deliver clean mobility.” (edie)

STRATEGY

JetBlue to enable corporates to reduce, report travel emissions

American low-cost airline JetBlue has announced the launch of its ‘JetBlue Sustainable Travel Partners’ programme, rolling out a suite of services offered to corporate customers to reduce and assess the emissions footprint of their travel. Launch customers for the new initiative include Biogen, Deloitte, ICF, and Salesforce. With the new programme, JetBlue aims to help businesses to work towards their own corporate sustainability targets, which increasingly include scope 3 emissions reductions. Resources offered under the initiative include emissions reductions through purchase of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certificates, complimentary carbon offsetting on all domestic flights operated by JetBlue, and personalised travel data and analysis for emissions reporting. The programme also provides consultation and tools for sustainable travel decisions. (ESGToday)

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