OPTrust CEO: data analytics key for responsible investment

By Olivia Minnock
Hugh O’Reilly, President and CEO of OPTrust, has called for investors to act on climate issues as part of

Hugh O’Reilly, President and CEO of OPTrust, has called for investors to act on climate issues as part of Climate Week NYC 2018, citing that proper measurements are necessary to understand the cost of climate-related risk.

OPTrust is one of the largest pension funds in Canada, with net assets of over $20bn and 92,000 members within its key pension plan.

O’Reilly spoke at a seminar called Accelerating the Path to Climate Action, which was organised by global index provider MSCI and PRI (Principles for Responsible Investing) as part of Climate Week.

 

See also:

How can the renewable energy industry leverage analytics to improve asset performance?

More power to the data - the vital role of AI for utilities 

Read the latest issue of Energy Digital

 

“Whether we take action or not, climate change is already having profound impacts and markets are responding accordingly,” said O’Reilly. “Integrating climate risk is not only necessary, but it is in the best interests of all our Plan members, both today and in the long term.”

OPTrust released its Climate Change Action Plan in June, which includes building climate risk into its investment approach as well as pushing for increased disclosure of climate change related information from its portfolio companies.

“Measurement matters. Accurately pricing risk in a world without commitments to proper climate-related disclosure from corporations is almost an impossible task,” O’Reilly added. “We are focused on developing and using measures and tools that accurately support pricing climate change-related risk.

“This is a quick, reliable way to set the stage for action and start gathering the critical data that we need for proper benchmarking and targets.”

 

 

Share
Share

Featured Articles

From carbon to clean: The global energy transition

Navigating the complex energy transition is crucial to combat climate change. Stakeholders must collaborate to bridge the gap in expectation and reality

Formula 1 meets biofuel as DHL enables sustainable logistics

Introducing bio-fuelled trucks to the Formula 1 World Championship is a major step in decarbonising motorsport and a triumph for logistics firms DHL

The true definition and benefits of a smart city

‘Smart city’ is a term of the century, but how is this defined and why is it crucial for economic and social prosperity through energy optimisation?

Global renewable energy investment to battle the oil sector

Renewable Energy

Energy cyber threats: what are the motives for disruption?

Technology & AI

NEOM’s green hydrogen energy business sees financial close

Renewable Energy