ISS has released its new climate policy recommendations for voting proxies. The full text is below.

An excerpt:

Sustainability Reporting
The concept of sustainability is commonly understood as meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Indeed, the term sustainability is complex and poses significant challenges for companies on many levels. Many in the investment community have termed this broader responsibility the “triple bottom line,” referring to the triad of performance goals related to economic prosperity, social responsibility and environmental quality. In essence, the concept requires companies to balance the needs and interests of their various stakeholders while operating in a manner that sustains business growth for the long-term, supports local communities and protects the environment and natural capital for future generations.

Shareholders may request general environmental reports or reports on a specific location/operation, often requesting that the company detail the environmental risks and potential liabilities of a specific project. Companies have begun to report on environmental and sustainability issues using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards. The GRI was established in 1997 with the mission of developing globally applicable guidelines for reporting on economic, environmental, and social performance. The GRI was developed by the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (CERES) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Climate Policy Recommendation:
▪ Vote for shareholder proposals seeking greater disclosure on the company’s environmental and social practices, and/or associated risks and liabilities.
▪ Vote for shareholder proposals asking companies to report in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
▪ Vote for shareholder proposals to prepare a sustainability report.
Water Issues

Climate Policy Recommendation: Generally vote for on proposals requesting a company to report on, or to adopt a new policy on, water-related risks and concerns, taking into account:
▪ The company’s current disclosure of relevant policies, initiatives, oversight mechanisms, and water usage metrics;
▪ Whether or not the company’s existing water-related policies and practices are consistent with relevant internationally recognized standards and national/local regulations;
▪ The potential financial impact or risk to the company associated with water-related concerns or issues; and
▪ Recent, significant company controversies, fines, or litigation regarding water use by the company and its
suppliers.

Equator Principles
The Equator Principles are the financial industry’s benchmark for determining, assessing and managing social and environmental risk in project financing. First launched in June 2003, the Principles were ultimately adopted by over forty financial institutions over a three-year implementation period. Since its adoption, the Principles have undergone a number of revisions, expanding the use of performance standards and signatory banks’ banks’ commitments to social responsibility, including human rights, climate change, and transparency. The fourth iteration of the Principles was launched in November 2019, incorporating amendments and new commitment to human rights, climate change, Indigenous Peoples and biodiversity related topics. Financial institutions adopt these principles to ensure that the projects they finance are developed in a socially responsible manner and reflect sound environmental management practices. As of 2019, 101 financial institutions have officially adopted the Equator Principles.
Climate Policy Recommendation: Vote for shareholder proposals to study or implement the Equator Principles.

ISS Climate-US-Voting-Guidelines