This event will enable its attendees to develop a better understanding of how their roles in a corporation, asset management firm, research firm, or sustainability reporting organization fits within the context of the the impact investment market: what is their role in the responsible use of transparent data and effective ratings, and which technological tools, if any, are available to add value to the work they do. Our expert panel will take an investigative look into how data is treated in impact investing and what must be done in order to facilitate growth of this market with a focus on results-oriented data usage and technological innovation.

 

To what extent are corporations providing ESG data?  In what ways could companies improve their reporting of ESG data?  What are best practices?

What are the key challenges to integrating environmental and social data into investment analysis?   How important is consistency of process?

How does technology help in the collection and integration of ESG data?

What role does regulation play in encouraging companies’ reporting?  What are industry bodies (eg FASB) and/or government agencies doing in this area?

How do investors on the sell side and buy side use data from sustainability reporting? 

How useful is ESG data?  Is it primarily about improving investment returns or about managing risk, or both?  Is there evidence/proof that it works?

 

Panelists:  

 

Columbia University Business School, Professor Bruce Usher, Co-Director of the Social Enterprise Program and Executive-in-Residence (Moderator)

 

 

Goldman Sachs, Melissa Epperly, Head of GS Sustain

 

MSCI, Hewson Baltzell, Head of Product Development and ESG Research

 

 

 Rockefeller & Co., Farha-Joyce Haboucha, Director of Socially Responsive Investments