The rapid acceleration of ESG as a major focus for private equity investors around the world is highlighted by the results of a new survey released this week by corporate and fund solutions provider Intertrust.

Earth Capital has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Sany Group (Sany), a global heavy equipment manufacturer, to progress and deliver advanced green technology manufacturing projects in China.

German independent asset manager Prime Capital AG has reached a EUR202 million first closing on its Prime Green Energy Infrastructure Fund, its first commingled product in the infrastructure space. 

The coronavirus crisis and nationwide lockdown have given clarity on how to evaluate companies’ ability to tackle social issues, “crystallising” what the S in ESG stands for, according to Bas NieuweWeme, CEO of Aegon Asset Management.

InvestEco Capital has held the final close of the InvestEco Sustainable Food Fund III at USD100 million in capital commitments. 

Alternatives allocators, to both hedge fund and private equity style vehicles, have assets ready to deploy as standardisation of ESG standards occurs, according to Jim Neumann, CIO of Sussex Partners.

By Jon Mowll, responsible investment analyst at EdenTree Investment Management – The global spread of Covid-19 has increased awareness of systemic issues that predate and have been exacerbated by the pandemic. The virus has raised questions of who and what we – or rather, our economic systems – value, as well as questions around the nature of work, our collective humanity and the role of business in society.

Ara Partners, a private equity firm specialising in industrial decarbonisation investments, has closed its debut fund, Ara Fund I, with approximately USD400 million in capital commitments. 

Alternative Investment Partners Private Markets (AIP Private Markets), part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, has closed a new fund which will focus on climate solutions.

World Green Building Council, a global network of around 70 Green Building Councils, has announced a collaboration with GRESB, the leading global sustainability benchmark for real estate portfolios, to recognise companies that make a Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment.