In 2022 the UK will continue to push forward with a package of consultations and reforms under the Sustainable Disclosures Requirements (SDR) and the development of the UK Green Taxonomy - a tool to help investors understand whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable, and to navigate the transition to a low-carbon economy. The UK policy team works on both of these priorities, as well as stewardship, real economy climate issue and building on the findings of the flagship A Legal Framework for Impact report, to guide policy recommendations to better integrate sustainability impacts into UK financial legislation. See further below for PRI’s resources on UK sustainable finance policy work.
The PRI welcomes the work of the Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) to drive robust, credible, and interoperable transition plans and disclosure frameworks from finance and real economy actors. The PRI agrees with the TPT’s approach in building and aligning to the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Climate Exposure Draft, the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework, and recommendations from the High-Level Expert Group (UN HLEG) on the Net Zero Commitments.
In our response, the PRI welcomes the proposal from DLUHC to require LGPS schemes to assess, manage and disclose climate-related risks in line with the recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). In particular we welcome proposals to align new requirements for LGPS AAs with existing requirements for occupational pension schemes, as set out by the DWP earlier this year.
The PRI supports regulatory progress to remove barriers to investors contributing to positive sustainability outcomes, as well as the FCA's work in enabling an economy-wide transition to net zero. Our recommendations call for greater clarity on the legal responsibility to address sustainability outcomes, updated guidance on skills and knowledge on climate and sustainability risks, and decision-useful reporting.
Creating a net zero financial centre in the UK requires foundational changes in public policy, and the PRI offers recommendations rooted in ensuring that financial flows are consistent with zero carbon, climate resilient development pathways that work for people and the planet.
The PRI welcomes the opportunity to respond and makes recommendations showcasing the ability of net zero targets to deliver maximum economic growth and investment, and to support UK energy security and affordability.
The PRI responded to a call for evidence by HM Government to support the update to the Green Finance Strategy. The call for evidence seeks views around four objectives; capturing the opportunity of green finance; mobilising finance for the UK’s energy security, climate and environmental objectives; greening the financial system; and leading internationally.
The PRI welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Transition Plan Taskforce’s call for evidence on a Sector-Neutral Framework for private sector transition plans. This call for evidence seeks views on the draft principles used to guide a credible transition plan, the elements that a Sector-Neutral Framework should include, and overall aims to drive transition plans by developing clear expectations and creating a standard.