While the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our personal and business lives, we cannot ignore the positives that have emerged, perhaps none greater than a renewed sense of collective responsibility and urgency to address climate change.<\/p>\n
Leading companies are creating meaningful financial sustainability incentives with accompanying metrics to measure their progress.\u00a0However, to meet our ultimate climate change goals, change must be CEO-led and in partnership with finance.<\/p>\n
. . As the range of sustainable finance products expands, there are more opportunities for financial professionals to align their company’s financing with their sustainability goals.\u00a0Whether they are following the Green Bond Principles or setting loan terms based on sustainability performance targets, sustainable financing instruments can provide a highly visible means of holding the company accountable for its progress in sustainable transformation.<\/p>\n
\nThere is no one-size-fits-all solution to sustainable transformation, but it is clear that to achieve the best results it needs to be integrated into every corner of the business.\u00a0The commitment of the CEO<\/a>, of course, is critical.\u00a0But the finance team, with its functions of forecasting and planning to ensure growth, risk management, capital planning, investor relations and budgeting, is vital to a successful outcome.\u00a0Together, the CEO and finance function are critical to aligning sustainability objectives upward and downward in the company.<\/p>\nAligning financing with sustainability objectives<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nSustainable finance transactions continue to grow, both globally and in the U.S., Driven by the introduction and availability of more types of products in the marketplace.<\/p>\n