Apex has launched a new carbon footprint assessment and reporting service to help funds and companies measure sources of emissions and implement plans to reduce their carbon footprint.
The platform, which collects data on a secure ESG software platform, also provides a mechanism to offset any residual emissions.
The platform quantifies and reports on a company’s emissions to simplify the reporting requirements and calculate a company’s carbon footprint, by following industry best practice reporting standards and regulations.
Reports can be used to identify and manage major sources of emissions, while aligning with the reporting requirements of key standards and regulations.
The launch coincides with new global research released by Apex which finds that 91 per cent of private equity leaders agree that climate change is an urgent issue and 81 per cent agree that they, and their portfolio companies, should take greater responsibility for their carbon footprint.
Despite that, the survey revealed that at present just half of private equity firms measure the carbon footprint of their investments or offset their carbon emissions.
Carbon neutrality is seen as an achievable goal by those that took part, with 55 per cent saying that they have plans underway, with a further 45 per cent holding aspirations to achieve carbon neutrality but don’t yet have plans underway.
Nearly three quarters agree or strongly agree (74 per cent) that a carbon reduction plan would advantage their key stakeholders, such as employees, institutional investors and clients.
The platform is also supported by a team of analysts that will offer advice, guidance and support to users.
Peter Hughes, CEO and founder of Apex Group, says: “I feel strongly that climate change is not an issue to be solved by politicians alone, we as private companies and individuals all have a responsibility to take immediate action to understand and reduce our impact on the environment.”
He adds: “The pressure on businesses and investors is gathering momentum and will be accelerated by all world leaders meeting at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference this November. The time to drive positive and measurable change is now.”
