The imperative to accelerate our transition to a more sustainable economy and advance inclusive growth is clear.
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Levers to Progress: Technology
New technologies are inherently disruptive. By harnessing the power of change, we can create massive opportunity.
Levers to Progress: Partnerships
Collaboration and diversity is at the core of Goldman Sachs, and partnership drives our efforts to build a more sustainable world.
Levers to Progress: Data
Measuring for gaps is the first step in building progress, and data informs our approach every step of the way.
Levers to Progress: Innovation
The challenges we face are rooted in history, but the solutions we need will come from innovation.
Latest
Navigating the Trillion Dollar Path to a More Sustainable Economy
The path to net zero has never been more complicated as businesses and governments look to balance short-term energy demands with long-term sustainability goals. In the latest episode of Exchanges at Goldman Sachs, Goldman Sachs Research’s Michele Della Vigna, head of Natural Resources Research in EMEA, and Kara Mangone, global head of Climate Strategy, discuss the decades-long effort that will require trade-offs between investing and carbon intensive projects and increasing investments in clean energy technologies.
The Six Themes Driving Capital Toward Sustainable Solutions
Goldman Sachs' 2022 Sustainability Report focuses on the how – demonstrating how Goldman Sachs is working with clients to help them achieve their sustainability objectives. The role we take in aiming to meet the increasing demand for sustainable finance advice, tools, and solutions, helps us inform the market and develop new solutions to better support our clients. Specifically, the report captures notable progress around six key themes.
The US is Poised for an Energy Revolution
The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) will spur about $3 trillion investment in renewable energy technology that could double the amount of energy produced by the shale revolution 15 years ago, according to Goldman Sachs Research.
China May Reach Energy Self-Sufficiency by 2060
Rapid expansion of solar and wind has China on pace to triple government goals by 2030, setting the country on a path to full energy independence in the coming decades.
Electric Vehicles are Forecast to Be Half of Global Car Sales by 2035
EV sales will soar to about 73 million units in 2040, up from around 2 million in 2020, according to forecasts by Goldman Sachs Research. The percentage of EVs in worldwide car sales, meanwhile, is expected to rise to 61% from 2% during that span. The share of EV sales is anticipated to be well over 80% in many developed countries.
GSSUSTAIN: Biodiversity – Next Steps Post COP 15
In this report, Goldman Sachs research analysts identify eight targets included in the final agreement from COP 15 that they think could have the most impact driving the global conversation around nature restoration and conservation moving forward.
Is the Inflation Reduction Act a Game Changer for Reaching Net Zero?
The sweeping climate, healthcare and tax bill is estimated to provide more than $390 billion of energy and climate spending over a 10-year period, according to the US Congressional Budget Office, with about $270 billion of that coming in the form of incremental tax incentives for businesses and individuals to pursue and invest in cleaner and more efficient energy sources.
The Path to Net Zero: Managing the Transition
Rising concerns over climate change are spurring investments into clean energy to help bring the world closer to net zero. But where are we in that transition? And how is that path to decarbonization affecting investments in traditional oil and gas projects? In this episode of Exchanges at Goldman Sachs, Michele Della Vigna, head of natural resources research for Goldman Sachs in EMEA, explains the impact of higher fossil fuel prices on the low-carbon transition and the investment that is required to get to net zero.
Europe’s Path to a Sustainable, Reliable, and Affordable Energy Future
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has upended the European energy playbook. To better understand the current situation and future possibilities for the continent’s energy needs, we asked senior leaders throughout Goldman Sachs for their analysis.
Irving Fain, CEO/Founder, Bowery Farming
Irving Fain, CEO and founder of Bowery Farming, discusses the climate tech landscape and his journey to reinvent farming and future-proof agriculture.
GS SUSTAIN: ESG of the Future–Accelerating the Energy Transition: Metrics and Tools to Measure Progress
As Sustainability investing matures to the “Measurement” phase of its cycle and becomes more forward-looking, there is rising focus on how to quantify impact — whether environmental or social.
GS SUSTAIN: Green Capex - Accelerating the Energy Transition - Stimulating Capital and Return on Capital
In this report, Goldman Sachs Research highlights where capital is needed, what investors are rewarding and strategies/vehicles to stimulate investment with a case study on China decarbonization strategies. To stimulate greater capital towards the Energy Transition and broader sustainable development goals, GS Research analysts believe stakeholders such as investors, managements and policymakers should deploy the three Cs: collaboration, comprehensive focus, and corporate returns clarity.
GS SUSTAIN: Green Capex - US Inflation Reduction Act - What's Transformational, What's Supportive, What's Underappreciated
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) — signed into law by President Biden on August 16 — provides about $386 billion in energy and climate spending over 10 years, with related tax incentives up about $265 billion from the prior run rate. With annual investment needed globally this decade to be on path for Net Zero by 2050 +$1.8 trillion vs. the annual run rate in 2016-20, the IRA is helpful but not an immediate panacea to put the world on track. Goldman Sachs Research Analysts see the IRA as a catalyst to accelerate investment in longer-term carbon capture utilization and storage projects. GS Research Analysts also see the IRA as supportive for solar, electric vehicles, residential clean energy and nuclear energy.
Carbonomics: Affordability, Security and Innovation
Goldman Sachs Research analysts update their Carbonomics cost curve and arrive at three key conclusions. Overall, ‘the revenge of the old carbon economy’ keeps driving a disjointed de-carbonization process that is both inflationary and inefficient. However, GS Research analysts see some clean tech green shoots, with clean hydrogen at the cusp of a regulatory and economic breakthrough.
GS Sustain: SFDR Updates - Latest Flows, Guidance, Views, and a Framework for Sustainable Investments
Given nearly all assets are moving towards Article 8 and 9 funds in Europe, Goldman Sachs Research analysts see an overly strict interpretation of SFDR risks exacerbating a 'Divestment Dilemma.' SFDR continues to drive flows and the transition of non-ESG funds towards ESG (Article 8 and 9) funds as managers find it increasingly difficult to market Article 6 (non-ESG) funds in Europe. Contrary to headlines highlighting trends in downgrades of funds from Article 9 to 8, GS Research analysts see more upgrades from Article 8 to 9 funds vs. their prior assessment. Goldman Sachs Research shares its latest views and interpretations of SFDR and establish a framework for 'Sustainable Investments.'
Companies Should Think ‘Circular’ to Cut Waste, Costs and Emissions
For centuries companies that produce goods have followed a trusted formula: take the planet’s resources, make products, sell them to a to customers that then, after a period of use, throw out the goods as waste. Repeat.
Why Sustainability is a Fashion Staple
One of the fastest-growing sectors in the fashion and apparel industry has been the resale market, fueled by price and environmental concerns. So what are the opportunities and challenges for retailers and investors? And how will the macro challenges facing today’s consumers affect the sector? In the latest episode of Exchanges at Goldman Sachs, James Reinhart, CEO & Co-founder of thredUP, and Karen Levin, a managing director in Goldman Sachs’ Consumer Retail Group, discuss the rise of secondhand fashion and how brands are pivoting their retailing practices towards a more sustainable future.
GS Sustain: Biodiversity - Assessing the Financial Links to Natural Capital
Biodiversity is the cornerstone around which most sustainability objectives sit and an area to which we think corporates and investors will likely pay increased attention in order to meet sustainability goals. In this report, Goldman Sachs Research analysts review the three catalysts they believe are needed to potentially increase investment in biodiversity over time.
GS Sustain: Telecoms - The Fibre & 5G Decarbonisation Debate
Goldman Sachs Research analysts see fibre and 5G as critical technologies necessary to reducing the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector's overall carbon footprint and enabling low-carbon technologies across the broader economy.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing and Lando Norris, McLaren Formula 1 Driver
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, and Formula 1 Driver Lando Norris discuss McLaren’s journey back towards the top of the grid and their sustainability mission.
Value through Values: Sustainability is Growth Investing
Investors are increasingly asking if companies are tapping into growth areas such as the energy transition and the waste-reducing circular economy, says Bertie Whitehead, managing director and EMEA head of ESG in Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs. “We used to call these megatrends, but it’s simply growth investing. This is where capital is going.
How Companies are Navigating the Energy Transition
From geopolitical tensions, surging gas prices and energy shortages, how are major companies dealing with the energy transition? In this episode of Exchanges at Goldman Sachs, Giulia Chierchia, Executive Vice President of Strategy, Sustainability & Ventures at bp, and Michele Della Vigna, head of Natural Resources Research in EMEA for Goldman Sachs Research, discuss the impact of geopolitical tensions on global energy supplies and how major corporations are navigating the energy transition.
The Green Technology Cycle: SiC
The outlook for increased Silicon Carbide (SiC) uptake as a more efficient alternative to silicon that can save costs and improve performance, especially in automotive applications, has accelerated over the past half year. Goldman Sachs Research analysts now expect an inflection point for rapid market growth potentially two years sooner than projected.
Angus Thirlwell, CEO and Co-Founder, Hotel Chocolat
Angus Thirlwell, CEO and Co-Founder of Hotel Chocolat, discusses building a direct-to-consumer confectionary brand, digital growth following the pandemic, and how becoming a cacao grower has further deepened his focus on sustainability.
GS Sustain: Supply Chain Mosaic
Goldman Sachs Research is introducing a new framework for generalists and ESG investors, the GS SUSTAIN Supply Chain Mosaic, to plug gaps in a patchy data landscape for measuring supply chain risks and to assess business resilience. The collaborative framework blends data on supply chain location and concentration with GS SUSTAIN proprietary scoring of suppliers’ ESG engagement and sovereign ESG risk.
The $6 Trillion Plan: Unleashing New Waves of Green Investment
Recent instances of threatened energy supply have the potential to a galvanize investors, corporates and policymakers to prioritize green energy sources that are also secure, reliable and accessible. In order to achieve this, swift and significant capital investment will need to be deployed globally – to the tune of $6 trillion annually. We talked with Brian Singer, global head of GS SUSTAIN, to understand more about Green Capex, which industries will feel the effects, which technologies hold the most potential and where policy can help to drive investment.
ESG of the Future: A Forward Look at Corporate Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Potential ESG Improvers
Goldman Sachs Research expects increased focus on corporate emissions of greenhouse gases as ESG markets become more forward-looking and in response to both rising regulations including proposals from the SEC and carbon pricing considerations.
GS Sustain: The Evolution Towards a Circular Economy
The need to move towards a Circular Economy – one in which consumption of ecological resources is equal to or less than what the planet can regenerate – has been discussed for years but not sufficiently deployed. However, we see three catalysts that can push forward deployment of Circular Economy solutions, which, based on a World Economic Forum study, could potentially unlock $1 tn of annual materials savings.
Green Metals: Nickel's Class Divide
Nickel now sits at the intersection of Europe’s push for decarbonisation and energy independence. With Europe’s domestic EV sector already favouring nickel-based batteries, nickel is set to benefit the most from politically motivated demand accelerating already rapid growth in nickel battery use.
Green Metals: Solving Aluminium’s Climate Paradox
At the heart of the coming surge in green aluminium demand lies a paradox: aluminium is a key input required to produce decarbonising technologies like EV’s and solar power, yet its own production is very carbon intensive, generating 2% of all global emissions. This paradox begs the question: how can we secure enough aluminium to effectively decarbonise, while keeping the climate impact of the path to net zero to a minimum?
Green Metals: Copper is the New Oil
The critical role copper will play in achieving the Paris climate goals cannot be overstated. As the most cost-effective conductive material, copper sits at the heart of capturing, storing and transporting these new sources of energy.
The Road to 2050: Balancing Climate Goals with Energy Security
The road to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050 has never been more urgent, but geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and rising inflation have led to renewed focus on energy security. In this episode of Exchanges at Goldman Sachs, Kara Mangone, global head of climate strategy, and John Goldstein, head of our Sustainable Finance Group, which recently released Goldman Sachs' 2021 Sustainability Report, discuss how governments, companies and investors are navigating this transition.
Building for the future: Are developers going ‘green?’
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are increasingly driving corporate strategy in asset classes around the world. But when it comes to building real estate, is environmental impact – particularly carbon emissions – a critical concern for developers and investors? We sat down with Nora Creedon, an investor in private real estate within Goldman Sachs Asset Management, to discuss if buildings truly are going “green.”
Jean Case, CEO of The Case Impact Network and Chairman of the National Geographic Society
Jean Case, CEO of The Case Impact Network and chairman of the National Geographic Society, discusses trends in impact investing and the importance of measuring environmental, social, and governance factors to identify risks and growth opportunities.
SFDR, One Year On: The Trends and Anatomy of Article 8 & 9 Funds
One year after the launch of the first stage of the European Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), SFDR funds are growing significantly compared to non-ESG counterparts. The GS SUSTAIN team has reviewed the implications of the SFDR regulation and disclosure requirements. Their analysis of the various approaches taken across asset managers concludes that not all Article 8 or 9 funds are created equal, in a good way.
ESG Regulations: US SEC Proposes Major New Climate Disclosure Requirements
The GS SUSTAIN team believes that 2022 will be a watershed year for ESG-related capital markets regulation in the US. The climate disclosure rule proposal from the SEC on 21 March 2022 opens the door for the broadest federally mandated corporate ESG data disclosure requirement ever in the US.
Paul Polman, former Unilever CEO and Author
Polman’s new book, Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take, is a close look at how companies can pursue sustainable capitalism. In conversation with John Goldstein, head of the Sustainable Finance Group, Polman talks about his years as CEO of Unilever—where he was able to quadruple shareholder returns while also pursuing an industry-leading sustainability strategy—and what lessons can be shared with CEOs across all industries.
Investing in Climate Change 2.0
Despite mixed progress on global climate action at COP26, a key takeaway emerged: the private sector is stepping up to tackle climate change. In this episode, experts from former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney to Engine No. 1’s founder Chris James debate the role—and effectiveness—of the private sector in driving change.
Accelerating Transition: Public-Private Partnerships
In part 4 of our special miniseries, host Kara Mangone talks to John Greenwood of our Investment Banking Division and Ahmed Saeed of the Asian Development Bank on the role public-private partnerships will play in the drive to Net Zero.
Accelerating Transition: Nature Based Solutions
Part 3 of our special miniseries: Host Kara Mangone talks to Peter Kelly and Lisa Williams from the AIMS Imprint investment vertical in Goldman Sachs Asset Management about nature based solutions in the world of sustainable finance.
Accelerating Transition: Carbonomics
Part 2 of our special miniseries: Host Kara Mangone and Michele Della Vigna, head of Natural Resources Research in EMEA, discuss the role capital markets, public policy, and technology will play in moving toward a sustainable future.
Accelerating Transition
In the kickoff episode of our new sustainability miniseries, Accelerating Transition, John Goldstein and Kara Mangone of Goldman Sachs’ Sustainable Finance Group discuss what it will take from both the private and public sectors to achieve the climate goals necessary for a sustainable future.
Race to Zero: How Companies Are Deploying Decarbonization Strategies
As companies look to reduce their carbon footprints, decarbonization strategies are taking center stage. Goldman Sachs’ John Greenwood and Cindy Quan discuss the efforts by corporations to reach their net-zero goals.
The Changing Landscape of ESG Regulation in Europe
Evan Tylenda of Goldman Sachs Research discusses the significance of the European Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation and how it, along with the EU Sustainable Taxonomy, will change the way asset managers classify ESG funds.
Investing in Nature-Based Solutions
Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s Lisa Williams explains how nature-based investments like Apple’s Restore Fund can reduce carbon emissions while generating financial returns.
The Evolution of ESG Financing
Jonny Fine of Goldman Sachs’ Investment Banking Division discusses the evolution of ESG financing and what is driving the significant rise in corporate issuance.
The Path to Net-Zero Emissions and Inclusive Growth
Just over a year into Goldman Sachs' 10-year plan to deploy $750 billion toward accelerating the climate transition and advancing inclusive growth, the firm has reached a fifth of its target. We sat down with John Goldstein, head of the firm’s Sustainable Finance Group, to discuss progress, client concerns and the impact of the pandemic on companies’ sustainability goals.
The Future of ESG Finance
Carey Halio, Deputy Treasurer of Goldman Sachs, discusses the firm’s $800 million sustainability bond and how Goldman Sachs is responding to demand for investment opportunities related to climate transition and inclusive growth.
ESG’s Role in Deal-Making
Companies evaluating mergers and acquisitions are increasingly looking at how the transaction may impact their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy, according to Goldman Sachs’ Avinash Mehrotra, global head of the Activism and Shareholder Advisory and Takeover Defense practices. We sat down with Avi to discuss how ESG considerations are starting to influence deal-making.
Carbonomics: Innovation, Deflation, and Affordable De-carbonization
Net zero is becoming more affordable as technological and financial innovation, supported by policy, are flattening the de-carbonization cost curve. Goldman Sachs Research updates its 2019 Carbonomics cost curve to reflect innovation across c.100 different technologies to de-carbonize power, mobility, buildings, agriculture and industry, and draw three key conclusions.
The Corporate Commotion - A Rising Presence of ESG in Earnings Calls
Since Goldman Sachs Research's report A Revolution Rising - From low chatter to loud roar (April 2018), a virtuous cycle of ESG adoption has continued, driven by consumers, employees, regulators, corporates, NGOs and investors, leading to ESG strategy becoming a critical component of corporate & investor conversations. This report revisits our analysis using earnings transcript analysis tools to track the development of ESG themes over the past 5 years among global corporates in the S&P 500, STOXX 600 and ASX 200.
Sustainable ESG Investing: Turning Promises into Performance
Steve Strongin discusses the future of ESG investing, based on a new report from Goldman Sachs Research.
Carbonomics: The Rise of Clean Hydrogen
Clean hydrogen has a major role to play in the path towards net zero carbon, providing de-carbonization solutions in the most challenging parts of the Carbonomics cost curve - including long-haul transport, steel, chemicals, heating and long-term power storage.
Sustainable ESG Investing: Turning Promise into Performance
Environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) investing is at a deep level all about sustainability, yet we rarely ask the question, “How sustainable is ESG investing itself?” Here, we seek to provide a clearer sense of where ESG investing fits in the broader scope of active asset management, examine the gaps it fills and use that assessment to better structure the ESG investing processes, assess its place in asset allocation and rethink the metrics we apply to it.
Carbonomics: The Green Engine of Economic Recovery
Clean tech has a major role to play in the upcoming economic recovery. Leveraging our Carbonomics cost curve, we estimate that clean tech has the potential to drive US$1-2 tn pa of green infrastructure investments and create 15-20 mn jobs worldwide, through public-private collaboration.
Markets Update: How ESG is Changing
Goldman Sachs’ John Goldstein and external speakers provide an update on ESG and COVID-19.
How Investors Are Approaching ESG Today
Kara Mangone, Chief Operating Officer of Goldman Sachs’ Sustainable Finance Group, discusses how the global pandemic is impacting the way corporates and investors approach ESG.
Investing In Climate Change
In this episode, we dig into what may be the most important issue of our time: climate change. On the heels of a climate-focused World Economic Forum in Davos, the unveiling of Europe’s new Green Deal, and increased attention on climate change by the world’s largest asset managers and banks, climate change is undoubtedly Top of Mind.
Is Sustainable Finance the Next Big Commercial Opportunity?
John Goldstein of Goldman Sachs discusses the firm’s sustainability goals over the next 10 years and explains the commercial opportunity across two core themes–climate transition and inclusive growth. Listen Now
Sustainable Finance Innovation Forum 2018
On November 13th, Goldman Sachs hosted the Sustainable Finance Innovation (SFI) Forum, which convened 400+ leading corporates, investors, public sector representatives and non-profit organizations alongside Goldman Sachs representatives to discuss the key themes shaping markets and sustainability. Learn More
Martin Wolf, Climate Change and the Future of Global Governance
Award-winning Financial Times commentator Martin Wolf CBE discusses how growing up during the Cold War shaped his world view, his rigorous approach to covering global economics and his projections for international cooperation on climate change. Watch Video
Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger, Making Footwear Sustainable, Comfortable and Cool
The Allbirds co-founders discuss leaving professional soccer and biotech behind to launch the sustainable, direct-to-consumer footwear company and why they believe natural materials make for better products and a better planet. Watch Video
A Sea Change for the Global Shipping Industry
The global shipping industry has a sulfur problem. Although the world’s shipping fleet accounts for just 7% of the oil used by the transportation sector, it generates 90% of its sulfur emissions, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in humans. With a new cap on marine fuel sulfur emissions set to take effect in 2020, there could be a significant impact across multiple sectors. Watch Video
An Inflection Point in the Global Expansion of Electric Vehicles
The global market for electric vehicles (EVs) is poised for further growth as the cost of batteries continues to decline and major auto manufacturers commit significant resources to electrifying their fleets, explains Chris Buddin of the Investment Banking Division. Watch Video
ESG Revolution Rising: From Low Chatter to Loud Roar
Widespread company focus on environmental, social, and governance metrics has faced something of a chicken-and-egg problem: investors often don't hear from companies why these metrics matter to the business, and companies perceive the lack of questions they're receiving as a lack of interest. But the tide may be turning. Read More
2017 Environmental, Social and Governance Report
We strive to provide leadership on environmental and societal challenges suited to our skills and reach, where we can make a difference. Read More
Edward Norton, Capitalism and Creative Disruption
From his breakout role in 1996’s Primal Fear, Academy Award nominated actor Edward Norton has gravitated towards complex characters in both film and theater, but intertwined with his public life as an actor is an entrepreneurial drive focused on solving complex problems – both in business and the nonprofit sector. Watch Video
Julia Steyn, Car Sharing and the Future of Auto
General Motors head of urban mobility Julia Steyn discusses the company’s efforts to drive innovation while capitalizing on its century-old legacy. Watch Video
Clean Energy Impact Report
After achieving our initial goal of financing and investing $40 billion in clean energy, we put the number in context as we look ahead to our expanded target: $150 billion by 2025. Read Report and Watch Video
Environmental Policy Framework
We believe that a healthy environment is necessary for the well-being of society, our people and our business, and is the foundation for a sustainable and strong economy. Learn More