Jupiter Ecology Fund wins award
The Jupiter Ecology Fund managed by Charlie Thomas has won the award for Best Climate Change Fund, jointly with Allianz RCM Global EcoTrends, at the first 'Climate Change Investment Awards'. The awards were organised by UK trade paper Investment Week, in conjunction with Holden & Partners. In their words, the investment awards are about "recognising those investment houses who are not just talking a good game, but investing in the systems and the people to deliver in this new world."  The judges looked at both financial performance and the process and criteria for assessing environmental/climate related issues.

Jupiter attends the launch of the 6th Carbon Disclosure Project Report (CDP6)
Despite the challenging economic conditions, climate change remains firmly on the agenda for companies thinking strategically about the risks and opportunities facing their business.  The findings from the 6th CDP survey confirmed that understanding and managing climate change can be a major driver of new business opportunities.  In addition, the results showed increasing investment in measuring and reducing the impact of emissions in company supply chains, as well as those related to product use and disposal.

The CDP is an independent not-for-profit organisation that acts as an intermediary between shareholders and corporations on all climate change related issues. Its data is obtained from responses to an annual survey sent on behalf of institutional investors. Jupiter has been a signatory of the CDP since its launch in 2003.

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
There is a growing view among institutional investors that environmental, social and corporate governance issues can affect the performance of investment portfolios. The PRI provide a framework to assist investors in considering these issues. The Principles were set down by the United Nations in 2006, as a voluntary code for pension schemes and asset managers to adhere to when considering where to invest.

By incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into investment decision-making and ownership practices, the signatories to PRI are directly influencing companies to improve performance in these areas. Jupiter has become a signatory to the Principles, which we believe are aligned with our Corporate Governance Policies and our approach to engaging with companies on their ESG risks.

Jupiter wins gold
On September 10th, the Ethical Investment Association (EIA) marked Financial Planning Week with its inaugural Transparency Awards. These identify funds that best adhere to a set of socially responsible investment (SRI) reporting guidelines. These guidelines were developed by the European Social Investment Forum (Eurosif) and its national counterparts including UKSIF. They are designed to help investors make informed choices around SRI funds and offer guidance to asset managers on areas such as investment criteria and engagement approach.

Jupiter achieved gold standard for the openness and clarity of its approach towards green and ethical funds' policies and practices. Only three other fund managers achieved gold: Henderson Global Investors, Insight and Standard Life.

Jupiter signs the Investor Statement on a Global Agreement on Climate Change
Jupiter has signed the 'Investor Statement on a Global Agreement on Climate Change'. The statement is signed by 135 global investment institutions with assets exceeding US$6trillion. In order to integrate climate change considerations into the decision-making process and re-allocate capital towards a low-carbon economy, clear and appropriate long-term policy agreements are essential. An international framework for reducing carbon emissions is likely to play a central role in managing the transition to a low-carbon society and supports the need for global action.

Jupiter supports the Poznan Communiqué on Climate Change
Last November, 150 global business leaders signed the Bali Communiqué to call for a legally binding United Nations (UN) framework to tackle climate change. The initiative represented an unprecedented coming together of the international business community. It included some of the biggest companies and brands from countries around the world, including the United States, Europe, Australia and China.

As nations prepare for the UN Conference on Climate Change 2008, which will be held in Poznan, Poland, the Prince of Wales's UK and EU Corporate Leaders Group on Climate Change is developing a similar initiative. Jupiter is pleased to be counted amongst the signatories of the Poznan Communiqué, which calls on world leaders to establish a pathway towards long-term reductions in global emissions.

NOTE
The views expressed in the above commentary are not necessarily those of the Jupiter group as a whole and should not be interpreted as investment advice. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of any information provided but no assurances or warranties are given.