Summary
Clean Air Fund and ShareAction are expanding into the second phase of the Clean Air Initiative, the first investor-led programme to tackle air pollution through institutional investor influence.
Aims and activities
Aims and questions
Aims and activities
The Clean Air Fund supported the first phase of the Clean Air Initiative (CAI), and is now seeking co-funders for the second phase.
During its 2023-24 pilot phase funded by the Clean Air Fund, the CAI introduced air quality as a key topic to investors, producing the first investor case for action, Clearing the Air. The initial pilot phase successfully engaged 26 investors managing over $3trillion in assets, and 35 multi-national companies, demonstrating the viability of integrating air quality into both investor stewardship and corporate ESG strategies. These engagements brought stakeholders together, making a strong case for why businesses should be informed about the topic, take action, and actively engage with other companies.
Phase 2 aims to:
a) embed air quality as a fundamental responsible investment theme, and
b) harness investor influence to encourage companies to manage and reduce their air pollution emissions.
We will use the following strategic approaches to achieve these aims:
1. Investor Engagement: Hold 1:1 meetings, webinars, and workshops, to build at least 30 investors' knowledge, awareness, skills and motivation to engage ambitiously with companies on air pollution and drive improvements
2. Investor Standards: Identify, codify and promote best practices and integrate air quality into responsible investment frameworks and benchmarks
3. Policy Advocacy: Influence regulators and policymakers to strengthen investor and corporate air quality regulations
4. Corporate Engagement: Equip, motivate and facilitate investors to pressure at least 6 systemically important companies to improve their emissions management.
How to get involved
Interested funders can join us in this work by committing time and resources. For more information and to request a copy of the full proposal, please contact: Irini Pantelidou, Strategic Partnerships, Clean Air Fund.
As outlined above, we have a strong sense of direction for this next phase of work that builds on phase 1 and our expertise, but we are also keen to leave room for co-creation with key stakeholders and investors for this next phase of work. The details of this proposal may therefore alter in response to the priorities and needs expressed by these stakeholders at co-design workshops and through consultations.
A three-year budget of £1.7m (~£560k/year) is proposed. The budget can be split into modular packages to allow the option for up to 4 smaller contributions to fund different parts of the programme.
Who's involved
Who was involved
CleanAir Fund is the only philanthropic initiative dedicated to tackling global air pollution. We work with governments, funders, businesses and campaigners to deliver clean air for all as fast as possible.
ShareAction is working to ensure our world’s financial system serves our planet and its people. They work to define the highest standards for responsible investment and to drive change until these standards are adopted worldwide.
