To achieve this goal throughout MSCI’s global operations, MSCI will prioritize:
- Reducing emissions:accelerate carbon-reduction initiatives focusing on the most material and controllable emissions, such as electricity consumption, business travel and employee commutes; favor green-certified buildings for MSCI offices, promote a flexible working environment for employees, encourage virtual meetings and low-carbon options for business travel
- Engaging suppliers: tackle emissions in the MSCI supply chain and prioritize engagement with major suppliers to achieve shared net-zero goals
MSCI had previously pledged to reduce by 2035 the company’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50%, and Scope 3 emissions by 20%. With the commitment to transition to net-zero prior to 2040, MSCI will review and publish revised interim targets using standardized metrics and initiatives, such as those developed by the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). MSCI will also supplement its transition strategy as best practices and technological developments emerge.
Henry Fernandez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, MSCI, comments, “Companies have a fundamental responsibility to reduce their impact on the planet and join the journey to a decarbonized economy. MSCI’s commitment reflects our obligation to be good stewards of the capital that long-term shareholders entrust to our company.
“MSCI’s efforts to achieve net-zero before 2040 will drive a transformation of our company, culture and our actions to the benefit of all our stakeholders. We believe this action is needed as we play our part to unshackle the world from the fossil fuel era and ignite a new world of sustainable growth.”
About MSCI Inc.
MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 50 years of expertise in research, data, and technology, we power better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. We create industry-leading research-enhanced solutions that clients use to gain insight into and improve transparency across the investment process.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or performance and involve risks that may cause actual results or performance differ materially and you should not place undue reliance on them. Risks that could affect results or performance are in MSCI’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the most recent fiscal year ended on December 31 that is filed with the SEC. MSCI does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements.
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