Archive

  • Clean-tech VC hits $2 billion record

    01 July 2008

    Venture capital investments in clean technology companies worldwide hit $2 billion last quarter – a record, according to the Cleantech Network, a US-based research firm. The investments, in 96 companies, beat the last record of $1.8 billion in the third quarter of 2007, and were up 58% year on year, and 48% over the previous quarter.

  • Prince Charles backs £1bn sustainable property fund

    01 July 2008

    Prince Charles is launching a £1 billion ($2 billion) fund, Tellesma, to invest in sustainable developments in the UK. It will focus on brownfield sites and commercial properties, developing a mix of offices and residences to build 'sustainable communities'.

  • RMS software to simplify cat trading

    01 July 2008

    Risk Management Solutions has launched software it hopes will simplify the trading of catastrophe insurance risk. The Miu platform allows users to quickly quantify a portfolio of cat risk positions, using RMS's analysis. The US-based risk modelling firm believes the platform will help increase the size of the insurance-linked security (ILS) market.

  • Spectron claims REC first

    01 July 2008

    Spectron Environmental has brokered a 'national' option deal for voluntary, Green-E, wind renewable energy certificates (RECs) in the US.

  • EDP Renováveis raises €1.8 billion at IPO

    01 July 2008

    Portuguese utility EDP listed its renewable power arm on Euronext Lisbon last month, raising €1.8 billion ($2.9 billion) including greenshoe options.

  • FTSE launches enviro-tech index

    01 July 2008

    FTSE has launched an index tracking companies with a burgeoning exposure to environmental industries.

  • UK, Europe rethink commitment to biofuels expansion

    01 July 2008

    The UK government looks set to take its foot off the biofuels accelerator following a review that questioned their sustainability and said that biofuel growth was raising food prices.

  • Harnessing the power of finance

    01 June 2008

    The Equator Principles have helped transform risk management in project finance. But, says Lars Thunell, their implementation and evolution continue to pose challenges, as well as present opportunities

  • Rapporteur calls for EU biofuels target to be scrapped

    01 June 2008

    A key figure in the European Parliament is calling for the proposed 10% biofuels target to be scrapped, and alterations to plans for member states to meet challenging renewable energy targets through a trading scheme.

  • It's an ill wind

    01 June 2008

    It's one thing to realise that weather can move commodity markets or maul company revenues – it's another thing to profit from it. Mark Nicholls talks to Peter Brewer, the hedge fund manager who does