Accounting bodies join launch of green finance charter

08 Jul 2020

The government and the Green Finance Institute have been joined by 12 leading financial professional bodies in launching the first Green Finance Education Charter.

The charter is designed to embed green finance and sustainability into the core curricula, create new qualifications and support the continued professional development of accountants.

Under the charter, by the end of the year, financial services professional bodies must commit to engaging members on issues related to climate change and environmental issues.

The professional bodies, which include the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), are required to curate, develop and promote relevant resources to members on green and sustainable finance, and to encourage the adoption of relevant global and national standards, frameworks and guidance.

On an ongoing basis they are asked to commit to identifying and promoting impactful and effective best practices in green and sustainable finance, alongside supporting national strategies.

Charter signatories will report annually on progress in mainstreaming the principles and practice of green and sustainable finance.

Commenting on the launch, John Glen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: 'The finance sector has a vitally important role to play in combating climate change, and by ensuring those working in the industry get the right training, we can ensure green finance and sustainability is central to our work now and in the future.'