Robeco Unveils Innovative Avoided Emissions Platform to Revolutionize Climate Impact Assessments
The launch of the Avoided Emissions Platform (AEP) marks a significant milestone in climate impact assessment, spearheaded by Robeco, Mirova, Edmond de Rothschild AM, I Care, and Quantis. This innovative initiative is designed to harmonize the evaluation of climate solutions’ effectiveness, a crucial step as the world strives to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Understanding the Avoided Emissions Platform (AEP)
The AEP is a collaborative effort endorsed by a diverse network, including:
- 12 asset managers and owners managing over USD 4 trillion in assets
- An international corporate investment bank
- Six data providers
- 13 leading corporations
- An independent scientific committee
This platform represents a major advancement towards a transparent and actionable framework for assessing climate impact.
Why AEP is Necessary
With an estimated US$215 trillion required to meet global net-zero emissions targets by 2050, a standardized method for evaluating decarbonization efforts is essential. AEP aims to provide:
- A consistent approach to measure and compare climate solution impacts
- An open-access methodology for calculating ‘scope 4’ emissions—the emissions avoided through product or service usage
- A robust scientific framework to ensure compliance with international standards
Features of the AEP
The AEP serves as a dynamic tool that models avoided emission factors across 65 climate solutions. Key features include:
- A comprehensive database accessible via licensing
- Future expansion plans to incorporate new climate solutions
Who Can Benefit from AEP?
The platform is designed to assist a variety of stakeholders:
- Financial institutions: Align investment portfolios with global net-zero objectives.
- Companies: Enhance credibility and competitiveness through accurate emissions reporting.
- Consultants and data providers: Improve service offerings and foster collaboration.
- Regulatory bodies: Access data to shape policies and monitor climate progress.
- Academics: Utilize solid data to advance sustainability research.
Expert Insights on AEP
Lucian Peppelenbos, Robeco’s Climate & Biodiversity Strategist, emphasized the platform’s role in quantifying contributions to climate mitigation: “This new database will help us credibly quantify their true contribution to climate mitigation, addressing the high demand from our clients for more extensive impact measurement.”
Manuel Coeslier, Mirova’s Lead Expert for Climate & Environment, stated, “The financial sector plays a key role in driving the economy towards net-zero emissions globally. We are confident the Avoided Emissions Platform will soon establish itself as a global market platform, thus enhancing ambition and transparency in measuring avoided emissions.”
Shirley Chojnacki, Head of Energy at BRIDGE, commented, “By supporting the creation of such a powerful and transparent database as AEP, we aim to contribute to building new methodologies for the market and transparency for all stakeholders.”
For more information about sustainable investment and climate solutions, visit Robeco and Mirova.
