- link Copy Url - [ Share on twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=BlackRock, Ceres Launch Investor Guide on US Corporate Engagement https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/58616?absolute=1&via=3blnews "link to 3 B L Media's Twitter") - [ Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/58616?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Linkedin") - [ Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/58616?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Facebook") - [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject=BlackRock, Ceres Launch Investor Guide on US Corporate Engagement&body=ESG News from Ceres https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/58616?absolute=1 "Share via email") [Sustainable Finance & Socially Responsible Investment](/CSR-News/sustainable-finance-socially-responsible-investment) # BlackRock, Ceres Launch Investor Guide on US Corporate Engagement ##### Large Investors Increasingly Expected to Engage on Sustainability Matters, and Better Understand Emerging ESG Risks May 28, 2015 10:00 AM ET NEW YORK, May 28, 2015 /3BL Media/ **–** The world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock, has teamed up with nonprofit sustainability leader Ceres to create guidance for U.S. institutional investors on engaging with companies and policymakers on sustainability issues. The guide, [*21st Century Engagement: Investor Strategies for Incorporating ESG Considerations into Corporate Interactions*](http://www.ceres.org/resources/reports/21st-century-engagement-investor-strategies-for-incorporating-esg-considerations-into-corporate-interactions/view)*,* includes tactics and case studies from 37 engagement experts spanning six countries. The guide comes amid growing concern in the capitals markets about global sustainability risks that could materially impact company performance, including climate change and water constraints like we’re seeing today in California and Brazil, or human rights tragedies unfolding globally. “As a long-term investor on behalf of our clients, BlackRock believes we have a responsibility to engage with companies on a range of governance matters, including the material environmental and social impacts of their operations,” said **Michelle Edkins, Managing Director and Global Head of Corporate Governance and Responsible Investment at BlackRock**. “In our experience, companies that manage all dimensions of the business to the highest standards are more resilient and generate more sustainable financial returns over time. We’re encouraged by the efforts leading companies are making in reporting material ESG risks and opportunities, which helps shareholders and others understand how effectively risks are being mitigated and opportunities realized to protect and enhance long-term economic returns. We hope this guide helps broaden and deepen company-investor dialogue on the ESG factors that impact value creation and would like to thank all those who shared their insights.” "Every year for the past decade, we have seen an increase in corporate engagement by institutional investors on sustainability issues – especially climate change, resource constraints, diversity and human rights – which create enormous economic risks for both companies and investors," added **Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres**. "The number of sustainability-focused shareholder resolutions continues to rise. We’re also seeing upticks in other engagement strategies, such as investors meeting with boards, negotiating with executive teams and asking hard, pointed questions on earnings calls and at annual meetings. This valuable guide outlines various ways for investors to boost their engagement with companies on these issues.” Showcasing dozens of real-world examples of investor engagement with companies, contributors cover issues like setting ESG standards in the marketplace, public policy engagement, collaboration, shareholder resolutions, board of director engagement, divestment, creating a focus list, strategies for international engagements, and other topics. The guide also features a set of ESG-themed questions that portfolio managers and analysts should be asking of companies in key sectors. “TIAA-CREF has a long history of quietly engaging with portfolio companies on ESG risks and we are energized by the positive trajectory that has developed across the broader landscape over the last several years. We are pleased to be able to share our experience with others and look forward to continued mutually beneficial discussions with companies,” said **Bess Joffe, Managing Director of Corporate Governance at TIAA-CREF**. “CalSTRS’ investment staff reviews not only the financial potential of investments, but also their social, human and environmental impacts to the ultimate benefit of our members–California’s teachers. CalSTRS is pleased to share our experience and to learn from others how to improve our processes. We applaud BlackRock and Ceres for teaming up on this guide. It will help inform others of the how and why we investors need to manage ESG risks,” said **CalSTRS Director of Corporate Governance Anne Sheehan**. To download *21st Century Engagement*, visit: [https://www.blackrock.com/Governance](https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/en-us/about-us/responsible-investment/responsible-investment-reports) or . **About BlackRock** BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At March 31, 2015, BlackRock’s AUM was $4.774 trillion. BlackRock helps clients meet their goals and overcome challenges with a range of products that include separate accounts, mutual funds, *iShares*® (exchange-traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through *BlackRock Solutions*®. Headquartered in New York City, as of March 31, 2015, the firm had approximately 12,300 employees in more than 30 countries and a major presence in key global markets, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information, please visit the Company’s website at [www.blackrock.com](http://www.blackrock.com) | Twitter: @blackrock\_news | Blog: [www.blackrockblog.com](http://www.blackrockblog.com) | LinkedIn: [www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock](http://www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock) **About Ceres** Ceres is a nonprofit organization mobilizing business and investor leadership on climate change, water scarcity and other sustainability challenges. Ceres directs the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), a network of institutional investors with collective assets totaling more than $13 trillion. Ceres also directs Business for Innovative Climate & Energy Policy (BICEP), an advocacy coalition of dozens of companies committed to working with policymakers to pass meaningful energy and climate legislation. For more information, visit [www.ceres.org](http://www.ceres.org/) or follow on Twitter @CeresNews **About *21st Century Engagement*** This joint project between BlackRock and Ceres involved the contribution of 37 experts on engagement, including the largest public pension funds in the U.S., and several of the country’s largest asset managers. Contributing authors focused their case studies and advice to primarily a U.S. audience. The guide is available to investors at no charge. 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