Foresight Group leverages Salesforce Net Zero Cloud to Transform Sustainability Reporting

• Foresight Group is launching its new sustainability data platform, powered by Salesforce and delivered by PwC
• Through the platform Foresight will gain access to AI and data-driven insights that enhance the firm’s sustainability reporting across its global corporate business including its extensive UK and Irish based SME portfolio
• This platform will revolutionise the private equity sector’s capabilities, making accurate data accessible to a previously underserved market

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12 June 2023: Today, Salesforce and Foresight Group (“Foresight”) announced that the sustainability-led alternative asset and private equity investment manager will use Net Zero Cloud to gain comprehensive insights into its global corporate and private equity portfolio’s emissions and from its wider environmental, social and governance sustainability data.

By using Salesforce Net Zero Cloud, Foresight will gain access to AI and data-driven insights to enhance the firm’s reporting across its global corporate business and private equity division. Going a step further, Foresight’s private equity portfolio of over 200 growing companies will have access to the platform as a tool to enhance their own sustainability reporting.

 

The platform from Foresight will provide founders and management teams with intelligence and evidence to develop their Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) measures, and play a crucial role in helping navigate the complex process of monitoring and managing their emissions as the companies grow. The platform will also allow small companies to develop their own impact metrics, providing the tools to quantify and promote the positive impact each business has in its local community and beyond.

 

The platform will revolutionise the private equity sector’s approach to sustainability, making new forms of data and reporting accessible to smaller companies - a previously underserved market.

 

SMEs, which account for 99% of UK businesses, often do not have the resources to effectively measure their emissions and broader sustainability impact.

 

Net Zero Cloud will also help Foresight and its portfolio companies improve data quality and third party verification for auditing, increasing accountability and enabling meaningful target-setting. 

Lily Billings, Head of Sustainability at Foresight said: “We are delighted to have partnered Salesforce and PwC on the delivery of the Net Zero Cloud platform. Net Zero Cloud will enhance Foresight’s ability at a corporate level to better collate and utilise our sustainability data for continuous improvement. This solution will also enable small and medium sized companies to effectively measure their impact and be more proactive in addressing their ESG progress and overall sustainability as a business. Net Zero Cloud aligns perfectly with our ambition to continue leading the way in delivering solutions at the cutting edge of responsible stewardship.”

Ari Alexander, VP and GM of Salesforce Net Zero Cloud said: “We put transformational digital solutions into the hands of our customers, providing a comprehensive view of their carbon footprint and sustainability metrics so they can take meaningful action. Foresight's leadership as the first private equity firm to leverage Net Zero Cloud for their portfolio’s sustainability goals is truly inspiring. This collaboration with Foresight Group, PwC and Salesforce lays a strong foundation for game-changing sustainability leadership across Foresight's global business and portfolio of companies."

Fiona Lehane, Partner, ESG Transformation, PwC UK said: "Responding to ESG challenges has
become non-negotiable and for key issues such as net zero, we’re reaching a tipping point. Working with Foresight to develop and implement the first Net Zero Cloud tailored for private equity managers and their investments is a real game changer. The private equity sector has a huge role to play in supporting innovation and assisting a wide range of organisations to reach net zero. Salesforce Net Zero Cloud is a platform that allows users to move from ambition to action and bring their overall sustainability vision to life."

-ENDS-

For more information contact:

Lucy Sherwood: lsherwood@foresightgroup.eu / +44 (0) 20 3763 6977
Michael Mpofu: michael.mpofu@citigatedewerogerson.com / +44 (0) 79 3268 1947

 

About Foresight Group (“Foresight”)

Foresight Group was founded in 1984 and is a leading listed infrastructure and private equity investment manager. With a long-established focus on ESG and sustainability-led strategies, it aims to provide attractive returns to its institutional and private investors from hard-to-access private markets. Foresight manages over 350 infrastructure assets with a focus on solar and onshore wind assets, bioenergy and waste, as well as renewable energy enabling projects, energy efficiency management solutions, social and core infrastructure projects and sustainable forestry assets. Its private equity team manages eleven regionally focused investment funds across the UK and an SME impact fund supporting Irish SMEs. This team reviews over 2,500 business plans each year and currently supports more than 250 investments in SMEs. Foresight Capital Management manages four strategies across seven investment vehicles with an AUM of £1.3 billion.

Foresight operates in eight countries across Europe, Australia and United States with AUM of £12.2 billion*. Foresight Group Holdings Limited listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in February 2021. https://www.foresightgroup.eu/shareholders

*Based on Foresight Group unaudited AUM as at 31 March 2023