I've recently joined Columbia's socially responsible investment committee (become a friend on facebook and help us crack the 38-friend barrier!). This is shareholder resolution season. Many resolutions seek mandated sustainability reporting. Columbia in general has voted in favor of these. But I'm curious -- is there any evidence that such reports make any difference? Do they impel firms to reveal secrets they would otherwise have been able to keep hidden? Do they spur innovation that otherwise would have remained dormant? There must be some research on this.
Thanks, Marc
