Aviva Investors demands ethics audit

The cost of capital for companies with controversial environmental and human rights records should be higher than more ethical companies, says Aviva Investors.

The company is calling for new rules to reflect the environmental impact of investments. Steve Waygood, chief of sustainability research and engagement at Aviva Investors, told the Telegraph: "If companies were forced to publish long-term data on the environmental, human rights and health and safety implications of their projects - and investors could vote on these plans at shareholder meetings - it would force businesses to become more responsible." The comments follow last week's controversial Vedanta shareholder meeting, where the mining giant faced protests by investors and celebr...