Calvert Investments launched the Calvert Energy Research Index (CALNRG), which marks the seventh addition to the firm’s growing suite of responsible indexes and its second research index. The new index focuses on investing in companies that manage either energy use in a sustainable manner or that are actively engaged in facilitating the transition to a more sustainable economy through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the expanded use of renewable energy sources. These companies must also satisfy minimum market capitalization and liquidity thresholds while operating in a manner that meets the Calvert Principles for Responsible Investment.

Calvert Investments believes that society has signaled to the public and private sectors that it is time for a global energy transformation. In the wake of the Paris Agreement and broad alignment on capping worldwide emissions, corporations are becoming more aware of their environmental footprints and the importance of striving for sustainable business practices.

“The global capital markets are poised to play a significant role in future efforts to address climate change and bolster lagging sustainability standards,” said CEO, John Streur. “Calvert is striving to accelerate this shift through innovative, lower-cost funds that balance investors’ financial and ESG objectives,”Streur added. “The Calvert Global Energy Research Index is our latest step forward.”

Similar to the Calvert Global Water Research Index, Calvert’s new Global Energy Research Index takes a comprehensive approach to investing in the renewables sector as well as innovators in established industries.

“We are seeing companies beyond the renewable energy sector taking exciting steps to improve their environmental and sustainability practices,” said portfolio manager, Jade Huang. “This is a key reason why our new index encompasses positive disrupters that are differentiating themselves and driving impact across the utilities, industrials and technology sectors.”

Calvert Investments also announced that the Calvert Global Energy Solutions Fund (CGAEX) is moving from an actively managed approach to a passive strategy that seeks to track the performance of the Calvert Global Energy Research Index. This change is expected to take effect on or about October 3, 2016 and will reduce the Fund’s Class A net expense ratio from 1.85% to 1.65%.