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UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL

COURSEWORK ASSESSMENT FOR DEGREES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL BUSINESS
SCHOOL

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APRIL 2025
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UNIT CODE: ACFIM0018
UNIT NAME: GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE FINANCE


DEADLINE: THURSDAY, 3 APRIL 2025 before 13:00 BST

SUBMIT TO BLACKBOARD UNIT SUBMISSION POINT

Overview
• Your summative coursework represents 55% of the final mark for the unit.
• The coursework is in the form of an essay.
• Penalties will apply if the coursework is submitted late.
• The coursework is an individual piece of work – you should work on this yourself and not as a
group. You will be required to make a plagiarism statement and your submission will be tested for
originality.

Coursework requirement

Essay Topic: Evaluating Investment Strategies in the Climate Transition: Insights from Neuberger
Berman's Approach

Question: Using the case study entitled “Investing in the Climate Transition at Neuberger Berman”,
you are required to write a 2,000-word essay addressing the following questions:
1. Should the mining and energy stocks discussed at the end of the case be included in a China
climate transition portfolio?
2. Should the climate transition methodology impose local or global standards? Why?
3. Why develop the Net Zero Alignment Indicator (NZAI)? Which approach do you think is better: the
low carbon index following Paris Aligned Benchmarks or Neuberger Berman’s transition
methodology? Why?
4. What are the strengths and weaknesses of Neuberger Berman’s transition methodology?
5. Do you think the energy transition accelerator concept is preferable to approaches that focus on
divestment from the energy sector?

The Brief: In this assignment, you are to critically examine Neuberger Berman's (NB) climate transition
approach. Use the case study to thoroughly address the questions provided. You are required to incorporate
academic references appropriately (where applicable) to support your analysis and arguments,
demonstrating a deep engagement with relevant literature and theories.

Background: Responding to client demand for investment products that integrated climate-related risks
and opportunities, Neuberger Berman designed an innovative measurement system to assess companies’
alignment with the world’s goal to reach net zero emissions around mid-century. It also built engagement
capabilities among its research analysts and portfolio managers and offered several investment products


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across asset classes and geographies. This highlights the commitment of investment companies to aligning
their practices with global climate goals while addressing evolving client needs.

Marks will be awarded for:
The individual assignment requires students to independently make reasonable judgments on a topic of green
and sustainable finance by critically reflecting on appropriate academic literature, analysing data, and
critically evaluating findings (ILOs 1-5).
Assessment criteria:
1. Analytical depth: Marks will be given for a thorough and critical analysis of the case study,
demonstrating a deep understanding of the key issues.
2. Critical evaluation: Evaluating the strategies and approaches discussed in the case study, including
their feasibility, effectiveness, and impact.
3. Use of academic references: Marks will be awarded for the appropriate and effective use of academic
references to support arguments and analyses.
4. Quality of argumentation and presentation: Marks will be based on the clarity, coherence, and logical
structuring of your essay. This includes the quality of writing and the organization of content.
5. Originality and insight: Recognition will be given for showing original thought and insightful
perspectives in your analysis.
6. Adherence to assignment requirements: Marks will also be allocated for following the specified
guidelines, including word count, formatting, and academic referencing standards.


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Submission
Your work must be submitted on Blackboard before the date and time stated above. If you have any
queries when submitting your work please contact the Student Administration Team (acfi-pgt@bristol.ac.uk)

Coursework Extension Request
If you require a coursework extension, please complete the online form. You must provide supporting
evidence for an extension request. Please see the University website for information on how to submit an
extension request.

Late Submission
You must submit assessed work before the deadline. Work that has been submitted late without
exceptional circumstances is penalised by a reduction of ten marks (out of 100) for each 24-hour period
after the agreed deadline, not including UK public holidays or University closure days. If the work is
submitted late such that at least four such 24-hour periods have elapsed, the mark awarded will
automatically default to zero. (Please see section 18.3 - 18.6 of the University Regulations and Code of
Practice for further details)
Exceptional Circumstances
If you experience circumstances that impact your ability to submit the essay by the deadline, please submit
exceptional circumstances via the online form. Please see the University website for information on how to
submit exceptional circumstances.

Plagiarism and Cheating
Please read the University rules and guidance about plagiarism and cheating and how they are dealt with by
the University in section 18.1- 18.2 of the University Regulations and Code of Practice

Marking Criteria and Scales
Please read the University rules and guidance about marking criteria and scales in section 15 of the
University Regulations and Code of Practice

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