In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, understanding climate transition plans is essential for institutional investors and banks. These plans provide a roadmap for companies navigating the shift toward a low-carbon economy, helping investors assess credibility, manage risk, and seize opportunities. 

Morningstar Sustainalytics, a global leader in ESG research and ratings, sought to develop a market-facing guide to climate transition plans and how investors could improve their returns by assess plans’ credibility. Written Progress collaborated with their Climate Research team to produce a clear, insightful resource tailored to asset managers and corporate investment banks. The result? A practical guide empowering financial decision-makers with the knowledge to evaluate and act on climate transition strategies effectively. 

Why Climate Transition Plans Matter 

Climate transition plans have become a cornerstone for managing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities. For investors, these plans: 

• Provide Transparency: Companies outline their strategies to reduce emissions and achieve net-zero goals. 
• Build Confidence: Credible plans signal robust governance and a forward-looking approach. 
• Enable Comparisons: Investors can differentiate between leaders and laggards in climate action. 
• Mitigate Risks: Clear pathways reduce exposure to transition risks and stranded assets. 
• Unlock Opportunities: Companies with credible plans often align with emerging market trends and policy incentives. 
  

Sustainalytics recognized the growing need for a comprehensive guide addressing these critical elements, and Written Progress delivered. 

Developing the Guide: Our Process 

1. Discovery and Understanding the Audience 

Creating a guide to climate transition plans required a deep understanding of Sustainalytics' objectives and their audience—asset managers and corporate investment banks. We began with targeted questions to clarify: 

• The intended outcomes of the guide. 
• The desired tone and level of detail.
• Key narratives or insights to emphasize. 
  

This foundational step ensured alignment and laid the groundwork for a successful collaboration. 

2. Research and Analysis 

Drawing on Sustainalytics' expertise and supplementary desk research, we explored: 

• Industry Standards: Examining frameworks such as the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). 
• Recent Trends: Analyzing how companies articulate transition strategies and align with investor expectations. 
• Case Studies: Identifying examples of robust and weak transition plans to illustrate best practices and pitfalls. 

3. Consultation with Subject Matter Experts 

To enhance the guide’s depth and credibility, we conducted informational interviews with Sustainalytics’ subject matter experts. Their insights provided: 

• Nuanced perspectives on low-carbon transition ratings. 
• Key considerations for assessing credibility. 
• Practical examples to ground theoretical concepts. 

4. Drafting 

Step 1: Initial Outline 

We began with an initial outline that establishes the structure and main points of the guide, providing a high-level view of the content. In this case Sustainalytics already had an outline ready. Otherwise, we draft this outline for our client's approval. 

Step 2: Detailed Outline 

Building on the approved initial outline, we created a detailed version based on in-depth research and consultations. This step is critical for ensuring alignment with the client’s goals and vision. The detailed outline provides all the essential information in a concise, digestible format. It's specifically designed for busy decision-makers, and we strongly encourage our clients to ensure key decision-makers carefully review it. This approach helps ensure our work is aligned with the decision-maker's vision, allowing for minor adjustments at this stage rather than major overhauls later. 

Step 3: Full Prose Draft 

Once the detailed outline was approved, we moved into drafting the full prose version of the guide. At this stage, key substance has already been agreed upon, so feedback is generally about refining language, tone, and examples. 

This iterative approach ensured the final product reflected Sustainalytics’ vision while maintaining high standards of clarity and impact. 

5. Visuals and Copyediting 

Following feedback, we created visual elements, such as figures and tables, to enhance readability and impact. 

Copyediting plays a pivotal role in ensuring a polished final product. 

• It begins by assessing whether the text makes sense to a new reader. A Written Progress team member unfamiliar with the document carefully reviews it for clarity and works with the author to address any points of confusion. 

• Next, the copyeditor ensures concision, flow, and organization. By eliminating unnecessary words and reordering ideas for maximum clarity, the copyeditor polishes the text to ensure the key points shine through—much like polishing glass to reveal the view behind it. 

• Finally, copyediting ensures alignment with grammar and spelling rules, formatting conventions, and the client's style guide, creating a cohesive and professional final product. 

Key Features of Sustainalytic's Guide 

1. Practical Insights: The guide breaks down complex concepts into actionable advice, helping investors: 
   • Understand what constitutes a credible climate transition plan. 
   • Compare plans across industries and geographies.
   • Identify red flags and strengths in issuer disclosures. 

2. Integration of Low Carbon Transition Ratings: Sustainalytics’ proprietary ratings are showcased as a critical tool for evaluating issuer plans. The guide highlights: 
   • How these ratings measure alignment with climate goals.
   • Their role in managing portfolio-level climate risks and opportunities. 

3. Engaging Structure: The guide’s format combines: 
   • Clear headings and subheadings. 
   • Concise bullet points and lists. 
   • Visual aids to simplify data interpretation. 

Outcomes and Impact 

The guide has already: 

• Strengthened Sustainalytics’ Position: Reinforced their leadership in ESG research and low-carbon transition assessments. 

• Enhanced Investor Engagement: Provided asset managers and banks with a practical tool to navigate climate transition plans. 

• Boosted Market Confidence: Enabled financial participants to make informed decisions, driving momentum toward sustainable investing. 

Why Choose Written Progress for Your Next Guide? 

At Written Progress, we specialize in creating guides that don’t just inform—they inspire action. With a deep understanding of sustainability, ESG principles, and the challenges organizations face in translating complex topics into clear, impactful content, we are your ideal partner for delivering content that resonates and builds trust. 

Proven Expertise 

• Extensive ESG Experience: With over 15 years of shaping content on environmental and social issues, our team has developed a unique ability to break down complex subjects into narratives that engage and empower. Since 2018, we’ve focused on ESG communications, working with leading organizations like the World Bank, CGIAR, and the University of California to create content that drives impact. 

• Multi-Sector Knowledge: We’ve worked with nonprofits, government agencies, research institutions, and mission-driven businesses. This cross-industry expertise allows us to tailor your guide to meet the specific needs of your sector while balancing compliance, transparency, and storytelling. 

• Proven Results: Our track record includes securing over $40M in funding for sustainability initiatives and delivering strategic content for international investment and policy recommendations. Clients rely on us for the depth of knowledge and precision we bring to every project.

Tailored Solutions 




• Custom Content That Reflects Your Mission: We excel at translating your organization’s vision and progress into approachable, compelling language. Our guides are tailored to your brand, audience, and goals, ensuring a product that aligns with your broader communications strategy.  
• Expert Storytelling: From technical ESG data to broad sustainability narratives, we bring your story to life in a way that resonates with stakeholders and decision-makers.  
• Visual Excellence: Beyond text, our guides integrate professional design elements, such as custom graphics and layouts, to enhance readability and engagement. 

High-Impact Results 

• Increased Engagement: By combining clear messaging with strong visual elements, our guides captivate audiences and motivate action. Whether you're speaking to funders, policymakers, or the public, we help you build meaningful connections.  

• Built Credibility: Having worked with renowned organizations like the World Bank and Sustainalytics, our guides demonstrate authority, reinforcing trust with stakeholders through polished, professional content. 

• Efficiency and Quality: We understand the importance of time-sensitive projects. Our processes are designed to save you time while delivering superior results, ensuring your guide reflects your high standards. 

Additional Benefits of Partnering with Written Progress 

• Comprehensive Understanding of ESG: From translating technical data into actionable insights to crafting high-level policy recommendations, our expertise spans every side of ESG communication. We deliver content that meets both compliance requirements and storytelling needs.  

• Collaborative Approach: Working with Written Progress means working with a team that values partnership. We involve you in every step, maintaining open communication to ensure alignment with your goals.  

• Forward-Thinking Solutions: With experience in creating impactful content for top-tier institutions, we employ innovative strategies to ensure your guide is as forward-looking as your mission.  

At Written Progress, we believe every guide is an opportunity to amplify your voice and demonstrate your leadership. Let us craft a product that captures your vision, connects with your audience, and drives measurable results. 

Get Started Today 

Are you ready to create content that informs, inspires, and drives impact? Let Written Progress craft your next white paper, guide, or report. Together, we can shape the future of sustainable finance and beyond. 

Contact us today to discuss how we can support your goals with expert writing and consulting services.