About | Ellysa Zainul

Ellysa Zainul

Ellysa is dedicated to social justice and queer rights, she is on a mission to offer financial sustainability resources in support of these causes.

PROFILE

Ellysa is dedicated to social justice and queer rights, she is on a mission to offer financial sustainability resources in support of these causes.

RECENTLY REVIEWED BY ELLYSA ZAINUL

Navigating a new era of business and human rights

Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
This book highlights the intersection of corporate practices and human rights. It explores evolving challenges, regulatory landscapes, and the importance of collaborative, ethical business conduct. Key themes include transparency, state roles, and the human rights-based approach, offering insights for stakeholders to navigate this complex field.
Research
7 August 2019

Right direction, wrong equipment: Why transition risks do not fit into regulatory stress tests

Sustainable Finance Observatory
The authors of this report explore the challenges of integrating climate-related risks into regulatory stress tests. They demonstrate that supervisory risk assessment frameworks struggle to capture long-term systemic risks, and offer recommendations for developing a 'long-term risk;' supervision 'infrastructure.'
Research
21 September 2017

Is regulation enough? A review of UK master trusts' ESG policies

ShareAction
This report explores the approach to climate change risk by UK's largest master trusts. It examines 16 master trusts' ESG policies and practices, focusing on the work of the trustees and their engagement with investee companies on ESG practices and risk management. The report draws attention to some positive developments, showing that some schemes have incorporated ESG and/or climate change factors into their asset allocation strategy.
Research
19 December 2019

Climate scenario analysis: Cement's financial performance under 2°c and 2.7°c

The report examines the financial implications of climate transition scenarios on the cement sector's future. It provides useful insights to company analysis and financial risk analysis for the cement sector, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of climate transition scenarios.
Research
26 July 2018

We know our lives are in danger: Environment of fear in South Africa's mining-affected communities

Centre for Environmental Rights
This report highlights how mining has affected South African communities and examines the legal framework and community engagement procedures relating to mining activity. It discusses the impacts of mining on communities in terms of health, environment, livelihoods and social cohesion, as well as the high levels of violence in these communities.
Research
11 April 2019

Asset-level data and the energy transition: Findings from ET risk work package 2

Sustainable Finance Observatory
This report demonstrates the potential of asset-level data to manage risks and opportunities arising from the transition to a net-zero emissions economy. The authors develop a demonstrator database of assets across six carbon-intensive industries, calculating cumulative committed carbon emissions (CCCE) and potential reductions (RCCCE) through retrofits.
Research
10 April 2018

The biomass blind spot

ShareAction
This report highlights the financial and reputational risks associated with the biomass power sector's impact on climate change. The report provides recommendations for investors and banks engaged with the sector, including not providing financial support for new biomass power infrastructure.

Research
7 February 2019

A little less conversation, a little more action: 10 lessons learned from 10 years of helping investors to tackle climate

ISS
This report presents 10 lessons for investors on tackling climate change. Through this summary, the authors offer insights on methodologies for climate scenario analysis, the intersection of reporting and acting, an effective climate voting process, the role of regulators in transparent carbon neutral investments, among other topics.
Research
20 August 2021

Leaders or laggards? Tax and revenue transparency of ASX listed mining, gas and oil companies

Ethical Partners
This report investigates the tax and revenue transparency disclosure policies of 20 ASX listed mining, gas and oil companies. It examines indicators deemed as "best practices" for conformity to standards, such as country-by-country reporting, mandatory disclosure legislation and The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. Recommendations are to move towards mandatory regulation and better disclosure.
Research
27 July 2020

Sustainable finance forum: Legal opinion 2019

The Aotearoa Circle
This report, and legal opinion, lays out the current legal obligations on directors of New Zealand companies and retail managed investment schemes to address climate risks. It finds that these obligations are evolving and expanding, driven by the growing recognition of the material financial risk climate change presents for businesses.
Research
29 October 2019

Tobacco free portfolios: The toolkit 12th edition

Tobacco Free Portfolios
This toolkit offers a framework for finance professionals to invest in tobacco-free portfolios. The toolkit covers various areas including the Tobacco-Free Finance Pledge, prospective investment risks and case studies, with a call to action for the industry to follow.
Research
28 January 2020

Business reporting on the SDGs: An analysis of the goals and targets 2022

Global Reporting Initiative
This report offers a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals and how businesses can align their practices with these goals through transparent disclosures and disclosures reporting. This 2022 edition provides actionable steps for businesses to contribute to sustainable development.
Research
28 July 2022

The good transition plan: Climate action strategy development guidance for banks and lending institutions: COP26-version

Climate Safe Lending Network
This guide is designed for banks and lending institutions to assist in the creation of a climate action strategy. The report analyses the challenges and solutions to financing transitions towards a climate-safe world, outlining a comprehensive seven-element framework, key tools for measuring alignment with Paris Goals, and numerous sector guidelines.
Research
1 February 2022

Mapping ocean governance and regulation

This report provides an overview of ocean governance and regulations through the lenses of ocean-based industries, addressing international governance, key industries, emerging issues and regulatory developments, cross-cutting challenges and the role of the private sector through the UN Global Compact Action Platform for Sustainable Ocean Business.
Research
24 September 2018

Catalysing bank climate action: Lessons from the inside

Climate Safe Lending Network
This report shares insights from the Climate Safe Lending Fellowship, a programme for banking professionals committed to accelerating the decarbonisation of their institutions. The report offers practical approaches and tools used by climate intrapreneurs to help their banks transition toward climate-safe banking.
Research
28 June 2022

The third, systems stage of corporate governance: Why institutional investors need to move beyond modern portfolio theory

The authors of this paper argue that institutional investors need to move beyond Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT), and consider a wider risk management strategy. The paper outlines the potential failings of MPT and suggests ways for institutional investors to better align with the needs of society and the economy.
Research
1 February 2018

RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY ELLYSA ZAINUL

The purpose of investor stewardship

This paper critically examines investor stewardship, shifting from traditional shareholder-focused governance towards "enlightened stewardship." It advocates balancing fiduciary duties with broader societal and environmental considerations. Analysing the evolution of the UK Stewardship Code, it highlights a systemic shift to integrate sustainability and stakeholder concerns alongside financial returns for long-term value creation.
Research
23 January 2025

Doughnut Design for Business - Core Tool

Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL)
​The Doughnut Design for Business Core Tool is a workshop resource that guides companies in aligning with Doughnut Economics principles. It focuses on transforming key business aspects—Purpose, Networks, Governance, Ownership, and Finance—to foster regenerative and distributive practices. Developed through pilot workshops with over 300 businesses, it offers practical steps for strategic redesign.
Online tool/database
2 November 2022

Closing the gap: Investing in natural capital to meet the SDGs

Green Growth Knowledge Partnership
The report analyses the investment required to address the natural capital gap for achieving Sustainable Development Goals in 40 countries, finding that investing US$7.4 trillion could generate returns exceeding US$152 trillion, greatly benefiting air quality, human health, ecosystems, and reducing premature deaths and resource depletion globally.
Research
4 June 2024

CSSN's greenwashing assessment tool

Climate Social Science Network (CCSN)
​The Integrated Framework to Assess Greenwashing (IFTAG) is a tool developed by scientists and communication researchers to identify greenwashing in public statements, advertisements, and campaigns. It comprises twelve themes with corresponding yes/no questions to determine misleading environmental claims.
Online tool/database

AASB Standards Portal

Australian Government
The AASB Standards Portal provides access to Australian Accounting Standards and Sustainability Reporting Standards, detailing requirements for financial reporting and climate-related disclosures. It serves as a resource for entities to ensure compliance with Australian financial reporting obligations.
Online tool/database

Investing in a pollution free ocean

Back to Blue
The report explores how ocean pollution poses financial, legal and reputational risks to businesses, particularly land-based sectors. It identifies data gaps as a barrier to effective decision-making and highlights opportunities in green chemistry, data innovation and sustainable finance. It recommends integrating ocean health into corporate and financial strategies.
Research
24 March 2025

Back to Blue

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Back to Blue Initiative is a joint project by Economist Impact and the Nippon Foundation addressing ocean pollution. It focuses on data-driven solutions for plastic and chemical pollution in marine environments. The initiative offers research, policy insights and advocacy to support sustainable ocean health and inform global environmental decision-making.
Organisation
1 research item

Between impact and returns: Private investors and the sustainable development goals

Wealthy private investors increasingly align their portfolios with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), seeking both measurable impact and financial returns. Investors favour SDGs linked to higher expected profits, leading to underinvestment in less profitable goals. Findings are based on portfolio data, surveys, and interviews with 60 high-net-worth individuals.
Research
11 April 2022

Understanding company-community relations toolkit

International Council on Mining and Metals
This toolkit provides a structured approach for companies to understand the basis for community support and how to measure perceptions of support. It enables companies to identify the reasons why community support may be lacking at a project or operation and develop targeted approaches for improving company-community relationships.
Research
2 December 2015

International Council on Mining and Metals

Other Industry / Sector Specific Groups & Sponsored Organisations
​The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) is a global leadership organisation dedicated to enhancing the mining and metals industry's contribution to sustainable development. ICMM brings together a third of the global industry, promoting ethical business practices, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. Members commit to stringent Mining Principles, aiming for a safe, just, and sustainable world enabled by responsibly produced minerals and metals.
Organisation
1 research item

The nature-based solutions map

World Business Council for Sustainable Development
This tool is designed to help businesses identify relevant nature-based solutions (NbS) for addressing challenges related to core business operations, climate, nature, water, and social equity. It categorises NbS based on business needs and biomes, facilitating decision-making. The map serves as a starting point, requiring further development for implementation.
Research
5 June 2024

First Nations Cultural Heritage Alliance

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
​First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance (FNHPA) is a national coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations dedicated to strengthening laws, policies, and procedures for recognising, respecting, protecting, and celebrating First Nations cultural heritage in Australia. FNHPA collaborates with government and industry to modernise protections and promote best practices in cultural heritage management. ​
Organisation

Accountability Framework

The Accountability Framework guides financial institutions on how to establish policies for responsible lending and investment in the food, agribusiness, and forestry sectors. It also helps financial institutions to screen and engage their clients and portfolios to fulfil these policies. It also assists with assessing environmental and social risk and performance in investment portfolios, and supports company engagement.
Online tool/database
29 February 2024

Assessing nature-related issues of key value chain clients as a Brazilian Asset Manager

Global Canopy
This case study details JGP's participation in piloting the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) LEAP approach. The study focuses on assessing JGP's exposure to tropical deforestation through companies connected to the agriculture sector in its investment portfolio.
Research
19 January 2024

First Nations investment screening approach

Clean Energy Finance Corporation
This document provides a clear and concise example of how to screen investments for potential financed impacts to Indigenous Peoples, including both positive and negative impacts. The screening approach described was developed in consultation with First Nations representatives.
Research
24 March 2024

Innovative markets and market-like instruments for ecosystem services

This tool provides investors with a framework for evaluating and comparing different nature-based investment opportunities. It helps identify projects that offer the best combination of financial returns and environmental impact, supporting informed investment decisions.
Online tool/database
24 August 2013