Library | Resource Types
Research
We summarise credible research and reports on sustainable finance and ESG issues. Our summaries, along with our AI ChatBot saves members time reading large reports, to focus on knowledge building and action.
Refine
1037 results
REFINE
SHOW: 16
Investing for the common good: A sustainable finance framework
This essay provides a framework for sustainable finance. The author argues that sustainable finance considers financial, social, and environmental returns in combination and develops guidelines for governing sustainable finance. Major obstacles are short-termism and insufficient private efforts.
Financing our future: Actions to scale up and accelerate the pace of change towards a more sustainable financial system
This report offers actionable recommendations to the world's finance sector. This report presents evidence on the importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria and outlines key actions for finance actors across numerous industries to advance toward a sustainable financial system.
Communicating the scientific consensus on climate change: Diverse audiences and effects over time
This study finds that communicating the scientific consensus on climate change increases understanding and engagement. Consensus messaging leads to updated beliefs across diverse audiences, with 40% of the original effect lasting 26 days. The treatment effect is most durable for those doubtful or dismissive of climate change.
Do investors care about impact?
Investors care about sustainable investments, but not enough to pay substantially more for more impact. A framed field experiment revealed investors’ preference was an emotional rather than a calculative valuation of impact. This preference is driving the market, as managers provide little quantitative evidence of sustainability impact, according to the report.
Safe and just Earth system boundaries
This report sets safe and just Earth system boundaries (ESBs) for domains including climate, nitrogen, and phosphorus, and identifies sub-global ESBs for avoiding Earth system destabilization. Achieving these ESBs requires a systemic transformation across sectors and addressing drivers of Earth system change for a safe and just future.
Investing in influence: Investors, portfolio firms, and political giving
Increased institutional ownership of US corporations has led to a discussion about the benefits and risks of asset management companies in control. This paper examines whether the political preferences of institutional investors affect the political contributions of portfolio firms. The results suggest that a large acquisition by an investor is associated with increased political giving by both the investor and acquired firm.
Guidance for pursuing impact in listed equities: The GIIN's listed equities working group
This paper provides guidance for impact investors to achieve positive outcomes in public markets through listed equities. This report offers key concepts, practical recommendations, and examples for managing listed equity portfolios. Investors will find insights for developing impact strategies that deliver measurable social and environmental impact and financial returns.
Investor expectations of corporate transition plans: From a to zero
This report outlines key components for a credible corporate transition plan aligned with net-zero pledges under the Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF). The guidance aims to help investors assess corporate emissions targets and progress towards decarbonisation. It is designed to be applicable across different sectors and geographies.
Defining social norms and related concepts
This report defines social norms as the perceived unwritten rules deemed acceptable and influential in guiding human behaviour within a community. Social norms can be beneficial or harmful and influence collective change. The report distinguishes injunctive norms, descriptive norms, moral norms, and attitudes to establish behaviour change interventions.
The impact potential assessment framework (IPAF) for financial products
The Impact Potential Assessment Framework for financial products (IPAF) is a multi-purpose tool developed to assess products based only on their actions to generate real-life impact. Using public information, it evaluates the product's maximum impact potential through four widely documented mechanisms.
Experimental evidence for tipping points in social convention
This study shows the theoretical and empirical existence of a tipping point for changing social conventions. Minority groups can overturn established behaviour by reaching a critical mass, expected to vary depending on social setting. The findings offer insight for organizations with potential shifts in conventional behaviour.
Why circular business models fail and what to do about it: A preliminary framework and lessons learned from a case in the European Union
Circular business models fail to scale due to cultural, regulatory, economic, and technical barriers. This report proposes a preliminary empirical framework for linking circular business models to specific barriers and offers four lessons for managerial strategies.
Mobilizing money and movements: Creative finance for food systems transformations
This report explores creative financing strategies for transforming food systems. Through six case studies, it showcases levers of change for transformational investing, including blended finance, shared ownership, and diverse investment types. The report emphasizes community engagement and local food production to build sustainable and resilient food systems.
Constructive corporate engagements: From a corporate perspective
This research focuses on constructive corporate engagement. This report analyses survey results from 100 senior company directors and interviews with ten executives to examine the drivers of successful engagements. Insights include the importance of collaborating with companies, focusing on material issues, and using standard metrics for success.
The changing climate policy landscape: Considerations for policymakers and the needs of investors
This report outlines eight key features of effective global climate policies. It analyses how different approaches to policy design shape capital markets' responses. The report also calls on governments to create policies with clear short, medium, and long-term targets that provide the right incentives and ensure a just transition.
The climate benefits of plastic waste management in India and Southeast Asia: Investing in waste management and recycling solutions in India and Southeast Asia could reduce GHG emissions by 229 million tonnes by 2030
The Circulate Initiative's GHG calculator indicates that improved waste management and recycling could reduce GHG emissions by 229 million tonnes by 2030. Mismanaged plastic waste rates in six Southeast Asian countries range from 50% to 75%. This sector is crucial for transitioning to a low-carbon economy, attracting climate-focused investors.