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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.
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Handbook for the implementation of nature-based solutions for water security: Guidelines for designing an implementation and financing arrangement
This handbook offers operational advice and project preparation guidelines, including hands-on formats that project proponents can use continuously and iteratively to develop the entire business case of NbS, enabling them to go from the idea stage towards an investment proposal or investment project stage that can be effectively assessed by potential investors. To illustrate the use of these guidelines the handbook presents the results of their application to three cases in Europe within the NAIAD project and to one case in Asia that was part of the Water as Leverage for Resilient Cities Asia programme.
Guidelines for blue finance: Guidance for financing the blue economy, building on the Green Bond Principles and the Green Loan Principles
This guidance document aims to provide a list of eligible use of proceeds to support private investments aligned with the Green Bond Principles and Green Loan Principles and contributing to Goals 6 and 14 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all,” and “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.” This document identifies eligible blue project categories to guide IFC’s investments to support the blue economy, in line with the Green Bond Principles and Green Loan Principles.
Guidance on scenario analysis
This document provides guidance for organisations who choose to use scenario analysis to explore the possible consequences of nature loss and climate change, the ways in which governments, markets and society might respond, and the implications of these uncertainties for business strategy and financial planning. It includes a collection of practical tools, templates and techniques, in addition to general guidance. This guidance supports organisations in conducting a qualitative scenario workshop, focusing the exercise on testing, refining and stretching their thinking, planning and decision-making.
Pensions in the age of artificial intelligence
The report explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can address challenges in global pension systems. It highlights AI's potential to enhance governance, personalisation, fraud prevention, and investment strategies while emphasising ethical implementation and data privacy considerations to optimise retirement outcomes and ensure system sustainability.
Accounting for cryptocurrency climate impacts
The report examines the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with cryptocurrencies, proposing a hybrid allocation method to attribute these emissions to stakeholders based on cryptocurrency holdings and transactions. It highlights the environmental impact of Proof-of-Work protocols, the efficiency of Proof-of-Stake, and offers guidance aligned with GHG Protocol standards.
Environmental impact of digital assets
The report highlights the environmental impact of digital assets, focusing on energy-intensive proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanisms in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. It underscores significant carbon emissions and advocates transitioning to less energy-demanding models, renewable energy use, and cross-border cooperation. Policy recommendations include targeted regulation, enhanced data transparency, and leveraging distributed ledger technologies for sustainable finance.
Reframing child labour due diligence for businesses and investors in increasingly regulated and resilience challenged supply chains
The report explores reframing child labour due diligence in supply chains, emphasising systemic solutions, collaboration, and addressing root causes. It critiques current top-down models, highlighting their inefficiencies and unintended consequences.
When the bee stings: Counting the cost of nature-related risks
In collaboration with the TNFD, and aligned with its newly released recommendations, BloombergNEF has examined 10 instances of companies suffering material financial losses, the threat of such losses and share price pressure from poorly handled interactions with nature. The case studies demonstrate the financial importance of a business understanding and managing its impacts and dependencies on the natural world.
Our commitment to nature: Supporting biodiversity and sustainable land use through engagement
This paper outlines Federated Hermes' expectations and engagement priorities for sectors characterised by having high biodiversity impacts and dependencies. These include consumer goods and retail, agrochemicals, mining and materials, oil and gas, utilities, real estate and construction, and finance.
Financing the nature-positive transition: Understanding the role of banks, investors and insurers
This CEO brief by the WEF focuses on the business case for nature, highlighting the importance of integrating nature into financial decision-making to achieve sustainable economic growth and biodiversity conservation.
Financing for regenerative agriculture
This report outlines the urgent need to shift from conventional agricultural practices to regenerative agriculture to address the significant negative impacts of current agrifood systems. It provides a detailed analysis of the funding gaps, investment opportunities, and the economic and environmental benefits of transitioning to regenerative practices.
Building transition: Financing market transition
The report outlines a framework for decarbonising and enhancing resilience in the built environment. It emphasises sustainable finance, improving low-performing buildings, and adapting to climate risks. Key strategies include evolving taxonomies, defining credible pathways, and addressing broader resilience, urging inclusive, scalable investments to achieve global sustainability goals.
Financing transformations: A guide to green building for green bonds and green loans
The report provides a guide to sustainable finance in the real estate sector, focusing on green building projects eligible for green bonds and loans. It details key principles, certification frameworks like BREEAM and LEED, and sustainable finance's role in addressing climate action, resource efficiency, and social impact.
Unlocking the value: A practical guide for sustainable finance in the Australian real estate sector
The report highlights the role of sustainable finance in advancing Australia's real estate sector's decarbonisation goals. It explores green loans, bonds, and rating systems like Green Star and NABERS to promote resource efficiency, health, and equity. The guide supports industry collaboration, defining frameworks to unlock sustainable finance opportunities.
Digital business world and ethical dilemmas: A systematic literature review
This report systematically reviews ethical challenges in the digital business world, focusing on the intersection of digitalisation, corporate responsibility, and technology adoption. It highlights ethical dilemmas, such as AI transparency and sustainability, emphasising the need for tailored ethical guidelines to foster trust, innovation, and social responsibility in digital transformations.
Harnessing digital finance for sustainability: An integrative review and research agenda
The report reviews the role of digital finance in advancing sustainability goals through bibliometric and thematic analysis of 168 studies. It identifies key themes like financial inclusion, green finance, and fintech, proposing a conceptual framework to align digital innovation with sustainable development, fostering eco-friendly investments, and promoting global financial inclusion.