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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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How can businesses thrive in a sustainable economy?
How can businesses thrive while still respecting planetary boundaries and meeting the essential needs of all people? This report provides a framework for businesses to transition to sustainable models by addressing unsustainable characteristics and adopting regenerative and distributive practices. The report highlights examples of businesses implementing these strategies and provides a Sustainable Business Model Canvas for businesses and investors to assess alignment with a sustainable economy.
Applying economics – not gut feel – to ESG
This report advocates for the application of mainstream economics to evaluate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues for long-term financial and social returns. It identifies how conventional thinking around ten key ESG issues can be overturned when applying mainstream economics principles to provide better ESG insights.
Investors can assess nature now: A guide to assessing water and deforestation issues in investment portfolios
First Sentier Investors presents a five-step approach for sector and company-level assessments of nature and biodiversity with a focus on freshwater and forests.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander best practice principles for clean energy projects
Ten principles placing Australia's First Nations people and communities at the centre of clean energy projects. The Principles ensure that projects provide economic and social benefits, include cultural and environmental considerations, and provide employment opportunities. The Principles are for all stakeholders involved in clean energy projects, including investors and government.
Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions
The aim of this paper is to create transparency regarding the current understandings of the circular economy concept. The findings indicate that the circular economy is most frequently depicted as a combination of reduce, reuse and recycle activities. Concerningly, many definitions overlook that circular economy necessitates a systemic shift.
Aggregate confusion: the divergence of ESG ratings
The research investigates the disagreement in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings between rating providers. Three factors are identified: measurement divergence, scope divergence and weight divergence. The paper argues for a standardisation of ESG indicators and measurement procedures to reduce the discrepancy in ESG ratings.
Integrating nature: The case for action on nature-related financial risks
The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) has written this paper to equip senior management within financial institutions to integrate nature-related risks into financial decisions. The paper details why action needs to be taken and the steps to accelerate the integration of nature into finance.
Building peace and prosperity: What business can do
A brief look at the policies and actions stakeholders can do to confront and prevent violent conflict in high-risk areas. Actions are laid out for businesses, governments, the United Nations, investment community, and civil society. Multi-stakeholder initiatives to support building and investing in peace are presented.
Driving improvements in modern slavery reporting: The role for Australian investors
Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018 (MSA) was intended to create a race to the top among Australian companies in addressing modern slavery disclosure. The response from corporate Australia is lagging, however. This research on disclosures under the MSA identifies three key gaps in S&P/ASX 300 modern slavery reporting and performance.
Diversity wins: How inclusion matters
This report highlights that the business case for gender and ethnic diversity in executive teams is stronger than ever, having been deepened by the COVID-19 crisis. Emphasis on diverse representation within organisations is no longer sufficient; employees must feel and perceive equality and fairness of opportunity in their workplace.
Taking the carbon out of credit: An integrated approach to removing climate emissions from lending
This report makes a complete case for banks and lending institutions to avoid further damaging of the climate. It provides both justification for why this is an important financial undertaking, and principles for how to go about and do it.
ESG and financial performance: Aggregated evidence from more than 2000 empirical studies
This study examines the positive relationship between ESG (environmental, social, and governance factors) and corporate financial performance, through examining over 2000 empirical studies; a strong business case is also seen across regions and asset classes. Findings show an expected alpha when embracing ESG in investment strategies.
Shifting perceptions: ESG, credit risk and ratings - part 3: From disconnects to action areas
This is the third report from the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), delving into environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks for fixed income investors and credit rating agencies. This report includes a list of best-in-class practice to advance thinking and practice to incorporate ESG into debt investing.
Guide for responsible corporate engagement in climate policy: A Caring for Climate report
A 2013 report on the business community's engagement with climate change, and the best way for companies to implement policies that ensure greenhouse gas emissions are reduced whilst supporting the global economy. The report sets guidelines for why and how companies can provide constructive influences on public policy.
Rating the raters: Evaluating how ESG rating agencies integrate sustainability principles
This report questions how environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria, used by ESG rating agencies in their assessment processes, have evolved over a ten year period. Additionally, they analyse whether ESG rating agencies are contributing to fostering sustainable development through the inclusion of sustainability principles in their assessment frameworks.
Moving toward gender balance in private equity and venture capital
This report examines the gender gap in the private equity and venture capital industry, specifically in emerging markets. The correlation between gender balance and fund performance is explored. This report puts forward key actions to improve gender balance and examines the benefits of its improvement in leadership teams.