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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.
Research
22 February 2023

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.
Research
22 August 2023

Investors can assess nature now: A guide to assessing water and deforestation issues in investment portfolios

First Sentier Investors
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.
Research
13 September 2023

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander best practice principles for clean energy projects

First Nations Clean Energy Network
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.
Research
2 December 2022

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.
Research
15 September 2017

Aggregate confusion: the divergence of ESG ratings

MIT Sloan School of Management
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.
Research
15 August 2019

Integrating nature: The case for action on nature-related financial risks

Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
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.
Research
7 April 2022

Building peace and prosperity: What business can do

United Nations Global Compact
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.
Research
19 September 2018

Driving improvements in modern slavery reporting: The role for Australian investors

ISS
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.
Research
3 February 2022

Diversity wins: How inclusion matters

McKinsey & Company
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.
Research
19 May 2020

Taking the carbon out of credit: An integrated approach to removing climate emissions from lending

Climate Safe Lending Network
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.
Research
20 July 2020

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.
Research
15 December 2015

Shifting perceptions: ESG, credit risk and ratings - part 3: From disconnects to action areas

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
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.
Research
31 January 2019

Guide for responsible corporate engagement in climate policy: A Caring for Climate report

United Nations Global Compact
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.
Research
15 November 2013

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.
Research
11 February 2019

Moving toward gender balance in private equity and venture capital

International Finance Corporation
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.
Research
22 March 2019
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