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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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Bankrolling plastics: The banks that fund plastic packaging pollution
Banks continue to finance the global plastics chain, despite the significant risks of lender liability from the impacts of plastic waste. This report highlights the lack of development of any due diligence systems, contingent loan criteria, or financing exclusions at the banks when it comes to the plastic packaging industry.
Bankrolling extinction: The banking sector's role in the global biodiversity crisis
This report explores the contribution of the banking sector to the biodiversity crisis and the destruction of nature as of 2019. The report ranks the 50 largest banks globally based on their financing of unethical operations, finding a large impact on deforestation, ecosystem destruction and overfishing.
From ‘why’ to ‘why not’: Sustainable investing as the new normal
This guide is based on more than 100 interviews with institutional investors at a range of investment funds, about their experiences with sustainable investing. This guide offers insights on how to integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors with the investment process to help investors capitalise on sustainable investing.
Beyond compliance: Effective reporting under the Modern Slavery Act
This report provides practical guidance from non-governmental organisations with expertise in modern slavery for commercial organisations reporting under the UK Modern Slavery Act. It provides a business case for business action on modern slavery in supply chains that goes beyond minimum compliance to achieving positive change on slavery and forced labour.
Getting physical: Scenario analysis for assessing climate-related risks
There has been a gap between understanding climate change and the implications it has for finance and the broader economy. This paper provides insight into scenario analysis - using data and climate science to provide more transparency on their financial risks in the medium and long term.
Climate transparency report 2021: Comparing G20 climate action towards net zero
The Climate transparency report 2021 summarises the climate actions of G20 countries using the latest emissions data. It covers 100 indicators on decarbonisation, climate policies, finance, and vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Providing country ratings, it identifies leaders and laggards in transition to a net zero-emission economy.
Handbook for nature-related financial risks: key concepts and a framework for identification
The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) has created this handbook and a framework for the identification of nature-related financial risks. It builds on the Dasgupta Review of the economics of biodiversity, enabling financial institutions to begin embedding nature into mainstream financial models, risk frameworks, and portfolio strategies.
Financing the civic energy sector: How financial institutions affect ownership models in Germany and the United Kingdom
Addresses the concept of civic energy concerning the municipal ownership of energy systems in the UK and Germany by contrasting their banking systems to demonstrate how social and cultural values have shaped the civic energy sector. In turn, this demonstrates the importance of financial institutions in the low-carbon transition.
The return on purpose: Before and during a crisis
This paper demonstrates that investment in corporate purpose can improve company performance. To study the impact of purpose on performance, the authors conducted analysis on how corporate purpose relates to company financial performance, market valuation and shareholder value creation.
Managing environmental, social and governance risks in non-life insurance business
The paper provides guidance and recommended actions to manage environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks in the non-life insurance business and to integrate ESG issues into the insurance underwriting process. It outlines eight areas of action to manage ESG risks supporting the Principles for Sustainable Insurance.
The drawdown review 2020: Climate solutions for a new decade
This report analyses climate solutions that are proven, exist and will help reach drawdown. Drawdown is the point where greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are steadily declining, preventing further climate change. The climate solutions proposed are organised across three categories: reducing sources of emissions, supporting carbon sinks, and improving society.
Investing for impact: Operating principles for impact management
The report describes nine principles for managing and measuring investments that seek to achieve a positive social or environmental impact. The principles may be implemented through different impact management systems and are designed to be fit for purpose for a range of institutions and funds.
Sustainable management of water resources in agriculture
This report outlines strategies for the sustainable management of water resources in agriculture across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations. It provides policy and management recommendations to ensure water allocation in agriculture remains sustainable among economic, social and environmental demands.
Global stewardship principles
The International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) Global Stewardship Principles (GSPs) provide an international framework for investors to implement their fiduciary obligations on behalf of clients and beneficiaries. ICGN’s stewardship principles are a set of aspirational best practices, curated to be used flexibly with individual investor circumstances in mind.
SDG impact standards: Private equity funds
This paper outlines a set of standards for private equity, debt and venture capital fund managers to align their funds with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report provides a practical, detailed, and comprehensive framework for fund managers to align their activities with the SDGs.
Blueprint for business leadership on the SDGs: A principles-based approach
Business cannot thrive unless people and planet are thriving. This publication presents a framework for the next generation of business leadership with the intention to foster contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at scale.