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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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Why do we invest ethically?
This report looks at investor behaviour, and contends that investors no longer behave in the “rational” fashion that traditional finance theory assumes. Studying the desire to invest ethically challenges the relevance of traditional finance theory, and helps improve our understanding of ethical investor behaviour.
Human rights in private equity: Information and summary
This paper provides an overview of human rights due diligence (HRDD) in relation to private equity (PE) investors. Topics covered include the responsibility of PE, the value of HRDD for PE, the characteristics of PE, integration of HRDD into PE processes and implementation challenges.
Modern slavery reporting - Guide for investors
This report aims to guide reporting entities and investors on the requirements of the Australian Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act 2018. It informs and provides suggestions to companies and investors on how to identify, manage and reduce the risks and impacts of modern slavery.
Digging deeper: Human rights and the extractives sector
The report examines significant human rights issues in the extractives sector value chain, and summarises the key outcomes and insights of a PRI-coordinated (Principles for Responsible Investment) engagement with companies. Importantly, the report highlights the key elements that investors should consider when engaging with mining, oil and gas companies.
Guide to unlocking prosperity: Finance, investment and sustainable development
Companies and institutional investors can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their business activities and investment decisions. This guide lists the many actions that these financial industry participants can take to achieve these goals across sectors including education, clean energy, agriculture, and health.
The race of our lives revisited
GMO's founder and long-term investment strategist, Jeremy Grantham, offers a wide-ranging analysis of interconnected environmental crises, explores solutions and makes recommendations for investors. The paper covers climate change, population growth, soil erosion and toxicity. It concludes by making the case for environmental investment strategies and fossil fuel divestment.
In focus: Addressing investor needs in business reporting on the SDGs
This report aims to integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the business reporting process. This is done by providing perspectives and recommendations on key parameters to effectively inform investor decision-making processes. This report builds on current available disclosures and does not intend to create a new reporting framework.
The world's dumbest idea
An exploration into the problems that are present within the concept of shareholders value maximisation (SVM). Montier examines the history which has lead to the adaptation of this idea and the potential impact it has on the economy.
Planetary boundaries: Exploring the safe operating space for humanity
The nine planetary boundaries offer an approach to global sustainability where humanity can safely operate and avoid major human-induced environmental change on a global scale. The article argues that three of the planetary boundaries are already transgressed, including: climate change, biodiversity loss and the global nitrogen cycle.
Climate change: Awareness to action
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has highlighted the financial risks of climate change facing financial services organisations, saying that they are material, foreseeable and actionable now. APRA’s survey of 38 entities summarises the activities that those entities are adopting to mitigate financial risks. This information paper provides APRA's insights into responses to their survey.
SDG Industry Matrix: Financial services
The Matrix provides industry specific ideas for action and industry specific practical examples for each relevant SDG. It profiles opportunities which companies expect to create value for shareholders as well as for society.
Circular economy: From review of theories and practices to development of implementation tools
The paper provides an overview of the literature on Circular Economy theoretical approaches, strategies and implementation cases. After analysing different Circular Economy approaches and the underlying principles, the paper then proceeds with developing tools for Circular Economy implementation. The tools discussed include a strategies database and an implementation database.
A portfolio approach to impact investment
This paper is a practical guide on how to build and analyse a portfolio of impact, which is based on a graphical assessment of impact investments along the dimensions of impact, risk and return. The framework offers insight into the construction of a target profile, mapping individual investments and aggregate portfolios, as well as risk management.
Integrating the SDGs into corporate reporting: A practical guide
This guide builds on earlier work, in particular, the SDG Compass developed by the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), which offers a starting point for companies approaching the SDGs, including resources. This practical guide does not create a new reporting framework. Rather, it outlines a three-step process to embed the SDGs in existing business and reporting processes.
Framing the future of corporate governance: Deloitte governance framework
This report outlines the Deloitte governance framework which provides board members with an end-to-end view of corporate governance. The aim of the framework is to act as a tool for board members and executives to quickly identify potential opportunities to improve both effectiveness and efficiency within the organisation structure.
The toll from coal: An updated assessment of death and disease from America’s dirtiest energy source
Emissions from the coal-fired power plant industry in the form of fine particle pollution, global warming, ozone smog, acid rain and regional haze, cause significant negative effects on human beings. Research shows that death or disease from coal-based electricity production in the United States, can be reduced if the pollution from coal plants is addressed.