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The risk and return benefits of sustainable investing

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Higher cost of finance exacerbates a climate investment trap in developing economies

This study investigates how different weighted average cost of capital (WACC) assumptions impact decarbonisation pathways for developing economies. The results demonstrate the disproportionate impact of high capital costs between regions, with green electricity production potentially 35% lower in Africa, increasing the risk of a climate investment trap.
Research
30 June 2021

Don't #@!% the planet

Atlassian
This guide is created to share the experience of building a net-zero sustainability program. The guide is presented in two parts, and includes Atlassian's materiality assessment, the steps they took to reduce emissions, and their efforts to push beyond net-zero.
Research
17 November 2023

The Passives Problem and Paris goals: How index investing trends threaten climate action

The Sunrise Project
This report sheds light on the Passives Problem, highlighting the dangers of an excessively passive investment market. It argues that this trend is hindering progress on mitigating climate change and exacerbating the risks of market instability. The report suggests possible solutions to the problem and examines how investors can align with climate action.
Research
17 January 2020

Innovation: How does innovation drive change for gender inclusion in business, finance and investment?

Value For Women
This report examines how innovation is driving change for gender inclusion in business, finance and investment. Drawing from over 100 expert interviews and case studies, the report identifies a range of innovations that are making finance more inclusive for women and concludes with the most powerful actions for driving gender equality.
Research
26 July 2023

A roadmap for private investors: Investing to address gender-based violence

Criterion Institute
This is a guide for private investors to use their capital to address gender-based violence. It outlines strategies to make a difference using finance, offering tangible steps and guidance for decision making. Its goal is to challenge the status quo and foster innovation toward ending gender-based violence.
Research
13 October 2021

Measuring what matters most: Seven systems transformations for benchmarking companies on the SDGs

World Benchmarking Alliance
This report provides guidance on developing benchmarks to transform systems towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It identifies seven critical transformations: social, agriculture and food, decarbonisation and energy, circular, digital, urban, and financial systems. These benchmarks aim to hold companies accountable and drive meaningful change across industries to support sustainable development.
Research
15 July 2019

Future of waste

UBS
This report examines the future of waste reduction, the environmental and financial impacts of waste, and investment opportunities in waste management globally. The report provides regional, country, and sector insights on companies most affected by waste and ways for mainstream companies to proactively manage waste and pollution.
Research
24 February 2020

The economic impact of ESG ratings

This report examines the impact of ESG ratings on fund holdings, stock returns, and firm behaviour. The study finds that only MSCI ESG ratings can explain the holdings of US ESG funds, and slow, gradual responses in ownership suggest that fund managers mainly use ESG ratings to comply with ESG mandates.
Research
15 January 2024

Collision course: The risks companies face when their political spending and core values conflict, and how to address them

Center for Political Accountability
The paper warns companies that their political spending may put them at risk of reputational damage and possible backlash. Their report gives specific examples, and outlines recommendations and policies that allow businesses to align their core values with political expenditures, while developing safeguards to protect their reputations.
Research
21 July 2018

In search of impact: Measuring the full value of capital

Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
This report outlines a sustainable investment framework, designed to empower individuals and organisations to better understand and make informed investment choices. The framework utilises six themes to communicate the impact of financial flows into the economy and contains theoretically grounded metrics that can be practically applied.
Research
28 August 2019

The comprehensive business case for sustainability

Sustainable businesses redefine the corporate ecosystem by creating value for all stakeholders, including employees, shareholders, supply chains, civil society, and the planet. Managing sustainability risks requires making investment decisions today for longer-term capacity building and developing adaptive strategies. Significant cost reductions can result from improving operational efficiency, and sustainable companies deliver significant positive financial performance.
Research
21 October 2016

Sustainable investing: Establishing long-term value and performance

Deutsche Bank
The study finds that corporations with a commitment to sustainable investing have superior risk-adjusted returns. While fund managers face challenges in capturing the outperformance with some exceptions, they have not generally underperformed. Integrated reporting can be used to improve the transparency and accuracy of ESG information.
Research
15 June 2012

Putting pandemics behind us: Investing in one health to reduce risks of emerging infectious diseases

The World Bank
This report discusses One Health, an approach that recognises the interdependent nature of human, animal, and environmental health. It presents an investment framework designed to mobilise finance for pandemic prevention and reduce the risks of emerging infectious diseases.
Research
21 October 2022

Navigating energy transitions: Mapping the road to 1.5°C

International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
This report maps the road to 1.5°C in energy transitions, discussing pathways and policies to achieve this goal. It highlights the role of investors in driving the energy transition, and the need for mandatory disclosure requirements and robust reporting frameworks to achieve material impact.
Research
24 October 2022

Impact investing in biodiversity conservation with bonds: An analysis of financial and environmental risk

This report examines the financial and environmental risks associated with impact investing in biodiversity conservation through bonds. It evaluates five case studies, analysing the projects' theories of change, potential risks, and mitigation strategies. The findings highlight complexities in achieving both financial returns and conservation impact, with concerns about vague metrics and project uncertainties.
Research
21 May 2022

Systemic interventions for decarbonisation: The business perspective

Nordic Sustainability
This report advocates for a systemic approach to accelerate rapid decarbonisation, positioning innovative businesses to win from driving such an approach. The report evaluates the associated theoretical high-level insights in the case of the decarbonisation of the light road transport sector, proposing a set of principles for decarbonisation and mindset shifts for business innovators and incumbents.
Research
1 November 2022
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