Library | ESG issues

Circular Economy

A circular economy is an economic model focused on minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency by reusing, recycling, and regenerating materials. It emphasises designing out waste, keeping materials in use, and regenerating natural systems, offering opportunities for sustainable growth and resilience. Companies that demonstrate circularity can enhance long-term business resilience, resource efficiency and cost-savings.

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Communicating the scientific consensus on climate change: Diverse audiences and effects over time

This study finds that communicating the scientific consensus on climate change increases understanding and engagement. Consensus messaging leads to updated beliefs across diverse audiences, with 40% of the original effect lasting 26 days. The treatment effect is most durable for those doubtful or dismissive of climate change.
Research
10 October 2022

Sustainable banking in ASEAN

World Wide Fund for Nature (World Wildlife Fund – WWF)
This 2019 report analyses the sustainability strategies of 35 ASEAN banks based on environmental, social and governance indicators. This year's update highlights the increasing recognition of ESG integration into mainstream finance, although progress must be made, particularly in climate-related risk management.
Research
21 August 2019

Investing for the common good: A sustainable finance framework

This essay provides a new framework for sustainable finance. The author argues that sustainable finance considers financial, social, and environmental returns in combination and develops guidelines for governing sustainable finance. Major obstacles are short-termism and insufficient private efforts.
Research
11 July 2017

Financing our future: Actions to scale up and accelerate the pace of change towards a more sustainable financial system

Accounting for Sustainability (A4S)
This report offers actionable recommendations to the world's finance sector. This report presents evidence on the importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria and outlines key actions for finance actors across numerous industries to advance toward a sustainable financial system.
Research
7 December 2018

Why circular business models fail and what to do about it: A preliminary framework and lessons learned from a case in the European Union

Circular business models fail to scale due to cultural, regulatory, economic, and technical barriers. This report proposes a preliminary empirical framework for linking circular business models to specific barriers and offers four lessons for managerial strategies.
Research
22 June 2023

Investor expectations of corporate transition plans: From a to zero

Institutional Investor Group on Climate Change (IIGCC)
This report outlines key components for a credible corporate transition plan aligned with net-zero pledges under the Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF). The guidance aims to help investors assess corporate emissions targets and progress towards decarbonisation. It is designed to be applicable across different sectors and geographies.
Research
28 April 2023

The changing climate policy landscape: Considerations for policymakers and the needs of investors

Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC)
This report outlines eight key features of effective global climate policies. It analyses how different approaches to policy design shape capital markets' responses. The report also calls on governments to create policies with clear short, medium, and long-term targets that provide the right incentives and ensure a just transition.
Research
6 September 2023

Five insights for avoiding global collapse: What a 50-year-old model of the world taught me about a way forward for us today

This book analyses a 50-year-old model of the world to provide five insights for avoiding global collapse. The book examines societal pressures, the role of technology, governance structures, and finance that contribute to earth's ecosystem health and sustenance."
Research
5 October 2022

Environmental sciences, sustainable development and circular economy: Alternative concepts for trans-disciplinary research

This report discusses the challenges and opportunities of trans-disciplinary research in environmental sciences. It explores three alternative environmental concepts: "environmental sciences", "sustainable development", and the increasingly popular "circular economy". The article clarifies their meaning and inter-relationship, helping trans-disciplinary researchers to understand the opportunities and challenges of each.
Research
22 March 2016

Definitions for responsible investment approaches

CFA Institute
This report provides definitions for different responsible investment approaches - Screening, ESG Integration, Thematic Investing, Stewardship, and Impact Investing. It aims to standardise terminology, enabling investors to communicate their responsible investment practices with clarity, consistency, and confidence.
Research
27 October 2023

Queensland social enterprise strategy

Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (Queensland Government)
The Queensland Social Enterprise Strategy is a government initiative designed to drive economic and social growth through job creation, improved market access, and making connections in the social enterprise sector. The strategy highlights key areas of focus and outlines a range of actions to help Queensland social enterprises flourish.
Research
23 August 2019

Innovation and resilience: A global snapshot of social enterprise responses to Covid-19

British Council
This report offers a global overview of social enterprise responses to the Covid-19 pandemic. It identifies innovation and agility as critical factors for survival. However, it notes that women-led and youth-led social enterprises face higher closure rates, greater reductions in activity, and more limited access to government support.
Research
9 December 2020

Growth-positive zero-emission pathways to 2050

Sitra
This paper presents pathways to achieving growth positive zero-emission targets by 2050. The report concludes that significant action is required globally to achieve the low-carbon transition required to limit temperature increases to 1.5 °C, including the refashioning of multiple fundamental socio-economic systems and the international co-operation of decision-makers.
Research
8 April 2021

System of environmental-economic accounting 2012: Experimental ecosystem accounting

United Nations (UN)
The report details a measurement framework for integrating biophysical data and linking those changes to economic and human activity. Initial efforts have been made to apply the accounting concepts and rules to the field of ecosystem assessment and measurement as a response to demands for integrated environmental sustainability and economic growth information.
Research
31 December 2014

Making global goals local business: A new era for responsible business

United Nations Global Compact
This report highlights the need for private sector involvement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. It showcases the progress made so far by various companies and organizations and the role they play in building a better world through responsible business practices.
Research
17 May 2018

An enhanced assessment of risks impacting the energy system

Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler International (KPMG International)
This report assesses the risks impacting the energy system. It explores the challenges, uncertainties, and opportunities organizations face in the near-term and long-term. The Dynamic Risk Assessment methodology is designed to incorporate future trends and their potential downstream exposures into risk management processes.
Research
5 July 2021
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