Library | ESG issues

Controversies

Corporate controversies involve organisations engaging in activities that violate social, environmental, or human rights standards, leading to scandals and reputational damage. Examples include environmental disasters, labour rights violations, and instances of modern slavery within supply chains. Such controversies pose significant risks to investors, as they can lead to financial losses and increased scrutiny.

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Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR)

Government Organisations & Departments
Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) is Germany’s national geological survey, advising the federal government on geoscience and raw materials. It undertakes research in earth sciences, resource management, geodata systems and sustainability. Located in Hannover, BGR coordinates national geoscientific data infrastructure and policy.
Organisation
1 research item

The end of ESG: Financial management, forthcoming

This report argues that ESG is both essential and ordinary: vital as a driver of long-term value but not unique compared to other intangibles such as culture or innovation. It cautions against over-emphasising ESG metrics, politicisation, and superficial classification, advocating instead a broader focus on overall sustainable value creation.
Research
4 January 2023

Engaging the ICT sector on human rights: Artificial intelligence-based technologies

Investor Alliance for Human Rights
This report examines the human rights risks associated with artificial intelligence in the ICT sector. It offers guidance for rights-respecting AI development, outlines regulatory frameworks, presents the business rationale for ethical AI, and supports investor engagement with practical tools and questions for assessing AI-related corporate practices
Research
9 April 2025

Starting up: Responsible investment in venture capital

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
This report examines how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are being adopted in venture capital. It outlines current practices, challenges, and industry-specific considerations, and highlights the need for tailored guidance, collaboration, and early-stage engagement to advance responsible investment across the venture capital ecosystem.
Research
19 January 2022

The value of NGO activism

NGO campaigns alleging environmental and social “E&S-washing” lead to negative stock and media responses, especially on financially material issues. Firms reduce direct emissions following climate-related allegations—often shifting them to supply chains. NGOs also prompt investor engagement, suggesting a monitoring role despite unintended consequences such as increased indirect emissions.
Research
2 April 2024

Regulating AI in the financial sector: Recent developments and main challenges

The report outlines AI’s growing use in finance—especially in underwriting, fraud detection, and customer support—highlighting regulatory challenges around explainability, governance, and data security. It discusses evolving global guidance and the need for risk-based, proportionate oversight, particularly as generative AI gains traction in high-impact applications.
Research
12 December 2024

Carbon accounting FAQs - August 2023

Chartered Accountants Australia + New Zealand
This FAQ guide by CA ANZ outlines key carbon accounting concepts, including emissions measurement, net zero versus carbon neutral, carbon markets, and related financial and ethical considerations. It supports finance professionals with evolving standards, regulatory requirements, and practical guidance for managing climate-related data and assurance services using science-based methodologies.
Research
17 May 2023

How to identify human rights risks: A practical guide in due diligence

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
This guide outlines a structured approach for investors to identify and prioritise human rights risks across countries, sectors, and companies. It supports due diligence through risk mapping, severity assessment, and prioritisation frameworks, promoting responsible investment aligned with international human rights standards.
Research
5 June 2023

Global coal exit list (GCEL)

Urgewald
The Global Coal Exit List (GCEL) is an online database offering detailed information on companies involved in coal mining, power generation, and associated infrastructure. It assists finance professionals in identifying and divesting from coal-related businesses, promoting sustainable finance practices aligned with reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Online tool/database

Good Jobs First's violation tracker

Good Jobs First
Violation Tracker is a comprehensive database that tracks corporate misconduct in the United States and United Kingdom. It provides insights into violations, fines, and settlements across various sectors, helping finance professionals assess risks associated with corporate behaviour. This tool enhances transparency and accountability in corporate governance and compliance.
Online tool/database

Resource Centre digital platform (BHRRC)

Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
The resource Centre digital platform by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) monitors companies on news and allegations of human rights issues. It helps finance professionals assess corporate performance on human rights, providing insights into risks and compliance. The platform offers up-to-date data on human rights practices across various industries.
Online tool/database

Can investors curb greenwashing?

This report analyses the phenomenon of greenwashing in companies due to investors' pro-environmental preferences and their penalties for exposing past environmental controversies. The study presents the optimal communication, abatement policies, and greenwashing strategies of corporations, highlighting how investment decisions can clamp down on this practice. Policymakers can make use of these tools to reduce greenwashing and promote environment-friendly policies.
Research
11 March 2024

Diversity washing

European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI)
This paper investigates the phenomenon of "diversity washing," whereby companies appear to prioritise diversity and inclusion (DEI) in their public discourse to a greater degree than their internal practices suggest. The authors use an empirical approach to evaluate the prevalence and effectiveness of this phenomenon.
Research
30 December 2023

SDG action manager technical guide

United Nations Global Compact
This guide provides businesses with a web-based impact management solution to take action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through 2030. The guide describes the overall structure, module design, baseline module, SDG-specific modules, scoring methodology, and development process of the SDG Action Manager in a concise manner.
Research
18 January 2020

Investor ESG guide on private security and human rights

Investor Alliance for Human Rights
This investor guide highlights that private security-related adverse human rights impacts are common and typically include excessive use of force, unfair working conditions and sexual exploitation. As fiduciaries, institutional investors are obligated to identify and mitigate these potential adverse impacts.
Research
30 January 2024

Reimagining country investing: A guide to capturing opportunities, managing risks and integrating sustainable-investment objectives

MSCI Inc.
The paper offers insights for global investors on the benefits of constructing a diversified portfolio with country and regional-market allocation. The paper analyses variables such as GDP growth, innovation, thematic and geographic-revenue exposure and macroeconomic risks, while highlighting the role of sustainable finance in the process.
Research
30 January 2024
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