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Accounting for cryptocurrency climate impacts

South Pole Carbon
The report examines the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with cryptocurrencies, proposing a hybrid allocation method to attribute these emissions to stakeholders based on cryptocurrency holdings and transactions. It highlights the environmental impact of Proof-of-Work protocols, the efficiency of Proof-of-Stake, and offers guidance aligned with GHG Protocol standards.
Research
21 April 2022

Environmental impact of digital assets

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
The report highlights the environmental impact of digital assets, focusing on energy-intensive proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanisms in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. It underscores significant carbon emissions and advocates transitioning to less energy-demanding models, renewable energy use, and cross-border cooperation. Policy recommendations include targeted regulation, enhanced data transparency, and leveraging distributed ledger technologies for sustainable finance.
Research
1 December 2022

Unlocking the value: A practical guide for sustainable finance in the Australian real estate sector

Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI)
The report highlights the role of sustainable finance in advancing Australia's real estate sector's decarbonisation goals. It explores green loans, bonds, and rating systems like Green Star and NABERS to promote resource efficiency, health, and equity. The guide supports industry collaboration, defining frameworks to unlock sustainable finance opportunities.
Research
24 November 2023

The hidden environmental cost of cryptocurrency: How Bitcoin mining impacts climate, water and land

United Nations (UN)
Bitcoin mining has significant environmental impacts, driven by its reliance on electricity-intensive processes. In 2020-2021, mining consumed 173 TWh of electricity, primarily from fossil fuels, and emitted 86 Mt CO2, contributing to climate change, water scarcity, and land use issues. Global regulatory action is urgently needed.
Research
20 November 2023

Clean Energy Finance Corporation

Government Organisations & Departments
Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is an Australian Government-owned green bank investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low-emission technologies to support Australia's transition to net zero emissions by 2050. CEFC collaborates with private investors to finance projects that reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development.
Organisation
1 research item

UN Environment Programme's emissions gap report series

United Nations Environment Programme
This benchmark report, produced by the United Nations Environment Programme, assesses the discrepancy between projected and necessary global greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Paris Agreement targets. It highlights the urgent need for enhanced mitigation actions and tracks progress on national commitments and policy implementations.
Benchmark/series

Green metal statecraft: Forging Australia’s green iron industry

Climate Energy Finance (CEF)
Australia’s "Green Metal Statecraft" outlines a transformative agenda for advancing its green iron industry. The report advocates leveraging renewables-powered iron ore processing, supported by $10-30 billion in strategic public investment. Emphasising economic, environmental, and energy security, the plan aligns national policy with decarbonisation to secure Australia’s leadership in sustainable steelmaking and green exports.
Research
15 November 2024

Net zero policy matters: Assessing progress and taking stock of corporate and financial net zero policy reform

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
The report evaluates progress in corporate and financial net zero policies across G20 nations. It highlights uneven adoption, notable gaps in ambition, and policy divergence. While disclosure and taxonomies advance, integration of just transition, adaptation, and nature remains limited. The report calls for global alignment to meet 1.5°C targets.
Research
14 November 2024

UNEP FI impact analysis tools for banks/investors

United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
This tool is designed for banks, investors and corporate clients and investee companies. The tool guides banks/investors through an impact analysis of their portfolios. Developed jointly with signatories from the PRB and UNEP FI, the tool helps banks/investors set targets.
Online tool/database

Net Environmental Contribution (NEC) metric

This tool measures the environmental impact of economic activity, company, or sector, to deliver a net contribution value on -100% to +100% scale, using physical data from across the value chain. It can be applied at company, portfolio, index, product/source levels. Includes qualitative and quantitative criteria on biodiversity.
Online tool/database

GIIN's IRIS

Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN)
IRIS+ provides streamlined, practical, how-to guidance on integrating social and environmental factors into investment decision making. It is free to use.
Online tool/database

Transition today: A progress update - How investors can support climate transition across portfolios

Mercer
The report explores how investors can support climate transitions through decarbonisation, alignment with transition pathways, and investments in climate solutions. It emphasises systemic risks, scope 3 emissions, and capital mobilisation to developing economies, offering actionable strategies to integrate climate goals into investment portfolios.
Research
1 November 2024

Transforming global finance for climate action: Addressing misaligned incentives and unlocking opportunities

Global Sustainable Investment Alliance
The report identifies systemic barriers preventing the flow of capital to climate-positive projects. It introduces the PIVOT framework, outlining policy vacuum, misaligned incentives, valuation challenges, inactive ownership, and transition misalignment. The report provides actionable solutions for policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to align finance with the Paris Agreement.
Research
14 November 2024

Topo Finance

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Topo Finance is a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the financial sector into a force for creating a more climate-safe and just world. They provide free advisory and consulting services to help companies align their financial management with environmental and social objectives. Additionally, Topo Finance develops pioneering research and publicly available tools to illuminate the hidden link between finances and climate change, enabling individuals and organisations to maximise the positive impact of their finances.
Organisation
1 research item

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

From taking stock to taking action - How to implement the COP28 energy goals

International Energy Agency (IEA)
The report outlines global energy transition goals, including tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. It provides guidance for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasising the importance of international cooperation, investment in grids and storage, and just, equitable transitions away from fossil fuels. The report highlights key challenges and opportunities for accelerating clean energy adoption globally.
Research
24 September 2024
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