Library | ESG issues

Environmental

The environmental pillar in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) assesses an organisation’s impact on the planet. It includes issues such as climate change, biodiversity, waste management and water management. Strong environmental practices help businesses reduce risks, comply with regulations, and drive long-term sustainability.

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How can businesses thrive in a sustainable economy?

How can businesses thrive while still respecting planetary boundaries and meeting the essential needs of all people? This report provides a framework for businesses to transition to sustainable models by addressing unsustainable characteristics and adopting regenerative and distributive practices. The report highlights examples of businesses implementing these strategies and provides a Sustainable Business Model Canvas for businesses and investors to assess alignment with a sustainable economy.
Research
22 February 2023

Applying economics – not gut feel – to ESG

This report advocates for the application of mainstream economics to evaluate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues for long-term financial and social returns. It identifies how conventional thinking around ten key ESG issues can be overturned when applying mainstream economics principles to provide better ESG insights.
Research
22 August 2023

Investors can assess nature now: A guide to assessing water and deforestation issues in investment portfolios

First Sentier Investors
First Sentier Investors presents a five-step approach for sector and company-level assessments of nature and biodiversity with a focus on freshwater and forests.
Research
13 September 2023

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander best practice principles for clean energy projects

First Nations Clean Energy Network
Ten principles placing Australia's First Nations people and communities at the centre of clean energy projects. The Principles ensure that projects provide economic and social benefits, include cultural and environmental considerations, and provide employment opportunities. The Principles are for all stakeholders involved in clean energy projects, including investors and government.
Research
2 December 2022

First Nations Clean Energy Network

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
The network seeks to ensure that the transition to renewable energy occurs fairly for First Nations people and communities. The organisation supports First Nations people to share the economic benefits, job opportunities and access to lower-cost and reliable power in the community.
Organisation
2 research items

The New Climate Economy (The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate)

Government Sponsored / Multilateral Organisations
The New Climate Economy is major international initiative that provides independent and authoritative evidence for nations, cities and companies to focus on their core economic and social goals, while reducing the risk of dangerous climate change. The initiative is The Global Commission on the Economy and Climate’s flagship project.
Organisation

Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions

The aim of this paper is to create transparency regarding the current understandings of the circular economy concept. The findings indicate that the circular economy is most frequently depicted as a combination of reduce, reuse and recycle activities. Concerningly, many definitions overlook that circular economy necessitates a systemic shift.
Research
15 September 2017

Earth Systems and Climate Change Hub

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Between 2015 and 2021, the Earth Systems and Climate Change Hub delivered world-leading climate and Earth systems science and climate capability for Australia. Notably, the hub worked to enhance the financial services sectors' awareness of the availability and utility of science-based data and tools to mitigate climate risk.
Organisation

Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development

Government Sponsored / Multilateral Organisations
The Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development (IATF) supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. IATF annually reports on the global implementation of financing for development outcomes and advises on its progress and gaps, and provides recommendations.
Organisation
1 research item

Integrating nature: The case for action on nature-related financial risks

Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) has written this paper to equip senior management within financial institutions to integrate nature-related risks into financial decisions. The paper details why action needs to be taken and the steps to accelerate the integration of nature into finance.
Research
7 April 2022

Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development's financing for sustainable development reports

Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development
The "Financing for Sustainable Development" reports explores global financing challenges and opportunities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This benchmark report assesses current financial landscapes, identifies financing gaps, and provides actionable recommendations to mobilize resources and reform international financial frameworks, emphasising sustainable and inclusive development.
Benchmark/series

Taking the carbon out of credit: An integrated approach to removing climate emissions from lending

Climate Safe Lending Network
This report makes a complete case for banks and lending institutions to avoid further damaging of the climate. It provides both justification for why this is an important financial undertaking, and principles for how to go about and do it.
Research
20 July 2020

Guide for responsible corporate engagement in climate policy: A Caring for Climate report

United Nations Global Compact
A 2013 report on the business community's engagement with climate change, and the best way for companies to implement policies that ensure greenhouse gas emissions are reduced whilst supporting the global economy. The report sets guidelines for why and how companies can provide constructive influences on public policy.
Research
15 November 2013

Rating the raters: Evaluating how ESG rating agencies integrate sustainability principles

This report questions how environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria, used by ESG rating agencies in their assessment processes, have evolved over a ten year period. Additionally, they analyse whether ESG rating agencies are contributing to fostering sustainable development through the inclusion of sustainability principles in their assessment frameworks.
Research
11 February 2019

RockCreek

Commercial Organisations
RockCreek is a global investment firm known for their innovation and focus on sustainability. With $15 billion in assets, they invest in a diverse portfolio of entrepreneurs, companies and investors. They focus on climate and sustainable opportunities across multi-asset class solutions.
Organisation
1 research item

British International Investment (formerly CDC Group)

Government Sponsored / Multilateral Organisations
British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor focused on solving development challenges. Their investments in green infrastructure, technology and other sectors, help create more sustainable and inclusive economies in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, enabling people to build better lives for themselves and their communities.
Organisation
1 research item
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