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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Net zero: Practical guide for finance teams
This guide is a valuable resource for organisations striving towards net zero emissions. From developing internal culture to accessing finance, this guide provides practical advice for finance teams seeking to develop an effective strategy.
Financing SDGs in emerging markets: The role of green, social, sustainability and sustainability-linked (GSSS) bonds
The report highlights the potential of green, social sustainability and sustainability-linked bonds in funding developing countries' progress towards the SDGs, offering recommendations for increased involvement from issuers, investors, policy-makers, and development finance institutions (DFIs).
Petrochemicals: Major credits, carbon risks, green bonds
This report reviews the petrochemical industry from a joint macro, credit specialist and climate mitigation perspective. It highlights that the industry has the highest energy demand and is the third-largest direct CO2 emitter. The first green bonds came out in 2020, although the sector’s environmental alignment remains questionable to investors.
Future-fit business benchmark: Methodology guide
The Future-Fit Business Benchmark Methodology Guide provides a free tool to help companies pursue a vision of a flourishing future. With 23 break-even Goals, 24 positive pursuits, and complementary indicators, it offers science-based guidance on how to transform business operations, procurement practices, and products in pursuit of future-fitness.
Climate change: Legal implications for Canadian pension plan fiduciaries and policy-makers
This report outlines the legal obligations of Canadian pension plan fiduciaries to consider the financial risks and opportunities presented by climate change in their investments. It provides practical guidance, based on recent case law and expert recommendations, for fiduciaries to fulfill their responsibilities to plan beneficiaries.
Net zero: Practical guide for finance teams of banks
The guide outlines the role finance departments play in supporting banks to achieve net-zero emissions, in light of the existential risk climate change poses. The report identifies practical steps for finance teams of banks, such as setting interim targets, measuring and reporting progress, and engaging with stakeholders to help their organizations make the transition to net-zero emissions.
Climate change and economics 101: Teaching the greatest market failure
This report analyses 27 introductory economics textbooks used in the US that cover micro and macroeconomics to assess their treatment of climate change. Authors find limited coverage in texts and that most texts relate climate change to the negative externality of carbon emissions. Market solutions such as cap-and-trade and carbon taxes are recommended.
Climate risk governance guide: An introductory resource for directors on climate risk governance
The guide provides an introductory resource for directors on climate risk. It considers fundamental concepts, distinguishes key industries impacted by climate change, and outlines duties and expectations of directors. Governance and reporting frameworks are discussed, with due care and diligence emphasized for adequate disclosure.
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.
Don't #@!% the planet
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.
Greenwashing and how to avoid it: An introductory guide for Asia's finance industry
This report offers Asia's finance industry a comprehensive guide on greenwashing, including its definition and the risks it poses. The report also covers regulatory developments and guidance to tackle greenwashing, and provides practical steps to guard against greenwashing risks in the industry.
Innovation: How does innovation drive change for gender inclusion in business, finance and investment?
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.
Creating city portraits: A methodological guide from The Thriving Cities Initiative
This report introduces a practical approach to visualizing sustainable urban development. Based on the 'doughnut' concept, the guide provides insight into the holistic nature of thriving cities and acts as a transformative tool for policymakers.
A critical minerals value-adding superpower
This report explores the potential for the nation to become a leader in mining and refining critical minerals. It highlights the economic, employment, and environmental benefits that could be unlocked by prioritising onshore processing, particularly against a backdrop of global decarbonisation.
Five-step approach to stakeholder engagement
This is a comprehensive toolkit developed to help companies understand and respond to existing and emerging societal concerns through stakeholder engagement. It is based on the long experience of the authors and interviews with member companies and BSR employees.
Water risks and financial market: Overview and analysis
This report explores water risks and opportunities in the financial sector. It provides an overview of tools and approaches to assess water risks, identifies potential actions to align with international water goals, and calls for greater integration of water considerations into financial decision-making.