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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Insights into UNEP FI’s TNFD pilots: Insights into deep-dive UNEP FI pilots to ensure effective uptake of the final TNFD framework

United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
This publication provides investors with insights from pilot projects supporting the TNFD framework. It highlights best practices and lessons learned for integrating nature-related financial disclosures into investment strategies, enhancing transparency and sustainability. It outlines the valuable insights gained and significant findings obtained from a global pilot project initiated by UNEP FI in conjunction with 20 financial institutions.
Research
1 December 2023

How to achieve deforestation-free pensions

Global Canopy
This guide provides investors with a roadmap for creating deforestation-free pension portfolios. It offers strategies and best practices for identifying and mitigating deforestation risks, ensuring responsible investment in pension funds.
Online tool/database

Handbook for the implementation of nature-based solutions for water security: Guidelines for designing an implementation and financing arrangement

This handbook offers operational advice and project preparation guidelines, including hands-on formats that project proponents can use continuously and iteratively to develop the entire business case of NbS, enabling them to go from the idea stage towards an investment proposal or investment project stage that can be effectively assessed by potential investors. To illustrate the use of these guidelines the handbook presents the results of their application to three cases in Europe within the NAIAD project and to one case in Asia that was part of the Water as Leverage for Resilient Cities Asia programme.
Research
13 March 2021

Guidelines for blue finance: Guidance for financing the blue economy, building on the Green Bond Principles and the Green Loan Principles

International Finance Corporation
This guidance document aims to provide a list of eligible use of proceeds to support private investments aligned with the Green Bond Principles and Green Loan Principles and contributing to Goals 6 and 14 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all,” and “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.” This document identifies eligible blue project categories to guide IFC’s investments to support the blue economy, in line with the Green Bond Principles and Green Loan Principles.
Research
25 January 2022

Guidance on scenario analysis

Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)
This document provides guidance for organisations who choose to use scenario analysis to explore the possible consequences of nature loss and climate change, the ways in which governments, markets and society might respond, and the implications of these uncertainties for business strategy and financial planning. It includes a collection of practical tools, templates and techniques, in addition to general guidance. This guidance supports organisations in conducting a qualitative scenario workshop, focusing the exercise on testing, refining and stretching their thinking, planning and decision-making.
Research
19 September 2023

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

When the bee stings: Counting the cost of nature-related risks

Bloomberg L.P.
In collaboration with the TNFD, and aligned with its newly released recommendations, BloombergNEF has examined 10 instances of companies suffering material financial losses, the threat of such losses and share price pressure from poorly handled interactions with nature. The case studies demonstrate the financial importance of a business understanding and managing its impacts and dependencies on the natural world.
Research
9 December 2023

Our commitment to nature: Supporting biodiversity and sustainable land use through engagement

Federated Hermes
This paper outlines Federated Hermes' expectations and engagement priorities for sectors characterised by having high biodiversity impacts and dependencies. These include consumer goods and retail, agrochemicals, mining and materials, oil and gas, utilities, real estate and construction, and finance.
Research
2 February 2021

Financing the nature-positive transition: Understanding the role of banks, investors and insurers

World Economic Forum
This CEO brief by the WEF focuses on the business case for nature, highlighting the importance of integrating nature into financial decision-making to achieve sustainable economic growth and biodiversity conservation.
Research
2 July 2024

Financing for regenerative agriculture

Transformational Investing in Food Systems (TIFS)
This report outlines the urgent need to shift from conventional agricultural practices to regenerative agriculture to address the significant negative impacts of current agrifood systems. It provides a detailed analysis of the funding gaps, investment opportunities, and the economic and environmental benefits of transitioning to regenerative practices.
Research
12 June 2024

Building transition: Financing market transition

Green Building Council of Australia
The report outlines a framework for decarbonising and enhancing resilience in the built environment. It emphasises sustainable finance, improving low-performing buildings, and adapting to climate risks. Key strategies include evolving taxonomies, defining credible pathways, and addressing broader resilience, urging inclusive, scalable investments to achieve global sustainability goals.
Research
8 November 2024

Financing transformations: A guide to green building for green bonds and green loans

Green Building Council of Australia
The report provides a guide to sustainable finance in the real estate sector, focusing on green building projects eligible for green bonds and loans. It details key principles, certification frameworks like BREEAM and LEED, and sustainable finance's role in addressing climate action, resource efficiency, and social impact.
Research
4 November 2024

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

Green Building Council of Australia

Other Industry / Sector Specific Groups & Sponsored Organisations
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is dedicated to transforming the built environment into a sustainable, healthy, and resilient sector. GBCA drives environmental best practices through certifications like Green Star, education programs, and advocacy. Explore their initiatives to advance sustainable communities, reduce carbon emissions, and shape Australia’s sustainable building future.
Organisation
3 research items

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
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