Library | ESG issues
Law, Regulation & Compliance
The evolving legal and regulatory landscape financial organisations regarding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations comprises both voluntary frameworks and mandatory regulations. Voluntary initiatives, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), provide guidelines for companies to disclose climate-related financial risks and opportunities. In contrast, mandatory regulations like the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) require financial market participants to disclose how they integrate ESG factors into their investment decisions.
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Investor toolkit on human rights and armed conflict: Managing human rights impacts and international humanitarian law implications before, during and after armed conflicts arise
This investor toolkit provides guidance on managing human rights and international humanitarian law (IHL) risks before, during, and after armed conflicts. It helps investors identify and address these risks in their portfolios, ensuring compliance with legal obligations and promoting responsible investment practices.
Bridging ESG silos: The intersection of climate change and modern slavery
This briefing for investors examines the intersection of climate change and modern slavery. It details how environmental and social risks are interconnected and can materially affect a company's long-term profitability. The report provides case studies and tools to help investors identify, assess, and respond to these risks in their portfolios.
Australian Social Impact Investing Taskforce: A Commonwealth strategy to build a mature and self-sustaining social impact investing market that improves the lives of vulnerable Australians
The report details a strategy to support early-stage social enterprises and foster growth in social impact investment (SII) opportunities. The report explores four action areas for government and stakeholders to accelerate SII growth and improve social impact measurement.
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.
Impact in place: Emerging sources of community investment capital and strategies to direct it at scale
This report presents emerging sources of capital for community investing through corporations, client solutions and community-driven investing. The report discusses how this field could shape the future of community investment.
Time to accelerate: Capital mobilisation for the SDGs in emerging markets
This progress report details two years of capital mobilisation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in emerging markets. It highlights the need for government and private investors to take action if the SDG financing gap is to be closed, and outlines strategies for scaling private investment and reducing investment risks.
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.
Rate the raters 2023: ESG ratings at a crossroads
This report explores the current landscape of ESG ratings. Investors are the primary customers for ESG ratings products and drivers of their evolution. Fifty-two percent of corporates and fifty-nine percent of investors have moderate trust that ESG ratings accurately reflect ESG performance.
Investing in the laws of war: International humanitarian law and the financial sector
The article reviewed the extent to which the country's financial sector incorporates IHL and conflict-related considerations in investment and operational decision-making. Findings from the unpublished confidential report reveal a lack of IHL awareness and significant knowledge gaps, highlighting the need to embed IHL into corporate policies and practices.
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.
The Passives Problem and Paris goals: How index investing trends threaten climate action
This report sheds light on the Passives Problem, highlighting the dangers of an excessively passive investment market. It argues that this trend is hindering progress on mitigating climate change and exacerbating the risks of market instability. The report suggests possible solutions to the problem and examines how investors can align with climate action.
Beyond compliance in the renewable energy sector: Assessing UK and Australian Modern Slavery Act statements
This report assesses the statements of 60 renewable energy companies under the UK and Australian Modern Slavery Acts, identifying their compliance gaps. Though most firms disclose their modern slavery policy, few extend it beyond tier one, limiting worker protection. The report calls for improved guidance, supply chain transparency, and stronger government enforcement measures.
Xinjiang supply chain business advisory addendum
This US Government advisory highlights continuing reports of forced labour and human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, and reminds businesses of their obligations under relevant US laws. The report contains information on risks in supply chains and implementation and enforcement of relevant laws.
Do socially responsible firms walk the talk?
This study evaluates U.S. firms that signed the Business Roundtable's stakeholder capitalism pledge. Despite claims of social responsibility, signatories performed worse on environmental, labor, and governance metrics than peers, both before and after signing. The results suggest these public commitments lacked substance and may have been strategic signaling.
The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) base code
This report describes the ETI Base Code, an internationally recognised code of good labour practice promoting ethical trade. Its nine standards aim to protect workers and prevent exploitation in global supply chains. The code is implemented by forward-thinking companies, trade unions, and NGOs to promote decent work.
The climate crisis is a child rights crisis: Introducing the Children's Climate Risk Index
The report highlights how one billion children are at extreme risk due to climate change with small island states and countries already facing existential threats. It is a call to action for businesses and governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and commit to sustainable practices.
