Library | ESG issues

Social

The social pillar in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) assesses a organisation’s impact on people and society. It covers labour practices, diversity and inclusion, human rights and community engagement. Prioritising social responsibility not only benefits society but also mitigates risks, strengthens reputation, and creates long-term value for businesses and investors.

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Do androids dream of responsible investment? Exploring responsible investment in the age of information

ShareAction
This report provides insight into the emerging responsible investment risks surrounding technology. The report covers four key areas of concern; bias and discrimination, manipulation and influencing behaviour, big tech and market dominance, and automation and the future of work, alongside case studies and recommended questions for asset owners.
Research
16 April 2020

Enabling FPIC through voluntary standards: An ISEAL innovations fund project

Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB)
This report explores ways to enable Free, Prior, and Informed Consent through voluntary standards. It reviews existing literature and provides a framework for companies and assurance providers to verify and monitor successful implementation of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent from the perspective of affected communities.
Research
4 October 2018

Authentic sustainability assessment: A user manual for the sustainable development performance indicators

United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)
This report provides guidelines for organisations to measure their sustainability performance and report effectively. The document presents indicators for three areas: economy, society, and environment; these are divided into tiers. It also developed a two-tier framework that uses 61 indicators to assess sustainability performance and progress at an organisational level.
Research
12 November 2022

Education - learning for Life: Why enterprise L&D is the next frontier In global education

Citi
This report examines the growing importance of Learning & Development (L&D) programmes for businesses. It highlights the increasing recognition of L&D as a strategic investment, particularly for upskilling and reskilling employees to address the skills gap. The report also explores the challenges in L&D implementation, such as low employee engagement and vendor satisfaction, and offers insights into the future of corporate L&D, including trends in digitalisation and budget growth.
Research
10 November 2021

Disrupting privilege as power and control: Re-imagining business and the appreciation of Indigenous stewardship in management education curricula

This report explores privilege's systemic connection to mainstream management education and proposes how engaging with Indigenous stewardship can tackle this. Using a case study of stewardship's implementation in a Master of Commerce program, educators can contribute to literature on re-imagining business and create better future business leaders.
Research
2 June 2022

Facilitating a circular economy for textiles workshop report

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
This report provides insights on the current status of circularity in the textile industry including waste generation, social and environmental impact, raw material use, and data challenges. The report highlights research needs, boundary-spanning tools, and standards to facilitate a circular economy.
Research
9 May 2022

A roadmap for Australian investors: How to invest to achieve gender equity, racial equity, diversity and inclusion

Impact Investing Australia
This a guide to help investors achieve gender equity, racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. This report presents qualitative and quantitative analyses from surveys of key Australian impact investing actors, virtual interviews with identified key informants, and a focused narrative literature review of contemporary global gender lens investing practice.
Research
27 March 2022

Clean energy negotiations guide for First Nations

First Nations Clean Energy Network
This guidebook provides insights for First Nations communities in Australia to negotiate clean energy projects with companies seeking to establish projects on their land. The guide covers steps to prepare, the unity of representation, access to expert advice, negotiations, and the benefits and opportunities for First Nations people.
Research
3 November 2022

Electric vehicle fleets: An impact opportunity for investors

ShareAction
This report makes the case for electric vehicle fleets as an important opportunity for investors. It outlines the potential financial incentives, risks and benefits, and impact on the environment, economy, and society. The report also includes recommendations for investor engagement with EV adoption.
Research
19 December 2019

Dhawura Ngilan: A vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage in Australia

Heritage Chairs and Officials of Australia and New Zealand
Dhawura Ngilan (Remembering Country) is a vision statement outlining aspirations for the protection, preservation, and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage in Australia. The report emphasises the importance of Indigenous communities' involvement in heritage management and calls for consistent policies and legislation across jurisdictions.
Research
12 May 2021

The debt-fossil fuel trap: Why debt is a barrier to fossil fuel phase-out and what we can do about it

Debt Justice
This paper explores the links between indebtedness and fossil fuel exploitation in developing countries. The briefing concludes with recommendations for achieving debt justice, preserving the environment, and tackling climate change.
Research
2 August 2023

Are pharma companies addressing sexual and reproductive health access barriers for women and girls?

Access to Medicine Foundation
This report examines the role of pharmaceutical companies in addressing access barriers hindering women and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) globally. It assesses their research on new SRHR medicines and products, pricing strategies, company capacity building efforts, and inclusive business models.
Research
12 February 2022

Chapter Zero New Zealand Board Toolkit

Chapter Zero New Zealand
This toolkit is published to provide tools, support, and encouragement to prioritise climate change on boards and within organisations. The resource outlines 5 steps to ensure boards are well-equipped to address climate change, with relevant industry sector case studies.
Research
28 March 2023

Making change: What works?

Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)
This paper investigates to understand what makes social movements successful in creating change. The report concludes that having more and better evidence is crucial to encourage change, but evidence alone will not secure change. Instead, social movements must change the hearts and minds of the public and increase the power of those who stand to benefit from change.
Research
16 November 2021

Who cares wins: Connecting financial markets to a changing world

United Nations Global Compact
The report outlines recommendations by leading financial institutions for integrating environmental, social, and governance factors in financial analysis and investment decisions. Produced under the auspices of the United Nations Global Compact, this report reflects the commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainable development by twenty endorsing institutions.
Research
27 December 2004

Diversity washing

European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI)
This paper investigates the phenomenon of "diversity washing," whereby companies appear to prioritise diversity and inclusion (DEI) in their public discourse to a greater degree than their internal practices suggest. The authors use an empirical approach to evaluate the prevalence and effectiveness of this phenomenon.
Research
30 December 2023
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