Library | ESG issues
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder engagement in sustainable finance ensures financial decision-making is informed by stakeholder perspectives, improving ESG risk management and responsible investment. Financial institutions, investors, and asset managers engage with communities, regulators, and civil society to assess material risks, enhance stewardship, and align capital flows with sustainability goals. Proactive engagement mitigates financial risks related to ESG issues, strengthens accountability, and supports regulatory compliance. It also creates investment opportunities in sustainable finance, including impact investing, climate transition funding, and nature-positive strategies.
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Risky business: How Australian financial institutions are managing nature-related risks and opportunities
This report assesses how ten banks and ten super funds in Australia are addressing nature-related risks and opportunities. It evaluates their strategies, risk management, target setting, and stakeholder engagement, highlighting areas of progress and identifying where further action is needed to mitigate financial risks associated with nature loss.
Broadening the horizon: How CFOs and finance functions can help drive corporate sustainability
This report discusses the increasing need for businesses to prioritise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. It highlights the evolving role of CFOs and finance functions in integrating sustainability into business strategies and decision-making processes due to their expertise in data analysis, risk management, and strategic planning.
Climate risk and adaptation in global food
The report outlines rising climate risks to global food supply chains, projecting up to $38 trillion in damages by 2050. It explores mitigation and adaptation strategies across crops, livestock, and fisheries, and highlights investor actions to build resilience, support sustainable practices, and adapt to shifting market, environmental, and regulatory conditions.
Addressing biodiversity risk and opportunity at PensionDanmark
PensionDanmark developed a biodiversity strategy targeting its real estate and infrastructure assets to mitigate nature loss. It employs data-led initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and nature-based solutions to protect and restore biodiversity, aligning with EU taxonomy and Science Based Targets for Nature. Implementation includes construction screening, sustainable sourcing, and performance monitoring.
A practitioner's perspective - from obstacles to outcomes: Enhancing effectiveness in stewardship and engagement
This report identifies barriers to effective investor stewardship and engagement, highlighting challenges such as unclear definitions, resource constraints, and ineffective reporting. It outlines practical solutions from WHEB, recommending clearer alignment of engagement objectives with client mandates and prioritising measurable outcomes over activity metrics to deliver long-term client value.
The purpose of investor stewardship
This paper critically examines investor stewardship, shifting from traditional shareholder-focused governance towards "enlightened stewardship." It advocates balancing fiduciary duties with broader societal and environmental considerations. Analysing the evolution of the UK Stewardship Code, it highlights a systemic shift to integrate sustainability and stakeholder concerns alongside financial returns for long-term value creation.
Closing the gap: Investing in natural capital to meet the SDGs
The report analyses the investment required to address the natural capital gap for achieving Sustainable Development Goals in 40 countries, finding that investing US$7.4 trillion could generate returns exceeding US$152 trillion, greatly benefiting air quality, human health, ecosystems, and reducing premature deaths and resource depletion globally.
Investing in a pollution free ocean
The report explores how ocean pollution poses financial, legal and reputational risks to businesses, particularly land-based sectors. It identifies data gaps as a barrier to effective decision-making and highlights opportunities in green chemistry, data innovation and sustainable finance. It recommends integrating ocean health into corporate and financial strategies.
Between impact and returns: Private investors and the sustainable development goals
Wealthy private investors increasingly align their portfolios with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), seeking both measurable impact and financial returns. Investors favour SDGs linked to higher expected profits, leading to underinvestment in less profitable goals. Findings are based on portfolio data, surveys, and interviews with 60 high-net-worth individuals.
Understanding company-community relations toolkit
This toolkit provides a structured approach for companies to understand the basis for community support and how to measure perceptions of support. It enables companies to identify the reasons why community support may be lacking at a project or operation and develop targeted approaches for improving company-community relationships.
First Nations Cultural Heritage Alliance
First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance (FNHPA) is a national coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations dedicated to strengthening laws, policies, and procedures for recognising, respecting, protecting, and celebrating First Nations cultural heritage in Australia. FNHPA collaborates with government and industry to modernise protections and promote best practices in cultural heritage management.
First Nations investment screening approach
This document provides a clear and concise example of how to screen investments for potential financed impacts to Indigenous Peoples, including both positive and negative impacts. The screening approach described was developed in consultation with First Nations representatives.
Australian Impact Investments (Aii)
Australian Impact Investments (Aii) is a specialist asset consulting firm dedicated to mobilising capital for positive social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. Established in 2014, Aii collaborates with charitable trusts, foundations, family offices, wealth advisors, and institutions, offering bespoke impact strategies, rigorous investment analysis, and comprehensive portfolio management. With a focus on responsible investing, Aii assists clients at every stage of their impact journey.
Investor expectations for corporate just transition planning
The report outlines investor expectations for corporate just transition planning, offering a framework for assessing companies' strategies in transitioning to a net zero economy. It highlights key principles, including stakeholder engagement, economic stability, and social equity. Investors are advised to evaluate transparency, governance, and worker support measures to ensure responsible and sustainable corporate transitions.
Storm clouds and silver linings: Long-term investing in an age of geopolitical uncertainty
The report explores the impact of geopolitical uncertainty on long-term investing, highlighting risks and opportunities for institutional investors. It emphasises the need for integrating geopolitical considerations into investment strategies, governance, and decision-making frameworks. The report provides practical tools for investors to assess geopolitical resilience, manage risks, and engage with stakeholders while balancing short-term pressures with long-term value creation.
Introducing a standardised framework for escalating engagement with companies
ShareAction’s report introduces a standardised escalation framework for investors to engage with companies on environmental and social issues. It outlines an escalation toolkit and pathway to ensure structured, transparent, and time-bound engagement. The framework aims to enhance investor accountability, drive systemic change, and improve corporate sustainability practices through clear expectations, reporting, and enforcement mechanisms.
