Library | ESG issues

Targets & Accountability

Targets and accountability are essential for ensuring organisations and governments follow through on commitments to sustainability, climate action, and social responsibility. Setting measurable and transparent targets such as net-zero goals, emissions reductions, diversity benchmarks, and human rights protections allows for tracking progress and holding entities accountable. Clear, data-driven targets strengthen stakeholder trust and help align financial and business strategies with long-term sustainability objectives.

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Who pays for sustainability? An analysis of sustainability-linked bonds

This paper analyses sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs), which tie bond coupons to sustainability performance targets. They find issuing an SLB yields an average premium of -9 basis points on the yield at issue compared to a conventional bond, and the savings for an issuer exceed the maximum penalty for failure to meet the target.
Research
9 February 2022

UN Environment Programme's adaptation gap report series

United Nations Environment Programme
The Adaptation Gap Report series provides yearly updates on global progress in climate change adaptation. It assesses the status of adaptation planning, implementation, and finance, highlighting the increasing gap between the need for adaptation and the actions taken.
Benchmark/series

'Signals of seriousness' for human rights due diligence

Shift
This discussion draft proposes a list of "signals of seriousness" that could inform administrative assessments of companies' HRDD efforts under potential EU legislation. The document provides comprehensive guidance on human rights and environmental due diligence and highlights key features of HRDD practices, offering critical insights to regulators seeking to enforce the proposed legislation.
Research
5 February 2021

Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials

Finance Industry Groups
The Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) is a collaborative initiative dedicated to standardising carbon accounting in the financial sector. Visit them to access resources and tools that enable financial institutions to measure and disclose their carbon impact, fostering a sustainable and transparent approach to environmental responsibility.
Organisation
1 research item

Danu Insight

Commercial Research Providers
Danu Insight is a leading authority on corporate climate lobbying, unravelling the truth behind companies' climate action claims and lobbying practices. Their AI-driven approach delivers transparent insights, empowering investors to align with authentic sustainability.
Organisation
1 research item

Toward a G20 framework for artificial intelligence in the workplace

Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
This report advocates for creating a high-level, G20 framework using a set of principles for the introduction and management of big data and AI in the workplace. The paper identifies main issues and suggests two paths towards adoption.
Research
29 June 2018

Top 10 principles for ethical artificial intelligence

UNI Global Union
This report provides 10 principles for ethical artificial intelligence. From transparency in decision-making to ensuring a just transition and support for fundamental freedoms and rights, the report aims to empower workers and maintain a healthy balance of power in the workplace.
Research
16 November 2017

Montreal declaration for a responsible development of artificial intelligence

This report outlines a framework for responsible development of artificial intelligence. It provides principles that should guide ethical use of AI for the well-being of sentient beings, respect for autonomy, protection of privacy and intimacy, solidarity, democratic participation, equity, diversity inclusion, caution, responsibility, and sustainable development.
Research
10 July 2019

Ethics guidelines for trustworthy AI

European Commission
The European Commission's AI High-Level Expert Group has released their Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI. The report provides a framework for creating lawful, ethical, and robust AI systems throughout the system's life cycle. The guidelines focus on respect for human autonomy, prevention of harm, fairness, and explicability.
Research
8 April 2019

AI policy principles

Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)
This report outlines the responsibility of industry and governments in promoting responsible development and use of artificial intelligence. The policy principles focus on the integration of principles into the design of AI technologies, investment in AI research and development, and collaboration through public-private partnerships.
Research
25 October 2017

B Lab

Other Industry / Sector Specific Groups & Sponsored Organisations
B Lab is a non-profit organisation driving the B Corp movement globally. They empower businesses to balance profit and purpose through B Corp certification, encouraging ethical practices. Explore their impact assessments and join a community committed to positive social and environmental impact in the business world.
Organisation
1 research item

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Government Sponsored / Multilateral Organisations
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a U.S. federal agency dedicated to advancing innovation and industrial competitiveness by promoting measurement standards and technology. NIST conducts research, develops standards, and provides guidance to support various sectors, fostering technological excellence and economic growth. Explore their contributions to science, technology, and industry.
Organisation
2 research items

Transformational Investing in Food Systems (TIFS)

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
TIFS is a network of investors and others who are interested in regenerative agriculture. The organization works to connect investors with businesses that are working to improve the food system. TIFS also shares information and resources with its members.
Organisation
2 research items

An equitable energy allowance for all: Pathways for a below 2◦ C-compliant global buildings sector

The article asserts that building energy codes must be derived from global climate change targets. Thus, an innovate global Building Stock Energy Model is developed to determine the required energy efficiency levels for building stocks of 138 countries in alignment with the Paris Agreement’s below 2°C climate change scenario.
Research
21 November 2022

Aggregate confusion: the divergence of ESG ratings

MIT Sloan School of Management
The research investigates the disagreement in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings between rating providers. Three factors are identified: measurement divergence, scope divergence and weight divergence. The paper argues for a standardisation of ESG indicators and measurement procedures to reduce the discrepancy in ESG ratings.
Research
15 August 2019

Driving improvements in modern slavery reporting: The role for Australian investors

ISS
Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018 (MSA) was intended to create a race to the top among Australian companies in addressing modern slavery disclosure. The response from corporate Australia is lagging, however. This research on disclosures under the MSA identifies three key gaps in S&P/ASX 300 modern slavery reporting and performance.
Research
3 February 2022
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