Library | Sustainable Finance Practices
Active ownership
Active ownership is a component of effective stewardship. Guidance on how investors can influence investee, borrower or policyholder behaviour through active ownership, including proxy voting and engagement on ESG issues, fostering long-term value creation.
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Engaging the ICT sector on human rights: Artificial intelligence-based technologies
This report examines the human rights risks associated with artificial intelligence in the ICT sector. It offers guidance for rights-respecting AI development, outlines regulatory frameworks, presents the business rationale for ethical AI, and supports investor engagement with practical tools and questions for assessing AI-related corporate practices
Starting up: Responsible investment in venture capital
This report examines how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are being adopted in venture capital. It outlines current practices, challenges, and industry-specific considerations, and highlights the need for tailored guidance, collaboration, and early-stage engagement to advance responsible investment across the venture capital ecosystem.
Reducing animal testing in the health sector through strategic investment: Guide for investors
The report outlines how strategic investment can reduce animal testing in the health sector. It provides investors with guidance on promoting transparency, encouraging non-animal methods, and influencing regulation, while highlighting the risks of limited disclosure and misalignment with consumer concerns.
The visibility of climate-related disclosures by large Australian companies
This study examines the visibility of climate-related disclosures in reports from 28 large Australian ASX50 firms during 2022. It finds that disclosures on physical climate risks are generally limited and superficial, whereas opportunities from the transition to a low-carbon economy are more prominently highlighted, indicating selective disclosure practices across sectors.
War and sanctions database
The War and Sanctions portal, managed by Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, is an open-access database detailing individuals, entities, and assets linked to Russia’s military activities. It supports due diligence and compliance efforts by providing verified information on sanctions, war-related logistics, and foreign components in weaponry.
Find it, fix it, prevent it: Modern slavery report 2024
CCLA’s 2024 report outlines investor-led efforts to address modern slavery through corporate engagement, policy advocacy, and improved data. Key sectors include construction and agriculture. Progress was made via benchmarking and collaborative initiatives, though disclosure and remedy remain limited. EU legislation and stakeholder coordination are driving further momentum.
PRI's resolution database
The PRI Resolution Database provides information on shareholder resolutions, management proposals, and votes, aiming to enhance transparency in shareholder advocacy and proxy voting. It includes details on ESG themes, proposal statuses, and allows PRI signatories to pre-declare voting intentions.
CIM's impact report 2024
CIM’s FY2024 Impact Report details investments in social and affordable housing, disability accommodation, and carbon farming. The portfolio supported 260 homes, 114 SDA dwellings, and biodiversity-focused climate projects, while applying rigorous impact measurement. The report reflects lessons from emerging sectors and First Nations partnerships.
Conscious Investment Management
Conscious Investment Management is an Australian impact investment firm focused on generating measurable social and environmental outcomes. Its portfolio includes social and affordable housing, Specialist Disability Accommodation, renewable energy, carbon farming, and social impact bonds. CIM collaborates with not-for-profits and community housing providers, aligning investments with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Navigating portfolio exposure to conflict-affected and high-risk areas: Practical guidance for investor engagement with companies
This report offers practical guidance for investors engaging companies on managing conflict-affected and high-risk area (CAHRA) exposure. It highlights legal obligations, best practices in heightened human rights due diligence, and governance strategies, drawn from pilot dialogues with tech and renewable energy firms. Recommendations target risk mitigation aligned with global standards.
Heartland Initiative
Heartland Initiative is a nonprofit investor advisory organisation dedicated to advancing human rights in investment. It collaborates with institutional investors, civil society, and policymakers to address systemic risks and promote responsible investment practices. Heartland offers tailored learning services and fosters environments that integrate human rights considerations into business strategies.
UNEP FI's human rights screening and risk assessment: investment and lending operations
The UNEP FI Human Rights Screening and Risk Assessment tool provides financial institutions with a structured framework to identify and evaluate human rights risks at both portfolio and transaction levels. It aligns with the UN Guiding Principles and OECD guidance, promoting integration of human rights considerations into investment and lending operations.
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.