Library | Sustainable Finance Practices
ESG strategy, analysis and integration
Tools and methodologies for embedding ESG considerations into investment strategy, analysis and decision-making, credit analysis, and insurance underwriting. These include applying different approaches, including positive and negative screening, ESG analysis and asset allocation.
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Wealthy private investors and socially responsible investing: The influence of reference groups
The study investigates how wealthy private investors engage with socially responsible investing (SRI) and how reference groups influence their investment behaviour. Qualitative data from 55 interviews with high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and industry experts show that while family members emphasize profit, fellow SRI-oriented HNWIs prioritise similarity and reputation.
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.
The hidden risk in state pensions: Analysing state pensions’ responses to the climate crisis in proxy voting
This report analyses the proxy voting strategies of 19 state pensions, as well as the five New York City Comptroller systems, managing over US$2 trillion in assets. Results reveal that most pensions failed to address climate-related financial risk, especially in areas such as lobbying, environmental justice, and Indigenous rights.
Increasing female participation on boards: Effects on sustainability reporting
This study explores the relationship between board gender diversity and sustainability reporting using data from 2,116 banks over a ten-year period. Results indicate that having 22–50% female board members positively affects ESG disclosure, but beyond 50%, negative effects appear. It suggests that banks should mandate quotas to promote sustainable disclosure.
Clearing the air: A case for investor action on air quality and a practical guide for getting started
This report summarises the health implications, financial risks, and actions investors and companies can take to reduce air pollution emit. It also highlights existing regulations across the world as well as upcoming sustainability reporting standards.
Deconstructing ESG ratings performance: Risk and return for E, S and G by time horizon, sector, and weighting
This article evaluates the relevance of key environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and the importance of their pillars regarding risk and return using a comprehensive analysis of market performance. It additionally compares the weighting and performance of each pillar and key ESG issues.
Building capacity for the Paris Agreement's Enhanced Transparency Framework: What can we learn from countries' experiences and UNFCCC processes?
This report outlines the necessity of capacity building to enhance transparency in the Paris Agreement. The report uses 13 case studies to highlight challenges in implementing transparency requirements and six lessons for effective capacity building. International initiatives and support programs are discussed to inform the construction of transparent and sustainable climate governance.
Energetics
Explore Energetics, a leading energy and carbon management consultancy with a wealth of experience. They provide strategic solutions for sustainable energy practices from carbon accounting to renewable energy advice.
The implications of AI across sectors and against 6 key ESG considerations
AI offers great positive impacts and risks. This report helps to understand the risks associated with developing and using AI tech. Scoping exercise identifies opportunities and threats across sectors. Six core ESG considerations including trust and security, data privacy, and sentience are evaluated for potential impact.
Safety by design: Investment checklist
This investment checklist is a concise guidance document, aimed at investors and venture capitalists considering whether to invest in tech companies. The checklist presents a 12-point criteria touching on design and provision of services, community guidance, safety reviews, user tools, and proactive steps to inform users about safety policies.
Rights-respecting investment in technology companies
This briefing highlights the potential human rights impact of technological advancements and the responsibility of institutional investors to mitigate these risks. Based on the UN Guiding Principles, investors should implement human rights policies, assess risks and divest from companies with inadequate human rights practices.
Investors' expectations on responsible artificial intelligence and data governance
This report outlines responsible AI and data governance principles and engagement framework for investors across multiple sectors. The six core principles aim to enhance machine learning, auditability, explainability, and transparency, while taking into account legal, regulatory, ethical, and reputational risks.
IDEEA Group
IDEEA Group is a consultancy specialising in natural capital accounting, a method to measure the value of nature's benefits. They help businesses understand the environmental impact of their activities through data and scientific methods.
IBM Institute for Business Value
Explore valuable insights at the IBM Institute for Business Value. Uncover industry-leading research, reports, and perspectives on key business challenges. Navigate through thought-provoking analyses on topics like digital transformation, innovation, and emerging technologies. Elevate your business strategy with data-driven expertise from IBM, a global leader in technology and consulting.
ENCORE
ENCORE (Exploring Natural Capital Opportunities, Risks and Exposure) is a free, online tool that helps organisations explore their exposure to nature-related risk and take the first steps to understand their dependencies and impacts on nature.
Can ESG add alpha? An analysis of ESG tilt and momentum strategies
This research explores the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors on investment returns, focusing on ESG Tilt and ESG Momentum strategies. The study reveals that both strategies outperformed the global benchmark, providing empirical evidence that ESG factors can enhance portfolio performance.