Library | Sustainable Finance Practices

Fixing financial and economic systems

Resources aimed at transforming financial and economic systems to prioritise human well-being, equity, and environmental sustainability. These resources include tools, networks, and guidance on systemic changes such as systems thinking, degrowth, green growth, doughnut economics, decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, and adhering to limits to growth.

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Financing our future: Actions to scale up and accelerate the pace of change towards a more sustainable financial system

Accounting for Sustainability (A4S)
This report offers actionable recommendations to the world's finance sector. This report presents evidence on the importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria and outlines key actions for finance actors across numerous industries to advance toward a sustainable financial system.
Research
7 December 2018

Guidance for pursuing impact in listed equities: The GIIN's listed equities working group

Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN)
This paper provides guidance for impact investors to achieve positive outcomes in public markets through listed equities. This report offers key concepts, practical recommendations, and examples for managing listed equity portfolios. Investors will find insights for developing impact strategies that deliver measurable social and environmental impact and financial returns.
Research
1 April 2023

Why circular business models fail and what to do about it: A preliminary framework and lessons learned from a case in the European Union

Circular business models fail to scale due to cultural, regulatory, economic, and technical barriers. This report proposes a preliminary empirical framework for linking circular business models to specific barriers and offers four lessons for managerial strategies.
Research
22 June 2023

Investing in influence: Investors, portfolio firms, and political giving

Increased institutional ownership of US corporations has led to a discussion about the benefits and risks of asset management companies in control. This paper examines whether the political preferences of institutional investors affect the political contributions of portfolio firms. The results suggest that a large acquisition by an investor is associated with increased political giving by both the investor and acquired firm.
Research
17 January 2023

The climate benefits of plastic waste management in India and Southeast Asia: Investing in waste management and recycling solutions in India and Southeast Asia could reduce GHG emissions by 229 million tonnes by 2030

The Circulate Initiative
The Circulate Initiative's GHG calculator indicates that improved waste management and recycling could reduce GHG emissions by 229 million tonnes by 2030. Mismanaged plastic waste rates in six Southeast Asian countries range from 50% to 75%. This sector is crucial for transitioning to a low-carbon economy, attracting climate-focused investors.
Research
13 July 2023

Road to resilience: An investor action plan for an adaptive and sustainable economy

Investor Group on Climate Change
This paper presents a strategy to manage economic and environmental stability in response to physical climate risks. This aims to bring awareness and understanding of physical climate risks and highlights the importance of innovative solutions toward a sustainable low-carbon economy.
Research
17 August 2023

Queensland social enterprise strategy

Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (Queensland Government)
The Queensland Social Enterprise Strategy is a government initiative designed to drive economic and social growth through job creation, improved market access, and making connections in the social enterprise sector. The strategy highlights key areas of focus and outlines a range of actions to help Queensland social enterprises flourish.
Research
23 August 2019

Insurance regulation for sustainable development: Protecting human rights against climate risks and natural hazards

Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
This report argues that insurance regulation has a critical role to play in protecting human rights against climate risk and natural hazards. Among its recommendations, the report calls for the proper pricing of climate risks, broader coverage from insurance, and the alignment of investments with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Research
4 July 2015

FERC's failure to analyze energy market forces: Risks to ratepayers, landowners and the overall economy

Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA)
This report shows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is failing to analyse vital energy market forces that should underpin assessment of new interstate gas pipelines. The research shows FERC’s decisions regarding these pipelines can impose unjustified costs on captive customers in the form of expensive and long-term contracts, and harm landowners and the wider economy.
Research
16 December 2020

The Ramsey discounting formula for a hidden-state stochastic growth process

The paper highlights how the choice of an appropriate discount rate is a critical issue in economics, and arguably more so for projects involving long time horizons. In particular, environmental projects and activities whose effects will be felt in the future pose significant challenges. The paper models such challenges as an evolving hidden-state stochastic process.
Research
7 June 2012

The material footprint of nations

This research paper explores consumption-based indicators of resource use, asserting that developed countries have increased the use of natural resources at a slower rate than economic growth, but this is untrue. Material Footprint (MF) uncovers the full material requirements of nations, offering insights into actual resource productivity.
Research
19 May 2015

Transition risks in the automotive sector

Kepler Cheuvreux
This report analyses the potential valuation of BMW, Daimler, and Volkswagen under two different climate change scenarios and pathways. The study reveals insights for equity analysis and company engagement with sensitivity to regional and technological factors. Authors present a warning not to see findings as investment recommendations or forecast.
Research
2 August 2018

Beyond diversity: Equity and inclusion as an overlooked opportunity for investors

Regnan
This report argues that equity and inclusion, rather than diversity alone, are key drivers of business performance. It outlines organisational practices and leadership behaviours that foster inclusion, enabling diverse talent to contribute fully. Investors are encouraged to prioritise structural inclusion metrics over representational data for meaningful performance insights.
Research
27 July 2021

The importance of resource security for poverty eradication

This report analyses the impact of resource scarcity on national economies and poverty. It found that 72% of the world’s population live in countries with biocapacity deficits and below-average income, creating an ecological poverty trap. Biological resource security is crucial for development success.
Research
26 April 2021

Rethinking impact to finance the SDGs

United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
This paper examines the financing gap for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and proposes new innovative solutions for stakeholders, including the need for stronger integrated planning, strategic thinking and policy integration to meet the US$5-7tn annual financing requirement.
Research
8 November 2018

A4S essential guide to incentivizing action along the value chain

Accounting for Sustainability (A4S)
This is a practical guide for finance teams to collaborate with their value chains and promote sustainability. The guide delves into mapping the value chain, prioritising areas of action, incentivising action, and provides useful tips, resources, and a checklist.
Research
21 September 2022
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