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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Nature risk rising: Why the crisis engulfing nature matters for business and the economy

World Economic Forum
This report is for policymakers, companies, investors and civil societies seeking to address the growing nature crisis, as it provides the economic and social impact of biodiversity on businesses. The report also calls for a change in policies and practices that drive current growth models.
Research
17 January 2020

The biomass blind spot

ShareAction
This report highlights the financial and reputational risks associated with the biomass power sector's impact on climate change. The report provides recommendations for investors and banks engaged with the sector, including not providing financial support for new biomass power infrastructure.

Research
7 February 2019

Reinventing capitalism: A transformation agenda

World Business Council for Sustainable Development
This issue brief by World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) explores the need for a reinvented capitalism that prioritises true value over value extraction. It examines the unsustainable outcomes of contemporary capitalism and presents a transformation agenda to help steer businesses towards a sustainable global economy.
Research
10 November 2020

A pilot study on systems thinking in asset management

Stockholm Environment Institute
This pilot study analyses systems thinking in sustainable finance from a multidimensional perspective, highlighting six key dimensions for investment and asset management to consider. The study reveals the challenges of applying such approaches in finance while emphasising the importance of understanding sustainability impacts on all levels.
Research
21 April 2023

Retiring oil and gas assets will have long-term financial and environmental impacts

Sustainable Fitch
Ageing oil and gas assets will have significant long-term financial and environmental impacts, with decommissioning costs rising steadily in coming decades. Asset retirement obligations could reach US$42 billion by 2024, posing considerable financial, logistical, and environmental challenges given limited financial assurance requirements, regulatory loopholes, and the complexity of decommissioning.
Research
13 January 2023

The third, systems stage of corporate governance: Why institutional investors need to move beyond modern portfolio theory

The authors of this paper argue that institutional investors need to move beyond Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT), and consider a wider risk management strategy. The paper outlines the potential failings of MPT and suggests ways for institutional investors to better align with the needs of society and the economy.
Research
1 February 2018

Prosperity without growth: The transition to a sustainable economy

The authors of this report argue that society's pursuit of economic growth has been detrimental to the environment and economic sustainability. The report challenges traditional thinking around the benefits of growth and argues for a new macro-economics for sustainability.
Research
27 March 2009

Shifting the financial system: Accelerating sustainable finance at banks

Climate Safe Lending Network
This report provides insights from banking professionals on accelerating sustainable finance amid the challenges and opportunities of the global climate crisis. It analyses the role of banks in fostering sustainability, providing capital to low-carbon solutions, and aligning with Paris Agreement targets. The report gives recommendations for addressing climate change.
Research
17 September 2023

Point of no return 2023: Part IV: Climate and biodiversity

ShareAction
This report assesses the climate and biodiversity policies and practices of 77 of the world’s largest asset managers, who collectively hold over $77 trillion in assets. The report finds that asset managers need stronger and more comprehensive net-zero targets, consistent with limiting biodiversity loss, and a greater focus on climate scenario analysis.
Research
2 June 2023

The dangers of buybacks: Mitigating common pitfalls

Focusing Capital on the Long Term Global
This report explores the rising trend of share buybacks, analysing their benefits and pitfalls. It offers practical tools, guidelines, and measures to mitigate the risks, improve transparency, and ensure buybacks match long-term company strategies.
Research
5 October 2020

G-20: Data enhancement and coordination in SME finance

The World Bank
This report examines small and medium enterprise finance indicators collected by development finance institutions. The analysis reveals the limits of SME finance data and underscores the need for better coordination and more gender-disaggregated data. Recommendations include a common collection approach and joint data-sharing of core indicators.
Research
23 April 2020

Inclusive business financing: Where commercial opportunity and sustainability converge

Credit Suisse
This report explores how best to finance inclusive businesses, which have gained prominence for reducing poverty and inequality in developing countries. Drawing on case studies from across Asia, it examines bank debt and private equity as conduits for financing, and offers recommendations for improving the financing of inclusive businesses.
Research
12 June 2018

Toward ESG alpha: Analyzing ESG exposures through a factor lens

This paper investigates the relationship between environmental, social and governance (ESG) exposures and factor returns for 1,312 US equity mutual funds. The study suggests that factor tilts, rather than pure ESG considerations, drive factor returns. ESG components unrelated to factors carry insignificant excess return premiums that are economically small.
Research
26 October 2020

Aligning to a net zero pathway: Top tips for pension scheme trustees

Accounting for Sustainability (A4S)
This report provides practical insights for pension scheme trustees in aligning their investments with a net zero pathway. The guide's tips are broadly applicable to pension funds across the globe. It defines "net zero," the challenges and opportunities facing trustees, and the importance of stakeholder engagement in crafting a successful transition.
Research
15 October 2021

A toolbox of sustainable crisis response measures for central banks and supervisors – second edition: Lessons from practice

Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment
This report is a toolbox of options for central banks and supervisors to align crisis response measures with climate and sustainability objectives. The second edition includes an extended analysis of sustainability-linked measures. It also highlights the importance of moving from voluntary to mandatory environmental reporting and recommends efficient disclosure to regulated financial institutions.
Research
1 November 2020

Financing a greener planet: Catalysing private capital for a net zero emissions world

Citi
This report provides an overview of the private capital markets and their potential to fund a greener planet. It explores the increasing interest in ESG investing and the significant role that investors can play in delivering a net-zero emissions world, specifically focusing on sustainable agriculture, clean energy, and transportation.
Research
22 February 2021
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