Shaping the Future of Sustainable Finance
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March 9: The continued and increasing ambition of climate-concerned asset owners
In the face of headline-grabbing pullbacks and withdrawals of climate ambition among some actors, a group of asset owners has continued and even increased climate investing commitments. In this session, they’ll share their rationale, and the approaches they are taking to achieve their goals.
The Canadian Sustainable Bond Market Report: Second Edition
Sustainable bonds in Canada saw a strong rebound in 2024 with a record $US25.08 billion in total issuance, up 68.5% year over year. Learn more with ISF’s annual analysis of market growth, use of proceeds, sector breakdowns, and policy recommendations to accelerate the market and mobilize investment toward environmental and social progress.
Why ESG-based pay often falls short — and how to fix it
When firms tie executive bonuses to environmental and social goals, they often assume that measurable targets will produce measurable impact. But poorly designed incentives can encourage ‘hitting the target while missing the point.’ Here’s how boards can design ESG-based pay systems that actually work.
It’s not just ESG — all U.S. shareholder rights are threatened: Bernard
ISF Research Fellow Julie Bernard writes in Corporate Knights that all shareholders should be concerned about efforts by U.S. lawmakers to restrict ESG initiatives that are “dismantling the very mechanisms that allow markets to function and shareholders to exercise their ownership rights."
Will financial markets follow Carney's lead?: Koskinen
Writing in The Globe and Mail, ISF Director of Research Yrjö Koskinen says the quiet of the markets has said more than the political applause about the chances for the Carney government's resource development agenda to succeed.
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Our Work
ISF’s research, commentary and events bring academic expertise to bear on the pressing issues facing government and private sector decision makers. The work of the institute covers four central themes of sustainable finance.
Capital Allocation and Transition Finance
Private capital has a vital role to play in financing the energy transition, and investments today in reducing carbon emissions pay off many times over in avoided costs from climate change. ISF’s work guides policy makers and investors to help ensure capital flows to the most impactful climate solutions across the Canadian economy.
Risk and Disclosures
Climate risk is a material business risk, and while progress has been made on corporate sustainability disclosures, data gaps and inconsistent reporting continue to hamper risk assessment and climate investment. ISF research builds the business case, gathers data, and educates issuers to help foster robust climate reporting practices.
Regulations and Standards
A fragmented policy framework creates barriers to unleashing climate capital. ISF has become an important voice, informing decision makers on refining standards and implementing regulation to align the finance sector with the low-carbon economy of the future.
Nature and Biodiversity
We are just beginning to understand the economic value of natural services, how much of business depends on nature, and the risk we face from biodiversity loss. With its research on nature valuation, and engagement on nature-related disclosures, ISF has been a leader in ensuring nature is on the agenda in Canadian boardrooms.
Research Fellows Program
Bridging the gap between the finance sector and academia
The ISF Research Fellows Program exists to foster collaboration between leading academics and industry experts. ISF’s Research Fellows generate practical, real-world solutions to achieve sustainable economic growth, influence global finance, and ensure that financial institutions are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of a low-carbon future.
Meet the Fellows
What is Sustainable Finance?
The Canadian Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance defines it as: capital flows, risk management activities, and financial processes that assimilate environmental and social factors as a means of promoting sustainable economic growth and the long-term sustainability of the financial system.
In its simplest form, this means aligning our financial systems and services to promote long-term environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. Learn more about Sustainable Finance through our Primer Series.
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To achieve our mission, we need collective action and support. Help us shape Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
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