Shaping the Future of Sustainable Finance
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ISF at Canada Climate Week Xchange
Join ISF and partners this November as we take part in Canada Climate Week Xchange 2026, a coast-to-coast series of in-person and virtual gatherings focused on addressing our country’s unique climate-related challenges. For details visit ISF's Events page.
Balancing energy investments with climate commitments: BNN
On BNN Bloomberg, ISF Research Fellow Paul Calluzzo discusses his research showing how Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest shareholder, uses its influence to make progress on climate change.
Canadian investors reward top-rated sustainable funds with higher inflows: ISF research
New ISF research shows investors significantly favour mutual funds with the highest ESG ratings in Canada, particularly growth-oriented funds — a pattern that differs from U.S. investor behaviour. These results suggest that ratings can influence capital allocation and incentivize Canadian asset managers to improve their portfolios’ sustainability characteristics.
The state of cleantech venture capital
ISF research shows a sharp drop in Canadian venture capital financing to the clean technologies that will power a prosperous low-carbon future. Our panel discussed the new VC models that will further spark cleantech innovation, and how to scale-up financing to help promising firms grow in Canada.
Canadian climate governance under pressure
This webinar explored how a powerful anti-ESG backlash in the U.S. spilled over into Canada, and how Canadian investors and corporate directors can remain resilient to political and legal pressures while managing climate risk.
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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
Climate Risk, Political Shifts and ESG: How firms and nations navigate uncertainty
There has been a big shift in political discussions around environmental, social and governance factors in investing, particularly in the U.S. While this will have an impact on firms’ decision-making, companies also know they can’t ignore the longer-term risks of climate change. And other nations are taking a similar approach, investing their sovereign wealth in industries that will be resilient for generations.
Learn more with this interview from Smith Business Insight featuring Paul Calluzzo, ISF Research Fellow and Associate Professor & Toller Family Fellow of Finance, Smith School of Business, Queen’s University.
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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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