Shaping the Future of Sustainable Finance
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Jan. 21 in Kingston, An Afternoon With Catherine McKenna: Run Like a Girl
ISF and the Smith School of Business Research Office are proud to host an inspiring afternoon with the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Canada’s former Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister of Infrastructure, in conversation with the Honourable Bob Rae, Matthews Faculty Fellow in Global Public Policy at the Queen’s School of Policy Studies. This in-person event will be held at Goodes Hall in Kingston.
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.
Is it easier being green? U.S. firms are retreating on DEI, holding steady on environment
The U.S. has seen a nationwide shift in the political and regulatory environment surrounding ESG, but how do industry executives really view these changes? New ISF research examines the language of U.S. corporate filings and reveals divergent paths for management priorities on DEI and the environment.
Australian example can help Canada fight greenwashing without chilling climate investment
Canada’s anti-greenwashing amendments to the Competition Act have caused confusion in the marketplace and litigation risk for firms. A new Analysis from the Institute for Sustainable Finance shows how Australia’s approach could be a model for effective reforms to fight deceptive marketing, reduce litigation risk and support investment in climate action.
Federal budget announces key policies to guide climate investments
With today’s Budget, Canada’s federal government has announced the launch or resumption of key policies and programs that will continue to build Canada’s sustainable finance infrastructure and move the country in the right direction to compete for global climate capital.
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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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