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Sustainable finance provides benefits for business and the planet. Find out what it is, why it matters, and how to get beyond the talk.
Sustainable Finance
Money can be a force for good.
“Sustainable finance” involves the fundamental elements of the regular finance field: capital allocation, investing, diversification, risk sharing, and value maximization. But it puts a sustainable spin on these concepts – aiming to leverage financial systems to build a better world.
Sustainable finance has tremendous potential. Financial markets are meant to connect those who have capital to those who need capital, in order to help the economy and society thrive, explains Ivey Professor Diane-Laure Arjaliès. “Many investors want to put their financial power at the service of organizations that participate in building sustainable and long-term growth.”
But the sustainable finance landscape is a turbulent one. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) investments are increasing, but standards are confusing and charges of “greenwashing” are widespread. Investors, companies, and regulators are working toward greater clarity.
NBS helps businesses make sense of this journey. This page aims to help you navigate a range of sustainable finance resources by connecting articles to key questions – taking you on a knowledge journey through sustainable finance in business.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, try the search bar, resource library, or contacting NBS.
Table of Contents
What is Sustainable Finance?
Understand what sustainable finance means and read about real-world examples that illustrate the intersection of finance and sustainability.
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Accountants are leading sustainability efforts at the highest levels of organizations. Their rigor transforms sustainability management.
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Impact investing connects financial markets with the real economy. It’s relevant for investors, fundraisers, or any organization that seeks capital.
The Business Case for Sustainability
Explore key research findings and practical tips on how sustainable finance can help businesses reduce costs, boost revenues, and secure long-term success.
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Companies that integrate sustainability into core business strategy financially outperform firms that don’t. Five key traits drive these benefits.
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NBS presents the top eight most critical research findings on the relationship between corporate social performance and corporate financial performance.
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If your firm is struggling to justify its sustainable activities, you'd better keep at least one aspect in good standing: your behaviour.
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Discover six mechanisms by which corporate social responsibility drives a firm's financial performance.
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Natural areas dramatically reduce property damage from extreme weather. New research shows the financial benefits.
How to Finance Sustainability Action
CAchieving sustainability goals requires strategic financial planning. Discover practical insights on financing your sustainability strategy and reducing environmental costs through sustainable finance.
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Impact investing and green bonds can fuel your company’s sustainability action.
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Companies want to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. Caroline Flammer’s work shows how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can help.
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Research shows how your firm's comprehensive environmental risk management strategy can reduce cost of capital and increase opportunity for debt financing.
Engaging in Sustainability Reporting
Across the globe, countries are making sustainability reporting mandatory. Discover how businesses can prepare, avoid errors in reporting, and enhance the credibility of their sustainability efforts.
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The corporate reporting landscape can be overwhelming. This article describes key types of annual reports and advice for choosing among them.
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Carbon reporting is becoming mandatory for many companies. Find out how your can get ready to disclose its carbon emissions and policies.
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Carbon reporting isn’t a perfect system. But it can help you to lower climate-related financial risk, spur innovation and reduce emissions.
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To address climate change, we need to measure carbon emissions accurately and hold companies accountable for emissions commitments.
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CSR reporting has become the norm for any company committed to responsible business practice. But, when done incorrectly, reporting can do more harm than good.
Can Sustainability Improve Stock Market Performance?
Sustainability efforts can reduce your company’s financial risk and boost its long-term value. Learn how sustainable practices can enhance stock market stability and performance.
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Regulations cause polluting companies to lose investors, new research shows.
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Firms that appear environmentally responsible experience lower stock market risk. This study offers firms a clear motivation for acting responsibly.
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A good CSR strategy acts as a buffer for depreciating share prices during market turmoil.
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Filter Our Resources
All Sustainable Finance Resources
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A new impact bond improved local biodiversity and supported Indigenous rights. However, for impact at scale, the financial system needs serious reform.
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When a firm loses money because of climate change, so does its investors. New research shows how investors can lower climate risk and improve impact.
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Green bonds can be a good place to start with sustainable finance. But they have limits, too. Here’s what they offer issuers, investors, and the planet.
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Indigenous insights show how to advance all forms of development, from the economic to the social. A project in Aotearoa/New Zealand shares lessons.