Digital library on sustainable finance
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To provide an orientation framework for these and other questions, an interdisciplinary working group has developed the Swiss Foundation Code. It is a self-regulatory and application-oriented tool. First published in 2005 and supplemented with a commentary in 2009, it is now completely revised in its third edition. Its 3 principles and 29 recommendations can be applied to all types and sizes of foundations.
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Der Swiss Foundation Code ist aus der Stiftungsbranche entstanden und wird von SwissFoundations getragen. Es handelt sich um ein selbstregulatorisches und anwendungsorientiertes Werkzeug. Im Jahr 2005 erstmals erschienen und 2009 mit einem Kommentar ergänzt, liegt er nun vollständig überarbeitet in der dritten Ausgabe vor. Seine allgemein formulierten 3 Grundsätze und 29 reich kommentierten Empfehlungen lassen sich auf alle Arten und Grössenordnungen von Stiftungen anwenden.
Der Swiss Foundation Code ist auf Deutsch, Französisch und Englisch beim Helbling Lichtenhahn Verlag Basel erhältlich.
Helbing Lichtenhahn, 2015
ISBN:978-3-7190-3584-6
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Swiss Foundation Code 2015 - DE
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The authors use historical analysis of multiple datasets to examine several approaches for introducing ESG factors into the investment process and assess their efficacy from a portfolio management perspective. Using three approaches (negative screening, stand-alone ESG inputs for stock selection and combining ESG information with traditional investment factors) across U.S. and European stock markets, the authors demonstrate that incorporating ESG factors into investment decisions enhances risk-adjusted returns.
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This study and the tool lay the foundation for linking financial sector decisions to deforestation and forest degradation. It aims to help financial institutions better understand the dependencies of soft commodity producers on forest ecosystems, and how their businesses affect these ecosystems. This, in turn, allows financial institutions to gain more insight into their own risks and opportunities.
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This document introduces the new Impact Investing Benchmark providing performance data on a quarterly basis. Initial findings show that private impact investment funds – specifically private equity and venture capital funds – that pursue social impact objectives have recorded financial returns in line with a comparative universe of funds that only pursue financial returns.
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This study is an empirical analysis of an institutional investor's proxy voting decisions involving dual board nominees and the impact on portfolio value.
It was demonstrated that SBA equity value linked to proxy contest holdings increased by $572 million (or $5.3 million per vote) in the five years after a contest is announced, during the study's time frame from 2006 through 2014.
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Valuing the Vote 2015: The Impact of Proxy Voting on SBA Portfolio Holdings - EN
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This report contains an overview of the current approaches and practices of 12 major European banks regarding the integration of environmental and social factors in commercial and investment banking activities.
The survey shows that while the identification and control of environmental and social issues in the core banking practices is becoming more common, the integration of sustainability criteria in lending and investment banking activities still requires significant improvement if banks aim to protect the value of their assets in the short and longer term.
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Ready or not? An assessment of sustainability integration in the European banking sector - EN
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This report identifies and explains certain barriers (specifically the often mandated local sourcing of jobs, components, or costs) that exist within the solar PV and wind-energy industry and provides policy makers with evidence to guide their decisions when designing clean-energy support policies.
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Overcoming Barriers to International Investment in Clean Energy - EN
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This report, focused on the BRICS countries, outlines what financial market regulations these emerging market policy-makers have introduced or are considering introducing to manage and mitigate environmental and social risks of investments.
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Financial market regulation for sustainable development in the BRICS countries - EN
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This study helps address the following investor questions:
- How big a risk/return impact could climate change have on a portfolio, and when might that happen?
- What are the key downside risks and upside opportunities, and how do investors manage these considerations to fit within their current investment process?
- What plan of action can ensure an investor is best positioned for resilience to climate change?
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Swiss team input into the UNEP Inquiry: Design of a Sustainable Financial System
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Swiss team input into the UNEP Inquiry: Design of a Sustainable Financial System - EN
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Annual report produced by FNG surveying sustainable investment in Switzerland across all asset classes and sustainability approaches.
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In der 7. Ausgabe der zRating Studie wurde die Corporate Governance von 165 Schweizer Publikumsgesellschaften anhand von 62 Kritieren analysiert.
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Wirkungsorientiertes Investieren (WI) bzw. Social Impact Investing (SII) umschreibt eine Möglichkeit für Anleger, zivilgesellschaftliche Verantwortung gezielt und mit messbaren Wirkungen durch ihre Kapitalanlagen wahrzunehmen. Die Studie stützt sich auf qualifizierte Interviews mit Vertretern von Stiftungen (17), mit Family Offices (18) sowie mit vermögenden Einzelpersonen, sog. High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) (15).
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On 1 April 2015, the Swiss Federal Council adopted a position paper on corporate social responsibility. It was prepared as part of an interdepartmental process under the aegis of SECO and based on a consultation between the various stakeholders. It has two main goals: 1. Informing companies and their stakeholders about the federal government’s goals and expectations as regards CSR; 2. Providing an overview of the government’s current and future CSR-related activities.
The CSR Position Paper sets out four strategic priorities for the federal government’s activities:
- Co-developing CSR framework conditions;
- Raising awareness among and supporting Swiss companies as they implement CSR;
- Promoting CSR in developing countries and transitional economies;
- Encouraging transparency in CSR activities.
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Position paper on corporate social responsibility (CSR) - DE
Position paper on corporate social responsibility (CSR) - FR
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ALFI published the third edition of the European Responsible Investing Fund Survey produced by KPMG. The survey covers the European responsible investment fund market as at 31 December 2014, including the size of the market, investment categories and the domicile of such funds.
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Based on more than 190 academic studies, industry reports, newspaper articles, and books, this meta-study showed three compelling arguments.
- 90% of the studies on the cost of capital show that sound sustainability standards lower the cost of capital of companies
- 88% of the research shows that solid ESG practices result in better operational performance of firms
- 80% of the studies show that stock price performance of companies is positively influenced by good sustainability practices
Based on more than 190 academic studies, industry reports, newspaper articles, and books, this meta-study showed three compelling arguments.
- 90% of the studies on the cost of capital show that sound sustainability standards lower the cost of capital of companies
- 88% of the research shows that solid ESG practices result in better operational performance of firms
- 80% of the studies show that stock price performance of companies is positively influenced by good sustainability practices
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This report provides an in-depth analysis of the impact investment intermediary landscape. Information on topics such as fundraising, fund activity, track record, social and environmental metrics, target returns and more are presented in the report.
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ImpactBase Snapshot: An Analysis of 300+ Impact Investing Funds - EN
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This report provides a snapshot of the global market in terms of volume, growth and practice at the start of 2014. It draws on data and insights provided by the members of the GSIA. Each of these members—Eurosif, US SIF, Responsible Investment Association Canada, ASrIA and Responsible Investment Association Australasia—offers in-depth reports that provide information and analysis, as well as examples, of sustainable investment within their markets.
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This report provides a framework for assessing the social impact investment market and focuses on the need to build the evidence base. The report highlights the importance of further international collaborations in developing global standards on definitions, data collection, impact measurement and evaluation of policies.
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An assessment of the contribution to green finance of the 32 largest banks and insurance companies in Europe revealed a mixed picture. The amount of classical green projects funded is increasing, but little transparency is given as to the carbon intensity and environmental risks of the total credit portfolios. (study in French)
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The Energy Efficiency Financial Institution Group was established to determine how to overcome the documented challenges to obtaining long-term financing for energy efficiency. Recommendations have been elaborated by the Group over two years, which are summarized in this report.
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This iterative document was the product of a number of roundtable meetings with UK pension funds and open consultation with fund managers and sets out to encourage improvements in the quality of RI reporting for individual mandates.
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A Guide to Responsible Investment Reporting in Public Equity - EN
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This paper outlines the role of companies, institutional investors and foundations in contributing to global sustainability goals through their financing strategy and general conduct. Actors in the private sector are driven by sustainability challenges to come up with innovative solutions which need appropriate funding and support. The paper emphasizes the benefits of a well-functioning system to reach sustainable development goals, fostering an innovative and collaborative environment.
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