The Business Case for Sustainable Finance

In the world of finance, environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors have until recently really only impinged upon the 'soft' domains of public relations, philanthropy and corporate social responsibility. The existing literature focuses on issues including how finance can contribute to environmental governance, the need for investment to mitigate climate change and how financial institutions should act in a responsible way when conducting their operations. However, very little literature focuses solely on why exactly, and under what circumstances, ESG factors influence the profitability of investment, insurance and lending activities and a systematic, rigorous business case for ESG finance analysis is largely missing. The aim of this book is to tackle and answer the question: 'when and why is it profitable to incorporate environmental, social and governance factors into financial operations?' and brings together fifteen original chapters written exclusively by leading finance executives, practitioners and scholars.

Iveta Cherneva is a writer and practitioner focusing on sustainable finance and ESG factors, human rights, security and human trafficking. Previously Iveta served as the head of communications at the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative, a public private partnership with the global financial sector.

Preface Mike Scott Part I: The Business Case for Sustainable Finance: Beyond Public Relations, Reutation and Philanthropy 1. The Business Case for Sustainable Finance: Beyond Public Relations, Reutation and Philanthropy Iveta Chernova Part II: The Business Case for Sustainable Finance: Sector Perspectives i. Investments 2. ESG Analysis as a Preditor of Quality of Management of Investment Decision Making 3. Litigation Expenses: Sustainable Finance Through Costly Liability Mark V. Vlasic and Peter Atlee ii. Microfinance 4. Microfinance and the Creation of Shared Value Delineating the Investment Case for Non-Financial Analysis in Microfinance Marieke de Leede, Dr. Harry Hummels Part III: The Bueinss Case for Sustainable Finance: Topical Perspectives 5. Putting a Value on the Priceless: the Business Case for National Capital in Finance Richard Burrett 6. Sizing the Climate Economy Nick Robin 7. The Busness Case for Integrating Human Rights and Labor Standards in Finance Iveta Cherneva 8. Responsible Investment, Poverty Reduction and Development: Better Returns Dr. Rory Sullivan and Helena Viñes Fiestas IV: The Bueinss Case for Sustainable Finance: Perspectives from Emerging Markets 9. The Business Case for Sustainable Finance in China Ben Ridley 10. The Business Case for Sustainable Finance in South Africa Madeleine Ronquest Conclusion Iveta Cherneva