Project on ESGs and impact: sustainability measurement and reporting
The project was launched in 2022 by the International Finance Coorporation (IFC) and the Geneva Finance Research Institute (GFRI) at the University of Geneva (UNIGE), and is led by Professor Rajna Gibson Brandon (UNIGE).
Background
Currently, impact investors and firms use different approaches to measure and report on their sustainability achievements. In this ambitious research project, we aim at fostering reliable and comprehensive impact metrics for investors and to propose a roadmap to bridge the gap and foster convergence between firms and investors’ sustainability measurement and reporting frameworks.
Research questions
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What is the emerging practice of ESG and impact measurement and reporting?
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Can we bridge the gap between ESG and impact measurement and reporting?
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In particular, what impact metrics should we also integrate in non-financial firms ESG reporting?
And also:
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What is the stage of maturity of firms’ ESG performance measurement and reporting and how can we improve on it and if yes, based on which ESG reporting standard(s)? Do we see a difference between best in class and other large firms / by industry / country etc.?
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What is the stage of maturity of investors’ impact performance measurement and reporting and how can we improve on it and, if yes, based on which impact standard(s)? Do we see differences by types of investors, by country, business lines, etc.?
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Should firms look at ESG impact as a substitute or to complement their ESG performance in their sustainability reporting?
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Can we align firms’ ESG performance reporting to investors’ impact reporting and is that objective desirable?
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In the affirmative, which impact metrics and underlying standards on E/S and G should firms use in their reporting for the E, the S and the G and which ones are missing or need to be improved upon?
