Policies and Standards

IFC plays a critical role in helping to raise standards for sustainability-driven business.

IFC’s approach to sustainability is governed by IFC’s Sustainability Framework and our Corporate Governance methodology. They are designed to help IFC’s clients improve their business performance, enhance transparency, engage with the people affected by the projects IFC finances, protect the environment, and achieve greater development impact.

The Performance Standards have had a major positive impact on raising standards among private sector companies in the developing world. In the last decade alone, IFC estimates that investments totaling $4.5 trillion across emerging markets have adhered to IFC’s Performance Standards or principles inspired by them. We use our Corporate Governance Methodology to help companies operate more efficiently, improve access to capital, mitigate risk, and safeguard against mismanagement.

Sustainability Framework

IFC’s Sustainability Framework – comprised of the Sustainability Policy, Performance Standards, and Access to Information Policy – articulates the organization’s strategic commitment to sustainable development.

Also see: Update of IFC’s Sustainability Framework

Sustainability Policy

Describes IFC’s sustainability commitments, roles and responsibilities, collaboration with partners and specific initiatives on governance and disclosure.

Environmental & Social Performance Standards

IFC’s eight Performance Standards describe our clients' responsibilities for managing environmental and social risks.

Access to Information Policy

The Access to Information Policy describes the scope of information IFC makes publicly available.

E&S Stakeholder Grievance Response

IFC has developed an approach to receive and respond to E&S complaints, with an emphasis on early and proactive resolution. IFC assigns a case officer to each complaint to help facilitate communication and resolution.

Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines

The World Bank Group Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines (EHS Guidelines) are technical reference documents of Good International Industry Practice (GIIP). They are comprised of the General Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines and Industry-Sector EHS Guidelines.