Publications

Mar 7, 2023

Tip Sheet for Financial Intermediaries — Sample Environmental & Social-Related Contractual Provisions for Legal Agreements Between a Financial Intermediary and Its Clients

This publication provides an overview of common environmental and social contractual provisions and sample language for such provisions..

7 pages | @ March 2023 IFC | Complimentary

Mar 7, 2023

Technical Guidance for Financial Institutions — Assessment of Greenhouse Gases

This publication is a compilation of publicly available sources concerning the methodologies and tools available to guide financial institutions assess, set targets, and disclose greenhouse gas emissions.

50 pages | © March 2023 IFC | Complimentary

Feb 24, 2023

Tip Sheet: Guidance for Boards of Directors on Overseeing Gender-Based Violence and Harassment Risk

This tip sheet offers guidance to Boards of Directors on the effective governance of gender-based violence and harassment risks.

16 pages | © February 2023 IFC | Complimentary

Jan 23, 2023

Case Study: Exploring Client Approaches to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response - Energia del Pacifico, Infrastructure, El Salvador

In a country with a high prevalence of Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Harassment (GBVH) (estimated to cost the GDP 3.9% (2019), Energia del Pacifico (EDP) recognized the need to go beyond minimum environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements to boost its ESG performance and manage GBV risks.

13 pages | © January 2023 | Complimentary

Dec 13, 2022

Cumulative Impact Assessment and Management of Renewable Energy Development in the Sekong River Basin, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

The Cumulative Impact Assessment and Management of Renewable Energy Development in the Sekong River Basin, Lao People’s Democratic Republic aims to support decision making for sustainable development of renewable energy resources.

225 pages | © December 2022 IFC | Complimentary

Dec 7, 2022

Analysis of Best Practices in Environmental Disclosure Policies

IFC and CDP, a not-for-profit, which runs the global environmental disclosure system, prepared a report analyzing the current state of best practices in environmental disclosure, examining more than 100 disclosure practices across developed and developing economies.

44 pages | © December 2022 IFC, CDP | Complimentary

Jan 31, 2022

Supporting Companies to Develop and Manage Community-Based Grievance and Feedback Mechanisms Regarding Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment

This toolkit is intended to support private sector companies to amend existing community-based grievance and feedback mechanisms, or develop new mechanisms, that are designed to receive and effectively manage reports of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

20 pages | © January 2022 IFC | Complimentary

Dec 10, 2021

IFC ESG Guidebook

IFC has created this guidebook as part of a broader effort to raise awareness of ESG issues among companies and investors in developing markets.

84 pages | © December 2021 IFC | Complimentary

Jun 30, 2021

Strategy for Sustainable Hydropower Development in the Jhelum Poonch River Basin Pakistan

The strategy for sustainable hydropower development described in this document aims to balance conservation and development as well as minimize the negative environmental and social impacts of hydropower projects in the basin.

334 pages | © June 2021 IFC | Complimentary

Apr 30, 2021

Boosting Tourism: Environmental and Social Diagnostic of the Tourism Sector in Solomon Islands' Western Province

This study gives investors an overview of the potential environmental and social (E&S) risks, impacts, and opportunities, with a focus on a tourism corridor in the Western Province, Solomon Islands, and how to reduce potential risks and impacts to realize the tourism development opportunities.

232 pages | © April 2021 | Complimentary

Mar 25, 2021

Good Practice Note for the Private Sector: Addressing the Risks of Retaliation Against Project Stakeholders

IDB Invest and IFC have developed this guidance to provide our clients and other private sector companies and their consultants with practical advice for screening, preventing, and responding to reprisals.

58 pages | © March 2021 IFC, IDB Invest | Complimentary

Dec 9, 2020

Case Study: Exploring Client Approaches to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response - Alcazar Energy, Egypt

Alcazar Energy recognizes that workplace bullying, and in particular any forms of sexual harassment, could impact business operations and the employee’s wellbeing.

8 pages | © December 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Dec 9, 2020

Case Study: Exploring Client Approaches to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response - TAQA Arabia, Energy, Egypt

TAQA Arabia recognized a need to consider specific risks for women as part of the project’s environmental, social, and health and safety requirements.

6 pages | © December 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Dec 9, 2020

Case Study: Exploring Client Approaches to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response - Asyaport, Infrastructure, Turkiye

The case study explores how the company has taken action to promote equal opportunities and highlights the the implementation of the company’s Environmental and Social Action Plan.

7 pages | © December 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Dec 9, 2020

Case Study: Exploring Client Approaches to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response - Gas Natural Açu (GNA), Energy, Brazil

The case study explores how the company has implemented key elements for prevention of gender-based violence and sexual harassment within the workplace.

9 pages | © December 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Dec 9, 2020

Case Study: Exploring Client Approaches to Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response - Bioparques de Occidente, Agribusiness and Forestry, Mexico

The case study explores how the company has implemented a holistic approach towards the prevention of gender-based violence and sexual harassment within the workplace and its worker housing complexes.

10 pages | © December 2020 IFC | Complimentary

May 28, 2020

Cumulative Impact Assessment and Management: Hydropower Development in the Trishuli River Basin, Nepal

This report was undertaken by IFC to strengthen understanding of environmental and social impacts of hydropower development that go beyond individual project-level impact assessments by considering a multiproject, basin-wide understanding of potential cumulative impacts in the Trishuli River Basin (TRB).

300 pages | © May 2020 IFC | Complimentary

May 26, 2020

Interim Advice for IFC Clients on Developing a COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP)

This document provides IFC clients with basic advice and resources for developing emergency preparedness and response plans (EPRPs) for COVID-19-related risks to help prevent and mitigate any harm to workers, their operations, communities, and other stakeholders and to be able to maintain business continuity.

10 pages | © May 2020 IFC | Complimentary

May 20, 2020

Interim Advice for IFC Clients on Safe Stakeholder Engagement in the Context of COVID-19

The main objective of this Interim Advice is to assist IFC clients in identifying alternative approaches and mechanisms for engaging stakeholders while taking all feasible steps to protect the health and safety of those involved.

6 pages | © May 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Apr 7, 2020

Interim Advice for IFC Clients on Supporting Workers in the Context of COVID-19

This Tip Sheet sets out useful information to support decision making in response to the impacts of COVID-19 on workers and employment.

9 pages | © April 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Apr 7, 2020

Interim Advice for IFC Clients on Preventing and Managing Health Risks of COVID-19 in the Workplace

The main objective of this Interim Advice document is to collate and provide publicly available advice from internationally recognized sources to help IFC clients rapidly identify measures for preventing and managing outbreaks of COVID-19 in the workplace and for responding to community COVID-19 infection.

7 pages | © April 2020 IFC | Complimentary

Oct 14, 2019

Global Progress Report of the Sustainable Banking Network - October 2019

The IFC-supported Sustainable Banking Network (SBN)’s second Global Progress Report documents the accelerated progress of SBN members in translating policy innovations into practical implementation.

94 pages | © October 2019 IFC | Complimentary

Oct 1, 2018

Sustainable Banking Network (SBN) Creating Green Bond Markets Report

The Creating Green Bond Markets Report highlights the importance of integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices as a foundation of integrity and value creation in any impact-focused investment, including green bonds.

74 pages | © October 2018 IFC | Complimentary

Mar 12, 2018

Good Practice Note: Environmental, Health, and Safety Approaches for Hydropower Projects

This Good Practice Note is intended to be used in conjunction with other EHS Guidelines and IFC's Performance Standards to identify, avoid, mitigate, and manage EHS risks and impacts in hydropower projects.

74 pages | © March 2018 IFC | Complimentary

Feb 26, 2018

Sustainable Banking Network (SBN) Global Progress Report

The IFC-supported Sustainable Banking Network (SBN)’s first comprehensive Global Progress Report evaluates sustainable finance principles and policies in 34 member countries.

74 pages | © February 2018 IFC | Complimentary

Aug 24, 2017

IFC's Engagement in the Apparel and Textile Sectors in Emerging Markets

IFC works with apparel businesses and brands to increase their competitiveness while promoting their performance on sustainability standards. This brochure provides an introduction to IFC's initiatives in the sector, including partnerships, such as the IFC-ILO Better Work partnership; resource efficiency; gender programs; and financial innovations, such as Global Trade Supplier Finance (GTSF).

Aug 1, 2017

Increasing the Use of Alternative Fuels at Cement Plants: International Best Practice

This report, and an accompanying report on thermal and electric energy efficiency, provide a summary of international best practice experience in the cement sector and focus on specific technical measures that could be implemented by cement plants to reduce their operating costs and improve their carbon footprints. The reports provide a plethora of practical information from implemented projects and include detailed technical descriptions, estimates of capital and operating costs, as well as case studies and references from locations where the measures have been implemented. A combination of general and in-depth information will make these reports a helpful read to both management and technical and operating personnel of cement plants as well as to a larger range of stakeholders.

Jul 31, 2017

Good Practice Note: IFC Life and Fire Safety: Hospitals

The Life and Fire Safety Good Practice Note on Hospitals is a guideline for investment projects in both new and existing occupancies.

48 pages | © July 2017 IFC | Complimentary

Jul 31, 2017

Good Practice Note: IFC Life and Fire Safety: Hotels

The Life and Fire Safety Good Practice Note on Hotels is a guideline for investment projects in both new and existing occupancies.

46 pages | © July 2017 IFC | Complimentary

Jun 27, 2017

Converting Biomass to Energy - A Guide for Developers and Investors

This report serves as a practical tool for developers and investors who are interested in biomass-to-energy projects and wish to assess the technical and financial feasibility of different options for their businesses and industries. It covers modern biomass-to-energy technologies where biomass derives from the agricultural, food and beverage, and wood processing sectors. It can help with the adoption of best practices in the development, construction, operation, and financing of projects in this area.

Jun 13, 2017

Improving Thermal and Electric Energy Efficiency at Cement Plants: International Best Practice

This report provides a summary of international best practice experience in the cement sector and focuses on specific technical measures that could be implemented by cement plants to reduce their operating costs and improve their carbon footprints. It offers a plethora of practical information from implemented projects and includes detailed technical descriptions, capital and operating costs, and case studies and references from locations where the measures were implemented. Its information, which is both general and in-depth, can be helpful to management, technical, operating personnel of cement plants as well as to a larger range of stakeholders.

Apr 11, 2017

Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities

The EHS Guidelines for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Facilities include information relevant to LNG base load liquefaction plants, transport (by sea and land), storage, regasification (including floating storage regasification units), peak shaving terminals, and LNG fueling facilities.

24 pages | © April 2017 World Bank Group | Complimentary

Mar 1, 2017

Good Practice Handbook: Use of Security Forces: Assessing and Managing Risks and Impacts

This Good Practice Handbook on the Use of Security Forces: Assessing and Managing Risks and Impacts has been developed for IFC clients and other private sector companies and their consultants. The handbook provides practical, project-level guidance for companies to better understand and implement the requirements outlined in Performance Standard 4. Chapters focus on risk assessment, managing private security, managing the relationship with public security, preparing a security management plan, and assessing allegations or incidents related to security personnel.

142 pages | © February 2017 IFC | Complimentary

Feb 15, 2017

Tafila Region Wind Power Projects - Cumulative Effects Assessment

The Tafila Region Wind Power Project Cumulative Effects Assessment (CEA) is the first of its kind in the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and North Africa region. It aims to promote more sustainable wind energy investments in Jordan while assessing and managing potential adverse environmental and social effects of renewables. The overall management and technical direction of the CEA was undertaken by IFC, supported by a team of multidisciplinary international and Jordanian experts and advisors.

184 pages | © February 2017 IFC | Complimentary

Feb 2, 2017

Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Ports, Harbors, and Terminals

The EHS Guidelines for Ports, Harbors, and Terminals are applicable to marine and freshwater ports, harbors, and terminals for cargo and passengers.

35 pages | © February 2017 World Bank Group | Complimentary

Nov 17, 2016

Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Petroleum Refining

The EHS Guidelines for Petroleum Refining cover processing operations from raw crude oil to finished products, for example refinery fuel gas, liquefied petroleum gas, motor gasoline, kerosene, diesel oil, heating oil, fuel oil, bitumen, asphalt, lubricant oils, waxes, sulfur, pet-coke, and intermediate products for the petrochemical industry.

35 pages | © November 2016 World Bank Group | Complimentary

Oct 16, 2016

Environmental & Social Review Procedures Manual

The Environmental & Social Review Procedures Manual defines management-approved tasks to achieve client compliance with the Policy and Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability, Access to Information Policy, and Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines.

88 pages | © October 2016 IFC | Complimentary

Aug 9, 2016

Remediation Financing in Bangladesh’s Ready Made Garment Sector

This study provides an overview of the financial needs to remedy structural, electrical and fire safety issues in Bangladesh apparel export factories and identifies constraints in accessing financing and barriers to remediation. It helps understand the current context for remediation in Bangladesh and what is needed for factories to access financing for necessary improvements. It also provides key stakeholders with relevant information to design further interventions.

60 Pages | © 2016 IFC | Complimentary

Apr 12, 2016

Survey Findings: Biomass to Energy in Ukraine 2015

The survey has been conducted among 200+ Ukrainian stakeholders: pellet producers, agricultural producers (agro-holdings), as well as district heating companies. It will be helpful for policy decision makers to shape biomass market support responses, for vendors to understand potential market opportunities, and for financial institutions to understand which financial instruments will be best to offer.

44 Pages | © 2016 IFC | Complimentary

Mar 31, 2016

Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for Annual Crop Production

The EHS Guidelines for Annual Crop Production include information relevant to large-scale production, harvesting, post harvesting processing and storage of major annual crops, including cereals, pulses, roots and tubers, oil-bearing crops, fiber crops, vegetables, and fodder crops, located in both temperate and tropical regions. It does not include the processing of raw materials into semi-finished and finished products.

35 pages | © March 2016 World Bank Group | Complimentary

Jan 20, 2016

A Solar Developer’s Guide to Pakistan

This guide provides background for those who are implementing or intending to invest in solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants in Pakistan.

85 Pages | © 2016 IFC | Complimentary

Nov 23, 2015

Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for Perennial Crop Production

The EHS Guidelines for Perennial Crop Production include information relevant to large-scale plantation crops and outgrower systems and focuses on the primary production and harvesting through farming and plantation forestry of major multi-year food, fiber, energy, ornamental, and pharmaceutical crops, located in both temperate and tropical regions.

35 pages | © November 2015 World Bank Group | Complimentary

Aug 10, 2015

Unlocking the Potential for Private Sector Participation in District Heating

This report analyzes barriers to and opportunities for private sector participation in district heating (DH) in the Western Balkan countries of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, and Serbia, as well as in Mongolia and Ukraine.

70 pages | © August 2015 IFC | Complimentary|

Aug 7, 2015

Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for Wind Energy

The EHS Guidelines for Wind Energy include information relevant to environmental, health, and safety aspects of onshore and offshore wind energy facilities. It should be applied to wind energy facilities from the earliest feasibility assessments, as well as from the time of the environmental impact assessment, and continue to be applied throughout the construction and operational phases.

36 pages | © August 2015 World Bank Group | Complimentary

Aug 3, 2015

Leveraging Market Opportunities to Achieve Development Impact: Entrepreneurial Solutions to Improve Access to Sanitation and Safe Water

This briefing note captures the lessons learned from a recent IFC pilot program in Kenya that explored ways to harness private innovation, technical skills, and financing to equitably increase access to safe water and sanitation for underserved consumers.

16 pages | © August 2015 IFC | Complimentary|

Jun 20, 2015

Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants: A Project Developer’s Guide

This guidebook aims to enhance the understanding of how to successfully develop, finance, construct, and operate utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants. It targets project developers entering a market and is also meant to serve as a reference source for contractors, investors, government decision makers, and other stakeholders working on PV projects in emerging markets.

208 pages | © June 2015 IFC | Complimentary

Jun 19, 2015

IFC Corporate Finance Services

This brochure gives an overview of IFC’s Corporate Financial Services and describes how clients can benefit from IFC’s advisory solutions that support private sector growth in emerging markets. It presents IFC’s unique value proposition which builds on the World Bank Group’s global network and IFC’s breadth and depth of investment expertise.

6 pages | © 2015 IFC | Complimentary

Jun 5, 2015

Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines for Offshore Oil and Gas Development

The EHS Guidelines for Offshore Oil and Gas Development include information relevant to seismic exploration, exploratory and production drilling, development and production activities, offshore pipeline operations, offshore transportation, tanker loading and unloading, ancillary and support operations, and decommissioning. They also address potential onshore impacts that may result from offshore oil and gas activities.

42 pages | © June 2015 World Bank Group | Complimentary

May 27, 2015

Private Equity and Emerging Markets Agribusiness: Building Value Through Sustainability

This report has been written for emerging market private equity fund managers. It highlights trends in private equity investment in emerging markets agribusiness and promotes adopting environmental and social management systems to generate sustainable financial returns. This report has been jointly produced by Credit Suisse, CDC Group plc, Emerging Markets Private Equity Association (EMPEA), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

44 pages | © May 2015 IFC | Complimentary

Mar 31, 2015

Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) Implementation Handbook - GENERAL

The ESMS Implementation Handbook is for firms who wish to implement a management system in line with the requirements of IFC Performance Standard 1. The Handbook and companion publications – ESMS Toolkit and ESMS Self-Assessment and Improvement Guide – are designed to help companies assess and improve their ESMS.

66 pages | © March 2015 IFC | Complimentary