Publications

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

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

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

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

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

Mar 2, 2018

Good Practice Handbook on Environmental Flows for Hydropower Projects

This Good Practice Handbook provides guidance to practitioners on taking rigorous and consistent approaches to assess and manage hydropower project impacts on downstream river ecosystems and people, through the assessment and provision of environmental flows (EFlows).

154 pages | © March 2018 IFC | Complimentary

Jun 30, 2014

Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) Implementation Handbook – CONSTRUCTION

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.

64 pages | © June 2014 IFC | Complimentary

Jun 30, 2014

Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) Implementation Handbook – ANIMAL PRODUCTION

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 | © June 2014 IFC | Complimentary

Jun 12, 2014

Waste Heat Recovery for the Cement Sector: Market and Supplier Analysis

This report analyzes the current status of Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) technology deployment in developing countries and investigates the success factors in countries where WHR has become widely spread.

81 pages | © June 2014 IFC | Complimentary|

May 31, 2014

"SUSTAIN: Cutting-edge business solutions" magazine in Agribusiness

How can companies across the world achieve stronger performance while addressing sustainability challenges? How can they learn from each other? And how can IFC help by leveraging its unique vantage point at the intersection of business and development? SUSTAIN addresses these questions by offering a global platform for a conversation on cutting-edge business solutions among thought leaders and pioneers from the private sector, international organizations, academia, and the World Bank Group.

60 pages | © May 2014 IFC | Complimentary

Aug 1, 2013

Good Practice Handbook on Cumulative Impact Assessment and Management: Guidance for the Private Sector in Emerging Markets

This Good Practice Handbook on Cumulative Impact Assessment and Management: Guidance for the Private Sector in Emerging Markets proposes a six-step process to assist private sector companies in emerging markets identify cumulative impacts and guide them in the effective design and implementation of measures to manage such cumulative effects.

102 pages | © August 2013 IFC | Complimentary

Jun 30, 2013

Manual for Performance-Based Contracting by Water Utility Companies in Brazil

This manual is a practical tool to promote the development of Performance-Based Contracts with the intention of helping water utility companies improve their operational efficiency levels, reduce their water losses, and increase the quality of their services.

68 pages | © June 2013 IFC | Complimentary

Jun 12, 2013

IFC Sustainability Resources Brochure 2013

This brochure highlights sustainability resources produced or co-produced by IFC's Environment, Social and Governance Department (CES), the Sustainable Business Advisory (SBA) and the Climate Business Department (CBG). These resources include publications, tools, and learning & training programs. While not exhaustive, this brochure offers a navigation point for users on some of IFC's key sustainability resources.

36 pages | © June 2013 IFC | Complimentary

Feb 28, 2013

Existing and Potential Technologies for Carbon Emissions Reductions in the Indian Cement Industry

The publication includes a set of technical papers developed under the Low Carbon Technology Roadmap for Indian Cement Industry project, which is implemented with support from IFC. The content of the report falls under five categories : co-processing of alternative fuels and raw materials, improved thermal and electrical efficiency, clinker substitution, waste heat recovery and newer technologies such as nanotechnology.

90 pages | © February 2013 IFC | Complimentary

Dec 21, 2012

IFC's Sustainability Framework: From Policy Update to Implementation

This publication summarizes key aspects of IFC's updated Sustainability Framework (2012), and highlights environmental and social issues of current and emerging importance for business, including climate change, business and human rights, supply chain management, gender issues, stakeholder engagement, Indigenous Peoples, and biodiversity and ecosystem services.

40 pages | © December 2012 IFC | Complimentary

Nov 7, 2012

Performance Standards Objectives

2 pages| © November 2012 IFC | Complimentary

Jun 28, 2012

Municipal Solid Waste Management: Opportunities for Russia - Summary of Key Findings

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management system is one of the key components of a country’s overall environmental and resource efficiency framework. Inefficient MSW treatment in Russia today is causing negative environmental impact, and results in suboptimal use of raw materials and energy.

24 pages | © June 2012 IFC | Complimentary

Jan 1, 2012

IFC Sustainability Framework - Effective January 1, 2012

IFC's Sustainability Framework articulates the Corporation's strategic commitment to sustainable development, and is an integral part of IFC's approach to risk management. The Sustainability Framework comprises IFC's Policy and Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability, and IFC's Access to Information Policy.

84 pages | © January 2012 IFC | Complimentary

Jan 1, 2012

IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability - Effective January 1, 2012

The Performance Standards are directed towards clients, providing guidance on how to identify risks and impacts, and are designed to help avoid, mitigate, and manage risks and impacts as a way of doing business in a sustainable way. Translations are available in French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese, Turkish and Myanmar Language (Burmese).

72 pages | © January 2012 IFC | Complimentary

Oct 20, 2011

Understanding IFC's Environmental and Social Review Process (flyer)

2 pages | © October 2011 IFC | Complimentary

Jan 15, 2011

Resource Efficiency in the Ferrous Foundry Industry in Russia

The ferrous foundry industry is fundamental to machine building contributing to up to 90 percent of its final product. High quality-casting are essential to a range of heavy industries, including railroad and electro industries, vessels building, automotive industry and many others. This report outlines the methodology used in conducting the benchmarking study and includes analysis of results and data.

82 pages | © January 2011 IFC | Complimentary

Jun 1, 2009

Safe Water for All - Harnessing the Private Sector to Reach the Underserved

This report includes recommendations for IFC and its partners on how to better support the nearly 900 million people around the world who lack adequate access to improved water sources.

Feb 1, 2009

Energizing Climate-Friendly Development: World Bank Group Progress on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficieny in Fiscal 2008

This report summarizes the progress that has been made in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects at the World Bank Group during fiscal year 2008 (July 2007 - June 2008).

Sep 1, 2008

Lessons Learned: Pangue Hydroelectric

In the early 1990s, IFC commenced a decade-long involvement in the Pangue Hydroelectric project in Chile. The project sparked a multitude of controversies that have greatly influenced the Corporation's approach to addressing environmental and social issues.

Aug 1, 2008

Lighting Africa Year 1: Progress and Plans

Lighting Africa was created to help entrepreneurs in Africa and across the world innovate and deliver affordable, reliable, sustainable lighting products to the African marketplace. This document presents activities and outcomes of the first year operation of the Lighting Africa program.

May 9, 2023

Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) Toolkit: Developing Sustainable Finance Roadmaps

This Toolkit combines existing sources, emerging trends, and lessons from Sustainable Banking and Finance Network (SBFN) members into a practical guide to help regulators and industry associations design and operationalize sustainable finance roadmaps.

116 pages | © May 2023 IFC | Complimentary

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

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

Dec 6, 2022

Powered by Women Nepal Progress Update (December 2020 - March 2022)

This is an update from 19 hydropower companies who have signed up to IFC’s Powered by Women Nepal initiative to promote gender equality and diversity at the workplace.

8 pages | © December 2022 IFC | 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 31, 2021

Trishuli Assessment Tool Field Manual: A Standardized Methodology for Freshwater Aquatic Biodiversity Sampling and Long-Term Monitoring for Hydropower Projects in the Himalayan Region

This field manual provides guidance for implementing the Trishuli Assessment Tool in the rivers of Nepal and other Himalayan regions.

108 pages | @ December 2021 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

Oct 29, 2021

Accelerating Sustainable Finance Together: Global Progress Report of the Sustainable Banking and Finance Network

The third SBFN Global Progress Report captures the significant increase in collective efforts across all parts of the financial sector, and between regulators and industry, to develop shared enabling frameworks for sustainable finance.

116 pages | © October 2021 IFC | Complimentary

Oct 1, 2021

How to Support Your Company to Write and Implement a Workplace Policy for Prevention of Sexual Harassment

This tip sheet provides ‘How To’ steps for integrating the systematic prevention of sexual harassment into human resources policies.

14 pages | © October 2021 IFC | Complimentary

Oct 1, 2021

How to Support Your Company to Write and Implement an Employee Code of Conduct for Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

This tip sheet provides ‘How To’ steps to ensure that prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment is systematically integrated into codes of conduct.

14 pages | © October 2021 IFC | Complimentary

Oct 1, 2021

How to Support Your Company to Establish and Manage a Worker Grievance Mechanism for Sexual Harassment

This tip sheet provides ‘How To’ steps to ensure that the issue of addressing sexual harassment is systematically integrated into company grievance processes.

14 pages | © October 2021 IFC | Complimentary

Oct 1, 2021

How to Support Your Company to Develop a Community-Based Grievance Mechanism for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

This tip sheet provides ‘How To’ steps for addressing gender-related grievances from affected communities, including stakeholder consultation and how to set up a community-based grievance mechanism.

14 pages | © October 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

Jun 4, 2021

Sustainability Case Studies: Lessons Learned on Leading Through Crisis and Recovering Stronger

This publication features practical guidance from successful women business leaders on how companies can build their resilience. It is based on survey data, first-hand experience, and lessons learned as these women—all working in emerging markets or fragile contexts—steered their organizations through the COVID-19 crisis.

14 pages | © June 2021 IFC | Complimentary

May 25, 2021

Artificial Intelligence Solutions to Support Environmental, Social, and Governance Integration in Emerging Markets

This paper describes the potential approaches for institutional investors and asset managers to align their investment strategies for emerging markets with the Sustainable Development Goals through environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-integrated investments.

30 pages | © May 2021 IFC, Amundi | 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

Feb 26, 2021

Special Guidance: Disclosure and Transparency in Crisis - Increasing Resilience and Building Trust During and After COVID-19

This Special Guidance is designed to help both listed and privately-owned companies disclose what they are doing to manage the economic, environmental, and social impacts of the pandemic, using IFC's Disclosure and Transparency Framework, which is focused on strategy, governance, and performance.

20 pages | © February 2021 | 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