Growing finance sector capacity for sustainability.
We work with financial system participants – banks, insurance, super funds, investors, regulators, government and the community – to advance sustainability, prosperity and wellbeing through sustainable finance and investment. We deliver bespoke research services and are working in partnership with financial system stakeholders to establish a sustainable finance learning ecosystem to meet the learning needs of the Australian financial system.
Drivers of change: meeting the energy and data demands of AI adoption in Australia and New Zealand
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues its swift integration into various facets of business operations, a pressing concern emerges: its impact on energy...
Scaling Green Retrofit Housing Finance
The Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) has proposed a “regulatory nudge” to unlock financing for green retrofits for low-income earners.
Corporate Sustainability Review for responsible investor
Reflections were made on the overall sustainability governance and topics ranging from climate change, circular economy, and nature-related issues to diversity...
Advancing climate skills in the Australian financial system
With the material impacts of climate change becoming increasingly apparent across the global economy, and with Australia committing to net-zero emissions by...
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NSW Circular Rapid Review Reports
PROJECT | 2021-2022
UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures leads NSW Circular Rapid Review research
The use of climate scenarios in Australia
PROJECT | 2020-2021
How can climate scenarios help to evaluate the risks and opportunities organisations will face with impending changes to our climate?
Climate Measurement Standards Initiative
PROJECT | 2020
Guidance for banks, insurers and asset owners for assessing climate-related physical risk.
Unlocking Australia’s sustainable finance potential
PROJECT | 2019
Applying the EU’s Action Plan on Sustainable Finance to an Australian context to guide greening the economy.
Climate change and the just transition: A guide for financial institutions
NEWS | December 2020
What role will financial institutions and corporate entities play in ensuring Australia’s move to clean energy is ethically handled?
Sectoral Pathways to Net Zero
NEWS | December 2020
ISF has modelled pathways for industries to take towards the Paris Agreement goal of net-zero. The Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance (NZAOA) is an international group of institutional investors, representing more than USD 4.
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures analysis for Port of Newcastle
PROJECT | 2020-2021
The Port of Newcastle is the largest port on the east coast of Australia and has been a global trade gateway for more than 220 years. ISF was commissioned by the Port of Newcastle to conduct Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures scenario analysis of climate-related risk.
Our research sought to define climate change impacts both on he Port of Newcastle's physical infrastructure and supply chains (through market and technological shifts as well as physical impacts such as drought), applicable policy and legislation and reputation.
Evaluation of ARENA’s Renewable Energy Venture Capital Fund Program
PROJECT | 2019-2020
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)’s Renewable Energy Venture Capital Fund Program was designed to support the development of renewable energy and enabling technologies in Australia by providing venture capital and active investment management.
Client: Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
Researchers: Alison Atherton, Kriti Nagrath, Joanne Chong, Chris Briggs
Climate information needs for the financial, insurance, investment and innovation sectors
PROJECT | 2018-2019
Preparing to meet the challenges posed by climate change is crucial to the future of many industries.
Clients: Climate KIC, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage Renewable Energy Precincts Program
Climate information needs for the small and medium enterprise sector
PROJECT | 2018-2019
Preparing to meet the challenges posed by climate change is crucial to the future of many industries.
Client: NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
Researchers: Samantha Sharpe, Brent Jacobs, Rebecca Cunningham
Assessing the social impact investment market in Australia
PROJECT | 2018
In partnership with UTS Business School and the Responsible Investment Association Australasia, ISF delivered a research project.
Client: Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS)
Climate information needs in the business and finance sector
PROJECT | 2018
ISF partnered with Climate-KIC to complete a climate needs analysis for the business, finance, insurance and innovation sectors.
Client: Climate KIC
Researcher: Samantha Sharpe
Funding the transition to 100% renewables with Australia's retirement savings
PROJECT | 2018
Future Super – Australia’s first ethical, diversified super fund with a portfolio that completely excludes fossil fuels – commissioned ISF to update the 2018 report.
Client: Future Superannuation Group Pty Ltd
Supercharging Australia’s clean energy transition
PROJECT | 2018
How just 7.7 per cent of superannuation could fund Australia’s transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Assessing corporate sustainability for investors
PROJECT | 2016-2020
ISF's ongoing partnership with an international investor group results in research that influences ethical investment.
Financing peri-urban agriculture: conceptual development and review of the Agricultural Enterprise Credit scheme
PROJECT | 2016-2019, 2018-2020
Our research supported the case for a world-leading reward scheme for urban food production.
Water scarcity risk for Australian farms and the implications for the financial sector
PROJECT | 2016-2017
ISF partnered with AgTech company The Yield to come up with a new method for calculating the water risk exposure for farms.
Investigating financing options for residential energy efficiency
PROJECT | 2014-2015
The NSW government, through the Office of Environment and Heritage, has an Energy Efficiency Action Plan.
Investing in savings: finance and cooperative approaches to electricity demand management
PROJECT | 2013
This scoping study examined the potential for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
Client: Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC)
Research outputs
Investing in savings report (Report)
Addressing short-termism in the finance sector
PROJECT | 2007
Delivered by ISF and the UTS Business School, this research explored the key causes of, and solutions to, short-termism.
Clients: Total Environment Centre (TEC), Insurance Australia Group