Today, the Institute for Sustainable Finance has released its 5-Year Progress and Impact Report, a detailed look back at the Institute’s achievements a half-decade into its mission to align the mainstream financial markets with Canada’s transition to a prosperous, sustainable economy. Download the report, here.
“ISF’s record in its first five years is something to be celebrated and to build on,” said newly appointed ISF Executive Director (Academic) Dr. Thomas J. Walker. “It’s truly exciting to be leading the ISF team as we support Canada’s finance sector to navigate an economic and political environment that brings uncertainty, yes, but also opportunity for innovation and growth.”
The 5-Year Progress and Impact Report covers how ISF has been:
Making sustainable finance matter: Based at the respected Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, ISF aligned support from the Big 5 Canadian banks, and leading philanthropic foundations and champions of climate action. Its influential Advisory Board, Research Advisory Council, network of academic experts, and innovative communications positioned ISF as the hub for advancing sustainable finance policy and practice in Canada.
Laying out the plan: ISF’s research program supports financial leaders and policy makers in aligning with and shaping evolving trends. From quantifying the investment required to meet national GHG emissions targets, to unpacking information about emerging tools like green bonds and voluntary carbon markets, ISF has provided timely insights into complex issues.
Convening the players: ISF’s connections to the finance sector, business, regulators, standard setters, academia, global bodies and industry groups allow it to have outsized reach and influence with decision makers. By working with respected partners, ISF has expanded its capacity and impact.
Leading the conversation: ISF has established itself as a vital source of informed analysis on sustainable finance issues and guidance for policy makers. Wherever the most important conversations on sustainability are happening, you will find ISF.
Building capacity: Through executive education programs and online learning, ISF has trained practitioners from early career professionals to the C-suite in sustainable investing best practices. And by supporting researchers through fellowships, grants and awards, ISF is constantly expanding knowledge and exploring new fields in sustainable finance.
Setting a new course: In the face of escalating climate risks and global political and economic turmoil, it has never been more important to integrate academic research with business and finance sector-led initiatives to ensure the stability of the financial system and meet the risks and opportunities of a prosperous Net Zero future.
“Our vision is of a Canadian economy that leads in attracting global capital, remains resilient in the face of disruption, and charts a sustainable course forward. With a renewed mandate, a talented and expanding team, and deep partnerships across multiple sectors, ISF is proud to continue serving this mission at a critical time,” said Jim Leech, Chancellor Emeritus, Queen’s University, former President and CEO of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Advisory Board Chair, Institute for Sustainable Finance.
About the Institute for Sustainable Finance
The Institute for Sustainable Finance was launched in 2019 as the first-ever cross-cutting and collaborative hub in Canada that fuses academia, the private sector, and government with the singular focus of increasing Canada’s sustainable finance capacity. The institute's mission is to align mainstream financial markets with Canada’s transition to a prosperous sustainable economy.
