We deliver research and learning services to advance sustainability through business, finance and economy.
Australia faces major social, environmental and economic challenges: climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty, inequality, technological disruption, and in 2020 the COVID-19 public health crisis and resultant economic recession.
The financial services sector has an important role to play in responding to these challenges and supporting the opportunities that arise in building a more sustainable and resilient Australian economy and society.
Our work aims to:
- help businesses to embed sustainability
- grow capacity for sustainability in the finance sector
- advance business and finance sector contributions to achievement of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals
- progress economic models that serve people and planet.
Expertise areas
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Sustainable economy
Progressing economies that serve people and planet.
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Sustainable business
Helping businesses to embed sustainability.
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Sustainable finance and investment
Growing finance sector capacity for sustainability.
Research news and projects
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PROJECT | 2024
Meeting the energy and data demands of AI adoption
Uncertain about the impact of AI on energy consumption? Turns out that so too are IT managers who are key to AI deployment.
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Project | 2023
Scaling Green Retrofit Housing Finance
ISF research proposes a regulatory nudge that will unlock green retrofit finance for low-income mortgagors.
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Australia’s first green bond a big hitInvestors have bid against each other to buy Australia’s first green bond. Here’s why that’s a great sign.
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PROJECT | 2023-2024
Net Zero Integrity Assessment
Assessment of disclosures of ten major Australian companies found they are largely not aligned to a high integrity standard for net zero pledges.
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Submission on Sustainable Finance StrategyResponse to the Sustainable Finance Strategy’s three pillars – highlighting areas
where engagement by the Australian Government can support Australia’s net zero transition. -
Project | 2022-2023
Energy efficiency definitions for the Australian Energy Employment Report
The Australian Energy Employment Report survey can measure the energy efficiency workforce and has developed definitions for energy efficiency activities.
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Australian businesses unaware of emissions crisis from IT and data centresA new report reveals an alarming lack of information available to Australian businesses about carbon emissions from IT and data centres.
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Assessing corporate sustainability for investors
ISF's ongoing partnership with an international investor group results in research that influences ethical investment.
Team
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Program lead – Business, economy and governanceOrganisational and societal change including corporate sustainability, sustainable finance and energy policy.
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Professor of Sustainability Transformations and Director of Graduate ResearchTransforming economic narratives for sustainable and equitable futures.
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Research Director and PhD candidateCollaborative business model innovation for sustainability, environmental, social and economic value creation.
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Research DirectorSpecialises in sustainable finance with a focus on skills, climate related financial risk regulation and mobilising capital for sustainable development.
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Research PrincipalBlending business management, sustainability strategy and wellbeing economics to enable social learning and systems change.
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Senior ResearcherSustainable finance, corporate sustainability and financing circular economies.
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Professor Of Water FuturesCircular economy frameworks and assessments focused on optimising water, energy and waste flows.
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Research DirectorGuiding business and industrial transition to sustainability, at the firm, sector, and labour market levels.
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Research ConsultantSustainable finance, climate-related financial risk, decarbonising transport, systems thinking, qualitative research.
Let's collaborate
Whether you have a problem that needs support or an idea for change, our innovative and solutions-focused approach can help you achieve your goals.
Contact Alison Atherton on Alison.Atherton@uts.edu.au for more information.
