IRIS+ Guidance / Impact Due Diligence

Last updated: 2020

Guidance on constructing due diligence questions based on the investor’s impact goals.

Use this resource to:

  • Implement: Integrate impact measurement and management into the due diligence process to aid in assessing and managing impact risk.

Creating Impact: The Promise of Impact Investing

Last updated: 2019

Guidance on designing impact measurement systems for impact investments selection.

Use this resource to:

  • Measure, assess and value: Design an impact measurement system for impact investments.

Investment Classification

Last updated: 2021

The Investment Classification is a framework for investors to classify the types of impact occuring in their portfolios. It uses “impact classes” to classify an investment – or portfolio of investments – based on the impact of underlying assets (A, B or C) and the investor’s own contribution.

Use this resource for the following Actions of Impact Management:

  • Implement: Connect high-level intentions – which are what most enterprises and investors start with – to the more granular dimensions of impact and data categories, as a way to help to measure and manage impact.

Communication on Progress

Last updated: 2021

Participating in the UN Global Compact requires a commitment from organisations to report annually on efforts to operate responsibly in four areas: human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

Use this resource to:

  • Communicate: Submit an annual Communication on Progress on implementing the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact.

Principles for Responsible Banking

Last updated: 2019

The Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) guide banks in aligning their business strategies with society’s goals, as well as promoting sustainability. These principles aim to encourage banks to play a crucial role in achieving global sustainable development objectives, including addressing climate change, promoting financial inclusion and fostering sustainable economic growth.

This is a cross-cutting resource, meaning that it supports the internal impact management process as a whole, rather than one or a few of the Actions of Impact Management.

Principles for Positive Impact Finance

Last updated: 2017

The principles provide guidance for financial institutions and their public and private stakeholders to transition to an impact-based economy that can deliver on people’s needs and aspirations within planetary boundaries. The Principles promote Positive Impact Finance as a key solution for bridging the funding gap required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Use this resource for the following Actions of Impact Management:

  • Implement: Understand key definitions and requirements for the delivery and assessment of positive impact finance.

SDG Impact Standards for Private Equity Funds

Last updated: 2020

The SDG Impact Standards for Private Equity Funds provide a decision-making framework for integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into one or more funds.

This is a cross-cutting resource, meaning that it supports the internal impact management process as a whole, rather than one or a few of the Actions of Impact Management.

SDG Impact Standards for Bond Issuers

Last updated: 2020

The SDG Impact Standards for Bond Issuers are practice standards that provide a common language and a system for integrating sustainable development issues, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and impact management practices into business and investment decision-making.

Use this resource for the following Actions of Impact Management:

  • Implement: The standards are designed to transform how enterprises and investors think about value creation, and integrate impact management and contributing positively to the SDGs.

Financial Sector Science-Based Target Guidance

Last updated: 2021

The Financial Sector Science-Based Target Guidance helps financial instituions to set science-based targets related to climate.

Use this resource for the following Actions of Impact Management:

  • Set Targets and plan: Set a portfolio target for greenhouse gas emissions.

Responsible Business Conduct for Institutional Investors

Last updated: 2017

The Responsible Business Conduct for Institutional Investors helps institutional investors implement the due diligence provisions of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

This is a cross-cutting resource, meaning that it supports the internal impact management process as a whole, rather than one or a few of the Actions of Impact Management.