Reports by topic

 

The Base of the Pyramid refers to the segment of the global population who live under the poverty threshold. They are traditionally seen as "unbankable" and their marketing potential has, in general, been overlooked. 

The Next 4 Billion: Market Size and Business Strategy at the Base of the Pyramid

This report, published by the World Resources Institute in conjunction with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), aims to measure the market opportunity at the base of the pyramid. 

It was written by Allen Hammond, William J Kramer, Rob Katz, Julia Tran and Courtland Walker and was published in March 2007.

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Carbon trading refers to the buying and selling of carbon dioxide emissions allowances through a scheme, such as the European Emissions Trading Scheme. The concept is based upon the 'cap and trade' principle:  an external authority sets a limit for emissions, issuing companies or other entities with allowances. Bodies which exceed their limit buy "credits" from those who have credits to spare.  

The political economy of carbon trading

Donald Mackenzie explains the history and the logic of carbon emissions trading. 

This article was published in the London Review of Books.

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Clean Technologies (cleantech) enable more efficient uses of natural resources and reduce environmental footprints. Much of the sector's activity is related to energy generation.

Clean Capital: Financing clean technology firms in the UK

Forum for the Future analyses the current state of the UK's clean technology sector and how to facilitate its growth.

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Bioplastic vs Conventional plastic

The principal goal of this study is to evaluate the energy and emissions associated with the production and disposal of various products made from PLA resin (bioplastic) and petroleum based plastic resins in order to develop a better understanding of the key factors affecting their environmental profiles. 

 

This study was conducted for Athena Institute International by Franklin Associates, a Division of ERG, as an independent contractor.

 

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Ethical consumerism is a movement that can be thought of as the practice of buying goods and services that explicitly aim to minimise social and/or ecological damage. Ethical consumers are a diverse group; but they are broadly linked by a will to avoid products that negatively impact societies and/or environment.

Ethical Consumerism 2007

Released by the Co-op in 2007, this summary gives the key statistics for the ethical consumerism space in the UK in 2005 and 2006.

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The Ethical Consumerism Report 2006

Released by the Cooperative bank in 2006, this summary gives the key statistics for the ethical consumerism space in the UK in 2004 and 2005.

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The Validity of Food Miles as an Indicator of Sustainable Development

A comprehensive review, published for DEFRA in 2005, of the complex relationship between food miles and sustainability.  It explores the extent to which food miles are an indicator of sustainable development and the ways in which the environmental and social impact of food miles can be measured.

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In 1948 The World Health Organisation defined Health as 'a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.' Health represents much more than the avoidance of illness: it is wellbeing. The concept encompasses mental health, nutrition, exercise, hygience, health care, and the social and personal resources of individuals. 

Pharmafutures

This report is a pension fund led consultation between the industry and its investors. The project addresses the environment into which the drugs in the early levels of development today will be launched. It examines the social consequences of drug developments and commercialisations and how to generate shareholder and societal value. 

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Microfinance is the provision of financial services to the base of the pyramid, the poor, who are deemed 'unbankable'. The principal products include mini loans, savings, and insurance.

 

 

 

Initial Perspectives on Strategic and Emerging Banking Issues in Key African Markets

Published by IFC, this report examines key strategic opportunities and challenges in the development of major African banking markets.

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Microfinance: Building domestic markets in developing countries

Roger Annibale examines the potential of microfinance for emerging markets.

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Financing Microfinance

Tor Jansson Inter-American Development Bank develops recommendations for the funding of microfinance institutions.

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The Hidden Wealth of the Poor

The Economist investigates the potential power of the 'unbanked' poor and how to unlock it through microfinance.

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State of the Microcredit Summit Campaign Report 2007

Sam Daley-Harris appraises the structure and size of the microfinance industry and the opportunities going forward. 

 

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Blended Value Investing: Capital Opportunities for Social and Environmental Impact

The World Economic Forum produced a paper on Blended Value Investment (BVI). The BVI investment philosophy sees financial, social and environmental outcomes as three constituents of value, indivisible and mutually reinforcing. Blended Value Investments are thus measured according to their social, environmental and economic impacts.

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