A guiding framework for mainstreaming climate action
Building on the pivotal role of finance in driving low greenhouse gas emissions development and resilience to the adverse impacts of climate change, the five voluntary Principles for Mainstreaming Climate Action provide a framework to guide financial institutions through the mainstreaming process. They were developed by the 26 financial institutions who launched the initiative at COP21 and remain at the heart of the initiative. All 53 Supporting Institutions of the initiative have recognized the guidance they provide.
COMMIT to climate strategies
Be strategic when addressing climate change. Institutional commitments to address climate change are demonstrated by senior management leadership, explicit strategic priorities, policy commitments and targets, which allow for the integration of climate change considerations within a financial institution’s lending and advisory activities over time.
MANAGE climate risks
Be active in understanding and managing climate risk. Assess your portfolio, pipeline and new investments. Work with clients to determine appropriate measures for building resilience to climate impacts and improving the long-term sustainability of investments.
PROMOTE climate smart objectives
Promote approaches to generating instruments, tools and knowledge on how best to overcome risks and barriers to investment in low-carbon and resilient investments. This may include mobilizing and catalysing additional financing and developing specialized financing vehicles/ products, such as green bonds, risk sharing mechanisms or blended finance. Engage clients and other stakeholders (e.g., rating agencies, accounting firms) on climate change risks and resilience, and share lessons of experience to help further mainstream climate considerations into activities and investments.
IMPROVE climate performance
Set up operational tools to improve the climate performance of activities. Financial institutions track and monitor indicators tied to climate change priorities, including GHG reporting, lending and advisory volumes supporting green investment, climate related asset allocations, and the institution’s own climate footprint.
ACCOUNT for your climate action
Be transparent and report, wherever possible, on the climate performance of your institution, including increases in financing of clean energy, energy efficiency, climate resilience or other climate-related activities and investments. Be transparent and report, wherever possible, the climate footprint of the institutions’ own investment portfolio, and how the institution is addressing climate risk.