Controversial Shipbreaking Dismantles Stakeholder Trust (April 2013)
"Shipbreaking" is big business in South Asia, but some of the methods used to dismantle these massive vessels are more hazardous to the environment and human safety than others. While some companies employ best practices and have created opportunities within the ship recycling industry, many others are unprepared for potential reputational and regulatory risks. In this report, Sustainalytics explores the shipbreaking industry and the steps exposed companies can take to address related environmental and social issues.

In the Wake of Newtown: Firearms and the Management of Investor Risk (February 2013)
The mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012 re-ignited the public policy debate around gun control in the United States. Institutional investor felt increasing pressure from their clients, the public, and politicians to divest their holdings in the firearms industry. In this report, Sustainalytics discusses the issue and the influence of key players in this debate, including firearms manufacturers and retailers. For investors concerned about their exposure to the industry, the report outlines approaches to mitigate potential reputational, regulatory and financial risks.

Regulating Conflict Minerals: Unpacking Section 1502 of Dodd-Frank (December 2012)
Sustainalytics explores the implications of the recent Securities and Exchange Commission ruling requiring companies to investigate and disclose their use of conflict minerals. Despite applying only to U.S.-listed companies, the impact of the new disclosure requirements will be felt by foreign companies in numerous sectors through their value chains. An appended table highlights the degree of preparedness across sectors and identifies industry leaders and best practices.

Worker Equity in Food and Agriculture (Full report October 2012)
Executive Summary

This joint report with the Tellus Institute sheds light on the often ignored issue of worker welfare in the food industry. The practices and policies of some of the largest and most influential food companies in the U.S. are examined. Major challenges are identified across the industry and the authors propose avenues of influence for companies and investors going forward. A webinar recording and additional materials are available here.

Building a Sustainable South African Food Retail Sector: Issues for Responsible Investors (August 2012)
This report, commissioned by Arisaig Partners, explores the many environmental, social and governance challenges and triumphs of the 'big five' South African food retailers. The on-the-ground research and analysis featured in the report offer valuable insights to investors. A webinar recording and additional materials are available here.

China's Food Safety in 2012 (August 2012)
Recent high-profile incidents within the Chinese food supply chain have exposed weaknesses at all levels. In this report associate analyst Sun Xi provides an assessment of 37 Chinese-listed companies in the food value chain and provides background information about Chinese food safety regulators and regulations. Please email asiainsights@sustainalytics.com to receive a detailed list of Chinese food companies's risk exposure and preparedness.

Bridging the Gaps: Effectively Addressing ESG Risks in Emerging Markets (June 2012)
Sustainalytics examines the risks and challenges faced by those considering investments in emerging market equities. Senior manager Andrea van Dijk, research manager Lotte Griek and master’s student Chloe Jansen provide investors with insights and tools to effectively implement ESG into their emerging market investment strategies. A webinar recording and additional materials are available here.

The Road to 2020: Corporate Progress on the Ceres Roadmap for Sustainability (April 2012)
In the joint report by Sustainalytics and Ceres, 600 of the largest publicly traded U.S. companies are evaluated on their governance, stakeholder engagement, disclosure and performance on leading social and environmental issues.

Sustainable Stock Exchanges 2012 (March 2012)
This follow up to the 2010 Sustainable Stock Exchanges report assesses the progress of stock exchanges in understanding and managing their influence on corporate sustainability. The authors also offer suggestions to investors, exchanges, regulators and policymakers on how to further promote sustainable capital markets.

Deeper and Colder: The Impacts and Risks of Deepwater and Arctic Hydrocarbon Development (March 2012)
In the second part of our unconventional oil and gas report series, associate analyst Alberto Serna Martin examines the risks and impacts of pursuing hydrocarbon development in deepwater and Arctic regions. A webinar recording and additional materials are available here.

License to Operate: Indigenous Relations and Free, Prior and Informed Consent in the Mining Industry (October 2011)
Senior analyst and mining sector specialist Irene Sosa discusses some of the challenges surrounding free, prior and informed consent as well as some of the tools mining companies can implement to consult with and benefit indigenous communities. A webinar recording and additional materials are available here.

Sustainable Mobility: 100 Investment Ideas (September 2011)
This thematic study, carried out in partnership with French broker Oddo Securities, examine the environmental, social and governance challenges, risks and opportunities faced by companies involved in mobility and transportation. Sustainable Mobility: 100 Investment Ideas will provide investors with relevant insights into mobility and a glimpse of what the industry has in store for the future.

Fracking Under Pressure: The Environmental and Social Impact and Risks of Shale Gas Development (August 2011)
In the first in a series on unconventional oil and gas, Dayna Linley, associate analyst, explores the impacts of shale gas development, in particular hydraulic fracturing. A webinar recording and additional materials are available here.

Avoiding the Land Grab: Responsible Farmland Investing in Developing Nations (July 2011)
Sheila Oveido, associate analyst, examines the relatively new frontier of investing in farmlands in developing nations. Learn how investors can mitigate their risks and promote responsible farmland investing.

Sustainable Stock Exchanges 2010 (September 2010)
With the support of Aviva Investors, this report provides an assessment of the current sustainability structures and practices at 30 of the world’s largest stock exchanges by market capitalization. These stock exchanges were also surveyed on their existing and planned sustainability initiatives and their views of the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. The report outlines some of the steps that stock exchanges can take to encourage sustainability among listed companies.