| Popis: |
The Equator Principles (EPs) are now well recognised in the financial industry as a form of risk management. At first glance, EPs might be construed as social altruism financed by an Operator's budget. In actuality, EPs are the financial industry standard to assess, mitigate, document and monitor the credit and reputation risk associated with project-affected ecosystems and communities. There are a range of tools available, such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards (PSs), to mitigate the environmental and social risks associated with major developments and to strive for socially responsible development. This paper describes the background and intent of the EPs as a risk management tool for making sound business decisions. In a difficult financial climate, informed operators with robust environmental management systems will be able to access EP funding. This does not necessarily imply creation of new sets of project or operational standards. Rather, a well-developed roadmap linking the operator's existing standards to specific EPs will satisfy many EP expectations. |
