The Equator Principles   (for private and state Financial Institutions)

"The Equator Principles (EPs) are intended to serve as a common baseline and risk management framework for financial institutions to identify, assess and manage environmental and social risks when financing Projects."                                                                                                                             EP website  

The Equator Principles (PDF, July 2020, current 2025)

The Equator Principles (EPs):  a risk management framework adopted by financial institutions for determining, assessing and managing environmental and social risk in projects. Currently 104 Financial Institutions in 38 countries have officially adopted the EPs, covering the majority of international project finance debt within developed and emerging markets.  Based on WB/IFC safeguard processes.

The World Bank

 Environmental and Social Framework  (PDF 2017)                Website

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

IFC's Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability  (PDF, 2012, current 2025)
This document outlines the environmental and social sustainability standards required from clients during IFC investments.  
Performance Standard 1: Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts
Performance Standard 2: Labor and Working Conditions
Performance Standard 3: Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention
Performance Standard 4: Community Health, Safety, and Security
Performance Standard 5: Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement
Performance Standard 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources
Performance Standard 7: Indigenous Peoples
Performance Standard 8: Cultural Heritage

Good Practice Handbook on Cumulative Impact Assessment and Management: Guidance for Private Sector in Emerging Markets (PDF 2013, current 2025)

Stakeholder Engagement: A Good Practice Handbook for Companies Doing Business in Emerging Markets (PDF 2007, current 2025)

Doing Better Business Through Effective Public Consultation and Disclosure: A Good Practice Manual (PDF, 1998, current 2025)

ESMS Implementation Handbook - General (PDF, 2015).
There are also sector specific handbooks under the general framework.  For more information visit the ESMS webpage

Asian Development Bank

Environmental and Social Framework (PDF 2024)                 Website

Health Impact Assessment: A Good Practice Sourcebook (PDF 2018)

European Investment Bank

Environmental and Social Standards (PDF 2022)

EIB Environmental and Social Standards:  Overview  (PDF, 2022, 4 pages)

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

Guidelines for Environmental and Social Considerations (PDF, January 2022)