The International Finance Corporation Sustainability Framework includes the commitment to sustainable development as an integral part of its approach to risk management.

The Sustainability Framework promotes good environmental and social practices, it encourages transparency and accountability, and it contributes to positive impacts. IFC’s Performance Standards, which are part of the Sustainability Framework, have become globally recognized as a benchmark for environmental and social risk management in the private sector.

The Sustainability Framework consists of

• The Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability, which defines IFC’s commitments to environmental and social sustainability.
• The Performance Standards, which define clients’ responsibilities for managing their environmental and social risks.
• The Access to Information Policy, which articulates IFC’s commitment to transparency.

Policies

• The updated 2012 edition of IFC’s Sustainability Framework applies to all investment and advisory clients whose projects go through IFC’s initial credit review process after January 1, 2012.
• The 2006 edition of IFC’s Sustainability Framework applies to investments that go through IFC’s initial credit review process from April 30, 2006 to December 31, 2011.
• Investments made prior to April 30, 2006 are subject to the Safeguard Policies.