Download data
A Global Canopy project
Menu

Select an assessment year:

Download data
  • Overall approach
    2/10
    • Overarching commitment on deforestation
      0/6
    • Deforestation as a business risk
      0/2
    • Target to reduce emissions in scope 1/2
    • Company must have anti-corruption policy
      2/2
      Yes, both an anti-corruption policy and a policy on prohibiting abusive tax arrangements
      2/2
      "We are committed to seeking and retaining business based on merit and the excellence of our performance. The firm does not tolerate bribery or corruption of or by our people, agents, vendors, or other business partners. Our people are strictly prohibited from improperly providing anything of value to anyone in order to obtain or retain business or any improper business advantage. This includes: public officials, candidates for office, employees, or officers of state-owned enterprises; employees or officers of counterparties; clients/customers or suppliers; any agent of the aforementioned parties; or any other person with whom the firm does or anticipates doing business. Our people are also prohibited from receiving or accepting bribes. “Anything of value” includes obvious improper payments, such as cash bribes or kickbacks, but also may include other direct or indirect benefits and advantages, such as inappropriate gifts, meals, travel, entertainment, charitable and political contributions, and offers of employment or internships." [...] "Our dedication to integrity means the firm keeps and reports accurate tax records, both for itself and its clients. We do not tolerate the facilitation of client activities in evading taxes or concealing information from tax authorities."; "Goldman Sachs will not tolerate unlawful tax evasion or the facilitation of unlawful tax evasion. Vendors must not directly or indirectly engage in, or facilitate the engagement by others in, the deliberate and fraudulent diversion of funds from a tax authority. We also expect vendors to ensure the same of their agents, subcontractors, intermediaries and workers by adopting, maintaining and implementing reasonable processes that prevent such conduct." 
      Open source document Open source document
  • Commodity score
    24/90
    • Beef & Leather
      15/90
      • Commitment Strength
        6/31
        • Commodity-specific deforestation financing policy
          3.4/9.6
          • Commitment details
            Protects globally important landscapes (including UNESCO World Heritage Sites RAMSAR wetlands IUCN category 1-4 areas protected areas)
            2/8
            Commitment details
            Protects globally important landscapes (including UNESCO World Heritage Sites RAMSAR wetlands IUCN category 1-4 areas protected areas)
            2/8
            "Protected Areas and World Heritage Sites: Goldman Sachs recognizes the importance of critical natural habitats, which have high biodiversity value and include legally protected areas both existing and officially proposed by governments. [...] We also recognize the significance of cultural and natural heritage and will not knowingly finance extractive projects, commercial logging or other environmentally sensitive projects in prescribed UNESCO World Heritage sites."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "Protected Areas and World Heritage Sites: Goldman Sachs recognizes the importance of critical natural habitats, which have high biodiversity value and include legally protected areas both existing and officially proposed by governments. [...] We also recognize the significance of cultural and natural heritage and will not knowingly finance extractive projects, commercial logging or other environmentally sensitive projects in prescribed UNESCO World Heritage sites."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "Protected Areas and World Heritage Sites: Goldman Sachs recognizes the importance of critical natural habitats, which have high biodiversity value and include legally protected areas both existing and officially proposed by governments. [...] We also recognize the significance of cultural and natural heritage and will not knowingly finance extractive projects, commercial logging or other environmentally sensitive projects in prescribed UNESCO World Heritage sites."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "Protected Areas and World Heritage Sites: Goldman Sachs recognizes the importance of critical natural habitats, which have high biodiversity value and include legally protected areas both existing and officially proposed by governments. [...] We also recognize the significance of cultural and natural heritage and will not knowingly finance extractive projects, commercial logging or other environmentally sensitive projects in prescribed UNESCO World Heritage sites."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            "Protected Areas and World Heritage Sites: Goldman Sachs recognizes the importance of critical natural habitats, which have high biodiversity value and include legally protected areas both existing and officially proposed by governments. [...] We also recognize the significance of cultural and natural heritage and will not knowingly finance extractive projects, commercial logging or other environmentally sensitive projects in prescribed UNESCO World Heritage sites."
            Open source document
        • Companies must be legally operated
          3.1/4.6
          • Commitment details
            Companies own operations - Required
            1.5/3
            Commitment details
            Companies own operations - Required
            1.5/3
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
        • Companies must monitor operations
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Companies must conduct risk assessments
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Companies must specify a cut-off date
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
      • Social Considerations
        5/27
        • Company must ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          5.3/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Required
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Required
            4/4
            "For transactions where the use of proceeds may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "For transactions where the use of proceeds may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "For transactions where the use of proceeds may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "For transactions where the use of proceeds may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers
            0.1/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers
            0.1/0.4
            "For transactions where the use of proceeds may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
        • Companies must have a grievance mechanism
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Company must respect labour rights
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Company must address gender equality issues
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Companies must encourage the inclusion of small-scale farmers
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Companies must resolve land conflicts
          0/1.6
          • Commitment details
            No
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
      • Reporting and Implementation
        4/31
        • Commitments must be timebound
          No
          0/5
        • Companies must disclose subsidiaries in commodity supply chains
          No
          0/4
        • Companies must disclose locations
          No
          0/4
        • Policy is reviewed and updated
          Timeline for review unclear or review conducted less frequently than annually
          1/2
          Policy is reviewed and updated
          Timeline for review unclear or review conducted less frequently than annually
          1/2
          “As part of this undertaking, we frequently engage with non-governmental organizations and periodically review and update our guidelines for emerging issues and evolving environmental and social concerns.”
          Open source document
        • Monitoring and non-compliance process
          No
          0/5
        • Engagement with non-compliant companies
          Engage with non-compliant companies without a time-bound threat of divestment
          2.5/5
          Engagement with non-compliant companies
          Engage with non-compliant companies without a time-bound threat of divestment
          2.5/5
          "Our Business Intelligence Group (BIG) assists business teams by providing guidance on environmental and social-related reputational risk matters, doing independent reviews and identifying mitigants and positive engagement opportunities with the client to reduce material risk."
          Open source document
        • Reporting on implementation of the policy
          No
          0/6
        • Ethical product in portfolio
          No
    • Palm oil
      33/90
      • Commitment Strength
        15/31
        • Commodity-specific deforestation financing policy
          6.6/9.6
          • Commitment details
            Zero-net deforestation
            5/8
            Commitment details
            Zero-net deforestation
            5/8
            "We also require clients to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or a comparable certification. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years. [...] Furthermore, we require clients to have a commitment to no net deforestation, no peatland development"   
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We also require clients to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or a comparable certification. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years. [...] Furthermore, we require clients to have a commitment to no net deforestation, no peatland development"   
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We also require clients to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or a comparable certification. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years. [...] Furthermore, we require clients to have a commitment to no net deforestation, no peatland development"  
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We also require clients to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or a comparable certification. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years. [...] Furthermore, we require clients to have a commitment to no net deforestation, no peatland development"  
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            "We also require clients to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or a comparable certification. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years. [...] Furthermore, we require clients to have a commitment to no net deforestation, no peatland development"  
            Open source document
        • Companies must be legally operated
          3.1/4.6
          • Commitment details
            Companies own operations - Required
            1.5/3
            Commitment details
            Companies own operations - Required
            1.5/3
            "Furthermore, we will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "Furthermore, we will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "Furthermore, we will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "Furthermore, we will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            "Furthermore, we will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
        • Companies must monitor operations
          5.4/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Required
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Required
            4/4
            Certification scheme (if applicable): RSPO

            Type of policy: Assurance mechanism
            "We also require clients to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or a comparable certification."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We also require clients to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or a comparable certification. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We also require clients to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or a comparable certification. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We also require clients to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or a comparable certification. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            "We also require clients to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or a comparable certification. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years."
            Open source document
        • Companies must conduct risk assessments
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Companies must specify a cut-off date
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
      • Social Considerations
        5/27
        • Company must ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          5.4/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Required
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Required
            4/4
            "For transactions where the use of proceeds may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "For transactions where the use of proceeds may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "For transactions where the use of proceeds may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "For transactions where the use of proceeds may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            "For transactions where the use of proceeds may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent."
            Open source document
        • Companies must have a grievance mechanism
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Company must respect labour rights
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Company must address gender equality issues
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Companies must encourage the inclusion of small-scale farmers
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Companies must resolve land conflicts
          0/1.6
          • Commitment details
            No
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
      • Reporting and Implementation
        14/31
        • Commitments must be timebound
          Required
          5/5
          Commitments must be timebound
          Required
          5/5
          What is the length of time the portfolio companies are given to meet their time-bound plans?: 3 years
          "We also require clients to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or a comparable certification. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years."
          Open source document
        • Companies must disclose subsidiaries in commodity supply chains
          No
          0/4
        • Companies must disclose locations
          No
          0/4
        • Policy is reviewed and updated
          Timeline for review unclear or review conducted less frequently than annually
          1/2
          Policy is reviewed and updated
          Timeline for review unclear or review conducted less frequently than annually
          1/2
          “As part of this undertaking, we frequently engage with non-governmental organizations and periodically review and update our guidelines for emerging issues and evolving environmental and social concerns.”
          Open source document
        • Monitoring and non-compliance process
          Check at time of onboarding
          2.5/5
          Monitoring and non-compliance process
          Check at time of onboarding
          2.5/5
          "We require clients’ compliance with all legal requirements, including in the case of Indonesia the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) system. [...] Furthermore, we require clients to have a commitment to no net deforestation, no peatland development and no human rights violations. Where this is not in place, we will introduce or refer clients to credible experts who can help establish such a commitment. Clients should have a plan in place to demonstrate compliance with this commitment." 
          Open source document
        • Engagement with non-compliant companies
          Engage with non-compliant companies with a time-bound threat of divestment
          5/5
          Engagement with non-compliant companies
          Engage with non-compliant companies with a time-bound threat of divestment
          5/5
          "We also require clients to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) or a comparable certification. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years." [...] "Where such engagement is not feasible and the transaction involves potentially material environmental impact, significant social issues or unacceptable risks that directly conflict with the firm’s policy, we will forgo the assignment." [...]  Our Business Intelligence Group (BIG) assists business teams by providing guidance on environmental and social-related reputational risk matters, doing independent reviews and identifying mitigants and positive engagement opportunities with the client to reduce material risk."
          Open source document
        • Reporting on implementation of the policy
          No
          0/6
        • Ethical product in portfolio
          No
    • Soy
      15/90
      • Commitment Strength
        6/31
        • Commodity-specific deforestation financing policy
          3.4/9.6
          • Commitment details
            Protects globally important landscapes (including UNESCO World Heritage Sites RAMSAR wetlands IUCN category 1-4 areas protected areas)
            2/8
            Commitment details
            Protects globally important landscapes (including UNESCO World Heritage Sites RAMSAR wetlands IUCN category 1-4 areas protected areas)
            2/8
            "Protected Areas and World Heritage Sites: Goldman Sachs recognizes the importance of critical natural habitats, which have high biodiversity value and include legally protected areas both existing and officially proposed by governments. [...] We also recognize the significance of cultural and natural heritage and will not knowingly finance extractive projects, commercial logging or other environmentally sensitive projects in prescribed UNESCO World Heritage sites."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "Protected Areas and World Heritage Sites: Goldman Sachs recognizes the importance of critical natural habitats, which have high biodiversity value and include legally protected areas both existing and officially proposed by governments. [...] We also recognize the significance of cultural and natural heritage and will not knowingly finance extractive projects, commercial logging or other environmentally sensitive projects in prescribed UNESCO World Heritage sites."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "Protected Areas and World Heritage Sites: Goldman Sachs recognizes the importance of critical natural habitats, which have high biodiversity value and include legally protected areas both existing and officially proposed by governments. [...] We also recognize the significance of cultural and natural heritage and will not knowingly finance extractive projects, commercial logging or other environmentally sensitive projects in prescribed UNESCO World Heritage sites."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "Protected Areas and World Heritage Sites: Goldman Sachs recognizes the importance of critical natural habitats, which have high biodiversity value and include legally protected areas both existing and officially proposed by governments. [...] We also recognize the significance of cultural and natural heritage and will not knowingly finance extractive projects, commercial logging or other environmentally sensitive projects in prescribed UNESCO World Heritage sites."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            "Protected Areas and World Heritage Sites: Goldman Sachs recognizes the importance of critical natural habitats, which have high biodiversity value and include legally protected areas both existing and officially proposed by governments. [...] We also recognize the significance of cultural and natural heritage and will not knowingly finance extractive projects, commercial logging or other environmentally sensitive projects in prescribed UNESCO World Heritage sites."
            Open source document
        • Companies must be legally operated
          3.1/4.6
          • Commitment details
            Companies own operations - Required
            1.5/3
            Commitment details
            Companies own operations - Required
            1.5/3
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located."
            Open source document
        • Companies must monitor operations
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Companies must conduct risk assessments
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Companies must specify a cut-off date
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
      • Social Considerations
        5/27
        • Company must ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          5.3/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Required
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Required
            4/4
            “Our Environmental Policy Framework discusses our approach toward transactions which may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, where we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent (see below for more detail).”
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            “Our Environmental Policy Framework discusses our approach toward transactions which may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, where we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent (see below for more detail).”
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            “Our Environmental Policy Framework discusses our approach toward transactions which may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, where we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent (see below for more detail).”
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            “Our Environmental Policy Framework discusses our approach toward transactions which may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, where we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent (see below for more detail).”
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers
            0.1/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers
            0.1/0.4
            “Our Environmental Policy Framework discusses our approach toward transactions which may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, where we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent (see below for more detail).”
            Open source document
        • Companies must have a grievance mechanism
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Company must respect labour rights
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Company must address gender equality issues
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Companies must encourage the inclusion of small-scale farmers
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Companies must resolve land conflicts
          0/1.6
          • Commitment details
            No
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
      • Reporting and Implementation
        4/31
        • Commitments must be timebound
          No
          0/5
        • Companies must disclose subsidiaries in commodity supply chains
          No
          0/4
        • Companies must disclose locations
          No
          0/4
        • Policy is reviewed and updated
          Timeline for review unclear or review conducted less frequently than annually
          1/2
          Policy is reviewed and updated
          Timeline for review unclear or review conducted less frequently than annually
          1/2
          “As part of this undertaking, we frequently engage with non-governmental organizations and periodically review and update our guidelines for emerging issues and evolving environmental and social concerns.”
          Open source document
        • Monitoring and non-compliance process
          No
          0/5
        • Engagement with non-compliant companies
          Engage with non-compliant companies without a time-bound threat of divestment
          2.5/5
          Engagement with non-compliant companies
          Engage with non-compliant companies without a time-bound threat of divestment
          2.5/5
          "Our Business Intelligence Group (BIG) assists business teams by providing guidance on environmental and social-related reputational risk matters, doing independent reviews and identifying mitigants and positive engagement opportunities with the client to reduce material risk."
          Open source document
        • Reporting on implementation of the policy
          No
          0/6
        • Ethical product in portfolio
          No
    • Timber, Pulp & Paper
      32/90
      • Commitment Strength
        14/31
        • Commodity-specific deforestation financing policy
          5.4/9.6
          • Commitment details
            Protects priority forests
            4/8
            Commitment details
            Protects priority forests
            4/8
            "We require clients to obtain or be working towards Forest Stewardship Council or a comparable certification when we finance forestry projects that impact high conservation value forests in order to ensure that crucial forest ecosystems are preserved appropriately. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We require clients to obtain or be working towards Forest Stewardship Council or a comparable certification when we finance forestry projects that impact high conservation value forests in order to ensure that crucial forest ecosystems are preserved appropriately. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We require clients to obtain or be working towards Forest Stewardship Council or a comparable certification when we finance forestry projects that impact high conservation value forests in order to ensure that crucial forest ecosystems are preserved appropriately. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We require clients to obtain or be working towards Forest Stewardship Council or a comparable certification when we finance forestry projects that impact high conservation value forests in order to ensure that crucial forest ecosystems are preserved appropriately. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            "We require clients to obtain or be working towards Forest Stewardship Council or a comparable certification when we finance forestry projects that impact high conservation value forests in order to ensure that crucial forest ecosystems are preserved appropriately. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years."
            Open source document
        • Companies must be legally operated
          3.1/4.6
          • Commitment details
            Companies own operations - Required
            1.5/3
            Commitment details
            Companies own operations - Required
            1.5/3
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located.”
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located.”
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located.”
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located.”
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors; Traders; Manufacturers; Retailers
            0.4/0.4
            "We will not finance projects that contravene any relevant international environmental agreement which has been enacted into the law of, or otherwise has the force of law in, the country in which the project is located.”
            Open source document
        • Companies must monitor operations
          5.4/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Required
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Required
            4/4
            Certification scheme (if applicable): FSC

            Type of policy: Assurance mechanism
            "We require clients to obtain or be working towards Forest Stewardship Council or a comparable certification when we finance forestry projects that impact high conservation value forests in order to ensure that crucial forest ecosystems are preserved appropriately."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We require clients to obtain or be working towards Forest Stewardship Council or a comparable certification when we finance forestry projects that impact high conservation value forests in order to ensure that crucial forest ecosystems are preserved appropriately."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We require clients to obtain or be working towards Forest Stewardship Council or a comparable certification when we finance forestry projects that impact high conservation value forests in order to ensure that crucial forest ecosystems are preserved appropriately."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            "We require clients to obtain or be working towards Forest Stewardship Council or a comparable certification when we finance forestry projects that impact high conservation value forests in order to ensure that crucial forest ecosystems are preserved appropriately."
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers; Processors
            0.2/0.4
            "We require clients to obtain or be working towards Forest Stewardship Council or a comparable certification when we finance forestry projects that impact high conservation value forests in order to ensure that crucial forest ecosystems are preserved appropriately."
            Open source document
        • Companies must conduct risk assessments
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Companies must specify a cut-off date
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
      • Social Considerations
        5/27
        • Company must ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
          5.3/5.6
          • Commitment details
            Required
            4/4
            Commitment details
            Required
            4/4
            “Our Environmental Policy Framework discusses our approach toward transactions which may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, where we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent (see below for more detail).”
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all operations and financing
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            “Our Environmental Policy Framework discusses our approach toward transactions which may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, where we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent (see below for more detail).”
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all deals
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            “Our Environmental Policy Framework discusses our approach toward transactions which may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, where we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent (see below for more detail).”
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            Policy applies to all companies
            All financing
            0.4/0.4
            “Our Environmental Policy Framework discusses our approach toward transactions which may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, where we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent (see below for more detail).”
            Open source document
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers
            0.1/0.4
            Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            Producers
            0.1/0.4
            “Our Environmental Policy Framework discusses our approach toward transactions which may have the potential to directly impact indigenous peoples, where we expect our clients to demonstrate alignment with the objectives and requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7 on Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent (see below for more detail).”
            Open source document
        • Companies must have a grievance mechanism
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Company must respect labour rights
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Company must address gender equality issues
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Companies must encourage the inclusion of small-scale farmers
          0/5.6
          • Commitment details
            No
            0/4
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
        • Companies must resolve land conflicts
          0/1.6
          • Commitment details
            No
          • Policy applies to all operations and financing
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all deals
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all companies
            No
            0/0.4
          • Policy applies to all stages of the supply chain
            None
            0/0.4
      • Reporting and Implementation
        14/31
        • Commitments must be timebound
          Required
          5/5
          Commitments must be timebound
          Required
          5/5
          What is the length of time the portfolio companies are given to meet their time-bound plans?: 3 years
          "We require clients to obtain or be working towards Forest Stewardship Council or a comparable certification when we finance forestry projects that impact high conservation value forests in order to ensure that crucial forest ecosystems are preserved appropriately. For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years."
          Open source document
        • Companies must disclose subsidiaries in commodity supply chains
          No
          0/4
        • Companies must disclose locations
          No
          0/4
        • Policy is reviewed and updated
          Timeline for review unclear or review conducted less frequently than annually
          1/2
          Policy is reviewed and updated
          Timeline for review unclear or review conducted less frequently than annually
          1/2
          “As part of this undertaking, we frequently engage with non-governmental organizations and periodically review and update our guidelines for emerging issues and evolving environmental and social concerns.”
          Open source document
        • Monitoring and non-compliance process
          Check at time of onboarding
          2.5/5
          Monitoring and non-compliance process
          Check at time of onboarding
          2.5/5
          "We require clients to obtain or be working towards Forest Stewardship Council or a comparable certification when we finance forestry projects that impact high conservation value forests in order to ensure that crucial forest ecosystems are preserved appropriately." 
          Open source document
        • Engagement with non-compliant companies
          Engage with non-compliant companies with a time-bound threat of divestment
          5/5
          Engagement with non-compliant companies
          Engage with non-compliant companies with a time-bound threat of divestment
          5/5
          "For operations that are not already certified, we will introduce or refer our clients to credible experts who can help establish a rigorous, time-bound, step-wise commitment to achieve certification within three years."
          Open source document
        • Reporting on implementation of the policy
          No
          0/6
        • Ethical product in portfolio
          No
  • Commitment strength
    10/31
    Avg. score
  • Reporting and Implementation
    9/31
    Avg. score
  • Social considerations
    5/28
    Avg. score

Profile

Goldman Sachs are a global investment bank and financial services firm headquartered in the US serving private, corporate and institutional clients. Their services include corporate finance, underwriting, investments, securities and wealth management. As of 2017, Goldman Sachs' total assets amount to more than 900 billion USD, including more than 50 billion USD in loans. Goldman Sachs are among the top lenders and shareholders to Forest 500 companies, across a broad range of forest risk sectors.

HQ
HQ 
United States
Financial institution type
Financial institution type 
Bank

How we assess the Forest 500

Investors and lenders need to adopt and implement strong deforestation policies that ensure their investments are not funding the destruction of forests.

All assessments use policies published on financial institution websites, some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Full finance sector performance data Forest 500 assessment methodology

Related articles and press coverage

China’s new green finance guidelines have a deforestation blind spot

2 August 2022

Action on deforestation key to achieving net zero

29 June 2022
glass building with forest in distance

Forest 500 update of financial institutions with greatest exposure to tropical deforestation

15 June 2022
Glass buildings

Business fails to hear the alarm on deforestation

14 January 2022

See all articlesSee all press coverage

More financial institutions

Public Bank Bhd.
0%
Bank of Communications
0%
KKR
0%
Jefferies Financial Group, Inc.
0%
Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW)
14%
National Australia Bank
6%

Disclaimer

This assessment has been carried out following the methodology developed for the Forest 500 project, available here. Please see our disclaimer applicable to all information contained within this site and our terms and conditions for use of data presented on this site.

All assessments use policies published on company and financial institution websites, and while we endeavor to keep them updated some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Please contact us with any concerns or feedback about this or other assessments included in the Forest 500.