| The International Finanace Corporation (IFC), the private sector development arm of the World Bank Group, is committed to financing environmentally and socially sound projects in its member countries. As part of IFC's Technical and Environment Department, the Environment Division consists of three units: Environment and Social Review Unit, Environmental Projects Unit, and Capital Markets Environmental Services Unit. |
| The Environment and Social Review Unit (ESRU) ensures that IFC-financed projects meet IFC environmental, social and public consultation and disclosure policies and guidelines. The ESRU includes environmental and social development specialists who work closely with project sponsors to identify project impacts, mitigate or reduce potentially adverse impacts and risks, and enhance sustainable environmental and social outcomes. ESRU's environmental specialists provide advice on issues such as environmental assessment, pollution prevention and abatement, and occupational health and safety. The Unit's social development specialists provide advice to clients on issues of involuntary resettlement, project impacts on local communities, indigenous peoples, and safeguarding cultural property. |
| The Environmental Projects Unit (EPU) acts as a catalyst in identifying, developing, and structuring projects with specific environmental goals. In supporting projects ranging from renewable energy to clean water supply, the EPU draws on IFC's own investment resources as well as concessional funding from sources such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The EPU includes investment, environmental, and technical specialists who work with sponsers, IFC investment departments, the GEF and other parties to structure and finance private-sector environmental projects. The EPU also undertakes special environmental initiatives such as identifying ways to reduce international greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol. |
| The Capital Markets Environmental Services Unit (CMESU) has responsibility for environmental and social review of capital markets projects. The Unit also provides training to IFC staff and capital markets clients on IFC's environmental and social policies and procedures and on environmental management techniques. The objective of the external training program is to build and improve the capability of IFC-supported financial intermediaries to identify, assess and manage environmental and social oppurtunities and risks in their investments. |
| For more information on services provided by the IFC Environment Division, please call the Washington DC office at:(202) 473-6770 |
|
