The Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) is live. As of October 1, 2018, the ESF applies to all new World Bank investment project financing.
The Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) enables the World Bank and Borrowers to better manage environmental and social risks of projects and to improve development outcomes. It was launched on October 1, 2018.
The ESF offers broad and systematic coverage of environmental and social risks. It makes important advances in areas such as transparency, non-discrimination, public participation, and accountability—including expanded roles for grievance mechanisms. It brings the World Bank’s environmental and social protections into closer harmony with those of other development institutions.
The ESF consists of:
- the World Bank’s Vision for Sustainable Development
- the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Policy for Investment Project Financing (IPF), which sets out the requirements that apply to the Bank
- the 10 Environmental and Social Standards (ESS), which set out the requirements that apply to Borrowers
- Bank Directive on Addressing Risks and Impacts on Disadvantaged or Vulnerable Individuals or Groups
