An investor initiative in partnership with UNEP FI and the UN Global Compact
Launched in April 2006 by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the Principles are a set of global best-practices for responsible investment. The number of UNPRI signatories is approximately 700, representing a total of over US$18 trillion in assets under management as of June 2009.
“By incorporating environmental, social and governance criteria into their investment decision-making and ownership practices, the signatories to the Principles are directly influencing companies to improve performance in these areas. This, in turn, is contributing to our efforts to promote good corporate citizenship and to build a more stable, sustainable and inclusive global economy” Ban Ki-moon UN Secretary-General
The six principles are not prescriptive, but instead provide a framework to incorporate environmental, social and governance issues into mainstream investment decision-making and ownership practices.
The Principles and how Acclimatise can help you1. We will incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making
- Acclimatise provides a range of services to help incorporate climate change risk assessment into investment analysis and decision making.
- Acclimatise can advise and report on the climate change risks for the entities in which you invest, providing a unique analyst service.
- We can help you appraise the relative importance of these risks compared to your investment objectives.
- We can also help you identify investment opportunities and provide an investment due diligence service.
2. We will be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices
- Acclimatise can help you incorporate climate change into your risk management processes and standards.
- Acclimatise can create tailored electronic systems, guidance or other business tools so that asset managers and investors can undertake their own climate change risk management assessments.
- We can also assist you in developing your own policies and procedures.
3.We will seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest
- Acclimatise can guide and advise on the challenges facing the entities in which you invest and the appropriate level of disclosure they should be undertaking.
- We can provide detailed analysis, monitor and report on disclosure, and identify key questions for you to ask.
- Acclimatise can assist you with your voting positions, the drafting of resolutions and in engagement with companies on their SEC or other regulatory filings.
4. We will promote acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry
- Acclimatise can assist in helping you promote the Principles and your own objectives by providing training and support to ensure alignment in investment mandates.
- We can also develop monitoring procedures and performance indicators.
5. We will work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles
- Acclimatise can help you work with other stakeholders to develop awareness and shared objectives.
- We have a track record of publishing sector reports and guiding clients on developing effective engagement processes with their stakeholders
- We can create and maintain climate change performance indexes and in-depth analysis at country, sector and company levels.
6. We will each report on our activities and progress towards implementing the Principles
- Acclimatise can support you in communicating your activities and progress with the wider market, including the development and implementation of climate change action and investment plans and to further aid engagement with stakeholders and beneficiaries.
We have created an investor resource section on our web site providing key documents, articles and our own briefing notes and reports analysing the impacts of inevitable climate change for the financial services and investment sector. A key element of this resource is the work we have successfully undertaken for Henderson Global Investors, Railpen and the Universities Superannuation Scheme with the ‘Managing the Unavoidable’ project.
For further details, please contact:
John Firth, CEO
Email: j.firth(at)acclimatise.uk.com
Telephone: +44 (0) 1623 884347
Alastair Baglee, Technical Director
Email: a.baglee(at)acclimatise.uk.com
Telephone: +44 (0) 7947 586934