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Investing with purpose

Building sustainable, long-term value requires investment strategies that develop better ways of doing business while improving social and environmental outcomes.

Balancing environmental, social and governance issues

We carefully assess the investments we make and identify the stewardship role we can play.

Our Responsible Investing Guidelines help ensure we do so consistently throughout the investment lifecycle and across assets.

Environmental

We look at how a company interacts with the physical world including:

  • Weather events
  • Water scarcity
  • carbon emissions
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Social

We look at a company and how it manages relationships with it's employees, consumers, suppliers and communities including:

  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Health and safety
  • Consumer protection
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Governance

We look to assess company structure to ensure there are effective controls and direction, including:

  • Clear roles for board of directors, management and shareholders
  • Executive compensation plans
  • Board independence
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Our approach to responsible investing

Responsible investing is simply how we invest. Our four principles guide and support us to achieve long-term plan sustainability.

Integrate

We integrate ESG considerations into our investment process to manage risk and add value.

Engage

We engage with companies we invest in to promote positive change and sustainable practices.

Influence

We actively use our influence with peers, policy makers, regulators, and industries to advance responsible investing.

Evolve

We constantly evolve our practices and approach to keep ahead of emerging issues.

We carefully assess the investments we make and identify the stewardship role we can play.

Our Responsible Investing Guidelines help ensure we do so consistently throughout the investment lifecycle and across assets.

Our ESG journey

Evolution of responsible investing

We have always been a trailblazer in responsible investing - continuing to adapt to an evolving landscape. It is an important part of the conversation - past, present and future. 

Pre-2000Ontario Teachers’ publishes proxy voting guidelines; commits to voting all sharesCo-founds the Canadians Coalition for Good Governance200320052010Produces guidelines for managing climate changeBecomes the signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investing2017Launches Low Carbon Economy Transitions Framework2015Develops guidelines for managing environmental and social risksLaunches climate change engagement2013Develops responsible investing principles2012Implements responsible investing strategy built on awareness, knowledge and applicationImplements ESG due diligence tool for Private Capital2018Co-founds Investor Leadership Network with CDPQIssues our first portfolio carbon footprint2019Develops proprietary ESG assessment toolIssues inaugural climate change reportPublishes guidance for environmental and social shareholder proposals2020Makes commitment to be net-zero by 2050Strengthens proxy voting guidelines for climate oversite and net-zero alignment2021Set interim portfolio reduction targetsSet internal targets to have portfolio companies establish net-zero pathways

Working with others to make a difference

We use our influence as a global investor to create a supportive and sustainable business environment.

 

Sustainability Accounting
Standards Board (SASB)

 

Climate Action 100+

 

Global Real Estate
Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB)

Read our documented views related to responsible investing for the last 5 years.

 

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