Did you know that Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970?
At Bâtirente, climate change has been one of the ongoing drivers of our responsible investment (RI) action to date. In our communications, we often talk about our actions related to RI, but how do we define this concept and why is it important?
First of all, what is RI?
RI is about integrating environmental, social and governance factors, or ESG criteria, into the choice and management of investments in which your savings are placed—without neglecting performance!
How do ESG factors get integrated?
To help bring about sustainable development, RI relies on a number of strategies aimed at changing the behaviour of companies in which our members’ savings are invested. For example:
- Assessment of ESG practices along with financial analysis. This makes it possible to choose the best securities in a sector or assess their performance. Some of the practices that are looked at: energy and emissions management, human rights respect, environmental impact or even community relations.
- Shareholder engagement. This gives us the opportunity to hold discussions and interact with companies so we can help them improve their ESG practices. We’re committed to the climate and strive to convince companies to make a similar commitment to increase their energy efficiency, migrate to renewable energy and even transform their business model.
What makes Bâtirente an RI leader?
For over 15 years, Bâtirente has worked with intensity and conviction to promote responsible finance, establishing itself as a well-known and respected industry leader. We joined as signatories of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) from their very creation in 2006! All our investment managers have done so, too. The integration of ESG factors is at the heart of our investment process; this allows us to provide long-term added value to our members, while generating a positive social impact and contributing to the well-being of our planet.