Responsible Investing
In 2022 Western University's Investment Committee released its inaugural responsible investing annual report. The annual report focuses on the need for long-term, sustained, decarbonization of our investments.
Western's responsible investment efforts began in 2009 by incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into formal manager reviews. Since then the work has intensified, including the completion of our first Total Portfolio carbon footprint and commitments to a 45% carbon intensity reduction by 2030, and net-zero by 2050 or sooner.
In 2026, Western created a stand-alone Responsible Investing Policy to capture the significant developments that have taken place since we began our responsible investing journey, and formally incorporate the commitments the university has made as a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).
One of the key principles for Western's Responsible Investing is transparency and reporting on our progress.
Going forward, Western is committed to:
- Investing 15% of the Operating & Endowment Fund in sustainable investment strategies by 2025
- Reducing our carbon intensity at least 45% by 2030
- Achieving net-zero absolute carbon emissions by 2050, or sooner
