Responsible Investing

 

In 2022 Western University's Investment Committee released its inaugural responsible investing annual report. The report focuses on Western's climate change ambitions and 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, especially over the last two years, 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.

There are also interim milestones to ensure we are on track for 2030 and 2050 targets.From 2022-2024 the Investment Committee will commence/increase allocations to green solutions and consider climate transition benchmarks. By 2025 we plan to have invested 10% of the Operating and Endowment Fund in sustainable investment strategies.

One of the key principles for Western's Responsible Investing is transparency and reporting on our progress, meaning to be open and transparent with our stakeholders and report regularly on our progress and milestones achieved. 

Going forward, Western is committed to:

  • Investing 10% 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

The second annual report, released in December 2022, highlights several of the activities underway supporting our responsible investing strategy.   The 2022 report shows progress towards our decarbonization commitment, including a decrease in the weighted average carbon intensity of the Operating and Endowment Fund by 4.3% compared to our 2020 baseline, as well as a 38.6% year over year reduction of in the carbon emissions from the public portfolio.  

Also included in this year's reporting is Western’s first disclosures under the Task Force for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Framework.