Growth in the responsible investment market has risen exponentially over the last few years and in Australia alone represents 43% of total professionally managed funds, or $1.5 trillion in assets (RIAA Benchmark Report 2022).
Increasingly investment managers are incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into their investment selection, monitoring and reporting. Trends show a rise in the adoption of investment principles around stewardship, impact and sustainability as Boards increasingly seek to influence real-world outcomes. Investments are commonly being selected for their contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Key ESG topics include:
- Climate change and net zero targets
- Biodiversity and nature
- Sustainable development
- Diversity and inclusion
- Modern slavery
- Gender equity
- Cyber security
Sustainable Business Consultants has extensive experience working with super funds, investment managers and companies with investment portfolios. Our expertise includes:
- Investment policies and frameworks
- Responsible investment reporting
- Assessing the impacts of climate change on portfolios
- Net zero targets
Environmental, social and governance matters have potential material impacts in terms of companies financial returns, their social license to operate, employee attraction and retention and much more. They are an important aspect of long-term sustainability for companies, as well as for stakeholders, society and our planet. To ensure success in this important area, ESG issues must be an integral part of strategy and decision making.
SBC helps companies to develop ESG frameworks, policies, plans and targets. We have hands on experience as sustainability practitioners educating and advising financial institutions, investment managers, private companies and large not for profits.
We have extensive knowledge and skills in ESG and sustainability reporting, including the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI), Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmarking (GRESB), GRI, Integrated Reporting, UN Global Compact, B-Corp and other standards and frameworks.
Member of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA)
