In our public markets portfolio, we exercise governance through our proxy voting process, and through direct engagement, where appropriate, alongside our investing peers. We take our responsibilities as a long-term investor very seriously and believe that, by actively engaging in a constructive way, we can influence positive change.
Applying a pragmatic and prudent ESG lens is an essential component of how we manage risk and inform how we understand this rapidly shifting landscape. We employ a four-pillar approach:
Integrating ESG factors into investment decision-making processes
Actively engaging with portfolio companies to promote sustainable business practices
Collaborating with institutions to exchange information, evolve practices and advocate for better transparency
Continually adapting the approach to ensure it remains relevant and effective over time
Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. It represents both significant risk and opportunities to financial markets, the companies in which we invest and the communities in which we live and serve. As investors, we play a role in supporting accelerators of the transition to a lower carbon economy.
OMERS undertakes an annual carbon footprint exercise to identify and understand the implications of climate change across our entire portfolio. This analysis is calculated in line with the recommendations of the Task Force for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TSFD).
The exercise allows us to measure the carbon footprint of our total portfolio and to better understand the risks and opportunities this poses to the fund over the long-term and enables us to:
view our assets through a carbon lens;
understand the carbon intensity of our investments;
gauge our performance on a peer-to-peer basis.
Blake Hutcheson, Chief Executive Officer and President, OMERS:
“Our near-term carbon reduction goals are tangible, actionable, and ensure our leadership team is accountable now. With our Net-Zero 2050 goal, we are setting our future direction, and charting the right course for the next leaders of our business.”
