OPTrust Responsible Investing

Responsible Investing is an approach to investment that explicitly acknowledges the potential relevance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors to the sustainability of investment performance and to the health and stability of the market as a whole.

For OPTrust, the purpose of RI lies in the recognition that ESG factors can impact investment risk and return. We seek to identify, assess and manage ESG factors in a manner that supports our mission to deliver sustainable pension security and our fiduciary duty to our members.

Principles for Responsible Investment

OPTrust is a signatory to the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). The PRI is an international network of more than 1,200 investment organizations working together to put the PRI’s six Principles of Responsible Investment into practice.

1

We will incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes.

2

We will promote acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry.

4

We will be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.

5

We will work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles.

3

We will seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.

6

We will each report on our activities and progress towards implementing the Principles.

These principles provide a framework for implementing a responsible investment strategy that is adaptable to the unique structure of each investor.

Along with OPTrust’s responsible investment policy (the SRIP), and other related internal policies, the PRI Principles form the foundation for OPTrust’s RI strategy.

Responsible Investing Strategy

OPTrust’s responsible investing strategy is implemented through four key areas:

1

RI Governance

 

2

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) integration

 

3

Active Ownership

 

4

Stakeholder Engagement

and supported by the organization’s mission and values.

Five Focus Areas of OPTrust’s Responsible Investing Approach are:

Engagement

We make an effort to engage with portfolio companies, external managers, and other Trust assets on ESG issues. We do not put emphasis on either positive or negative screening of investments unless required by law or international conventions (e.g. anti-personnel land mines and cluster munitions).

Labour Rights and Public Services

We emphasize the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively, and are sensitive to the stability of public services.

Materiality

We focus our understanding on factors that are material to producing long-term, sustainable investment returns.

Reputation

We recognize that controversy about our investment activities can negatively impact our relationship with beneficiaries, sponsors, staff, the broader public, and potential and current external investment partners.

Collaboration

We contribute to broader discussions of RI as it applies to various asset classes with like-minded institutions.