The OPSEU Pension Trust has published its latest responsible investing report, highlighting a number of initiatives it’s undertaken in the past year.
In 2019, the pension fund expanded its holdings in green bonds with a $100-million investment in such issuances from the Ontario government. It also received an A+ rating from the United Nations’ principles for responsible investment on its strategy and governance approach.
“We are focused on the sustainability of the plan and of the planet,” said Peter Lindley, the plan’s chief executive officer, in a press release. “This is reflected in our commitment to overcome the unique challenges we face as long-term investors for the financial benefit of our members and society.”
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As part of its active ownership program, the OPTrust also voted at more than 2,000 company meetings throughout the year. Regarding climate action specifically, the fund began the process of performing a bottom-up assessment of nearly its entire fund, working with an external partner.
Also in 2019, the plan formed its first sustainable investment and innovation team, which has been set the task of managing long-term sustainability issues through a capital allocation mandate. Its initial focus is opportunities arising from innovations relating to climate change.
Read: A practical look at responsible investing at Ontario Teachers’