University of Windsor Responsible Investment Policy and Beliefs Review – Public Consultation:
Within the Aspire Strategic Framework, the University of Windsor has identified Sustainability: Climate and Environment as one of our Values. To support our strategic framework, the University agreed to engage Mercer, our Investment Consultants, to provide support in reviewing and further developing our commitment to responsible and sustainable investing. During the summer of 2022, Mercer conducted a survey to assist the University in gaining a better understanding around the range of beliefs and views from the campus, on sustainable investment approaches and key environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) issues.
The Investment Committee and the University’s Senior Leadership Team were surveyed to understand:
- General views on sustainable investing
- ESG investment strategies (including integration, stewardship, thematic investing and screening)
- Views on specific sustainable investing topics.
The results of the survey were used to assist in developing a clear set of ESG beliefs to form the foundation for the most recent updates to the Responsible Investing (RI) policy.
An updated version of the RI policy has been posted on the University’s website for public consultation. The purpose of the public consultation process is to gather feedback and views, from the Campus Community, on the proposed edits to the RI policy, including the following key areas:
- Key responsible investment beliefs
- Views on responsible investing themes and investment approaches
- Monitoring approach for investment managers
- Disclosure and communication
Draft Responsible Investing Policy – For Public Consultation
The RI Policy will remain posted on the Finance department’s website until end of day March 17, 2023.
The feedback from the campus community, through the public consultation process, will be reviewed and considered, and will form the next series of updates to the University’s RI policy. An updated draft of the RI Policy will be presented to the Investment Committee of the Board of Governors, at the May 2023 meeting for approval.
To provide comments, feedback and suggestions on the University’s Responsible Investment Policy and consultation process, please email treasury@uwindsor.ca.