Responsible investment

Université Laval seeks to transpose its values and objectives into its investment activities through responsible investment practices. It engages in positive societal change and inspires other organizations to do the same.

Etudiants devant un pavillon

A responsible and sustainable investment strategy

The University and its Foundation have adopted a responsible investment strategy premised on a bold approach with the goal of meeting the many sustainable development challenges.

For more informationsee the Université Laval and Université Laval Foundation Investment Policy (PDF, available in French only). You can also send your questions and suggestions to à info@developpementdurable.ulaval.ca.

Four responsible investment priorities

Integrate environmental, social, and governance factors into investment decisions

Reduce the investment portfolio carbon footprint and implement a strategy in line with climate objectives

Promote responsible shareholder engagement

Foster collective engagement and public action

Bold, realistic targets

The University and its Foundation have consistently set bold and ambitious targets.

  • Achieve an A or better rating, according to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI)
  • Reduce the equity portfolio carbon footprint by 30% by 2025 and 50% by 2030

In order to achieve its objectives, the University is developing a methodology to quantify the carbon footprint of its investment portfolio annually. In addition, it limits exposure to fossil fuel reserves and to companies that are reluctant to make the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Femme avec les bras croisés

Concrete achievements

For the first time, all portfolio managers are now members of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).

Asset allocation targets have been modified to reduce the carbon footprint of the equity portfolio. The estimated carbon footprint reduction effect is 14%.

In addition to conventional indices, low-carbon indices have been incorporated into the managers’ quarterly monitoring reports in order to assess managerial performance against these benchmarks.

The University is now a member of two responsible investor networks (UNPRI and RIA).

Étudiants près d'une balustrade intérieure

On the move

Université Laval and the Foundation are currently working on two aspects of responsible investment:

  • Analyzing potential changes to the equity portfolio to reduce the carbon footprint
  • Making an initial declaration to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI)

 

Advisory committee

An advisory committee on responsible investment has been created to foster increased collaboration and interaction with the University community. The committee brings together members of the university community who can provide input and make recommendations to the activity area manager.