Within the Aspire Strategic Framework, the University of Windsor has identified Sustainability: Climate and Environment as one of its values. To support the strategic framework, the University agreed to engage Mercer, investment consultants, to provide support in reviewing and further developing its 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 policy.
An updated version of the 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 policy, including the following areas:
- Key responsible investment beliefs
- Views on responsible investing themes and investment approaches
- Monitoring approach for investment managers
- Disclosure and communication
The updated draft of the policy can be found on the Finance’s Treasury website. It will remain posted on the Finance department’s website until end of day March 17.
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 policy on responsible investing. An updated draft of the policy will be presented to the Investment Committee of the Board of Governors at its May 2023 meeting for approval.
For inquiries related to the University’s Responsible Investment policy, framework, and consultation process, contact treasury@uwindsor.ca.