Responsible investing

Read about the approach to responsible investing that guides the decisions of the Teachers' Pension Board of Trustees and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI).

1. Environmental, social and governance factors

3. BCI's Climate Action Plan

2. The plan's approach to climate change

Environmental, social and governance factors

Considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors helps BCI to better understand, manage and mitigate the risks associated with long-term investments.

What are some of the key ESG factors?

Environmental factors include how companies affect air and water pollution, carbon emissions, deforestation and energy efficiency
Social factors include equity, human rights, labour standards in the supply chain, and workplace health and safety
Governance factors can mean board compensation and structure, diversity, and transparency and disclosure

How the board and BCI approach responsible investing

BCI is an active investor that manages assets on behalf of the plan. That means it monitors ESG factors and engages companies to raise awareness that good corporate governance is fundamental to managing risks.

BCI considers ESG factors in its investment analysis, decisions and processes. It uses its influence as a shareholder to encourage companies to manage and report on ESG risks.

BCI works with like-minded investors and organizations to improve governance practices and standards.

Principles for Responsible Investment

BCI is a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), an international network supported by the United Nations. PRI is made up of investors who are committed to incorporating ESG elements into their investment processes and activities.

As part of this commitment, BCI takes part in a yearly PRI assessment. This assessment measures BCI’s progress against meeting the set of principles outlined by the PRI.

Other responsible investing activities

BCI is an active member and contributor to several responsible investing initiatives. For example, it is a member of the steering committee for the 30% Club. The 30% Club advocates for companies to improve gender diversity.

BCI is also part of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, which aims to promote standards of sustainability reporting.