Border to Coast signs up to UN-backed ESG goals

Border to Coast Pensions Partnership has thrown its weight behind the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) as part of broader efforts to integrate ESG considerations into its investment approach.

The £45 billion pool, which represents almost one million members, joined the global network of asset managers, owners and service providers working together to put responsible investment into practice via investment decision-making and ownership practices.

The six principles include mandating signatories to seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the companies in which they invest, report on activities and progress towards implementing the principles, and promote acceptance and implementation of the principles within the investment industry.

Chair of the Border to Coast Joint Committee and of Bedfordshire Pension Fund, Councillor Doug McMurdo, said that the 12 Border to Coast partner funds believed that the way to achieve long-term sustainable returns is through Responsible Investment (RI).

“The PRI is acknowledged as the world’s leading proponent of RI and we are delighted that Border to Coast has become a signatory, demonstrating its commitment to stewardship and RI,” he said.

Border to Coast said it would use the PRI framework as it implements its RI strategy and focuses on integrating ESG across all asset classes, as well as enhancing and expanding its reporting.