Firm is a leader among global investment managers in the adoption of ESG investing strategies
VANCOUVER (March 1, 2022) — UBC Investment Management Trust Inc. (UBC IMANT), in alignment with the University of British Columbia’s (“UBC”) role as a global leader in sustainability and commitment to deliver on its climate action plan, continues to execute on its Responsible Investment Strategy and support the university in using the influence of its investment funds to further the effort to fight climate change through responsible investing.
“UBC has built a strong global reputation on climate action leadership, sustainability and social justice. In 2019 and 2020, Times Higher Education ranked UBC as the top university globally in addressing the climate crisis. This recognition comes not just from our efforts to divest from fossil fuels, but in all aspects of our operations and within our university community,” says Santa J. Ono, UBC president and vice-chancellor.
Today, UBC IMANT announced that it has invested $40M CDN in Generation Investment Management’s (“Generation”) global equity strategy. The strategy seeks to outperform public markets over the long term by investing in companies that provide goods and services consistent with a net zero, prosperous, equitable, healthy and safe society. UBC IMANT expects to increase this contribution over time as the partnership matures.
“We are thrilled to be able to partner with Generation — a reputable and respected thought leader in sustainable investing and climate change for over the past decade,” says UBC IMANT Senior Portfolio Manager Yasir Mallick. “We expect the partnership with Generation to provide excellent risk adjusted returns while also providing UBC IMANT with access to industry leaders and experts on climate change and the impact it will have in global financial markets over the coming decade.”
Generation was established in 2004 and currently has approximately $40B (USD) assets under management. Its founding partners, which include former US Vice President Al Gore and former Goldman Sachs’ Asset Management head David Blood, have been leading advocates for the use of financial tools in addressing the harmful impacts of climate change. Generation and the Generation Foundation have been instrumental in the development of many industry organizations such as the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI), the Global Impact Investing Network and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, as well as bringing awareness of climate change to the financial services sector and the broader public.
UBC IMANT is the investment office responsible for managing the University of British Columbia’s Endowment and Working Capital funds and the assets of the UBC Staff Pension Plan. UBC IMANT implements its investment strategy through a “manager of managers” approach, seeking out and investing in investment funds operated by the world’s foremost money management professionals. The contribution to Generation further enhances UBC IMANT’s partnerships with innovative, skilled active managers with a proven ability to integrate sustainability and climate change considerations into their investment process.