UBC Continues Commitment to Mitigating Climate Change, Signs Principles for Responsible Investment

Following UBC’s declaration of a climate emergency and commitment to two key divestment initiatives, the university is pleased to share that UBC Investment Management Trust (IMANT) has signed the internationally-developed Principles for Responsible Investment on behalf of UBC and the UBC Staff Pension Plan.

This is a voluntary and aspirational set of six broad principles for responsible investing that offer possible actions for incorporating ESG issues into investment practice. They were developed by investors for investors, and the community of over 3000 signatories is a large network and advocacy group of both asset owners and investment managers who are committed to developing a more sustainable global financial system. The signing will apply to both the Endowment and the Staff Pension Plan.
 
“Joining PRI is an important part of UBC’s comprehensive responsible investment framework, and represents our commitment as an organization to sustainability and climate action,” said UBC Treasurer Yale Loh. “UBC is firmly committed to maintaining our role as a leader in responsible investing, and lending our voice and demonstrating action through the Principles will help show others that it is possible to do what’s best for both the environment and the Endowment at the same time.”
 
In 2019 UBC joined communities and organizations around the world in declaring a climate emergency and announced its plans for two key divestment initiatives relating to UBC’s endowment funds.  
 
In 2020 the university was recognized internationally for its impact by the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, and specifically identified for having the greatest impact of any global university under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #13 — for taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The university was also recognized as the top institution for conserving life under water by protecting marine habitats (SDG #14), making UBC the only university in the world to rank first in more than one goal.  
 
In alignment with UBC’s Strategic Plan, the Treasury department manages guardianship of the university’s financial assets and ensures accountability by going beyond the scope of standard treasury duties to support the academic mission of the university. Learn more about Treasury on the VPFO website.