Carleton University is one of the founding members of a coalition of Canadian university endowments and pension plans aiming corporations on climate change risks through SHARE, a non-profit investor advocacy organization.
On behalf of the new University Network for Investor Engagement (UNIE) initiative, SHARE will engage with North American public companies held in university endowment and pension portfolios to address pervasive risks associated with climate change. The UNIE initiative will focus on key sectors where advocacy can make the biggest difference, including finance, transportation, energy and utilities, and manufacturing.
In addition to Carleton, initial UNIE participants include McGill University, McMaster University, Concordia University, Mount Alison University, Université de Montreal, University of St. Michael’s College, University of Victoria and York University, as well as University of Toronto Asset Management.
“Collaborative action and engagement are critical to addressing the challenge of climate change,” said Michel Piché, Carleton vice-president (Finance and Administration) and chair of the university’s Investment Committee. “We can have more impact by working together.”
Investor engagement is a significant tool to address the risks of climate change, and it is part of a comprehensive approach to responsible investing at Carleton.
“These universities are showing leadership in addressing the climate crisis,’’ said Kevin Thomas, chief executive officer at SHARE. “Working together in one program amplifies each institution’s voice and leverages their power to bring about change.”
Focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the transition to a low carbon economy, the new group was formed through dialogue between SHARE and university leaders about how to collaboratively respond to the climate crisis. Discussions started more than a year ago and continued through online meetings during the course of 2020.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Steven Reid
Media Relations Officer
Carleton University
613-265-6613
Steven.Reid3@carleton.ca
About Carleton
Located in Ottawa, Carleton University is a dynamic research and teaching institution with a tradition of leading change. Its internationally recognized faculty, staff and researchers provide more than 32,000 students with academic opportunities in more than 65 programs of study. Carleton’s collaborative approach to research has led to many significant discoveries and creative works. As an innovative institution, Carleton is uniquely committed to developing solutions to real-world problems by pushing the boundaries of knowledge and understanding daily.
About SHARE (Shareholder Association for Research & Education)
SHARE is an award-winning non-profit organization that mobilizes investor leadership for a sustainable, inclusive and productive economy. We do this by amplifying the voices of our investor network in support of improved corporate sustainability practices and better rules and regulations that govern capital markets. For more information on SHARE, visit: www.share.ca..
Thursday, February 18, 2021 in News Releases
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