Today marks the launch of the University Network for Investor Engagement (UNIE), a coalition of Canadian university endowments and pension plans that will leverage our collective power as institutional investors to address climate change risks in our investment portfolios.
UNIE’s other participants include Carleton University, Concordia University, McGill University, McMaster University, Mount Alison University, Université de Montreal, University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto, University of Victoria and York University. The coalition is open to new members.
UNIE’s coordinator is SHARE (Shareholder Association for Research & Education), a non-profit investor advocacy organization. Over a year ago, SHARE and university leaders started discussing how to use their power as institutions to respond to the climate crisis.
In partnership with SHARE, UNIE will engage with companies in the investment portfolios of participating universities, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy. UNIE’s efforts will focus on sectors where advocacy can make the biggest difference, including energy, utilities, finance, transportation and manufacturing.
“Responsible investing is a key priority at UTAM, and we’re pleased to work with our fellow university investors to take decisive action on climate change,” says Daren Smith, President and Chief Investment Officer of UTAM. “Together, we can significantly increase the impact of our engagement efforts.”
For further information about UNIE, please read:
