EQ Investors have just published their seventh annual Positive Impact Report, proving that investment can have a positive impact. EQ Investors provide financial planning services and investment fund management for individuals, businesses and charities. They are a certified B Corp and they ‘only ever invest in sustainable ways so that you can be confident that your money is having a positive impact on the world as well as generating a good return’.
For the last seven years they have published the Positive Impact Report (PDF). It shows how they invest in sustainable ways and the results of their investments, providing transparency about how this is achieved. 84% of their portfolio contributes to solutions and the other 16% is used for non-harmful investments. By contrast the UK equity industry as a whole contributes 34% of their funds towards businesses that are harmful and only 38% of investment is made into solutions.
Sophie Kennedy, Joint Chief Executive points out that the UK is now half way to the 2030 deadline of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ratified in 2015. Her introduction to the report states that ‘One thing is clear: the world is not delivering progress towards the 17 SDGs at the necessary pace and scale required.’ EQ Investors are committed to shifting the dial, with less than a decade left to meet the goals.
The EQ Positive Impact Adventurous portfolio invests in the following sustainable development goals (shown in order of investment);
- 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- 3 – Good health and wellbeing
- 7 – Affordable and clean energy
- 12 – Responsible consumption and production
- 11 – Sustainable cities and communities
- 8 – Decent work and economic growth
- 6 – Clean water and sanitation
- 2 – Zero hunger
- 4 – Quality education
- 10 – Reduced inequalities
- 15 – Life on land
Investment with a positive impact
The Positive Impact report focuses on five investment themes; health and well-being, social inclusion, natural capital, sustainable communities and climate. Examples of impact results include delivering insulin products at cost to developing countries (Novo Nordisk), extending microloans to 35.3 million people (Bank Rayat Indonesia), funding projects to protect living species and sustainable water resources (The Nature Conservancy), building 60 affordable housing projects (Aster Group), and installing wind power to supply the equivalent of 1.5 million homes with clean energy (Greencoat UK Wind).
In addition to highlighting the results for 2023, the Positive Impact Report highlights how EQ Investors lobby for decarbonisation across key industries. In particular, they focus on banks and their influence through lending and capital market activities.
The report also contains a wealth of information about the company itself; their Environmental, Social and Governance policies, how shareholding monitoring works, and their B Corp status.
Louisiana Salge, Head of Sustainability at EQ Investors said:
“With the release of our seventh positive impact report, we are excited to share the stories and numbers that highlight our commitment to investing in purpose-driven solutions for people and planet.
“We continue to focus on our responsibilities as stewards of our clients’ capital during these turbulent times, showcasing specific examples of engagements with our portfolio companies and industry stakeholders from the past year.
“2023 marks the halfway point to achieving the SDGs. We recognise that there is still a lot of work to be done as we strive for a more sustainable and equitable world.”
Louisiana Salge, Head of Sustainability at EQ Investors
For more information on how EQ Investors can help you to invest your money more positively, whether as an individual, business or charity, visit the EQ Investors website.
Download the Positive Impact Report (PDF)
Please note: The information in this article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always seek the advice of a financial advisor before purchasing any financial product. No warranty, whether express or implied, is given in relation to the information included in this article or the linked websites.
