
CT UK Sustainable Equity Fund (CT) (Threadneedle)
SRI Style:
Sustainable Style
SDR Labelling:
Sustainability Focus label
Product:
OEIC
Fund Region:
UK
Fund Asset Type:
Equity
Launch Date:
30/10/2015
Last Amended:
Dialshifter (
):
Fund Size:
£26.00m
(as at: 31/12/2020)
Total Screened Themed SRI Assets:
£552.00m
Total Responsible Ownership Assets:
£24779.00m
Total Assets Under Management:
£400144.00m
ISIN:
GB00BZ21SS97, GB00BZ21ST05, GB00BZ21SR80, GB00BJ5JM867, GB00BMCN4Q49
Sustainable, Responsible
&/or ESG Overview:
Awaiting update from manager - last updated June 2023
Launched in October 2015, the Fund takes a novel approach in combining positive sustainable outcomes, ESG risk management and negative screening. It was awarded Best New Entrant, at Investment Week’s Sustainable Investment Awards 2016.
Our philosophy outlines how we action our sustainable investment thesis: our strategy for delivering sustainable and financial benefits.
We reject market short-termism
Given the impact of longer-term sustainable themes, short term profits do not reflect the fundamental value of a business. Conversely, short-term reduction in profits – e.g. due to investment in the delivery of sustainable solutions of the future that pay off only over the longer term – can provide financial gain.
We take a longer-term view towards a better future
We look for sustainable businesses, those with products and services which benefit from and contribute to sustainable development, with sustainable economic returns and disciplined management. Given the greater capacity of smaller and mid-sized companies to innovate and exploit new markets, these form an important component of the Fund – the opportunity to drive innovation today towards a better future.
We look for companies exhibiting standards and discipline
Understanding the internal standards and discipline within a business is vital within a holistic view of its approach to sustainability. This encompasses internal environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, as well as financial stewardship. Leadership and improvement on these issues can signal future financial success, whilst creating a more sustainable, green and inclusive economy.
.
Please note: BMO GAM (EMEA) became part of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, the global asset management business of Ameriprise, on 8th November 2021. From 4th July 2022 the ‘Threadneedle’-named fund ranges of Columbia Threadneedle will transition to the CT prefix, providing consistency with the rebranding of BMO funds.
Primary fund last amended:
Information directly from fund manager.
Fund Filters
Sustainability - General
Funds that have policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See fund information.
Find funds where there is a significant emphasis on (environmental and social) sustainability. Funds with a 'sustainability theme' typically place more emphasis on the area than funds with a 'sustainability policy' - meaning that it is more likely to drive investment selection. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Find funds that specifically aim to invest (and manage assets) in ways that help to address all or some of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). See https://sdgs.un.org/goals).
Environmental - General
Funds that have policies which relate to environmental issues. These will typically set out the fund's stance on issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, plastics and/or additional environmental impacts. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.
Find funds that have a policy or theme that relates to managing natural resources more efficiently. Funds with this policy will be likely to favour companies that make (or enable the) more efficient use of resources - and either avoid or encourage change amongst companies with lower standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Funds that aim to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary - in particular the balance between 'financial' aspects and environmental benefits. Some may invest substantially in solutions or 'positive impact' companies - others may invest in more conventional companies providing certain environmental criteria are met. See fund information for further detail.
Nature & Biodiversity
Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies that produce genetically modified seeds or crops. (This does not typically include avoiding companies such as supermarkets). See fund literature for further information.
Climate Change & Energy
Funds that have policies (documented strategies that explain their position on) climate change related issues such as greenhouse gas/carbon emissions, net zero, transitioning to lower carbon. Strategies vary. Read fund details for further information.
Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.
Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.
Funds that avoid investing in companies with coal, oil and gas reserves. See fund information for further details.
Find funds where investment in clean / renewable energy companies an other assets is central to their investment selection strategy. The proportion of the fund that is directly or indirectly invested in renewable energy varies between funds and over time. See fund information for further details.
Funds that hold companies in the clean energy and renewable energy sectors (at the time research was supplied). Fund strategies vary, in particular the proportion of investment in these areas may vary significantly. Check fund literature for details.
Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Social / Employment
Find funds that have policies which set out their approach to social issues (e.g. human rights, labour standards, equal opportunities, child labour and adherence to internationally recognised codes such as the UN Global Compact). Funds with social policies typically avoid companies with low standards or work to encourage higher standards. See fund information for detail.
Find funds that invest in line with positive strategies that relate to 'people' issues - such as having strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities practices. Such funds are likely to invest in companies that have market leading standards with regard to employee and supplier practices. Read fund literature for further information.
Find funds with policies or themes that set out their approach to health and wellbeing issues. Funds of this kind typically aim to invest in companies with high standards - or encourage high standards. Themed funds are likely to have more of an emphasis on this area. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Find funds that have policies that set out their position on ethical or 'personal values' based issues. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Companies are excluded if they are involved in any aspect of the production chain for tobacco products, including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.
Find funds that avoid companies that manufacture products intended specifically for military use. Fund strategies vary - particularly with regard to non-strategic military products. See fund literature for fund specific details.
Find funds that avoid investment in companies involved in the production of alcohol. Strategies vary; some funds allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund literature for further information.
Find funds that avoid companies with significant involvement in the gambling industry. Some funds may allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund policy for further details.
Find funds that avoid companies that derive significant income from pornography and related areas. Strategies vary. See fund details for further information.
Human Rights
Find funds that have policies relating to human rights issues. Funds of this kind typically require companies to demonstrate higher standards, although some fund managers work to encourage improvements. Investee companies are often judged against internationally agreed norms or standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Find funds that have policies in place to ensure they do not invest in companies that employ children.
Find funds that have policies or a theme that relates to the responsible management of supply chains. These may relate to employment issues, notably people employed by their suppliers, as well as the sourcing of materials and products. See fund literature for further information.
Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Find funds with a thematic investment approach focusing on the ‘silver economy’ - in particular (typically) the issues and opportunities presented by changing demographics. This could include finance, healthcare and medicines and/ or longevity science to extend lifespans. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
Find funds that have significant investment in social housing or similar assets.
Governance & Management
Find fund options that have policies that relate to corporate governance issues such as board structure, executive remuneration, bribery and/or corporate corruption. These funds will typically avoid companies with poor practices. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards. See fund literature for further information.
Find funds that have policies explaining how managers will respond to assets / companies that do not comply with relevant anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards or laws. Strategies vary; options include stewardship/ engagement and divestment - or a combination. See fund literature for further information.
Fund managers encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)
Fund Governance
Find funds that factor in 'environmental, social and governance' issues as part of their investment decision making process. A focus on 'ESG' typically means a fund is carrying out additional research to help reduce ESG related risks. It does not necessarily mean a focus on sustainability. Strategies vary. See fund literature.
Asset Size
Find funds that invests more than half of their money into what are commonly regarded as 'large companies'. This will typically mean that the market capitalisation (or value) of the companies they hold is in excess of £5 to £10 billion.
Find a fund that invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational)companies.
Find funds that have SRI strategies and focus their investment stock selection on larger companies. (e.g. over circa £5-£10bn)
Targeted Positive Investments
Find funds that invest >25% of their capital towards companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.
Find funds that invest >50% of their capital in companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.
Impact Methodologies
Funds that aim to help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies they regard as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
Funds that aim to measure the positive real world environmental and / or social benefits that are associated with their investment strategy. Funds that aim to deliver positive impacts and measure those impacts may be referred to as 'impact funds' - although impact measurement is not restricted to impact funds. Strategies vary. See fund information.
Find funds that specifically set out to help deliver positive environmental impacts, benefits or 'real world' outcomes.
Find funds that specifically state that they aim to deliver positive social (i.e. people related) impacts and/or outcomes.
Find funds that direct investment towards companies where a major part of their business is about solving environmental challenges. e.g. companies helping to address climate change.
Find funds that invest in companies where a major part of their business is specifically aimed at helping to address social challenges. e.g. companies helping to address poverty.
Find funds that specifically set out to invest in companies that are regarded as 'disrupting' existing business practices - typically through the development of innovative (sustainability aware) products and/or practices.
How The Fund Works
Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.
Find funds where their main 'ethical approach' is to avoid companies by using negative screening criteria. Read fund literature for further information.
Find funds where their main approach is to apply positive or negative ethical, social and / or environmental screens. Strictly screened funds are likely to exclude more companies than other related fund options. See fund literature for further information.
Find funds with few exclusions - typically for example exclude tobacco or companies that breach commonly adopted standards or norms such as the UN Global Compact.
Find funds that have 'mapped' (reviewed) their investment selection and management strategies to identify which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the fund is helping to address.
Find funds that make significant use of internationally agreed 'norms' (e.g. United Nations Global Compact - UNGC - or the UN Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs) as part of their investment selection process alongside additional SRI criteria such as positive or negative stock selection policies and/or stewardship strategies.
Find funds that have an ESG strategy (which is typically focused on avoiding companies that pose environmental, social or governance related risks) with additional criteria such as positive and/or negative screens, themes and stewardship strategies.
Find funds that consider both the 'positive' and 'negative' aspects of company behaviour and make balanced, considered decisions as part of their investment approach. May apply to a range of different issues and policy areas.
Find funds that use internationally agreed standards, conventions and 'norms' to help direct where the fund can and cannot invest (e.g. the UN Global Compact, UN Sustainable Development Goals). Read fund literature for further information.
Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).
Intended Clients & Product Options
Find funds that have attributes that commonly suit the aims of investors of faith - although they may not be specifically marketed as being only for religious investors. Strategies vary (as do investor aims). Read fund literature for further information.
Find funds that are available via a tax efficient ISA product wrapper.
Labels & Accreditations
Find funds that have chosen to adopt one of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) SDR labels. Please note: there are a range of reasons why potentially relevant funds may not use an SDR label eg. adopting a label may be work in progress, the manager may not yet be allowed to do so because of the product type, a manager may feel their fund is insufficiently aligned to SDR requirements. Read fund literature and / or our blogs for further information.
Fund Management Company Information
About The Business
Find fund management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and/or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.
Find fund managers that vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)
Find fund managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.
Find fund management companies that aim to align all their investments (across all funds) to help meet the aims of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Find funds run by fund managers that apply Responsible ownership or 'Stewardship' policies to all or most of their investment assets. This means active involvement (e.g. voting, dialogue) with the companies they invest in across funds (not normally limited to ethical or SRI options.) Read fund literature for further information.
Find fund management companies that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues when deciding whether or not to invest in a company for all / almost all of their funds and other assets. This is increasingly seen as part of sound risk management.
Find fund management companies that encourage the companies they invest in to have strong diversity, race, gender and other equality policies across all assets held, not simply screened or themed SRI/ESG funds. (ie Asset Management company wide).
Collaborations & Affiliations
Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.
Find fund management companies that are members of UKSIF - the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance association
Resources
Find fund management companies that employ people to steer and support fund managers in voting shares at company AGM's and EGMs in ways that are consistent with encouraging higher ESG/sustainability standards.
Find a fund management company that directly employs specialist ESG/SRI/sustainability researchers or analysts. This allows asset managers to discuss environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities directly with companies.
Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.
Accreditations
Find fund managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where fund managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'.
Engagement Approach
Find fund management companies that regularly initiate or run industry wide (collaborative) investor projects aimed at raising environmental, social and governance standards amongst investee companies.
Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage more responsible corporate taxation.
Company Wide Exclusions
Find fund management companies (not funds) that avoid investment in 'controversial weapons' across all of their funds and other investment vehicles.
Find funds / fund managers that are reviewing, or have reviewed, their exposure to carbon intensive industries including (but not only) mining, oil and gas companies. (Typically with reference to climate change.)
Climate & Net Zero Transition
Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.
Transparency
Find fund management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.
Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.
Fund management companies that publish a full record of how they vote their shares at AGMs (annual general meetings) and EGMs (extraordinary general meetings). Voting strategies have an important role to play encouraging higher environmental, social and governance standards.
Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:
Our sustainable investment criteria comprise the following:
Sustainable themes
We maintain a primary focus on companies exposed to sustainable themes through their products and services. These are best positioned to benefit from, and contribute to, a sustainable future. At minimum, these will comprise 75% of the Fund.
ESG quality
An additional focus is on ESG quality – up to 25% of the Fund represents companies exhibiting best-in-class practices notwithstanding current exposure to sustainable products and services (although these companies must not materially detract from sustainable themes). ESG also provides a lens on quality and risk management across the Fund. We typically avoid companies with entrenched poor practices but may invest where we believe there is scope for related engagement to drive improvements.
Sustainable and ethical exclusions
To underpin the Fund’s sustainability focus, we exclude companies offering unsuitable products and services i.e. those at odds with the fundamental concept of advancing sustainable development, inclusion of which we consider would not be consistent with the expectations of investors in the Fund: this is consistent with the criteria which have underpinned the Fund since launch.
Our sustainable themes and the SDGs
At a global level, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)[1] outline a number of sustainable development priorities and aspirations looking out to 2030, for support by both the public and private sectors. At a local level, challenges such as demographic change, housing need, and making the UK economy more environmentally sustainable also require solutions. Together these necessitate significant investment in, and support of, sustainable products, services and practices – indicative of a positive policy and market environment for companies targeted by the Fund.
[1] The SDGs were originally drafted for governments but have since been adopted by investment companies.
Our eight sustainable themes are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), translated for use in an investment context. These themes are shown below, alongside a primary SDG with which they align (although we look across all SDGs when assessing companies in the Fund) and a relevant opportunity for UK equities.
- Health, Well-being and Food Security - Ageing population and obesity crisis
- 3 - Good Health & Well-being
- 2 - Zero Hunger
- 1 - No Poverty
- Financial and Technological Inclusion - Provide banking for all
- 9 - Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
- 10 - Reduced Inequalities
- 8 - Decent Work & Economic Growth
- Education and Training - Investing in social mobility
- 4 - Quality Education
- 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
- 16 - Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
- Inclusive Work and Economic Development - Inclusion for all minorities
- 8 - Decent Work & Economic Growth
- 5 - Gender Equality
- 10 - Reduced Inequalities
- Community Formation and Support - Provide affordable housing
- 11 - Sustainable Cities & Communities
- 1 - No Poverty
- 2 - Zero Hunger
- Regeneration and Infrastructure - Supporting communities through investment and infrastructure
- 7 - Affordable & Clean Energy
- 9 - Industry Innovation & Infrastructure
- 15 - Life on Land
- Sustainable Resource Management and Transformation - Reducing pollution and waste
- 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
- 6 - Clean Water & Sanitation
- 14 - Life Below Water
- Energy and Climate Transition - Solutions required to combat climate change
- 7 - Affordable & Clean Energy
- 13 - Climate Action
- 15 - Life on Land
When assessing a companies’ exposure to our themes we identify both current revenue exposure to the themes as well as strategy and innovation supporting delivery of sustainable outcomes. Importantly, we do not just consider positive exposure, but net exposure (positive less negative) across all products and services as they relate to the themes. As outlined above, 75% of the Fund must be positively exposed to these themes on a net basis. At minimum, all invested companies must be neutrally exposed or transitioning towards positive exposure to these themes (e.g. a food and beverages company repositioning their portfolio towards healthier food).
Depending on companies’ net revenue exposure, they are labelled as a sustainable outcome leader, advanced contributor, contributor, transition or neutral. Companies misaligned are excluded from the Fund.
For companies identified as no longer meeting the Sustainable Investment Guidelines, an appropriate action plan will be drawn up and an action plan comprising an exit strategy implements in the best interest of underlying investors.
ESG Quality
Leadership and improvement on ESG and stewardship issues can signal future success, whilst creating a more sustainable, green and inclusive economy. Consequently, up to 25% of the Fund may represent companies selected for their strong ESG and stewardship practices.
ESG and stewardship also provide a lens on quality, risk management and the mitigation of negative impact – hence relevant for all companies in the Fund. We avoid companies with entrenched poor practices.
In identifying the strength of a company’s ESG and stewardship practices we take the following approach:
- Focus on a few material ESG factors – drawing on established research and the work of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) to identify relevant ESG factors for each industry[1]
- Respond to change – look to identify changes as they occur, even in anticipation of them
- Incorporate stewardship factors – such as accounting transparency and prudent capital allocation as part of our wider sustainability lens
[1] Further information, including their full industry mapping of material factors, is available online.
To implement this approach, we undertake not only our own research but also use innovative tools. In particular our proprietary Responsible Investment (RI) model incorporates all the factors mentioned above and has been back tested to show positive results.
Active Ownership
We also take the opportunity to engage with companies to better understand their perspectives, to offer input as responsible stewards and, as appropriate, to seek improvement in practices. This is particularly important for smaller companies, which typically have weaker governance arrangements as compared to larger peers.
Equally, we vote actively at company meetings and view this as a powerful way of sending signals to company management. Voting processes and policies reflect not only traditional governance issues, but also wider sustainability matters – such as company approaches to climate change and diversity.
For further information on our Responsible Investment approach across the firm, including engagement and our firm-wide voting policy, please see our Responsible Investment website (https://www.columbiathreadneedle.co.uk/en/investment-capabilities/governance-and-responsible-investment/).
Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:
The responsibility for our responsible investment activities lies with our Responsible Investment (RI) Team. Our RI Team is responsible for leading the research and assessment of environmental, social and corporate governance issues to support investment across Columbia Threadneedle. Colin Moore, our Global Chief Investment Officer, maintains oversight responsibility for our responsible investment initiatives and Kirk Moore, our Global Head of Research, maintains oversight for leading centralized research across the firm, including oversight of the global RI Team.
The broad objective of the RI Team is to enhance investment performance across the firm by creating unique insights into company and industry risks and opportunities that are not otherwise uncovered through traditional analysis. The global RI Team is based in our London and Minneapolis offices, comprising 15 full time members, across three principal workstreams: (1) Thematic Research, with seven dedicated analysts, (2) Stewardship and Voting, with seven dedicated analysts, and (3) Policy with one dedicated analyst.
Sources of Information to the RI team include:
Broad ESG:
- MSCI ESG Research (company ratings)
- ISS (Governance and accounting data, integrating wider ESG elements)
- BoardEx (Board/Director data)
- ESG brokers
- RI news services, academia, NGOs etc
- Bloomberg (ESG data)
- Sustainalytics (RI Strategy specific research
Broad Thematic
- oekom (Main sustainable impact/outcome data provider and RI Strategy specific research)
- Thematic brokers
- National & Supranational research/statistical sources (Sectoral/Thematic data and social data)
- Bloomberg (Thematic data, e.g. Green Bonds, Bloomberg New Energy Finance)
Issue or Market Specific :
- CDP (Environmental data)
- Ideal Ratings (Islamic/Sharia strategy specific research)
- IVIS (UK governance data)
- GlassLewis (US governance data)
- The Conference Board (US data)
The UK and RI teams work together to identify opportunities for the Fund. Assessment of companies’ sustainable outcomes is done by the RI team who produce bespoke research and assess ESG risk management and the active stewardship approach including voting. Financial analysis is undertaken by the UK equity team, drawing on the wider resources of the business, using their established investment process to identify companies with attractive valuations.
Fund manager
The Fund is co-managed by Sonal Sagar and James Thorne. Supported by the RI team, and the UK team, and mindful of the exclusionary criteria, the manager makes the final investment decision.
General corporate affiliations
We were a founding member of the UN PRI and remain actively involved in the organisation. In our last assessment from the PRI we received an A+ (the highest rating) for our overall approach to responsible investment, a score that has been maintained for the last four years.
Other key memberships are those of: the United Kingdom Sustainable Investments and Finance Association (UKSIF), the European Sustainable Investment Forum (EUROSIF), the UK’s Investment Association, the UK’s Investor Forum, the UK Taskforce on Growing a Culture of Social Impact Investing and the Global Impact Investing Network. These memberships reflect our commitment to RI and impact investing across a range of markets, reflecting the geographic diversity of our investments, as well our significant holdings in UK-listed companies.
Our Chief Investment Officer sits on the board of the Investor Forum, which seeks to contribute to long-term investment performance by promoting cultural change and enhancing shareholder stewardship in the UK. Similarly, we are also an active member of the UK Corporate Governance Forum, an investor network made up of asset managers and owners to discuss individual companies, industry and ESG developments, UKSIF, the Investment Association and the Investor Forum and are signatories to the UK Stewardship Code.
We are also signatories to the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), including their forestry and water programmes.
Voting Record
Fund Name | SRI Style | SDR Labelling | Product | Region | Asset Type | Launch Date | Last Amended |
|
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![]() CT UK Sustainable Equity Fund (CT) (Threadneedle) |
Sustainable Style | Sustainability Focus label | OEIC | UK | Equity | 30/10/2015 | ||
Fund Size: £26.00m (as at: 31/12/2020) Total Screened Themed SRI Assets: £552.00m (as at: 31/12/2020) Total Responsible Ownership Assets: £24779.00m (as at: 31/12/2020) Total Assets Under Management: £400144.00m (as at: 31/12/2020) ISIN: GB00BZ21SS97, GB00BZ21ST05, GB00BZ21SR80, GB00BJ5JM867, GB00BMCN4Q49 |
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Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG OverviewAwaiting update from manager - last updated June 2023
Launched in October 2015, the Fund takes a novel approach in combining positive sustainable outcomes, ESG risk management and negative screening. It was awarded Best New Entrant, at Investment Week’s Sustainable Investment Awards 2016. Our philosophy outlines how we action our sustainable investment thesis: our strategy for delivering sustainable and financial benefits.
We reject market short-termism Given the impact of longer-term sustainable themes, short term profits do not reflect the fundamental value of a business. Conversely, short-term reduction in profits – e.g. due to investment in the delivery of sustainable solutions of the future that pay off only over the longer term – can provide financial gain.
We take a longer-term view towards a better future We look for sustainable businesses, those with products and services which benefit from and contribute to sustainable development, with sustainable economic returns and disciplined management. Given the greater capacity of smaller and mid-sized companies to innovate and exploit new markets, these form an important component of the Fund – the opportunity to drive innovation today towards a better future.
We look for companies exhibiting standards and discipline Understanding the internal standards and discipline within a business is vital within a holistic view of its approach to sustainability. This encompasses internal environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, as well as financial stewardship. Leadership and improvement on these issues can signal future financial success, whilst creating a more sustainable, green and inclusive economy. . Please note: BMO GAM (EMEA) became part of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, the global asset management business of Ameriprise, on 8th November 2021. From 4th July 2022 the ‘Threadneedle’-named fund ranges of Columbia Threadneedle will transition to the CT prefix, providing consistency with the rebranding of BMO funds. |
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Information received directly from Fund Manager |
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Fund FiltersSustainability - General
Sustainability policy
Funds that have policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See fund information.
Sustainability theme or focus
Find funds where there is a significant emphasis on (environmental and social) sustainability. Funds with a 'sustainability theme' typically place more emphasis on the area than funds with a 'sustainability policy' - meaning that it is more likely to drive investment selection. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) focus
Find funds that specifically aim to invest (and manage assets) in ways that help to address all or some of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). See https://sdgs.un.org/goals). Environmental - General
Environmental policy
Funds that have policies which relate to environmental issues. These will typically set out the fund's stance on issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, plastics and/or additional environmental impacts. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.
Resource efficiency policy or theme
Find funds that have a policy or theme that relates to managing natural resources more efficiently. Funds with this policy will be likely to favour companies that make (or enable the) more efficient use of resources - and either avoid or encourage change amongst companies with lower standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Favours cleaner, greener companies
Funds that aim to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary - in particular the balance between 'financial' aspects and environmental benefits. Some may invest substantially in solutions or 'positive impact' companies - others may invest in more conventional companies providing certain environmental criteria are met. See fund information for further detail. Nature & Biodiversity
Avoids genetically modified seeds/crop production
Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies that produce genetically modified seeds or crops. (This does not typically include avoiding companies such as supermarkets). See fund literature for further information. Climate Change & Energy
Climate change / greenhouse gas emissions policy
Funds that have policies (documented strategies that explain their position on) climate change related issues such as greenhouse gas/carbon emissions, net zero, transitioning to lower carbon. Strategies vary. Read fund details for further information.
Coal, oil & / or gas majors excluded
Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.
Fracking and tar sands excluded
Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.
Fossil fuel reserves exclusion
Funds that avoid investing in companies with coal, oil and gas reserves. See fund information for further details.
Clean / renewable energy theme or focus
Find funds where investment in clean / renewable energy companies an other assets is central to their investment selection strategy. The proportion of the fund that is directly or indirectly invested in renewable energy varies between funds and over time. See fund information for further details.
Invests in clean energy / renewables
Funds that hold companies in the clean energy and renewable energy sectors (at the time research was supplied). Fund strategies vary, in particular the proportion of investment in these areas may vary significantly. Check fund literature for details.
Nuclear exclusion policy
Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail. Social / Employment
Social policy
Find funds that have policies which set out their approach to social issues (e.g. human rights, labour standards, equal opportunities, child labour and adherence to internationally recognised codes such as the UN Global Compact). Funds with social policies typically avoid companies with low standards or work to encourage higher standards. See fund information for detail.
Favours companies with strong social policies
Find funds that invest in line with positive strategies that relate to 'people' issues - such as having strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities practices. Such funds are likely to invest in companies that have market leading standards with regard to employee and supplier practices. Read fund literature for further information.
Health & wellbeing policies or theme
Find funds with policies or themes that set out their approach to health and wellbeing issues. Funds of this kind typically aim to invest in companies with high standards - or encourage high standards. Themed funds are likely to have more of an emphasis on this area. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail. Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Ethical policies
Find funds that have policies that set out their position on ethical or 'personal values' based issues. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Tobacco and related product manufacturers excluded
Companies are excluded if they are involved in any aspect of the production chain for tobacco products, including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.
Armaments manufacturers avoided
Find funds that avoid companies that manufacture products intended specifically for military use. Fund strategies vary - particularly with regard to non-strategic military products. See fund literature for fund specific details.
Alcohol production excluded
Find funds that avoid investment in companies involved in the production of alcohol. Strategies vary; some funds allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund literature for further information.
Gambling avoidance policy
Find funds that avoid companies with significant involvement in the gambling industry. Some funds may allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund policy for further details.
Pornography avoidance policy
Find funds that avoid companies that derive significant income from pornography and related areas. Strategies vary. See fund details for further information. Human Rights
Human rights policy
Find funds that have policies relating to human rights issues. Funds of this kind typically require companies to demonstrate higher standards, although some fund managers work to encourage improvements. Investee companies are often judged against internationally agreed norms or standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Child labour exclusion
Find funds that have policies in place to ensure they do not invest in companies that employ children.
Responsible supply chain policy or theme
Find funds that have policies or a theme that relates to the responsible management of supply chains. These may relate to employment issues, notably people employed by their suppliers, as well as the sourcing of materials and products. See fund literature for further information. Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Demographic / ageing population theme
Find funds with a thematic investment approach focusing on the ‘silver economy’ - in particular (typically) the issues and opportunities presented by changing demographics. This could include finance, healthcare and medicines and/ or longevity science to extend lifespans. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
Invests > 5% in social housing
Find funds that have significant investment in social housing or similar assets. Governance & Management
Governance policy
Find fund options that have policies that relate to corporate governance issues such as board structure, executive remuneration, bribery and/or corporate corruption. These funds will typically avoid companies with poor practices. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
Avoids companies with poor governance
Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards. See fund literature for further information.
Anti-bribery and corruption policy
Find funds that have policies explaining how managers will respond to assets / companies that do not comply with relevant anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards or laws. Strategies vary; options include stewardship/ engagement and divestment - or a combination. See fund literature for further information.
Encourage board diversity e.g. gender
Fund managers encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards) Fund Governance
ESG integration strategy
Find funds that factor in 'environmental, social and governance' issues as part of their investment decision making process. A focus on 'ESG' typically means a fund is carrying out additional research to help reduce ESG related risks. It does not necessarily mean a focus on sustainability. Strategies vary. See fund literature. Asset Size
Over 50% large cap companies
Find funds that invests more than half of their money into what are commonly regarded as 'large companies'. This will typically mean that the market capitalisation (or value) of the companies they hold is in excess of £5 to £10 billion.
Invests in small, mid and large cap companies / assets
Find a fund that invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational)companies.
Invests mostly in large cap companies / assets
Find funds that have SRI strategies and focus their investment stock selection on larger companies. (e.g. over circa £5-£10bn) Targeted Positive Investments
Invests >25% of fund in environmental/social solutions companies
Find funds that invest >25% of their capital towards companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.
Invests >50% of fund in environmental/social solutions companies
Find funds that invest >50% of their capital in companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges. Impact Methodologies
Aims to generate positive impacts (or 'outcomes')
Funds that aim to help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies they regard as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
Measures positive impacts
Funds that aim to measure the positive real world environmental and / or social benefits that are associated with their investment strategy. Funds that aim to deliver positive impacts and measure those impacts may be referred to as 'impact funds' - although impact measurement is not restricted to impact funds. Strategies vary. See fund information.
Positive environmental impact theme
Find funds that specifically set out to help deliver positive environmental impacts, benefits or 'real world' outcomes.
Positive social impact theme
Find funds that specifically state that they aim to deliver positive social (i.e. people related) impacts and/or outcomes.
Invests in environmental solutions companies
Find funds that direct investment towards companies where a major part of their business is about solving environmental challenges. e.g. companies helping to address climate change.
Invests in social solutions companies
Find funds that invest in companies where a major part of their business is specifically aimed at helping to address social challenges. e.g. companies helping to address poverty.
Invests in sustainability / ESG disruptors
Find funds that specifically set out to invest in companies that are regarded as 'disrupting' existing business practices - typically through the development of innovative (sustainability aware) products and/or practices. How The Fund Works
Positive selection bias
Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.
Negative selection bias
Find funds where their main 'ethical approach' is to avoid companies by using negative screening criteria. Read fund literature for further information.
Strictly screened ethical fund
Find funds where their main approach is to apply positive or negative ethical, social and / or environmental screens. Strictly screened funds are likely to exclude more companies than other related fund options. See fund literature for further information.
Limited / few ethical exclusions
Find funds with few exclusions - typically for example exclude tobacco or companies that breach commonly adopted standards or norms such as the UN Global Compact.
Assets mapped to SDGs
Find funds that have 'mapped' (reviewed) their investment selection and management strategies to identify which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) the fund is helping to address.
Combines norms based exclusions with other SRI criteria
Find funds that make significant use of internationally agreed 'norms' (e.g. United Nations Global Compact - UNGC - or the UN Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs) as part of their investment selection process alongside additional SRI criteria such as positive or negative stock selection policies and/or stewardship strategies.
Combines ESG strategy with other SRI criteria
Find funds that have an ESG strategy (which is typically focused on avoiding companies that pose environmental, social or governance related risks) with additional criteria such as positive and/or negative screens, themes and stewardship strategies.
Balances company 'pros and cons' / best in sector
Find funds that consider both the 'positive' and 'negative' aspects of company behaviour and make balanced, considered decisions as part of their investment approach. May apply to a range of different issues and policy areas.
Norms focus
Find funds that use internationally agreed standards, conventions and 'norms' to help direct where the fund can and cannot invest (e.g. the UN Global Compact, UN Sustainable Development Goals). Read fund literature for further information.
SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website
Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies). Intended Clients & Product Options
Faith friendly
Find funds that have attributes that commonly suit the aims of investors of faith - although they may not be specifically marketed as being only for religious investors. Strategies vary (as do investor aims). Read fund literature for further information.
Available via an ISA (OEIC only)
Find funds that are available via a tax efficient ISA product wrapper. Labels & Accreditations
SDR Labelled
Find funds that have chosen to adopt one of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) SDR labels. Please note: there are a range of reasons why potentially relevant funds may not use an SDR label eg. adopting a label may be work in progress, the manager may not yet be allowed to do so because of the product type, a manager may feel their fund is insufficiently aligned to SDR requirements. Read fund literature and / or our blogs for further information. Fund Management Company InformationAbout The Business
ESG / SRI engagement (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and/or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.
Vote all* shares at AGMs / EGMs (AFM company wide)
Find fund managers that vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)
Responsible ownership / ESG a key differentiator (AFM company wide)
Find fund managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.
SDG aligned aims / objectives (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that aim to align all their investments (across all funds) to help meet the aims of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Responsible ownership policy for non SRI funds (AFM company wide)
Find funds run by fund managers that apply Responsible ownership or 'Stewardship' policies to all or most of their investment assets. This means active involvement (e.g. voting, dialogue) with the companies they invest in across funds (not normally limited to ethical or SRI options.) Read fund literature for further information.
Integrates ESG factors into all / most (AFM) fund research
Find fund management companies that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues when deciding whether or not to invest in a company for all / almost all of their funds and other assets. This is increasingly seen as part of sound risk management.
Diversity, equality & inclusion engagement policy (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that encourage the companies they invest in to have strong diversity, race, gender and other equality policies across all assets held, not simply screened or themed SRI/ESG funds. (ie Asset Management company wide). Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory
Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.
UKSIF member
Find fund management companies that are members of UKSIF - the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance association Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise
Find fund management companies that employ people to steer and support fund managers in voting shares at company AGM's and EGMs in ways that are consistent with encouraging higher ESG/sustainability standards.
Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers
Find a fund management company that directly employs specialist ESG/SRI/sustainability researchers or analysts. This allows asset managers to discuss environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities directly with companies.
Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies
Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors. Accreditations
UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)
Find fund managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where fund managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'. Engagement Approach
Regularly lead collaborative ESG initiatives (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that regularly initiate or run industry wide (collaborative) investor projects aimed at raising environmental, social and governance standards amongst investee companies.
Encourage responsible corporate taxation (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage more responsible corporate taxation. Company Wide Exclusions
Controversial weapons avoidance policy (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies (not funds) that avoid investment in 'controversial weapons' across all of their funds and other investment vehicles.
Review(ing) carbon / fossil fuel exposure for all funds (AFM company wide)
Find funds / fund managers that are reviewing, or have reviewed, their exposure to carbon intensive industries including (but not only) mining, oil and gas companies. (Typically with reference to climate change.) Climate & Net Zero Transition
Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.
Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website
Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.
Publish full voting record (AFM company wide)
Fund management companies that publish a full record of how they vote their shares at AGMs (annual general meetings) and EGMs (extraordinary general meetings). Voting strategies have an important role to play encouraging higher environmental, social and governance standards. Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:Our sustainable investment criteria comprise the following:
Sustainable themes We maintain a primary focus on companies exposed to sustainable themes through their products and services. These are best positioned to benefit from, and contribute to, a sustainable future. At minimum, these will comprise 75% of the Fund.
ESG quality An additional focus is on ESG quality – up to 25% of the Fund represents companies exhibiting best-in-class practices notwithstanding current exposure to sustainable products and services (although these companies must not materially detract from sustainable themes). ESG also provides a lens on quality and risk management across the Fund. We typically avoid companies with entrenched poor practices but may invest where we believe there is scope for related engagement to drive improvements.
Sustainable and ethical exclusions To underpin the Fund’s sustainability focus, we exclude companies offering unsuitable products and services i.e. those at odds with the fundamental concept of advancing sustainable development, inclusion of which we consider would not be consistent with the expectations of investors in the Fund: this is consistent with the criteria which have underpinned the Fund since launch. Our sustainable themes and the SDGs At a global level, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)[1] outline a number of sustainable development priorities and aspirations looking out to 2030, for support by both the public and private sectors. At a local level, challenges such as demographic change, housing need, and making the UK economy more environmentally sustainable also require solutions. Together these necessitate significant investment in, and support of, sustainable products, services and practices – indicative of a positive policy and market environment for companies targeted by the Fund. [1] The SDGs were originally drafted for governments but have since been adopted by investment companies.
Our eight sustainable themes are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), translated for use in an investment context. These themes are shown below, alongside a primary SDG with which they align (although we look across all SDGs when assessing companies in the Fund) and a relevant opportunity for UK equities.
When assessing a companies’ exposure to our themes we identify both current revenue exposure to the themes as well as strategy and innovation supporting delivery of sustainable outcomes. Importantly, we do not just consider positive exposure, but net exposure (positive less negative) across all products and services as they relate to the themes. As outlined above, 75% of the Fund must be positively exposed to these themes on a net basis. At minimum, all invested companies must be neutrally exposed or transitioning towards positive exposure to these themes (e.g. a food and beverages company repositioning their portfolio towards healthier food).
Depending on companies’ net revenue exposure, they are labelled as a sustainable outcome leader, advanced contributor, contributor, transition or neutral. Companies misaligned are excluded from the Fund.
For companies identified as no longer meeting the Sustainable Investment Guidelines, an appropriate action plan will be drawn up and an action plan comprising an exit strategy implements in the best interest of underlying investors.
ESG Quality Leadership and improvement on ESG and stewardship issues can signal future success, whilst creating a more sustainable, green and inclusive economy. Consequently, up to 25% of the Fund may represent companies selected for their strong ESG and stewardship practices.
ESG and stewardship also provide a lens on quality, risk management and the mitigation of negative impact – hence relevant for all companies in the Fund. We avoid companies with entrenched poor practices.
In identifying the strength of a company’s ESG and stewardship practices we take the following approach:
[1] Further information, including their full industry mapping of material factors, is available online.
To implement this approach, we undertake not only our own research but also use innovative tools. In particular our proprietary Responsible Investment (RI) model incorporates all the factors mentioned above and has been back tested to show positive results.
Active Ownership We also take the opportunity to engage with companies to better understand their perspectives, to offer input as responsible stewards and, as appropriate, to seek improvement in practices. This is particularly important for smaller companies, which typically have weaker governance arrangements as compared to larger peers.
Equally, we vote actively at company meetings and view this as a powerful way of sending signals to company management. Voting processes and policies reflect not only traditional governance issues, but also wider sustainability matters – such as company approaches to climate change and diversity.
For further information on our Responsible Investment approach across the firm, including engagement and our firm-wide voting policy, please see our Responsible Investment website (https://www.columbiathreadneedle.co.uk/en/investment-capabilities/governance-and-responsible-investment/).
Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:The responsibility for our responsible investment activities lies with our Responsible Investment (RI) Team. Our RI Team is responsible for leading the research and assessment of environmental, social and corporate governance issues to support investment across Columbia Threadneedle. Colin Moore, our Global Chief Investment Officer, maintains oversight responsibility for our responsible investment initiatives and Kirk Moore, our Global Head of Research, maintains oversight for leading centralized research across the firm, including oversight of the global RI Team. The broad objective of the RI Team is to enhance investment performance across the firm by creating unique insights into company and industry risks and opportunities that are not otherwise uncovered through traditional analysis. The global RI Team is based in our London and Minneapolis offices, comprising 15 full time members, across three principal workstreams: (1) Thematic Research, with seven dedicated analysts, (2) Stewardship and Voting, with seven dedicated analysts, and (3) Policy with one dedicated analyst. Sources of Information to the RI team include: Broad ESG:
Broad Thematic
Issue or Market Specific :
The UK and RI teams work together to identify opportunities for the Fund. Assessment of companies’ sustainable outcomes is done by the RI team who produce bespoke research and assess ESG risk management and the active stewardship approach including voting. Financial analysis is undertaken by the UK equity team, drawing on the wider resources of the business, using their established investment process to identify companies with attractive valuations. Fund manager The Fund is co-managed by Sonal Sagar and James Thorne. Supported by the RI team, and the UK team, and mindful of the exclusionary criteria, the manager makes the final investment decision. General corporate affiliations We were a founding member of the UN PRI and remain actively involved in the organisation. In our last assessment from the PRI we received an A+ (the highest rating) for our overall approach to responsible investment, a score that has been maintained for the last four years. Other key memberships are those of: the United Kingdom Sustainable Investments and Finance Association (UKSIF), the European Sustainable Investment Forum (EUROSIF), the UK’s Investment Association, the UK’s Investor Forum, the UK Taskforce on Growing a Culture of Social Impact Investing and the Global Impact Investing Network. These memberships reflect our commitment to RI and impact investing across a range of markets, reflecting the geographic diversity of our investments, as well our significant holdings in UK-listed companies. Our Chief Investment Officer sits on the board of the Investor Forum, which seeks to contribute to long-term investment performance by promoting cultural change and enhancing shareholder stewardship in the UK. Similarly, we are also an active member of the UK Corporate Governance Forum, an investor network made up of asset managers and owners to discuss individual companies, industry and ESG developments, UKSIF, the Investment Association and the Investor Forum and are signatories to the UK Stewardship Code. We are also signatories to the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), including their forestry and water programmes. Voting Record |