SSIF Investing Responsibly

What is Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)?

In addition to strong financial returns, ESG-conscious investors want to ensure that the companies receiving their dollars are promoting socially conscious policies, activities, and relationships. Investing with ESG integration allow us to select investments that complement our values with our financial goals.

How we integrate ESG into our internal operations

The SSIF takes an integrative approach to ESG. We believe that ESG should be considered not only in the research process, but also within the internal functioning of the student initiative. Members of the SSIF have developed a materiality assessment of the internal processes. By tracking and evaluating the internal functionality of the SSIF, we can foster an environment that considers all aspects of ESG and has our members considering these aspects in practice. Re-evaluations of our internal functioning are undergone on a consistent basis to ensure the continuous improvement and innovation of the SSIF governance.

How we integrate ESG into our investment research, analysis and decision making

ESG considerations within our research and analysis employ a subjective approach. Analyzing industries on a top-down basis, we determine which ESG factors have the most impact. The SSIF employs an optics-driven, best-in-class approach to ESG, considering not only the specific company’s ESG risk in relation to that of its peer group, but also the considerations and expectations of our stakeholders. This approach allows the SSIF to maintain a high degree of due diligence and potentially increase the overall sustainability of our research capabilities and investment decisions.

The Sprott Student Investment Fund commits to responsible investing

The Sprott Student Investment Fund crosses $1.5 million in assets

Our Commitment

The SSIF is committed to adhering to the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Investment and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

UN Principles for Responsible Investment

The Principles for Responsible Investment were developed by an international group of institutional investors reflecting the increasing relevance of ESG issues to investment practices. With 7,000 corporate signatories in 135 countries, it is the world’s largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative. The belief is that ESG issues can affect the performance of investment portfolios (to varying degrees across companies, sectors, regions, asset classes and through time).

Principle 1: We will incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes.

Principle 2: We will be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies & practices.

Principle 3: We will seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.

Principle 4: We will promote acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry.

Principle 5: We will work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles.

Principle 6: We will each report on our activities and progress towards implementing the Principles.”

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all”. The SDGs were set up in 2015 by the UN General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by the year 2030.