Investment - Articles - The benefits of ESG integration

 Investors and companies are paying increasing time and attention to ESG information as the benefits of doing so become more evident and the risks and opportunities increase. ESG risks are now perceived to include a wide range of areas from those related to climate change and the environment, through to respect for human rights and relevant laws and regulations. Trustees and investors are also becoming increasingly aware of the pressure on them to have fully considered the ESG issues in their investment decision-making, both to safeguard their long-term investment objectives and the future value of their portfolios.

 Mark Jeavons, head of climate change insights in the Global Asset Allocation team at Aon, said:While some investment fads come and go, the trends driving the current need for sustainable business practices and responsible investment are very real and here for the long-term. We believe that fully integrating ESG into the investment process and investment strategy is inherently consistent with fiduciary duty and of acting in the best long-term interests of all stakeholders.

 “With this guide, we are aiming to help investors and pension scheme trustees in their understanding of the factors involved in ESG integration and the purpose and reasons for carrying it out. We have no doubt about its increasing importance and the benefits that it can and will bring, but we are also conscious that this is a new area for many and that clear guidance and a good understanding will be key to achieving it successfully.”

 ‘Aon’s Guide to ESG Investing – The Benefits of ESG Integration’