Should Investors Be Concerned with ESG Investing

May 4, 2018 |
4 minute read
|

The subject of ESG, or investing in accord with environmental, social and governance principles, arose in several sessions at Commonfund Forum 2018. One session, in particular, was devoted to the ongoing evolution of responsible investing, with a focus on ESG.

The following article highlights key takeaways from the session, with thanks to the leaders of the discussion: the moderator, Commonfund Managing Director Deborah Spalding, and featured speakers Chris Fowle, Head of Americas, Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and Cary Krosinsky, Lecturer at Yale University and a teacher of theory and practice of sustainable investing at Brown University.  Here are the key takeaways:

ESG AND SRI ARE NOT SYNONYMOUS

ESG is distinct from traditional socially responsible investing, or SRI. Historically, responsible investing was dominated by SRI, which largely focused on screening out certain investments deemed counter to an organization’s mission. Over time, however, investors became concerned that negative screening could limit potential returns by narrowing one’s investable universe through security or sector exclusions. ESG evolved as a distinct approach to SRI and one that looked at both the downside risks and the upside opportunities, and allowed for greater potential impact through active strategies such as public company proxy voting.

DATA COLLECTION IS IMPROVING

img-Cary-KrosinskySome asset owners will say, “I’d like to get started, but I don't trust the data that’s out there.” While there is certainly room for improvement, there are service providers, such as MSCI, Carbon Tracker and Sustainalytics, which can be accessed and downloaded from the Bloomberg terminals used by many analysts. Traditional data and research corporations are beginning to see the benefit of having ESG capabilities, as evidenced by S&P Dow Jones Indices’ recent purchase of Trucost. As an investor considering ESG, there are two important things to keep in mind. First, while there is work to be done in data collection, don’t dismiss reasonably good data in a quest for perfect data. Second, since the cost of sourcing data can be high, be strategic about what data you actually need and focus on that. As more investors demand ESG disclosure, it will encourage greater transparency and the cost of data acquisition will likely decline as disclosure becomes more mainstream. Organizations such as the Principles of Responsible Investment have been pushing for greater disclosure by requiring signatories to report on responsible investments through a standardized reporting framework. Signatories failing to do so risk delisting, a discipline that has helped to foster an increased commitment to reporting.

STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT IS STILL EARLY ON THE CURVE

Similar to a lack of data, there is still no standardized ESG reporting comparable to industry-accepted standards such as FASB1 and IFRS2 . While there are many emerging standards, they are still largely voluntary at this point. But as mentioned earlier, PRI includes a core principle devoted to reporting, and as reporting evolves so will standards. Some members of the G20 are developing standards, like Article 173 in France, which in 2015 became the first-ever mandatory institutional investor climate reporting law. There is a growing feeling among ESG-aware investors that they do not want to wait for markets or regulators to tell them what to do, but instead wish to seize the initiative themselves.

 

ESG is many things that, taken together, offer a menu of approaches or options that allow decision-makers to select what makes sense for their organization.

—Cary Krosinsky
 

ACCEPT THAT STANDARDS ARE STILL EVOLVING

While laudable, standards are somewhat of a double-edged sword. Proliferating standards in various stages of development can often complicate the exercise, rather than move the discussion forward. Materiality thresholds are a key component of what can and should be included. The question is: What data are really needed? And, can a sustainability strategy be tied to better financial outcomes? Once standards are better accepted, the overall system can become self-perpetuating. Today, however, ESG standards are in a kind of chaotic middle phase—neither nascent nor mature.

IT’S A MISCONCEPTION THAT ESG RISKS UNDERPERFORMANCE

Some believe that an increment of returns is left on the table when investing in a sustainable manner. This is more of a values-first approach, and there are plenty of studies showing that divestment from certain industries or countries can lead to underperformance. First, asset owners should look at their current investment holdings, and then define what it means for them to be a responsible owner. Divestment may ultimately be the most appropriate decision, but it should be at the end of a thoughtful process.

ESG AS A RISK MITIGATOR

ESG is a complex topic. Taken together, ESG criteria offer a menu of approaches or options that allow decision-makers to create customized approaches for their portfolio and organization. Some asset owners use ESG for risk mitigation. While traditional SRI strategies may introduce unintended risks from greater portfolio concentration as a result of sector and/or security exclusions, ESG approaches can be implemented via engagement versus divestment. Whether an investor is focused on board governance, lower exposure to environmental hazards, fair labor practices or equal opportunity policies, the use of ESG factors can help uncover objectionable or avoidable practices and manage company-specific risks, while also creating a platform for an asset owner to promote change.

MANAGERS AND CONSULTANTS ARE A POTENTIAL RESOURCE

img-Chris-Fowle

Investment consultants play a critical role in the design of investment policies and asset allocation. Many are signatories to PRI, and can be a valuable resource to institutions wanting to learn more. But, among endowments and the consultant communities, there is a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem. Many consultants have fairly robust offerings around ESG and can provide strong input in structuring ESG programs. But they aren’t proactively bringing it to clients because, in many cases, the clients aren’t asking. And, in the same vein, clients aren’t asking because the consultants aren’t discussing it. Alternatively, institutions that have an internal investment office or work with an outsourced provider may have more ability to proactively and collaboratively consider and incorporate ESG into their custom portfolios. This, of course, depends on the capabilities and willingness of the investors and the resources they have aligned behind that effort, which can vary widely.

 

Increasingly, there is a feeling that ESG is not only consistent with fiduciary duty, it should actually be part of one’s fiduciary duty.

—Chris Fowle

WHAT POSTURE SHOULD INVESTMENT COMMITTEES TAKE?

Traditionally, there have been two polar positions: On one end of the spectrum, the committee might say, “Let’s focus on maximizing returns and not look at ESG.” Another committee might say, “We are mission oriented, and for us not to align our capital with our mission is inconsistent with our fiduciary responsibility.” Some of these philosophical positions have arisen from experience-based assumptions that have built up over time, such as student protests that have colored the thinking of investment committee members when it comes to responsible investing. It’s important for investment committees to look broadly at the field and see the new directions ESG has taken over the last few years. There are many ways to tackle ESG issues that can resonate with all stakeholders, whether done on a large scale or a more pointed, issue-specific approach.

Today, ESG is challenging the traditional interpretation of fiduciary duty. While ERISA regulations do not apply to endowments, they are an example of how the landscape is changing. The Department of Labor has issued guidelines very clearly stating that ESG factors can and should be incorporated into investment decision-making. Increasingly, there is a feeling that ESG is not only consistent with fiduciary duty, it should actually be part of one’s fiduciary duty.

 

  1. Financial Accounting Standards Board
  2. International Financial Reporting Standards
Commonfund Institute

Author

Commonfund Institute

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Certain information contained herein has been obtained from or is based on third-party sources and, although believed to be reliable, has not been independently verified. Such information is as of the date indicated, if indicated, may not be complete, is subject to change and has not necessarily been updated. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is or will be given by The Common Fund for Nonprofit Organizations, any of its affiliates or any of its or their affiliates, trustees, directors, officers, employees or advisers (collectively referred to herein as “Commonfund”) or any other person as to the accuracy or completeness of the information in any third-party materials. Accordingly, Commonfund shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of relying on any statement in, or omission from, such third-party materials, and any such liability is expressly disclaimed.

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To the extent views presented forecast market activity, they may be based on many factors in addition to those explicitly stated herein. Forecasts of experts inevitably differ. Views attributed to third-parties are presented to demonstrate the existence of points of view, not as a basis for recommendations or as investment advice. Market and investment views of third-parties presented herein do not necessarily reflect the views of Commonfund, any manager retained by Commonfund to manage any investments for Commonfund (each, a “Manager”) or any fund managed by any Commonfund entity (each, a “Fund”). Accordingly, the views presented herein may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of Commonfund, any Manager or any Fund.

Statements concerning Commonfund’s views of possible future outcomes in any investment asset class or market, or of possible future economic developments, are not intended, and should not be construed, as forecasts or predictions of the future investment performance of any Fund. Such statements are also not intended as recommendations by any Commonfund entity or any Commonfund employee to the recipient of the presentation. It is Commonfund’s policy that investment recommendations to its clients must be based on the investment objectives and risk tolerances of each individual client. All market outlook and similar statements are based upon information reasonably available as of the date of this presentation (unless an earlier date is stated with regard to particular information), and reasonably believed to be accurate by Commonfund. Commonfund disclaims any responsibility to provide the recipient of this presentation with updated or corrected information or statements. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For more information please refer to Important Disclosures.

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Disclaimer

Certain information contained herein has been obtained from or is based on third-party sources and, although believed to be reliable, has not been independently verified. Such information is as of the date indicated, if indicated, may not be complete, is subject to change and has not necessarily been updated. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is or will be given by The Common Fund for Nonprofit Organizations, any of its affiliates or any of its or their affiliates, trustees, directors, officers, employees or advisers (collectively referred to herein as “Commonfund”) or any other person as to the accuracy or completeness of the information in any third-party materials. Accordingly, Commonfund shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of relying on any statement in, or omission from, such third-party materials, and any such liability is expressly disclaimed.

All rights to the trademarks, copyrights, logos and other intellectual property listed herein belong to their respective owners and the use of such logos hereof does not imply an affiliation with, or endorsement by, the owners of such trademarks, copyrights, logos and other intellectual property.

To the extent views presented forecast market activity, they may be based on many factors in addition to those explicitly stated herein. Forecasts of experts inevitably differ. Views attributed to third-parties are presented to demonstrate the existence of points of view, not as a basis for recommendations or as investment advice. Market and investment views of third-parties presented herein do not necessarily reflect the views of Commonfund, any manager retained by Commonfund to manage any investments for Commonfund (each, a “Manager”) or any fund managed by any Commonfund entity (each, a “Fund”). Accordingly, the views presented herein may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of Commonfund, any Manager or any Fund.

Statements concerning Commonfund’s views of possible future outcomes in any investment asset class or market, or of possible future economic developments, are not intended, and should not be construed, as forecasts or predictions of the future investment performance of any Fund. Such statements are also not intended as recommendations by any Commonfund entity or any Commonfund employee to the recipient of the presentation. It is Commonfund’s policy that investment recommendations to its clients must be based on the investment objectives and risk tolerances of each individual client. All market outlook and similar statements are based upon information reasonably available as of the date of this presentation (unless an earlier date is stated with regard to particular information), and reasonably believed to be accurate by Commonfund. Commonfund disclaims any responsibility to provide the recipient of this presentation with updated or corrected information or statements. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For more information please refer to Important Disclosures.