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Climate Action

As long-term investors, climate change is an important part of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) focus for BCI and our clients. We share the belief that companies who employ robust ESG practices, including climate-related action, are better positioned to generate long-term value than similar companies with less-favourable practices.

Climate Action Plan

BCI’s Climate Action Plan and Approach to the TCFD Recommendations   (Climate Action Plan) helps position our clients to both capitalize on investment opportunities from the long-term transition to a lower carbon economy and protect their portfolios from undue physical and transition risks.

Building on work that began in 2006 when we became a founding member to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), BCI’s Climate Action Plan outlines four core activities:

1. Manage Risks
We focus on quantifying BCI’s and our clients’ specific climate change risks, monitoring changes in expected outcomes, and aligning with best practices.

2. Integrate
We believe the most effective way to manage climate investment impacts is to integrate climate considerations into every investment decision at the asset, pool, and total client portfolio levels.

3. Seek Opportunities
We capitalize on the transition to a low carbon economy, increasing our exposure to climate-related investment opportunities where it makes financial sense.

4. Engage & Advocate
We engage with portfolio companies, advocate for climate action policies and regulatory changes, and participate in global initiatives on climate risk reporting and transparency to promote a stable investment environment.

Climate-Related Initiatives in Public Markets

In February 2021, BCI announced 5-year climate-related goals for its public markets program.

 

Progress will be reported through TCFD reporting, on our corporate website, BCI.ca, and in the ESG Annual Report.

Our Approach to Disclosure

BCI believes that greater disclosure leads to improved transparency and helps investors make more informed investment decisions.

We align our reporting practices with the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). In June 2017, we officially signed a statement supporting their work, and in November 2017, we signed the CFO Statement of Support. Our alignment is reported in our Climate Action Plan, and annual updates are included in our ESG/responsible investing annual reports.

The Climate Finance Project

BCI has partnered with the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions and the University of Victoria on The Climate Finance Project. This multi-year initiative aims to expand the potential of the finance and investment sector to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Climate Action Plan
Climate Action Plan

BCI’s Climate Action Plan and Approach to the TCFD Recommendations supports our primary mandate to grow the value of our clients’ funds.

Downloadable PDF Interactive PDF
ESG Annual Report
ESG Annual Report

BCI’s 2019 ESG Annual Report provides an in-depth look at our approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters, our activities, and our progress.

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BCI's ESG Principles

Our ESG principles elaborate on what we do to put our beliefs into action. Together, they create consistency across asset classes and act as a compass that guides all aspects of our strategy.

Managing Risk

Risk management is integral to our fiduciary role. It’s the process in which we identify, evaluate, control, monitor and communicate risks and opportunities.

Proxy Voting Record

As an active asset owner, BCI considers informed voting an essential component of our commitment to engagement. Our searchable database provides an account of our voting.