| Overall Rating | Bronze |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 42.20 |
| Liaison | Tracy Harvey |
| Submission Date | Dec. 21, 2023 |
Loyola University Maryland
PA-10: Sustainable Investment
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.03 / 3.00 |
Total value of the investment pool:
Value of holdings in each of the following categories:
| Value of holdings | |
| Sustainable industries (e.g., renewable energy or sustainable forestry) | 2,000,000 US/Canadian $ |
| Businesses selected for exemplary sustainability performance (e.g., using criteria specified in a sustainable investment policy) | 0 US/Canadian $ |
| Sustainability investment funds (e.g., a renewable energy or impact investment fund) | 0 US/Canadian $ |
| Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) or the equivalent | 0 US/Canadian $ |
| Socially responsible mutual funds with positive screens (or the equivalent) | 0 US/Canadian $ |
| Green revolving funds funded from the endowment | 0 US/Canadian $ |
A brief description of the companies, funds, and/or institutions referenced above:
Renewable electricity/solar companies account for roughly 0.6% of the portfolio, or slightly over $2 million.
Percentage of the institution's investment pool in positive sustainability investments:
Does the institution have a publicly available sustainable investment policy?:
A copy of the sustainable investment policy:
The sustainable investment policy:
Does the institution use its sustainable investment policy to select and guide investment managers?:
A brief description of how the sustainable investment policy is applied:
This Investment Policy Statement (“the Policy”) sets forth the principles and guidelines for the prudent management of Loyola University Maryland’s ("the University") endowment assets(“the endowment”). The Investment Committee (“the Committee”) is charged with the responsibility for directing the investment of the endowment assets according to this Policy.
Socially Responsible Investing
Although its primary objective is to maximize return, the Committee acknowledges there are compelling moral and social considerations in the administration of the endowment funds. Subject to the Committee's determination, such considerations may preclude investment in certain companies, industries or countries regardless of apparent investment attributes. As a Jesuit, Catholic institution of higher education, one that cares for our common home, the planet and its people, we are committed to responsible investing. Consideration of environmental, social and
governance practices of the companies/managers the Portfolio invests in is consistent with the Committee’s fiduciary duties given that such practices can have a material impact on the investments.
Business practices that include safe and supportive work environments, products that build economic strength, and activities that benefit the disadvantaged, including charitable giving, enhance the financial security and long‐term sustainability of companies in which the Portfolio invests. Poor business
practices related to human rights, the workplace and the environment can pose reputational, financial, operational and legal risks. Consistent with the University’s mission, core values, and strategic priorities, the Committee consider investments that are consistent with the transition toward a low‐
carbon economy, equity and social justice and our high standards for investment rigor and diligence.
The Portfolio will seek to avoid direct investments in any fossil fuel companies; however, it is understood there may be some indirect fossil fuel exposure through commingled funds. In addition, the Investment Committee and Investment Consultant will consider investment opportunities in 1) managers with a demonstrated record in fostering environmental sustainability and 2) strategies that facilitate the energy transition to cleaner sources of energy.
The Investment Advisor shall monitor and assess the ESG (environmental, social, and governance) policies and efforts of existing and prospective managers within the portfolio. The Committee expects annual impact reports from all current managers that include a carbon footprint. Managers will be engaged and given a numerical score based on the extent to which they have ESG policies in place, and
whether or not those policies are being followed. The Fund will be scored in aggregate, and progress tracked over time.
Has the institution engaged in proxy voting, either by its CIR or other committee or through the use of guidelines, to promote sustainability during the previous three years?:
A copy of the proxy voting guidelines or proxy record:
A brief description of how managers are adhering to proxy voting guidelines:
Has the institution filed or co-filed one or more shareholder resolutions that address sustainability or submitted one or more letters about social or environmental responsibility to a company in which it holds investments during the previous three years?:
Examples of how the institution has engaged with corporations in its portfolio about sustainability issues during the previous three years:
Does the institution participate in a public divestment effort and/or have a publicly available investment policy with negative screens?:
A brief description of the divestment effort or negative screens and how they have been implemented:
As a Jesuit, Catholic institution of higher education, one that cares for our common home, the planet and its people, we are committed to responsible investing. Consideration of environmental, social and governance practices of the companies/managers the Portfolio invests in is consistent with the Committee’s fiduciary duties given that such practices can have a material impact on the investments.
Business practices that include safe and supportive work environments, products that build economic strength, and activities that benefit the disadvantaged, including charitable giving, enhance the financial security and long‐term sustainability of companies in which the Portfolio invests. Poor business
practices related to human rights, the workplace and the environment can pose reputational, financial, Endowment Investment Policy Statement Page 9 of 13
operational and legal risks. Consistent with the University’s mission, core values, and strategic priorities, the Committee consider investments that are consistent with the transition toward a low‐carbon economy, equity and social justice and our high standards for investment rigor and diligence.
The Portfolio will seek to avoid direct investments in any fossil fuel companies; however, it is understood there may be some indirect fossil fuel exposure through commingled funds.
In addition, the Investment Committee and Investment Consultant will consider investment opportunities in 1) managers with a demonstrated record in fostering environmental sustainability and 2) strategies that facilitate the energy transition to cleaner sources of energy.
The Investment Advisor shall monitor and assess the ESG (environmental, social, and governance) policies and efforts of existing and prospective managers within the portfolio. The Committee expects annual impact reports from all current managers that include a carbon footprint. Managers will be engaged and given a numerical score based on the extent to which they have ESG policies in place, and
whether or not those policies are being followed. The Fund will be scored in aggregate, and progress tracked over time.
Approximate percentage of endowment that the divestment effort and/or negative screens apply to:
Does the institution engage in policy advocacy by participating in investor networks and/or engage in inter-organizational collaborations to share best practices?:
A brief description of the investor networks and/or collaborations:
Nearly 75% of the total assets (roughly $225M) are allocated to managers who are UN PRI Signatories. UN PRI signatories must adhere to the following 6 principles of responsible investing, PB is a signatory as well:
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 and 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.
Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable investment efforts is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.