Sustainable investment has undergone several evolutions over the past decade. Norms-based screening was arguably the first stage, followed by the integration of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) issues in investment analysis, which required a more case-by-case approach and deeper data needs. Both these strategies are considered “outside-in”: ESG factors are taken into account because of their impact on an investor – be it via reputational risk or affecting the risk/ return profile of the investee company. These can be referred to as “2-D” strategies because their primary concern, even when taking into account sustainability factors, is risk and return.
in VBA Journaal door Andries van der Linden en Dirk Schoenmaker